Did you do a test drive before you drive out of the delivery center?

[MotoEvCA]

I’ve never really nitpicked over any car. Honda, Acura, Dodge, Toyota, BMW M3.

Sure, I found tiny marks in them a week later. Who knows if they were factory or caused by me.

Neither have I BUT there should be concerns when you see something like this on a Model 3 exiting the factory well past the point where employees have received their cars. The fundamentals of the Model 3 appear to be sound but there is opportunity for improvement. What is unclear (because of the few products on display) is 'IS THIS SORT OF THING BY DESIGN'?

The A-Pillar meeting the front fender. The door has been opened.

Enough With the Negatives: What Do the Auto Industry's Good Panel Gaps Look Like?

 

[Stoneymonster]

One thing I’ve noticed, looking at my own car and pictures here, is that the perception of panel misalignment and gaps is highly angle and zoom/frame of reference dependent. Not saying there aren’t problems, just that it may be tough to judge from single photos.

 

[DR61]

In the last 20 years I have ordered custom configured cars about 6 times. Most of the time I have tested other examples of more generic versions of the model that dealers had in stock, but nothing with the configuration I ordered. I didn't test drive any the cars I ordered when they came in before signing the papers. I did inspect for scratches and finish problems, but I have never looked at panel gaps and I never will. All the cars met my expectations. Brands included BMW, Porsche, Volvo, Mini, Nissan, Ford, GMC, and VW. Occasionally there were a few mechanical issues that I had corrected in subsequent dealer visits, but no major problems.

I will try to get a Model 3 test drive if available in the next 3-5 months before I expect a configure invitation. But if not I will still take the car I order without a test drive. I have read more than enough reviews to know that the car will be suitable for my preferences. I trust Tesla service to fix any issues. Perfection is not expected on any mass produced car.

 

[daniel]

Bugs and issues here also....wonder if the service centers are gonna be inundated with Model 3 service appointments: The Electrek Review – Tesla Model 3, a promise delivered

Really great article! It's long, but well worth the read. Thanks for posting!

 

[Jetson]

Here's some more of my review of our first month with the Model 3:

 

[Brando]

crash injury depends partially on how fast YOU stop (not the car, but your body)
That is why cars have air bags have air-bags.

Lighter car (less weight = less potential energy = less re-gen)