What do you all think the chances are of being able to visit a Tesla Store and sit in a demo Model 3 (even drive one) prior to finalizing the order? What has been the norm in past launches?
Robin
Robin
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I would think that depending in your priority, this might be possible. You are allowed one postponement of your build order before your deposit becomes non-refundable.
Chances are good if you don't want your car until 2019+. Otherwise, you'll most likely have to order without having driven it, especially if you are a 3/31 reservation holder and want your car as soon as you can get it. Stores are just now getting a Model X to test drive, so you can use that as a rough guide.
JeffK
Well-Known Member
Once the design is finalized and probably after part two of the reveal, there's nothing stopping Tesla from making a couple hundred hand built models for use in the Tesla stores before mass production ramps up.
Nothing, except history.
With the Model X, when I asked a local store why they don't have one yet, their response was that Tesla's priority was getting the Model X in the hands of owners who paid for one vs. setting up demo cars in service centers. How true that is? Dunno. But it was a few months after they started shipping before service centers and showrooms got a Model X.
JeffK
Well-Known Member
I'd worry that they told you that because of other issues with the X. Rumor has it many of the new Model S models in stores were hand built and don't necessarily show everything in the production model S specifically some of the new autopilot hardware (cameras).
New Tesla Model S Has 2nd Triple Cam For Autopilot & Pedestrian Noise Unit (CleanTechnica Exclusive)
ModelNforNerd
Active Member
Even though my reservation was made in-person, 30 minutes after the store opened....
I'm an East Coast non-owner.
I'm almost certain I'll be invited to a "Meet the Model 3" event before my own car arrives.
I'm an East Coast non-owner.
I'm almost certain I'll be invited to a "Meet the Model 3" event before my own car arrives.
favo
P3D+ owner
Despite the history with Model S and X not having demo cars early on, I think it is more likely with Model 3, since the ramp should be faster (steeper curve) and the total number of demo cars needed will be quite a small fraction of production cars delivered in the first two (or maybe one) quarters. If they really nail the ramp up, I'd say everyone but employees and West coast owners would have a chance to test drive. Probably have to wait at least a year from now to get clarity on this.
Tesla faces a number of challenges with the Model 3, and getting folks to actually convert their reservations into binding purchase orders is not the least of them. If it proves to help the conversion rate, then they may actually build and distribute a demo fleet before they start delivering buyer's cars. It could happen.
Same boat here my friend. Although the "Meet the Model X" event was helpful for me to cancel my X reservation. Didn't like it as much as a though I would. Still debating between a S75D and a Model 3.
WileyTheMan
Peanut Gallery Member
I really doubt the early adopters will have the opportunity to test drive it before delivery. It was realistic for the S and X because of low production, but with the number of pre-orders and interested parties for the 3, there's just not enough time to accommodate them all. You'd be shuffled through like cattle and wouldn't get a really good feel of the vehicle, so what's the point?
ModelNforNerd
Active Member
I took a Model S for a test drive....P90D-L.
I'd love one, but it's a little bigger than I'm used to in the 1 car garage + city driving/parking.
I estimate the Model 3 will be similarly sized to my A3. We might find that out later this year. (hopefully)
The wife would be mad if I told her we were moving just so my new car would fit in the garage.....
Its a good point. The test drive during Meet the Model X was very quick, but they had a floor model in the back area they allowed you as much time as you wanted to sit and play with all the features. The sale rep told me that it was a like a traveling road show, a day later the cars would be moved to a different store. Maybe the 3 will also have a traveling roading show.
Uncle Paul
Well-Known Member
Customers will most likely have a choice to take early delivery, and forgo a test drive, or wait until demo model 3's are in the showroom before configuring their vehicle.
Many will wish to get their cars as soon as possible, while others will be willing to wait until getting a demo before finalizing their order.
Many will wish to get their cars as soon as possible, while others will be willing to wait until getting a demo before finalizing their order.
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