Hello everyone! I’ve been a tinkerer for the better part of my life and have been “dreaming” about getting a Tesla for the last year or so; there’s just one problem, I have nowhere near the money needed to spend 100k on a new one or 60k+ for a used!
After just recently looking through the forum and several YouTube videos, I figured I would make a post here to at the very least learn more about the cars themselves and process! Despite the difficulties involved, I’m definitely inspired by what some have been able to accomplish.
As far as experience with cars go, I am basically completely inexperienced! The most I’ve done in the past on my current 2001 car was replace the stereo system/wiring harness and replacing the headlights with LED bulbs.
Despite this lack of experience, I still feel that with the right guidance, money, and luck I could get started and finish a project like this.
Obviously, aside from the experience, the biggest issue and possibly flaw with Tesla is sourcing parts that are needed without spending an absurd amount of money through Tesla themselves. Correct me if I am wrong, but it is this very reason that cars with seemingly such minimal damage are seen as a total loss by the insurance?
Assuming that two salvage cars wouldn’t be needed to source the needed parts, what is the current status of the grey market for Tesla parts online? While very limited, it seems like eBay has a selection of replacement parts to repair the vehicle. Is the situation any better than it was in the previous years?
My next area of questioning is sourcing a salvaged vehicle and diagnosing what would be needed before the purchase. As an example if anyone would be able to help educate me on the process, I’ve uploaded a picture of a Tesla that was involved in a front collision.
How would you go about fixing a collision like this? As someone completely inexperienced, it seems like replacing the fender, bumper, hood, lights, airbag(s) and tire would be the biggest parts of damage. Either way, I’m sure I’m completely wrong here and I’m happy to hear where I’m wrong to learn more! If the frame rather than just these panels are damaged, I’m assuming you’re better off going for a different one unless you want to buy multiple cars.
Anyways, that’s about all I have to say for now! I’m looking forward to hear more from people who know much more than me here!
After just recently looking through the forum and several YouTube videos, I figured I would make a post here to at the very least learn more about the cars themselves and process! Despite the difficulties involved, I’m definitely inspired by what some have been able to accomplish.
As far as experience with cars go, I am basically completely inexperienced! The most I’ve done in the past on my current 2001 car was replace the stereo system/wiring harness and replacing the headlights with LED bulbs.
Despite this lack of experience, I still feel that with the right guidance, money, and luck I could get started and finish a project like this.
Obviously, aside from the experience, the biggest issue and possibly flaw with Tesla is sourcing parts that are needed without spending an absurd amount of money through Tesla themselves. Correct me if I am wrong, but it is this very reason that cars with seemingly such minimal damage are seen as a total loss by the insurance?
Assuming that two salvage cars wouldn’t be needed to source the needed parts, what is the current status of the grey market for Tesla parts online? While very limited, it seems like eBay has a selection of replacement parts to repair the vehicle. Is the situation any better than it was in the previous years?
My next area of questioning is sourcing a salvaged vehicle and diagnosing what would be needed before the purchase. As an example if anyone would be able to help educate me on the process, I’ve uploaded a picture of a Tesla that was involved in a front collision.
How would you go about fixing a collision like this? As someone completely inexperienced, it seems like replacing the fender, bumper, hood, lights, airbag(s) and tire would be the biggest parts of damage. Either way, I’m sure I’m completely wrong here and I’m happy to hear where I’m wrong to learn more! If the frame rather than just these panels are damaged, I’m assuming you’re better off going for a different one unless you want to buy multiple cars.
Anyways, that’s about all I have to say for now! I’m looking forward to hear more from people who know much more than me here!