2012 Model S P85 Battery Replacement Receipt - sharing is caring

[TwistedGray]

You guys forget the Tesla SC'ing network. For many, that's a HUGE draw to Tesla.

 

[Jason Bloomberg]

I wouldn't say it is a random opinion. It is a logical opinion. I have pointed out the pros and cons and the cost of the switch. And yes if I was on your position I would do exactly what I said if Tesla was willing to write me a check for $17K for the used Model S. At that point, the cost of the id4 is less than the cost of the tesla battery repair and I am gaining a lot and only giving up the acceleration and the tesla badge. But I understand not all decisions people make are base on logic and numbers, but as an engineer, that is how I operate.

You over value your "opinion" and sense of "logic". Since you don't actually own a Signature Red, like or not, yes, your opinion is from some random, opinionated guy. It is also presumptuous that you seem to assume that anyone who owns a Tesla can't somehow figure out a basic balance sheet approach to the problem without you reiterating what others have already stated. What you fail to recognize is sometimes it's not just about money like trading a commodity or stock.

Being an engineer "machts nicht", even less so when suggest that you would replace a Signature Red with a VW ID4. Your "logic" ignores much which in your rigid framework of context others who actually own a Signature Red consider. It is the same kind of narrow thinking which lead to GM shredding instead of selling its fleet of EV-1s. If you are so enamored of the VW ID4 over what you find problematic with owning a Tesla, sell the Tesla you actually own and get one, but please don't pimp for VW here. If you want to get an EV on the cheap, there are other cheap options besides VW, but they all are cheap, not fun, like a Tesla, and certainly not a Signature Red. That fun doesn't fit a balance sheet, slide rule, or any other quantification. The factor missing from any of those is the "joy" which makes owning and driving the Signature Red fun. There are two types of Tesla owners, those who get this, and those who don't. Most Signature Edition owners know what they got. While some ultimately part with it, not infrequently, many regret doing so.

 

[AustinP]

Ours is not a Signature, but hell I consider our “plain” beautiful S85 silver as a collector’s.
I completely recognize what @Jason Bloomberg explains.
There is always hard (ie €$£¥) and soft (ie non material like feeling, joy, comfort,... value) benefits and
/or costs to take into account. One is just math, the other is indeed subjective.
There will be people happy with an ID4 or alike, and it’s great by my book (“any which way but ICE”).
And then there will be people like me that are not gonna let that S go anytime soon.
...Now... if/when Tesla comes with an S with a large frunk, open yacht floor, pano roof and rear wheel drive, I might have second thoughts...

 

[No2DinosaurFuel]

You over value your "opinion" and sense of "logic". Since you don't actually own a Signature Red, like or not, yes, your opinion is from some random, opinionated guy. It is also presumptuous that you seem to assume that anyone who owns a Tesla can't somehow figure out a basic balance sheet approach to the problem without you reiterating what others have already stated. What you fail to recognize is sometimes it's not just about money like trading a commodity or stock.

Being an engineer "machts nicht", even less so when suggest that you would replace a Signature Red with a VW ID4. Your "logic" ignores much which in your rigid framework of context others who actually own a Signature Red consider. It is the same kind of narrow thinking which lead to GM shredding instead of selling its fleet of EV-1s. If you are so enamored of the VW ID4 over what you find problematic with owning a Tesla, sell the Tesla you actually own and get one, but please don't pimp for VW here. If you want to get an EV on the cheap, there are other cheap options besides VW, but they all are cheap, not fun, like a Tesla, and certainly not a Signature Red. That fun doesn't fit a balance sheet, slide rule, or any other quantification. The factor missing from any of those is the "joy" which makes owning and driving the Signature Red fun. There are two types of Tesla owners, those who get this, and those who don't. Most Signature Edition owners know what they got. While some ultimately part with it, not infrequently, many regret doing so.

Sounds like a tesla fan to me. I wasn't aiming to convince you or the other fans here. I was once in your camp but not anymore now that we have a choices. I just wanted to point out the math for others to read and make their informed decision. And I'm not pimping VW. I just happen to recent bought one and am greatly impressed. Heck I think the ford mustang Mach e would equally do well here or the upcoming ioniq 5 or the upcoming Ford F150 lightning. But some are more costly and others dont exist yet. And I don't comment on things I don't have.

Let's agree to say if you want your fun and don't want to upgrade to the new model S plaid for more fun, then pay for the battery swap and be on your way. If you dont care about fun and care more about making sound financial decision and other creature comfort, then go with something more modern. Mach e, id4, other EVs. I would even recommend the model 3, but sadly it is not in the same class as the model S, and other SUV EVs and with recent price increase is the more expensive choice comparatively.

 

[junkcar]

Update:

after dealing with this for a few weeks now, I was told this morning that there are no new 85kw packs and my only choices for a new pack were a 75 (for $21k with same 4 yr/50k warranty) or a 100 (which would cost more and they would have to verify if it would even fit). Since my car is a 2012 I was told not many of the newer packs would fit.

Even though I feel like Tesla should have done more and I’ve been painted into a corner, which I absolutely hate... I told them to go ahead with the remanufactured 85kw pack replacement. They already ordered it and have it at the SC, they knew I didn’t have any other option, ugh!

I am going to request all previous service records and any diagnostics they will provide me, try and find a HV battery specialist to review and depending on findings try and recover some of the cost through legal means.

We’re you able to recover any costs through legal means? My vehicle with only 95,000 miles is currently at the SC for a replacement.

 

[Jason Bloomberg]

We’re you able to recover any costs through legal means? My vehicle with only 95,000 miles is currently at the SC for a replacement.

I had no "legal remedy" to recover any costs as the car was outside of warranty. I'm surprised they didn't offer you the 90kWh new battery as a replacement option, and am even more surprised they offered you a 100 kWh option, as I was flat out told that was not possible for our P85.

 

[LamboM3P]

Okay gotcha -- wasn't meant as an accusation, merely a request for clarification. I saw others in different thread (might have been Reddit) who WERE asserting, without proof, that the discount represented a core charge and was therefore available for any owner. I think that's a big leap to make based on one invoice (and still a horrific repair expense representing about 50% of the car's value), but it would be better than $20,000.

I really hope Tesla realizes sooner rather than later that pack repair/replacement costs are directly impactful on not only the residual values of these older cars, but also on future sales and the future of long-term EV ownership in general. As the fleet ages, these kinds of invoices are going to become easy fodder for all sorts of agendas, none of which are good for Tesla or EV adoption.

What I have long wondered about the new rear casting and use of battery as integrally structural. Would this preclude battery replacement ? Increase labor for replacement? Would this become a throw away vehicle with replacement at end of life financially infeasible?

 

[MP3Mike]

What I have long wondered about the new rear casting and use of battery as integrally structural. Would this preclude battery replacement ? Increase labor for replacement? Would this become a throw away vehicle with replacement at end of life financially infeasible?

No. A little. No. (At least no more than any other Tesla.)