Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

The hype is real (and overpriced): Used Tesla Model 3 hits Craigslist for $150K

By

Tesla Model 3 Nissan Leaf
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Whenever a highly anticipated product comes out, there are always those who try to take advantage of the hype. Did you grab the last Xbox One on Black Friday? Keep the box sealed and resell it for a huge profit. Got your hands on some of that Rick and Morty Szechuan sauce from McDonald’s? Dip some nuggets in some of it and hand the rest out for $10 a piece. This cycle applies to almost every retail industry out there, and the automotive community — especially the one surrounding the Tesla Model 3– is no different.

The first used Model 3 has officially hit the Craigslist market in Santa Cruz, California, and the seller is asking a whopping $150,000 for it. It’s described as “lightly used,” with just over 2,000 miles on the odometer. The vehicle is fully loaded with a 310-mile long-range battery, panoramic glass roof, premium interior, upgraded sound system, and Aero wheels, but that’s more than four times the car’s initial cost. It seems a bit much, but given the circumstances around the vehicle’s production, this Model 3 will surely be picked up before you can say “adaptive cruise control.”

Recommended Videos

Tesla originally predicted approximately 1,500 Model 3s would be assembled in September, with another 20,000 hitting the streets by December. As of this writing, however, the brand has only completed about 260 examples due to bottlenecks in production. The Wall Street Journal recently reported many of the Model 3’s parts have been built by hand due to the assembly line not being ready, and these are the exact types of delays that drive owners to break into the used market for huge gains.

The seller wrote that a “unique circumstance” inspired the quick sale, noting, “This car meets all of the hype and I plan on owning another in the future.” Given that the first Model 3s were held for very early reservation holders, it’s likely the ad was posted by a Tesla employee.

Either way, if you want to skip the wait and get your hands on a “new” Model 3, this is your chance. Be advised that the $7,500 electric vehicle federal tax credit doesn’t apply because the car has already been registered. But if you’re willing to plunk down $150,000 for a $35,000 ride, we’re willing to bet you won’t mind.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Andrew Hard
Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
Tesla launches more affordable Model S and Model X, but there’s a catch
A 2021 Tesla Model S.

Tesla has launched more affordable versions of its Model S sedan and Model X SUV in the U.S. and Canada, though they come with shorter driving ranges. Deliveries of the new vehicles will begin next month.

The new Model S "standard range" vehicles cost $78,490 and offer a range of up to 320 miles (515 kilometers), which is considerably shorter than the pricier regular dual-motor and tri-motor Plaid versions that feature a range of 405 miles and 396 miles, respectively, Reuters reported.

Read more
Move aside, Tesla. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the best electric sedan for the masses
The front view of a red Hyundai Ioniq 6.

EVs of all shapes and sizes are finally coming, but not in equal measure. While we now have a solid array of midsize crossovers (like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6), sedans and SUVs aren't quite there yet. Sure, we have expensive sedans and SUVs, like the Rivian R1S and the Lucid Air, but if you're looking for a car for your small family and don't want, or can't afford, to spend a ton of cash, your options are limited.

But that's changing -- and there's a new car that, at least right now, makes a serious case for itself. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the best electric sedan for the masses, and it goes right up against the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. With a base price of $41,600, the Ioniq 6 is right in the same league as the $40,240  Model 3 and $48,400 Polestar 2.
What else is even out there?
When it comes to lower-priced electric sedans, before now, there were really only two options: the Tesla Model 3 and the Polestar 2. Other sedans exist, but they're not accessible by the majority of drivers. I recently reviewed the Lucid Air Grand Touring and loved it -- but I'm not spending $138,000 on a car unless I win the lottery.

Read more
Tesla Model 3 maintenance costs: What can you expect?
A Tesla Model 3 electric car.

One of the big promises of electric vehicles is that they require less maintenance than a gasoline-powered car, and thus cost less over time. That’s largely because EVs have a whole lot fewer moving parts. When you don't have an engine, you don't have to worry about oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems, to name just a few examples.

The Tesla Model 3 is no different in that regard. While Tesla cars notoriously suffer from issues like panel gaps and other factory defects, Tesla covers these repairs under warranty, as long as you buy the car from Tesla itself. After that, there are few costs associated with maintenance at all. Here’s a rundown of the maintenance costs you can expect as a Tesla Model 3 owner.
Tesla Model 3 maintenance

Read more