Who’s Reserving the Slate EV: Everyday Americans, Young Professionals, New Drivers, Contemporary Seniors, Auto Enthusiasts

[KevinRS]

I really don't think used prices on under 1 year old Slates will be that low that fast, especially since getting a new one will still mean a waitlist most likely.
Were used Teslas half the new price less than a year after they started shipping?

 

[HTXSlate]

I really have no idea what either of you are trying to say.

Sometimes you have to stir the pot.

 

[bloo]

Not everything is a conspiracy by Big Auto. There are plenty of models in the new car market that are priced between $25K to $35K. There is a huge used car market because some people do not want to absorbe what they precieve is a big depreciation hit. The best used car to buy in the market now are used EV. The Slate is not going to reverse that trend.

I didn't say it's a conspiracy. CEOs aren't in a boardroom somewhere plotting against us. Automakers are doing what most manufacturers do - optimise production to generate the higest profit. The old adage, "prices rise to a level the market will bear."

Trouble is the new car market is bonkers! Customers no longer drive it. Dealers, US policy, and automakers adapting to US policy do.

The used car market is even more overpriced. I paid 23,750 for my shiny-new AWD Kia Seltos EX in 2021. It has every feature I could want - and a few I don't. I found the same year and model with "low miles" (45,000) for $19,450 on CARFAX. In a nationwide market, someone will buy that car at that price. Even though the engine and transmission in that model have since proven unreliable (the tranny failed in mine, under warranty thank God).

My previous car was a Kia Soul. Two years ago you could still find a stripper for $20,000 new. Kia killed the car last year, even though it sold 44,000 units. Yet they still build the Seltos which sold not even 1700 more. Not only that, the Seltos saw a larger drop from 2024 to 2025. However, the Seltos has a higher margin than the Soul. Increased tariffs have made it unprofitable for Kia to sell the Soul at a low enough price that segment can afford.

Two years ago, my colleague bought a new '23 Jetta for $21,500. He told me a couple weeks ago his car has since gained value. The mileage is fantastic, but his car has not been very reliable. And yet it gains value with age.

Automobile depreciation is the lowest it's been in my living memory. That's not why people are not buying new. People aren't buying new coz they can't afford to. Two years go you could buy a new 20,000-dollar car. Not anymore.

The few sub-25,000 cars out there are very hard to find. Dealers don't stock many of them. When they do, it's only under a lease term or they use it as a "courtesy car" for a year before selling it used at an inflated price.

Laws that favor large polluting vehicles, import tariffs, dealer greed. There are many forces driving the US auto market today. One of the least influentual among them is the buying public. That's not how a healthy free market works.

My last three new cars cost $20,400, $21,800, and $23,750. This will be my first above $25,000 - and my first electric. The US market needs vehicle choice. I hope Slate will listen to the customer and gives it to us.