Has anyone tried to snag a discount by ordering a base model car that is not currently in inventory in your area but for which there is a similar, slightly upgraded version (e.g. wheels, interior, color) in stock near the end of quarter and got matched with the upgraded version for end of quarter delivery? If so, how did the process evolve?
How am I expected to buy a car and not wheel and deal??
You would be much better served in making in person contact with someone at a tesla store location, and telling them that you are looking for X build car that has a discount attached to it due to being a demo, or some other reason.
Of course, then you have to take a car that is a demo car, or has a discount attached to it for some other reason.
Doing it the way you describe could work in theory, depending on teslas demand, etc, but if you dont actually WANT a "base model" version, then you would be canceling an order and losing $100 if they dont match you with a car.
Much better to be up front with someone in person, but also be ready to take a car with some miles on it to compensate for your "need" to get a car with a discount attached to it.
If its anything these boards have taught me about car buying, its that no matter what the process is, people will not like it. I personally love the fact that teslas sold all over the country on a specific day are the same price, and am ok with the fact that, 2 days after I buy a car, tesla might lower the price of all cars or throw in something.
For some reason, the same people who are OK with the fact that their neighbor who has better (or worse) negotiating skills than they do would get a different price on the exact same car, at the exact same dealership, get super upset that tesla might lower the price for everyone a month after they bought their car.
Anyway, thats a "soapbox" thing for me here on these boards.... so, sorry for the divergence from thread, OP I am not saying you are doing the above. Back on thread topic, better to be upfront with a sales advisor but also be willing to take a car with some miles or issues to get your desired discount.