Buyer Beware: Misleading descriptions in sale of used "Signature" Model S, P02618

[TSLA Pilot]

Beware prbl fraud w/sale: "Signature" Model S, P02618

(Mods--perhaps we need a sub-forum on probable fraudulent sales, especially as the cars migrate to second owners? This is the 3rd one I've seen like this!)

BUYER BEWARE: This used car dealer is attempted to pass off a base Model S, one with about one or two options if that (and NO Tech Pkg) as a "Signature/Performance Model S."

Normally I'd not bother posting this here, but I have contacted the selling dealer twice, beginning early Monday a.m.; they persist with their dishonest posting. As it's now four days later I hope no one on this forum is contemplating this misidentified Model S. Please feel free to cross-post elsewhere as desired:

2012 Tesla Model S Signature Dallas, Texas | Starwood Motors

Their original post contained even more errors, to include a supposed "Pano roof" which, oddly, was not indicated by the photographs which show a solid roof. Ditto for the CF spoiler. Sadly, they've updated their post, but it still contains errors.

Lastly, the VIN plate photo suggests the 21" wheels were added after production, and the CarFax seems a bit odd which makes one wonder what the full story is on this car:

CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 2012 TESLA MODEL S

Some of the details follow:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&listingId=137370379&aff=aol

2012 Tesla Model S Signature Performance - [COLOR=#333333 !important]$80,888

Dealer: Starwood Motors
888-636-8986 Check Availability

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About This Model S

Mileage:	4,472
Body Style:	Sedan
Exterior Color:	Sand
Interior Color:	White
Stock #:	AP02618
VIN:	5YJSA1DN2CFP02618
Fuel:	Electric
Engine:	Electric
Transmission:	Automatic
Drivetrain:	RWD
Doors:	4
Wheelbase:	118"
Vehicle History Report:	View the Free CARFAX Vehicle History Report

Seller's Notes:Gordon Holt Direct: 888-636-8986 Email: [email protected] Certified Pre-Owned WOW! OUTSTANDING 2012 Tesla Model S 85 kwh battery San Simeon Silver Metallic over White Leather Interior AMAZING VEHICLE WITH ALL THE BEST OPTIONS! Options include: Premium interior lighting 21' Silver Wheels Grey Nappa Leather Smart Air Suspension Parcel Shelf Blind Spot Sensor Package Cold Weather Package Light Handle Parking Sensors Passive Sensors Rear Carbon Fiber Spoiler Security Package ADULT OWNED, NON-SMOKER , PERFECT CARFAX AND AUTOCHECK. As always, we welcome third party inspections. We offer fast and easy finance and lease programs. Yes, we do take trade-ins. We offer free airport pick up or worldwide shipping. We offer a full line of extended warranties to protect your investment. Please do not hesitate to contact Gordon Holt direct with any further questions or to make arrangements for purchase at...888-636-8986 or [email protected]Read Less

 

[brianman]

Sand interior - Not a Tesla Model S color, and definitely not Signature.
White exterior - Only Signature for Model S.
VIN P02618 - Not Signature.

Weird.

 

[NigelM]

Mod Note: Thread title updated. As much as the warning post is appreciated, we should be careful not to make criminal accusations.

It would not be surprising to see other Model S on sale with odd descriptions until the various designations become more widely known. In this case, I'd give the benefit of the doubt that dealer is suffering from ignorance rather than deliberately trying to defraud.

 

[TSLA Pilot]

Mod Note: Thread title updated. As much as the warning post is appreciated, we should be careful not to make criminal accusations.

It would not be surprising to see other Model S on sale with odd descriptions until the various designations become more widely known. In this case, I'd give the benefit of the doubt that dealer is suffering from ignorance rather than deliberately trying to defraud.

Normally, I'd agree.

But how does one ascribe other than criminal intent when they were told it's NOT a Signature, nor a Performance, Model S a full four days ago?

This is a $20k or $30k misrepresentation. They've been told about it at least twice now . . . and yet it persists. Given their ability to sell globally, I hope we'll publicize these apparent attempts at fraud widely and with vigor.

Thus, I'll politely disagree with your assessment, but enjoy the forum nonetheless.

 

[zwede]

They're local to me and I've looked at their inventory on the web a few times. This is not the first Tesla they have sold, so they really should know better. Unfortunately misleading ads are pretty much standard in the used car business. I looked at the listing for my trade-in, a Ford Boss 302 (not the same dealer) and the number of errors was sad. Their posting said it had xenon lights (not available on that car), a Borla aftermarket exhaust (nope), a factory upgraded stereo (not available on that model) and on and on.

 

[ecarfan]

So this S has been repainted a non-factory color and the interior seat and accent panels changed to an off white? How unusual. Also the chrome trim below the headlights has been blacked out.

The ad still says "Signature". The seller has been informed multiple times that it is not a Signature S. The seller is misrepresenting the car, obviously in an attempt to attract buyers who will pay more for the car.

Caveat emptor...

 

[landover]

This car is also on auto trader.

 

[GDH]

This car is also on auto trader.

And cars.com

 

[AMPd]

Saw this one, love the headlight mod!
I believe I also saw a white one labeled as Signature, the vin however is P*****

 

[TSLA Pilot]

And cars.com

Yep, it's now FIVE days later and it's still on Cars.com with this header:

"Tesla Model S Signature Performance"

If this isn't a fraud attempt, then what is? I've contacted cars.com and let's see what, if anything, they'll do.

Here's the full post:

2012 Tesla Model S Signature Performance - [COLOR=#333333 !important]$80,888

Dealer: Starwood Motors
888-636-8986 Check Availability

Save 0Saved Cars Print Share

Overview

Photos & Video

Map & Directions

Calculate Payment

Kelley Blue Book

Specs

​

[/COLOR]

​ Seller video — click to play View More Photos (32 total) Live Chat Have a question about this car? Check Availability Starwood Motors 888-636-8986 *Required Comments First name* Last name* Email* Phone* ZIP* I have a trade-in Check Availability By clicking this button, you are agreeing to have a car dealer contact you for the purpose of responding to your car price quote request. You understand that the dealer's call may be using an autodialer, and that a portion of the call may be pre-recorded. We value your privacy. Cars.com Privacy Statement

About This Model S Mileage: 4,472 Body Style: Sedan Exterior Color: Sand Interior Color: White Stock #: AP02618 VIN: 5YJSA1DN2CFP02618 Fuel: Electric Engine: Electric Transmission: Automatic Drivetrain: RWD Doors: 4 Wheelbase: 118" Vehicle History Report: View the Free CARFAX Vehicle History Report Seller's Notes:Gordon Holt Direct: 888-636-8986 Email: [email protected] Certified Pre-Owned WOW! OUTSTANDING 2012 Tesla Model S 85 kwh battery San Simeon Silver Metallic over White Leather Interior AMAZING VEHICLE WITH ALL THE BEST OPTIONS! Options include: Premium interior lighting 21' Silver Wheels Grey Nappa Leather Smart Air Suspension Parcel Shelf Blind Spot Sensor Package Cold Weather Package Light Handle Parking Sensors Passive Sensors Rear Carbon Fiber Spoiler Security Package ADULT OWNED, NON-SMOKER , PERFECT CARFAX AND AUTOCHECK. As always, we welcome third party inspections. We offer fast and easy finance and lease programs. Yes, we do take trade-ins. We offer free airport pick up or worldwide shipping. We offer a full line of extended warranties to protect your investment. Please do not hesitate to contact Gordon Holt direct with any further questions or to make arrangements for purchase at...888-636-8986 or [email protected]Read Less

 

[GDH]

Any smart Tesla buyer will catch the misinformation

 

[TSLA Pilot]

Saw this one, love the headlight mod!
I believe I also saw a white one labeled as Signature, the vin however is P*****

What headlight mod? Am I missing something?

Perhaps you're just seeing the odd lighting effects from the photograph as the headlights look like the ones on our S85.

 

[AMPd]

What headlight mod? Am I missing something?

Perhaps you're just seeing the odd lighting effects from the photograph as the headlights look like the ones on our S85.

The chrome around the headlight is blacked out.

 

[Jeeps17]

VIN 2681 with the cold weather package?

I think not...

 

[FlasherZ]

The white interior was signature only... and it definitely has the white interior (contrast vs. the tan headliner in the photo, so not a light effect).

 

[brianman]

The white interior was signature only... and it definitely has the white interior (contrast vs. the tan headliner in the photo, so not a light effect).

The headliner isn't tan. It's creme (either cloth or alcantara), in all flavors of Model S IIRC. I think you're being tricked by the lighting. The creme is a bit "tannish" compared to the gray, which is just further evidence that it's gray interior not white.

VIN tells us: North American market, twin chargers, supercharging enabled, non-performance, 2012, non-Signature.

Some notes regarding the starwoodmotors images:

1. Wrong exterior paint color for Signature.
2. The rear chrome bar doesn't have the Signature etching.
3. Has blacked out rear diffuser, which means no Tech Package unless it was painted/wrapped aftermarket.
4. Gray interior.
5. This doesn't have the white interior's white seatbelts.
6. Not a performance vehicle, as there's no piping on the seats. (Early vehicles had piping included in the Performance package.)
7. LED lights button is missing from the Controls page. Further evidence of non-Signature and, I think, no Tech Package.
8. The 45 psi and reference to 19" wheels on the sticker suggests that the car was delivered with 19" wheels not 21".
9. The fog lights / cornering lights assembly is non-Signature. (The bottom light is blacked out rather than a bulb.)
10. Production nosecone, not Signature.
11. Has the early/Signature chrome pieces in the frunk and trunk. This is consistent with the VIN number.
12. It has the premium lighting that was later made into an option. This is consistent with a 2012 and early-ish 2013 VIN.
13. Non-metallic rake pedal, which is generally inconsistent with Performance and Signature vehicles.

The advertised "2012 Tesla Model S Signature" is incorrect.

 

[rsanchez]

The headliner isn't tan. It's creme (either cloth or alcantara), in all flavors of Model S IIRC. I think you're being tricked by the lighting. The creme is a bit "tannish" compared to the gray, which is just further evidence that it's gray interior not white.

VIN tells us: North American market, twin chargers, supercharging enabled, non-performance, 2012, non-Signature.

Some notes regarding the starwoodmotors images:

1. Wrong exterior paint color for Signature.
2. The rear chrome bar doesn't have the Signature etching.
3. Has blacked out rear diffuser, which means no Tech Package unless it was painted/wrapped aftermarket.
4. Gray interior.
5. This doesn't have the white interior's white seatbelts.
6. Not a performance vehicle, as there's no piping on the seats. (Early vehicles had piping included in the Performance package.)
7. LED lights button is missing from the Controls page. Further evidence of non-Signature and, I think, no Tech Package.
8. The 45 psi and reference to 19" wheels on the sticker suggests that the car was delivered with 19" wheels not 21".
9. The fog lights / cornering lights assembly is non-Signature. (The bottom light is blacked out rather than a bulb.)
10. Production nosecone, not Signature.
11. Has the early/Signature chrome pieces in the frunk and trunk. This is consistent with the VIN number.
12. It has the premium lighting that was later made into an option. This is consistent with a 2012 and early-ish 2013 VIN.
13. Non-metallic rake pedal, which is generally inconsistent with Performance and Signature vehicles.

The advertised "2012 Tesla Model S Signature" is incorrect.

Here's the moroney for this car. I owned the car for about a 40 day period, it drove fine, charged fine, but as you can imagine, it's really lacking - no air suspension, no tech package, no pano roof, funky interior color, etc. It is absolutely not a Signature car.

 

[Brittt1]

Here's the moroney for this car. I owned the car for about a 40 day period, it drove fine, charged fine, but as you can imagine, it's really lacking - no air suspension, no tech package, no pano roof, funky interior color, etc. It is absolutely not a Signature car.

Your moroney shows air suspension on the pdf?

but clearly not a signature

 

[rsanchez]

Your moroney shows air suspension on the pdf?

but clearly not a signature

You're right, my bad. Here's what was funky, car has air suspension but no tech package.

 

[TSLA Pilot]

The headliner isn't tan. It's creme (either cloth or alcantara), in all flavors of Model S IIRC. I think you're being tricked by the lighting. The creme is a bit "tannish" compared to the gray, which is just further evidence that it's gray interior not white.

VIN tells us: North American market, twin chargers, supercharging enabled, non-performance, 2012, non-Signature.

Some notes regarding the starwoodmotors images:

1. Wrong exterior paint color for Signature.
2. The rear chrome bar doesn't have the Signature etching.
3. Has blacked out rear diffuser, which means no Tech Package unless it was painted/wrapped aftermarket.
4. Gray interior.
5. This doesn't have the white interior's white seatbelts.
6. Not a performance vehicle, as there's no piping on the seats. (Early vehicles had piping included in the Performance package.)
7. LED lights button is missing from the Controls page. Further evidence of non-Signature and, I think, no Tech Package.
8. The 45 psi and reference to 19" wheels on the sticker suggests that the car was delivered with 19" wheels not 21".
9. The fog lights / cornering lights assembly is non-Signature. (The bottom light is blacked out rather than a bulb.)
10. Production nosecone, not Signature.
11. Has the early/Signature chrome pieces in the frunk and trunk. This is consistent with the VIN number.
12. It has the premium lighting that was later made into an option. This is consistent with a 2012 and early-ish 2013 VIN.
13. Non-metallic rake pedal, which is generally inconsistent with Performance and Signature vehicles.

The advertised "2012 Tesla Model S Signature" is incorrect.

Well done, and a far more thorough listing than my preliminary report.

We can only hope that any prospects looking at this car will do their research before they send a check . . . .