Brit drivers ‘turning their back on Tesla’ as second-hand sales of the EVs more than double in a single year

BRITISH Tesla owners appear to be turning their backs on the brand – as the number of second-hand sales of the all-electric car doubled in the last year.

Data from Gumtree reveals a 128 per cent rise in listings for the brand in the last year, second only to the Chinese-owned MG.

Some industry experts believe Tesla owner Elon Musk’s new role in the White House may be impacting car sales.

The rise in sales of the electric vehicles were only surpassed by MG, with a staggering 503 per cent increase in listings compared to last January.

Ford vehicles were posted most on the platform overall, with almost 27,000 listings, but were down eight per cent on the first month of 2024.

While premium brands such as Aston Martins (-53 per cent), Bentleys (-42 per cent) and Porches (-34 per cent) had the sharpest decline in listings.

The biggest percentage increase of all items was the sale of Sym scooters, rising a staggering 1,039 per cent between January 2024 and 2025.

Interestingly, freebies on the site were down 34 per cent, seemingly with users keener to sell for cash than get rid for nothing, though 13,000 free listings were still live.

A spokesperson from Gumtree said: “We always find it interesting to see what’s hot and what’s not when it comes to our listings.

“Vehicles are often very popular so it’s fascinating to see the trends and tastes change.

“Our subsequent research has also shown that people clearly get a real kick out of second hand shopping, not only to get something shifted, but also to pick up something for a bargain price.”

It follows research of 2,000 adults which found 48 per cent reckon they’re buying and selling more preloved items than ever.

Vehicles, designer clothing and vintage items were typically the most valuable items they’ve bought pre-loved online.

Clothing, books and shoes were the most commonly bought or sold products according to respondents.

And art pieces, luxury watches and designer furniture were the most unusual used items they’d consider purchasing.

Brits sell two items on average online a month – buying the same amount according to the OnePoll.com data.

A spokesperson from Gumtree added: “Vehicles, electronics and clothes are always really popular items we see change hands on a regular basis.

“The research delved into why people love to buy pre-loved items, with saving money the top reason – and the ability to get your hands on great quality at a lower price.”