Looking to buy a 2021 Tesla model 3 from auction. Found one cheap with front end damage. Would this be an easy fix?
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Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.Another all-too-common first time poster with a (is it totaled or is it easy to fix thread) but hey, I'll bite.
Sure, my fellow Penguins fan, that will 'buff right out'. SCs will likely consider this, as-is, within spec or better than factory panel gap norms.
It could however be a tip of the iceberg waiting further back (front suspension, frame damage, drivetrain damage, battery housing damage, etc).
That horrendous tint and the residue it leaves behind will be very difficult to remove though, especially off the front windshield.
Looking at how muddy the lot is, another thing to consider is if there was any flood damage. That will be a major blow as you can't even assume the battery is good (plus there might other hidden water damage in interior).I've never had the front end of a Model 3 apart, but it looks like that's a new bumper cover and reinforcement, radiator, active air vents for the radiator and some minor repairs on the hood. One problem is that as just some guy you can't go and buy those parts(and anything else that's needed). You also can be pretty sure that car's been deemed salvage and won't be allowed to supercharge without a lot of groveling.
If its cheap, its worth it. I wouldn't buy it for more than the cost of the major undamaged parts(battery and drive units)
That horrendous tint and the residue it leaves behind will be very difficult to remove though, especially off the front windshield.
I wonder what caused the previous owner to crash straight into something like that?
I agree. As long as there is no battery damage it shouldn’t cost more than 2k. Even less if you can repair the fenders + bumper and paint the car yourself (I recommend getting paint matched rattle cans and sanding between base coat and clear coat)Looks fine to me. Assuming it drives fine with no on-screen errors it'll need about $2K in junkyard/eBay parts plus another $1K in paint. In addition to the bumper and crash beam, you'll likely need one or two fenders, a hood, and one or two of the newer style "matrix" headlights. Everything but the headlights can be sourced from any year donor.
But figure on $15K-$20K if you just plan to take it right to a body shop and have them do all the work.
You are lucky. Unfortunately, these scenarios often end in heartbreak and an empty wallet.I agree. As long as there is no battery damage it shouldn’t cost more than 2k. Even less if you can repair the fenders + bumper and paint the car yourself (I recommend getting paint matched rattle cans and sanding between base coat and clear coat)
Experience. I bought an M3 Long Long Range from the auction Jan 23, 2024.
Replaced:
RF Lower Control Arms
Front bumper
Front Bumper Skid Plate
Front Subframe Skid Plate
Parking Sensor Harness
2 Parking sensors
RF Turn Signal/ fog light
Ankle Catcher
Front tires
Right Front Fender Liner
Sway bar, brackets and links
Front Subframe (studs to sway bar mount were broken)
Left Tie rod end
Windshield
Passenger Front Door Glass
Misc bolts/nuts
Repaired:
Right front wheel
Glove Box Pawl
Total $3,000