Is the Cyber Truck a Flop?

[WoodChuckDad]

I compared my odometer reading with the interstate mile markers for about 80 miles. Matched up real close. Looks like T owners should try it.

Just download an odometer ap. I used one a jeep that was lifted so I would have an accurate spedometer

 

[ruffdog]

Is that really any worse than every passenger vehicle ever sold?

"It loses half its value when you drive it off the lot," became a pre-internet meme for a reason.

I bet some suckers believed what Musk said:

"That’s a third of the original price out the window for a car that was supposed to be an “appreciating asset,” as Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed back in 2019."

 

[DarkBlack]

Better cars tend to have about a 60% residual after 3 years, 36k miles - they still haven't actually lost half at that point.

Since the scamdemic, I’d guess it’s more like 75%. That massive disruption to everything, really boosted used vehicle values

 

[WinterDeere]

Since the scamdemic, I’d guess it’s more like 75%. That massive disruption to everything, really boosted used vehicle values

The current trade war, if extended, will do the same. Drive up new vehicle costs with tariffs, and used prices always follow.

 

[California]

A while back, I was considering a Tesla Model Y but didn't want to pay what they cost.

You guys debating the truck - what have you seen re Model Y prices recently? I hear stories of people trading them in early due to their feelings about Musk. Has this created an opportunity to get a used one substantially cheaper now?

 

[WinterDeere]

I hear stories of people trading them in early due to their feelings about Musk. Has this created an opportunity to get a used one substantially cheaper now?

Despite the tendency of people to whine, I can't imagine very many people actually doing this, can you? I've seen the stories on the news, but always took it as nothing more than the usual proclivity of our news media to pretend a few rare isolated cases is a pandemic.

 

[Paystar]

I see here in Ontario Canada Ford has slashed 20 to $30,000 off the price of their F150 Lightning. Got a big sale going right now.
But I still don't want one, LOL
Just got this feeling you will be stuck with something obsolete in a few years.

My friend just had one for the day while the Ford dealer was prepping his new 5.0 he just got after trading in his 3.5 Eco-Boost. (which he had no problems with just wanted a change)
He said he can't believe how powerful that electric lightning is.

 

[WinterDeere]

Just got this feeling you will be stuck with something obsolete in a few years.

I've never leased a vehicle, I always buy. But I've always felt that early EV adopters may be the one case where leasing might be justified, as new and changing tech is usually going to lose value faster than mature tech. Just imagine trying to sell a Honda Insight or Nissan Leaf, today!

 

[jmc]

I've never leased a vehicle, I always buy. But I've always felt that early EV adopters may be the one case where leasing might be justified, as new and changing tech is usually going to lose value faster than mature tech. Just imagine trying to sell a Honda Insight or Nissan Leaf, today!

Good point but since the lease rate reflects the anticipated residual value, their bean counters might be aware of that possibility too.

 

[5030]

After the last Ro-Ro incineration in the North Atlantic and the sinking, that just reinforces my opinion of battery powerd vehicles.

 

[Paystar]

I've never leased a vehicle, I always buy. But I've always felt that early EV adopters may be the one case where leasing might be justified, as new and changing tech is usually going to lose value faster than mature tech. Just imagine trying to sell a Honda Insight or Nissan Leaf, today!

So I don't know much abut leasing, so in case like that, what happens if the battery craps out while you still have it? Are you on the hook for anything? You know, like how they make you pay for damages. I guess it would still be under warranty in the lease term?

 

[NoTrespassing]

A while back, I was considering a Tesla Model Y but didn't want to pay what they cost.

You guys debating the truck - what have you seen re Model Y prices recently? I hear stories of people trading them in early due to their feelings about Musk. Has this created an opportunity to get a used one substantially cheaper now?

https://www.carscoops.com/2025/06/used-tesla-prices-just-cant-stop-dropping/

While used cars prices have generally been creeping upward in the United States since late last summer, not every vehicle is following the same script. Some models are actually shedding value – and fast. Leading the pack in this reverse race is none other than Tesla, according to a new study that analyzed resale trends.

The analysis, which examined 2.4 million used cars between one and five years old, compared prices from May 2024 to May 2025. It found the average used car in the US now costs $32,317, a noticeable increase from $30,673 last June and a solid rebound from the December 2024 low of $29,651. But for Tesla, the story is going in the opposite direction.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

Kelly Blue Book is a good source. I just looked up two Mustangs we have and the resale price is more than we paid new.
With Kelly you could see what a new car MSRP is then resale as if you had one with, say, 10 miles on it, excellent condition.
I've been thinking about buying a new 2025 F250 and what I can buy it for is a good price.
If I had solar here (I don't) I would certainly consider an EV for local trips if it was a good price.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I've never leased a vehicle, I always buy. But I've always felt that early EV adopters may be the one case where leasing might be justified, as new and changing tech is usually going to lose value faster than mature tech. Just imagine trying to sell a Honda Insight or Nissan Leaf, today!

Leasing new technology can make financial sense often especially for the non-gambling types.

We bought our 2016 Leaf SL with the four camera system fresh off lease in 2019 with 22K miles for $13,800.00. Five weeks after hauling it home from St. Louis with the 2010 F-150 it triggered the traction battery warranty.

Six years later it still has over 200% more range than in 2019.

The other day I told the wife that maybe in a couple years I'll get a new model y and she can have the 2023 model y and about that time a cyber truck went through the intersection. She says that's what I want next.

 

[Oaktree]

Six years later it still has over 200% more range than in 2019.

Not following you here. Are you saying your car has better range now than when it was new? Seems a bit hard to believe that range would triple over time.

 

[NoTrespassing]

Not following you here. Are you saying your car has better range now than when it was new? Seems a bit hard to believe that range would triple over time.

The battery was replaced with an upgraded one I believe.

 

[DarkBlack]

The battery was replaced with an upgraded one I believe.

Seriously upgraded if it goes 3x further