Will Tesla accept Trade-Ins?

They certainly don't now, and don't even offer financing.

With the Model S, there is a very good chance that will change.

They did mention earlier that since they are an EV-only manufacturer they would not touch ICE vehicles. Though I suppose for Tesla to simply resell the car to some used car dealer shouldn't be too much work and might be a good extra revenue stream. So as BBHigway said they might change their earlier stance.

Cobos

I have been told by TM that when the Model S comes out they will DEFINATELY be offering financing. Trade Ins - who knows ....

They should take EV trade-ins.

They should take your trade in and sell it to someone who will convert it to electric.

That is a great idea !!!!

vfx said:

They should take EV trade-ins.

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Since Tesla is the only EV manufacturer...it makes sense they would take a Tesla. But there are no others on the market at present....or am I wrong? It may make good marketing sense but probably not good financial sense at the moment.

Conversions? Wishful thinking, but how would Tesla know the quality. What a mess

Taking advantage of the "Cash for Clunkers" program requires a trade-in transaction with the auto maker, doesn't it?

Little to gain financially, but it sure would be good from a consumer point-of-view - some customers like to trade-in just because they don't have to deal with their old car anymore (even if the trade-in doesn't reduce the price of the new car).

Because the Model S will bring more conventional customers, Tesla might benefit from inviting Car Max or the like to send a representative over to offer money for the trade-in car. They may be able to expose a trade-in interface to their customers, which could make-or-break some (few?) potential buyers.

But it's all a lot to administrate (at least to get off the ground). Hmmm...

Agreed. And an arrangement with CarMax would not only make it easier to trade in my old vehicle (I'd have taken it to CarMax anyway), but it might
make the Cash For Clunkers rebate easier since the trade-in could be directly tied to the purchase of the new vehicle.

AnOutsider said:

A cool, or novel idea perhaps, but not a great idea... not when it comes to business. Do you really think they should dedicate resources to converting, or finding people to convert old vehicles for them?

They have little to gain there.

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No take the cars and give them to a conversion shop or sell them for the body knowing they will be gutted and converted. I was not suggesting that TM get in the conversion business at all.

"This old Th!nk of mine still works great, how much will it give me towards the Model S..."

Kevin Harney said:

No take the cars and give them to a conversion shop or sell them for the body knowing they will be gutted and converted. I was not suggesting that TM get in the conversion business at all.

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At first I kinda thought you were joking. Now I see that you're not.

Not every car is practical to convert. Tesla should do whatever makes good business sense.