AutoTrader Reports Surge in Used Tesla Listings Amid Political Protests and Vandalism in Canada
As tensions grow over Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s political involvement with the Trump administration, a rising number of Canadian Tesla owners are putting their vehicles up for sale, citing growing discomfort with the brand’s association and concerns over safety.
According to AutoTrader, Canada’s largest online automotive marketplace, used Tesla inventory has increased by 12.5% year-over-year, with 2,229 vehicles listed in mid-March 2025. The trend coincides with a wave of anti-Tesla protests, vandalism, and online backlash across the country.
“We’ve seen a noticeable increase in used Tesla inventory, and prices are falling faster compared to other electric vehicles,” said Baris Akyurek, Vice President of Insights and Intelligence at AutoTrader. “This appears linked to recent events surrounding Elon Musk and the brand’s public perception.”
The unrest stems from Musk’s advisory role in the U.S. government’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump. Critics in Canada have expressed outrage, with many pointing to Musk’s comments about Canada, including his remark that “Canada is not a real country.”
In recent weeks, incidents of Tesla vehicle vandalism have been reported across Ontario, including a major act of destruction in Hamilton, where 80 Tesla vehicles were damaged at the company’s Lime Ridge Mall showroom. The Vancouver Auto Show also removed Tesla’s exhibit as a public safety precaution.
Despite the rising backlash, financial experts urge Tesla owners to stay calm.
“This is likely a short-term political wave,” said Marvin Ryder, Associate Professor at McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business. “If owners sell now, they could incur significant financial loss. This may be a chapter that burns itself out over time.”
The average price of a used Tesla in Canada fell to $39,654 in February, a 21.9% decrease year-over-year. In comparison, the average used price for all battery-electric vehicles stood at $42,398, down 16.3%.
The Tesla Owners Club of Ontario issued a statement strongly condemning recent acts of vandalism and harassment.
“With over 250,000 Tesla owners and 1,300 Canadian Tesla employees, these attacks impact real people who made a choice to support sustainable technology,” the club said. “Tesla vehicles include Sentry Mode, which records such incidents. We urge people to focus on civil discourse, not destruction.”
According to Steven Harris, a licensed insurance broker and expert at LowestRates.ca, vandalism falls under comprehensive coverage and does not typically increase individual premiums. However, if multiple similar claims are filed, insurers may raise premiums for all owners of that vehicle type—something Tesla drivers should be aware of.