um...., Audi/VW is a model of customer SAT? I think there are 25 billion reasons why that statement is ironic, funny and sad at the same time #dieselgate Im a little challenged with anyone touching those VW based platforms at all. I realize that fit and finish is different from the emissions scandal, but they were part of the culture that found it acceptable to allow that to happen. Something had to have been a miss deep in the heart of that company's leadership.
I don't want to [email protected] on your thread OP, I feel your pain having refused delivery of 2 model S new inventory vehicles in the last 2 months on quality/damage grounds.. Tesla in fairness have loaned me a car whist they try and sort it out, my next and final attempt to collect a properly prepped and undamaged vehicle is next Tuesday.
As for the OP topic, the challenge here is that its an example through the lens of the customer with their perspective only. its missing key information such as % of cars refused, # of defects etc. Lighting in the Fremont delivery center is fine, but again, anyone with a keyboard and a perspective with an account, can come here and say otherwise. My delivery was fine and there were giant spot lights over every delivery parking spot. The car industry REGULARLY fixes scratches and defects post manufacturing - most of the time that is done prior to final inspection, but to think that doesn't happen to all manufactures would be incorrect. Its a part of the industry. In reading some of the feedback about stock effect and quality control standards, I just feel that (1) Tesla gets extra scrutiny because of the press it gets as a "new" car company (2) its potential owners hold them to a higher standard than the typical car buying customer (3) they get even more grief over things that arent even available with any other car company (OTA updates; Autopilot features etc). Outright refusal of the order is your right, but thats what a due bill is for (99 out of 100 times)...keeping in mind that again, this is so common that the industry has this as part of their contracting policies! The trouble with social media in general is that everyones opinion is weighed equally, where in real-time, in person conversations (where more context exists) that simply isn't the case.
Could you post picture. It's important for people to know if these bad luck stories are real or fake news posted by people who short Tesla stock. Nothing personal, however, they are making ton of money doing it right now
You are correct. I have purchase several new cars from GM, Ford and Chrysler over the years. One chrysler van was so bad I thought I was being set up. Fog lamps plugged into wiring but no mounting bracket, total electronic failure, wrong rotors installed, steering wheel coming apart after one week, sliding doors so far out of alignment that water kept getting in, on and on. Does it mean they can’t build cars? Many issues with my Ford Lariat pick up from faulty seats needed replacement and rust issues. GM, I continually had AC issues and a year later rust around door molding. All new vehicles with issues and they are still in business.
After going through two deliveries, my two cents is is the issue is with a discrete part, like a piece of trim, make sure its noted by the delivery specialist, take delivery and let your service department deal with it. I believe that will end up being the quickest route to resolution and getting your car in your hands. The OP's issue with paint scratches is a tougher call, especially if there are in a noticeable spot or you have a hard-to-blend color.
No, not worried a bit. All the delivery centers are different. The one my car will come to has the delivery center in a covered outside area for all Tesla models
Thanks fir all this information. I am due to pick up my M3 on Saturday March 31st. I have printed out your post and will take it with me and inspect the car thoroughly !!! Red Ruby13
Better to print one of the delivery checklists posted in this forum. Those are helpful in making sure you thoroughly inspect the car!
It wasn't a Model 3, but I refused my original Model X because of damage to rear lift-gate that would have required a new lift-gate. Tesla ordered me a new Model X and delivered it, in Florida, in less than 4 weeks. After driving it since August 2016, I could be happier!
@dan180 Thank you for your detailed account of the delivery problems with your Tesla. I also had an unsatisfactory experience (though it turned out well). I had ordered an inventory Model S 100D from the Portland Service Center. As the delivery day arrived I received an e-mail from Tesla with a photo showing damage to the front of the car (deep gouges which stood out as black zebra stripes against the white paintwork). They asked me if I still wanted to take delivery, and offered me a discount (I’m not certain, but I think it was $1,000). I declined. Tesla worked with me and located a Model S 100D with my preferred configuration still on the assembly line. In two weeks I had my gorgeous new 100D with 5 miles on the clock. It was perfect, with one small exception, slight misalignment of the driver’s side window resulting in excess wind noise. This was promptly corrected by Tesla’s mobile device technician, who came to my home (around 40 miles south of Portland) and realigned the window in about 15 minutes. Since then (about a year ago) I have had no problems of any kind with the car. The lesson for me: Yes, there may be issues with the car at the time of delivery, but Tesla was extremely responsive and wanted me to have a good delivery experience. I have referred two friends who subsequently bought Model S Teslas, and I continue to be an enthusiastic evangelist for the brand.
Dan: You were smart not to deal with an "unknown repair period". From my personal experience with my 2015 P90D, if any replacement parts would be required to make your car right, the typical wait time is between 3 and 6 months and the Model 3 is much earlier in it's production life, and parts might be even harder to come by.
I took delivery of a midnight blue model three long-range 19 inch auto pilot interior upgrade and I couldn’t be happier. All the panel gaps are perfect the paiby seems superb and, above all I am shocked by how well it drives handles and accelerates. I have had many three series BMWs and comparing it to my current 335 I much prefer the model three. Interestingly my wife does not like my 335 BMW but she loves the model three. It’s a rare car that can check both boxes appealing to the two of us with such different preferences On delivery I immediately bought a bunch of Tesla stock thinking I had insider trading information. Unfortunately Tesla is down almost 15% since then. We shall see how that develops
Photos of the paint imperfections would certainly be helpful as well as what is simple paint correction vs worse (ie repaint). Seems to me that if the damage is deeper than the clearcoat then repaint might be necessary? Honestly these details are challenging to me!