Some Seattle-area Tesla owners have traded their cars amid backlash over Elon Musk; others have decided to keep driving them. A March 25, 2025, report by GeekWire describes the choices of three owners and reports a rise in Tesla trade-ins. Their accounts show the decision can involve personal safety and values as well as the financial cost of selling—not a single answer that fits every owner.
What the reported trade-in figures show
GeekWire reported that Tesla vehicles from model year 2017 or newer accounted for 1.4% of all vehicles traded in through March 16, 2025, compared with 0.4% a year earlier. The report attributed those figures to Edmunds data, as reported by The Washington Post; GeekWire is the available source for that attribution, rather than the underlying dataset.
A representative at one Seattle-area Toyota dealership told GeekWire that Tesla trade-ins had increased from roughly one or two per month to five to eight per month. That is one dealership’s observation, not a count for the Seattle area as a whole.
The story also cited Seattle Times reporting that Seattle-area households were 130% more likely to have a Tesla than the national average, while new Tesla registrations in King County were down 33% in February 2025. Those figures are reported through GeekWire’s account of Seattle Times reporting, which cited Washington Department of Licensing data for registrations; the underlying dataset and reporting were not separately available here.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- [Seamless Custom Fit] Precisely tailored to Tesla Model 3 2020~2026, Wigoo sunshade matches original car dimensions, seamlessly blending with the roof for an unobtrusive, glove-like integration.
- [Superior Heat Insulation] Engineered with dual-layer fabric and heat-reflective materials, effectively blocks sun rays, reduces interior heat, and protects against UV damage, ensuring cool comfort during drives.
- [2026 Patent Nano Upgrade] Features innovative high-density nano-crystal layers and reflective silver coating for rapid heat dissipation. Memory steel frame ensures perfect roof contour adherence and lasting durability.
- [Quick & Easy Installation] Comes with clear video instructions, enabling installation in just 60 seconds. Innovative memory-steel rim design simplifies folding/unfolding within seconds, easy storage in 30 seconds.
- [Reliable After-Sales Support] Package includes front/rear sunshades, 10 clips, storage bag, and manual. Our dedicated customer service team provides 24/7 support, ensuring your satisfaction and convenience.
Why some Seattle-area owners traded in
Carter Rabasa: safety concerns and a different EV
Carter Rabasa, a technology executive, traded in his 2020 Model Y and leased a Rivian R1S. He told GeekWire that Carvana quoted him $18,000 and Rivian offered $23,000; those were offers for his vehicle at the time, not typical or current resale values. He chose Rivian’s offer.
Rabasa had previously owned a Model S and pre-ordered the Model Y, expecting to keep it for 10 or 15 years. He said the perceived drop in resale value and concern about the attention his family might attract changed his plans. “I’ve got a wife and family. I don’t want to wait for something to happen. I don’t want my kids to be traumatized. I don’t want my property to be damaged. It felt like it was irresponsible to hold onto it.”
Rank #2
- Tailored for Tesla: This phone mount for tesla is designed to fit Tesla's central touch screen. Its adjustable knob allow to quick and secure installation on the corners of the console screen. The Destination for Tesla Model 3 and Y Accessories
- Ultra-Strong Magnetic Hold: Featuring a ring of high-grade N52 magnets, this car phone holder for tesla delivers an unshakable grip. Whether navigating bumpy roads or sharp turns, your phone stays firmly in place without slipping
- Rock-Solid Stability: The innovative triangular support structure ensures a wobble-free fit on your Tesla screen. With the One-Click Lock system, the phone mount for car stays securely fixed once installed, eliminating any movement
- Uninterrupted Connectivity and Flexibility: Designed to preserve full phone signal strength, enjoy smooth navigation and seamless app usage. The 360° adjustable ball joint lets you switch between portrait and landscape modes with ease
- MagSafe-Compatible Convenience: Say goodbye to phone-holding woes and hello to the Tesla Model 3 and Y Magnetic Car Mount with MagSafe. This phone mount holder is specifically designed to work with MagSafe Compatible iPhone 18 17 16 15 14 13 series
Matt McCain: opposition to supporting Musk financially
Matt McCain, a Seattle-area advertising-agency founder, traded his Model 3 for a plug-in hybrid Prius. GeekWire reported that the trade-in was valued at $15,000 while he owed $19,000 on a car he had bought for $48,000. Those figures describe McCain’s transaction, not a general estimate of Model 3 values or loan balances.
McCain said he had bought the Tesla for environmental reasons but later concluded he did not want to support Musk economically: “He’s just doing such awful stuff that I can’t be any part of supporting him economically.” He also described hostile verbal encounters while driving the car.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- 1-Perfect custom fit for 2024-2026 Tesla Model 3 Highland，3D scanned for seamless contour matching
- 2-Heavy-duty TPE material，all-weather protection against spills, mud, snow and extreme temps
- 3-Non-slip design with OEM mounting fits，no sliding or noise while driving
- 4-Complete 6-piece kit，full coverage for floors, trunk and key interior areas
- 5-Waterproof & easy to clean，wipes or rinses clean in seconds，low maintenance
Why one Cybertruck owner decided to keep driving
Javier Luraschi, a startup head, told GeekWire he planned to keep his Cybertruck. He used it for commuting, family pickups and ski trips, and described hostile gestures and a mark written on the truck. He said Tesla’s broader mission still mattered to him apart from Musk, and that selling the vehicle would not resolve the political divide.
“The easy path for me would be to say, ‘It’s just a car, sell it.’ But I don’t believe in that. I stand by my decisions and my values and I’m going to keep it.” Luraschi’s account is a counterpoint to the owners who traded; it does not establish that other owners will face the same experiences or reach the same conclusion.
Rank #4
- 【PERFECT FIT】Compatible with All Tesla Model 3 Model Y steering wheel. Fits like Gloves!
- 【FULL PROTECTION】Not only protects your steering wheel from further damages like sunburn, fading, wear, and scratches, but also enhances the aesthetics of the car interior.
- 【NON-SLIP PU LEATHER】Breathable Nappa leather with anti-slip silicone lining for secure grip, adding only about 3mm (0.12 in) to the original thickness.
- 【EASY INSTALLATION】We suggest warming up the steering wheel cover in the sun or using a hair dryer first, making your installation process easier and more effective.
- 【Gifts for Tesla Owners】A great gift in form, function, and beauty. An essential Tesla Model 3/Y accessory. Tesla steering wheel cover is comfy to hold, and universal for all seasons.
How to weigh a trade-in decision
The owners’ accounts point to two separate questions: what keeping or selling the car means to you, and what the transaction would cost. Neither can be answered by the reported trade-in figures alone.
- Personal values and safety: Consider whether driving the car has become a source of concern for you or your family, and how much that concern affects daily life. The experiences in GeekWire’s story are individual accounts, not a measure of how common harassment or damage is.
- Financial impact: Compare actual offers with your loan payoff, if any, and account for the cost of replacing the vehicle. McCain’s reported trade-in was below what he owed; Rabasa received different offers for his Model Y. Neither example predicts the offer another owner will receive.
- Your reason for keeping or leaving: Owners may weigh a vehicle’s environmental or practical value separately from their views of its CEO. Luraschi’s decision shows one way to draw that distinction, while McCain’s and Rabasa’s accounts show different reasons for moving on.
GeekWire’s report captures a moment in Seattle-area sentiment in March 2025. It does not establish current Tesla resale values, current trade-in volume, or a region-wide trend in 2026.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteQuick Recap
Best Value
- Upgraded Version: Our under screen storage organizer now includes a barrier that keeps your item from falling off and a cutout for the cabin temperature sensor for accurate climate control.
- Smart Storage: Provide additional space both under and above the screen for easy access to your belongings.
- Deep Silicone Padding: Reduce noise while increasing stability and protection for items in storage.
- Easy Installation: Precise magnet attachment for quick and easy installation.
- The Perfect Gift for Tesla Owners: A high-quality, practical accessory that suits everyday Tesla drivers—ideal for Christmas gift, father's day gift, New Years gift for family members or anyone who owns a Tesla Model 3/Y
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
