Thanks to everyone in TMC! I’ve learned so much here before , during and after purchase.
I have little to add except one more data point.
My used Model S purchase experience:
Mnfr Oct 2015 Model S 85D AWD
39,825 miles
$50,800
4 year/50,000 mile warranty plus
Battery and Drive units 8 years, unlimited miles
Chicago area (which is where I live)
Deep Blue Metallic Paint
All Glass Panoramic Roof
19" Wheels
INTERIOR
Grey Next Generation Seats
Carbon Fiber Décor
Black Alcantara Headliner
OPTIONS
Autopilot Hardware 1 with Convenience Features
Premium Interior and Lighting
Standard Suspension
Subzero Weather Package
12-27-2018 ordered via Tesla website after looking at website for about 2 weeks over Xmas holiday. I was emailed the usual pics before deciding. They were reasonable, good enough to decide to move forward or not, but not good enough to hand over money before seeing in person. As usual, no chance to see in person or drive before agreeing to purchase online. Ran a Carfax and no problems noted. One owner, 3 year lease in Twin Cities, MN. Four recalls, two still open. Takata air bags and steering wheel bolt. Tesla said neither present immediate safety hazards but they’d do the repairs if I scheduled a repair after purchase. Kinda lame but not a deal breaker.
I agreed to sign on but decided to have a bank check in hand to give them at the time of pickup to give me a chance to see it.
Lots of waiting. Little contact with me. Uploaded requested documents online. I mostly would wait 4-5 days at a time, then contact them for updates. They slowly passed me via email or telephone from sales to delivery to local store pickup. Always over the top friendly and excited for me! But I always had to contact them, not sure what would’ve happened if I didn’t, but would note that every time I contacted them, there would be significant movement within one day.
1-16-2019 pick up/paid at Westmont, IL store
At pickup, I was offered the chance to view the car prior to signing final papers or handing them the check. I didn’t ask to drive it prior to signing/paying. Just didn’t think of it after waiting so long.
Car was in very good shape. Clearly was washed and detailed (it was January in Chicago, lots of snow!) and was plugged in and fully charged. Slight scuff on right front fender. Some visible wear on center console arm rest. Didn’t see those in the emailed pics. I was ok with that, seemed like normal wear and tear for a 3 year old car. Otherwise it was spotless and beautiful!
Delivery people were friendly and professional. But not much nfo given. Just asked if I’d test driven a Tesla, which I had, handed me the keys, showed me the very basics.
Oh, also... I had a deposit on an M3 from the first day they took deposits. April 1, 2016 I believe? Or was it 2015? It’s been so long I can’t remember! I wanted a standard or medium range battery and AWD and at least half of the rebate. It was becoming apparent I was going to lose more than half of the rebate. For $50K+, I preferred a used MS if I could find the right one, and started to see all the 3 year leases coming due.
During that long waiting period, I requested to close the M3 reservation and apply it to this purchase, which they did. But it’s listed separately in a not very obvious place. I’d have to go back and look if you want to know exactly where.
Since taking delivery, I’ve been thrilled with the car. No problems. Love it in every way. Maybe a bit big for the city, but I knew that going in. I preferred the size and driving dynamics of the M3 from the start, but can appreciate the room and luxury of the MS. I got used to the larger size pretty quickly and it’s been fine. Plus it’s plenty fast enough, and oh, all that instant torque! The closest I’ve experienced to this was my brother’s old Corvette convertible, which he sold because he got sick of maintaining it. Except the Tesla accelerates in nearly complete silence. And ‘accelerate’ feels like the wrong word. It’s more like I’m levitating in a Star Wars hovercraft, and when I press the pedal, the not-of-this-world propulsion system quietly bends space/time around me to instantly propel me forward at will, and all the other vehicles are suddenly behind me in my rear view mirror.
Okay, I’ll stop now because I’m sounding really weird. But hopefully I’m in the right place to sound weird about my Tesla!
Good luck to those still on the hunt! And thanks again to all those who’ve been so helpful to me with their posts!
