Tesla driver stunned by how much his $100,000 2026 Model 3 Performance has depreciated in a matter of weeks
Published on Feb 17, 2026 at 5:50 PM (UTC+4)
by Grace Donohoe
Last updated on Feb 17, 2026 at 5:50 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The Tesla Model 3 Performance is a sought-after model thanks to its aerodynamic perks and high-tech powertrain.
However, one Australian owner of a 2026 edition of the Tesla was left utterly gobsmacked at the sheer level their EV had depreciated over a period of weeks.
Sharing his thoughts online, he explained that he’s paid close to $100,000AUD (around $70,000 USD) for the brand-new EV that came complete with flashy add-ons.
But, with data explaining the drop in value, it seems that EV ownership could cause drivers to experience a loss at a faster rate than ever before.
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The Tesla Model 3 Performance: What you need to know
With a recent overhaul of the Tesla Model 3, many EV fans were eager to get their hands on a 2026 Model 3 Performance.
The EV features over 500hp, reaching 0-60 pmh in 2.9 seconds.
The range sits at 309 miles thanks to the long-range battery, but despite all of the perks, one driver was left astonished at the level of depreciation his EV was subject to.
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The loss on this 2026 Model 3 may surprise you
It all went down on the Tesla Owners Group Sydney page on Facebook.
One anonymous member wrote: “I’m honestly beyond frustrated right now.
“I dropped nearly $100k on a 26 Model 3 Performance, thinking I was buying into something premium, future-proof, and holding solid value.”
However, after finding out what his Model 3 is worth after just three months of ownership, he was shocked.
After explaining that they’d spent an additional $9,800AUD (around $6905 USD) on tints, accessories, and PPF, the EV was now worth just $63,400AUD, which is around $44,673 USD.
“Love the car, hate what’s happened to the value,” stated the owner.
It’s now common knowledge that EVs depreciate much quicker than petrol cars, with The Drive previously reporting that electric cars depreciate twice as fast as gas cars.
The Australian Automotive Dealer Association reportedly showed that a used one-year-old EV would lose an average value of 25 percent.
Why is this, you ask?
Well, there are a variety of reasons, such as drivers favoring newer cars thanks to brand new technology and price incentives from dealerships and brands.
You have to admit, it’s a huge amount of depreciation in just a few months.
Tesla innovations by year
2008: First Roadster delivery marks Tesla’s entry into mass EV production
2012: Model S premieres with revolutionary long-range battery tech
2014: Autopilot hardware introduced in all new Tesla vehicles
2016: Model X becomes the first electric SUV with Falcon-wing doors
2017: Semi and Roadster 2.0 revealed, sending shockwaves across the automotive industry
2019: Cybertruck announcement draws global attention
2022: Tesla introduces Full Self-Driving (Beta) to a wider audience
2025: Rumored launch for Tesla’s next-gen Roadster is set for next year
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Beginning her career as a lifestyle reporter and social-media manager, Grace joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025. Since coming on board, she has thrown herself into the busy daily writing schedule. Her editorial sweet spots include writing about luxury properties and the quirky features inside them that the one percent are investing in, as well as groundbreaking advancements in space exploration.
