Cash Payment Options . . . how do you ensure quality at delivery?

[boaterva]

Because I haven't seen or driven my CPO yet, if I were paying by cashier's check, I could always walk away if things were not to my liking. What leverage do I have on delivery day, if any, if I've already pre-paid on MyTesla via ACH?

That wasn't the question I saw. I saw 'wouldn't work logistically' as you couldn't do it at all.

And, many people have refused delivery on custom orders. I don't see any difference.

 

[kort677]

My express concern is I show up and I owe $88k. I certainly do not want to wire them $88k unless i'm satisfied the correct options are installed and that everything works properly - and the vehicle charges etc.

I expect an hour of picking through the options and features and making sure they work, and that the paint is in pristine condition, as is the underside of the vehicle, nothing squeaks or rattles on a test drive, bluetooth syncs, music plays, maps display, EAP works, doors open - etc. Lets say I'm standing there and EAP does not work properly. They have $88k of my money if I wire - who cares if they fix it or not. I don't wan to be in a situation where I"m forced to take delivery and then deal with production defects as warranty items.

I want to charge $10,000 to get the airline miles and bonus miles for the quarter - then bring them a bank cashiers check for the balance. It's the only leverage I'll ever have. . . plus I loose warranty coverage for the time the car is being finally assembly under warranty . . .

forget about charging any part of the payment. You could have the wire transfer all set up and ready to go and once you begin the delivery process call in have them "press the button" and by the time you are done the money should be where it needs to be. is there any reason that you cannot just use a personal check?

 

[comanchepilot]

Y

Btw, it's very rere for a car dealership to accept credit cards since there is a 3% credit card fee plus transactions.

I almost always use a credit card for down payments. 3% of $10,000 is $300. and its not even that if you negotiate well and have a large minimum - I bet their average charge is over $2000 . . . that gets you a 2% rate.

 

[comanchepilot]

is there any reason that you cannot just use a personal check?

A personal check for $88,000? Would you take that? I doubt they will. . .

 

[Uncle Paul]

Only way to know for sure is to ask your delivery specialist.

When I picked up my X at the Factory in Feb they said a personal check would be fine.

Everybody has a standard that they would consider a car on delivery to achieve. Expecting a "perfect" car is going to be difficult for everybody. Most all vehicles have some level of imperfections, even Rolls Royce. If you look hard enough, and close enough all manufactured items have some level of imperfections. Even expected in diamonds. The standard for a perfect diamond is examination by a skilled person under 10X magnification. Even a perfect diamond could show flaws if the magnification is turned up.

Even a perfect vehicle upon deliver might become less than perfect on the drive home. That is why Tesla has a extensive warranty and a process of due bills that makes sure that any less than acceptable issues can be efficiently corrected, even after delivery.

Two pressures are in play at delivery. Expecting a perfect car, and realizing that you really want to drive the car home, and good enough is good enough.

My X was in better than acceptable condition at delivery. It has continued to get better with over the air computer upgrades, adding additional features and refinement.

My delivery specialist answered all my questions, but in addition let me know that there is a steep (but short) learning curve coming from an ICE vehicle. By the time I got home to San Diego I understood what he had meant.

The car had exceeded by expectations overall.

I came into the delivery with FIA (Forum Induced Anxiety) and lots of worries. Now look at it as one of the best decisions I have ever made for an auto purchase.

 

[thecloud]

In 2014, I paid for my Model S with a personal check, and it was accepted.

However, it's worth noting that when I got the call to pick up my car, the finance specialist (a different person than I had previously been talking to) didn't want to accept a personal check, and I was told to bring a cashier's check instead. Then I pointed out that it was a weekend, and by the time I could return the following week with a cashier's check in hand, it would be past September 30th. They seemed happy enough to take my money at that point, and I was delighted to drive home in the best car I've ever owned.

So, I would definitely confirm with your delivery specialist (via email) about whether they will accept a personal check, and have the reply with you when you go to pick up your car.

 

[kort677]

A personal check for $88,000? Would you take that? I doubt they will. . .

you'd be wrong, while my check wasn't quite that high because I traded a tesla in it was still almost $50k. they took it and I am sure others will say the same

 

[Cyclone]

The one to ask is the delivery specialist. In all likelihood, there is no problem with a personal check. If he or she says that won't be acceptable, get a cashiers/official check from the bank. If you refuse delivery or whatever, you can always redeposit it. I don't get why this is such a complicated process for some. Tesla won't let you use a credit card beyond the initial deposit (though likely will let you buy any add-ons with it) and then you give them either:
1 - personal check
2 - official/cashiers check
3 - lender's check
4 - wire transfer
5 - ACH info

No need for complications about it.

 

[mal_tsla]

I think this whole discussion grossly overestimates how much Tesla cares if you buy the car or not.

I don't think you really have any leverage with a supply-constrained market like a Tesla. If the car is deemed "not perfect enough" by you, someone else will buy it in a few days. There's always a less picky buyer.

Be prepared for Tesla to shrug off any concerns you have about "the little details." You can accept the car as they deem that it's good enough, or you can let someone else have it. As a compromise they'll agree to try addressing some of your concerns AFTER delivery in the Due Bill, but they're not going to bend over backwards because it doesn't matter that much to them who buys the car.

 

[comanchepilot]

Just picked up my car last week. The 2 options for paying is ACH or Cashiers Check. They will not take CC for anything more than the deposit and they will not take a personal check.

Hope that helps

Thanks - I don't have a problem bringing a bank check - I just want to make sure I have control of the money until I have control of the car . . .

 

[sdugan99]

Picking my 90D up tomorrow and just confirmed with the Deliver specialist that a Personal checks works.