Cars / Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y depreciation in USA
A Tesla Model Y loses about 20.1% of its value per year in USA. Buy one new for $45,000 and after 3 years it's worth roughly $22,943 (51% retained); after 5 years, about $14,642 (33%). Driving more than ~12,000 miles/year pushes resale lower.
By USA standards the Tesla Model Y is among the faster-depreciating models, with steep losses in the early years, which is exactly what tips a buy-vs-rent decision one way or the other over a few years of ownership.
So should you buy it or rent it? At default assumptions the break-even long-term rental rate is about $1,096/month: rent below that and renting wins; above it, buying wins. Your price, financing, and mileage move this number, so run yours:
Buying wins · over 3 years
$0
cheaper than renting, all costs in.
Break-even rent: $1,096/month. Below that, rent; above it, buy.
If you buy: $39,454 total
| Down payment / cash price | $45,000 |
| Sales tax | $3,150 |
| Insurance | $5,143 |
| Registration | $750 |
| Maintenance | $1,807 |
| Opportunity cost of capital | $5,400 |
| Resale value (credit) | −$21,796 |
Expected resale, net of selling costs: $21,796 (range $18,902 to $25,365)
If you rent: $45,360 total
| Rental payments | $45,360 |
Fuel and tolls are excluded on both sides; you pay them either way.
Tesla Model Y depreciation in USA, by the numbers
| Estimated new price | $45,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual depreciation rate | 20.1% per year |
| Estimated value after 1 year | $35,949 (80% retained) |
| Estimated value after 2 years | $28,719 (64% retained) |
| Estimated value after 3 years | $22,943 (51% retained) |
| Estimated value after 5 years | $14,642 (33% retained) |
| Typical resale range at 3 years | $19,897 to $26,700 |
| Break-even rent (default assumptions) | $1,096/month |
| Data behind this curve | calibrated estimate · 181 data points · R² 0.94 |
Figures assume a new purchase at typical mileage. The calculator above lets you set your actual price, age, odometer, financing, and holding period.
Frequently asked
How much does a Tesla Model Y depreciate per year in USA?
Roughly 20.1% per year, based on our calibrated market model. Higher-than-average mileage accelerates the loss.
What will a Tesla Model Y be worth after 3 years?
Around 51% of what you paid, about $22,943 on a $45,000 car at typical mileage (with a realistic range either side; we show a 10-90% band, not a single false-precision number).
Should I buy or rent a Tesla Model Y in USA?
It hinges on the monthly rental rate you can get. At default assumptions (3 years, cash, 12,000 miles/year, 7% sales tax), the break-even is about $1,096/month: if you can rent below that, renting wins; above it, buying wins. Use the calculator to plug in your actual numbers.
Curve fit: calibrated estimate · n = 181 · R² = 0.94 · updated 2026-07-12 · methodology