by Owning a brand-new car may no longer have the same mystical future aura it once did, but for many buyers, the dream is still alive and well, especially when it comes to the polarizing and highly sought-after Cybertruck.
Although the electric pickup hasn’t sold as well as Tesla hoped, there are still plenty of Americans who want to get their hands on one. For many, the easiest way is to buy it directly from Tesla’s website, but the secondary market is starting to offer interesting alternatives. Many low-mileage vehicles are already available, and while most sellers feel a significant impact compared to MSRP, there are a few exceptions—even if they mostly just prove the rule.
Last week, a seller offered a well-equipped example of the Cybertruck for $78,000 on Cars & Bids. At first glance, this amount seemed hardly advantageous for the seller, as a brand-new Cybertruck Dual-Motor AWD can be purchased directly from Tesla for just under $72,000 after the $7,500 federal EV tax credit.
So why did this Cybertruck sell for more than a new one? Well, it has a few tasty (and costly, at least for the seller) modifications that seem to have attracted many interested auction participants. First, the controversial stainless-steel panels now feature a satin black protective film that transforms the Tesla’s appearance. This alone likely cost the seller around $3,000 to $5,000.
In addition, an LED light bar has been installed on the roof, along with aftermarket running boards for easier access, official bed racks and tie-downs, and an interesting trim material on the tailgate. It even includes an extra $2,975, making it perfect for some camping adventures (as long as you’re not too far from a charger…).
Changes have also been made to the cabin. For instance, the central infotainment screen is now mounted on a swivel, allowing it to tilt toward the driver. The area under the glass roof has also been reworked and now features colored LED lighting. According to the listing, the windows have been tinted as well, a job that probably cost a few hundred dollars.
Overall, as we’ve seen time and again in the used car market, modifying a car doesn’t add to its value. But undoubtedly, the auction winner was happy to pay more for the vehicle than its new price. If they already planned to add these modifications—which seem to cost nearly $10,000 over MSRP—then it might make a bit more sense, but calling this deal straightforward would be bold.
