Paying before delivery is a new one. I’ve purchased two Model S and both times I gave them my check after I inspected the vehicle. The first time (6/2018) they required a cashier’s check. The second (12/2020) they took a personal check.
Weird. I ordered MS LRP on 7/22. Grey exterior, cream interior, 19' Tempest wheels, yes FSD. Received a VIN number via SMS on 8/15. Called the local showroom to get more info regarding delivery date, and their best guess was mid-September. Have not been asked for payment and do not have access to MVPA document.
Specifically, here's the status in my account: "Next Steps. We are drafting up your contract and will contact you when you can make your final payment."
Good to know. I would be very wary of sending that kind of money without even SEEING the car first. Thanks for the heads up.
Sounds like the experience is all over the place. I didn't get a text when the purchase agreement and VIN became available. I just happened to log in and check. Maybe the difference is geographical. I'm in Southern California FWIW.
rafacq
Member
Took delivery 9/1 in Carlsbad, CA. I read a lot of people's experiences about ordering, waiting and delivery that had me really concerned. I have to say, we had an excellent experience top to bottom. Here's a breakdown of the timeline for anyone interested.
8/5/2020 - Ordered Model S Long Range Plus (Cream interior, white exterior, 19" Tempest wheels, no FSD)
8/6/2020 - Automated text welcoming me to Tesla
8/19/2020 - Automated text letting me know to expect delivery within 1-4 weeks.
8/23/2020 - Logged into Tesla.com account and found the MVPA (still no VIN listed on the website, but it was in the MVPA)
8/28/2020 - Automated test letting me know that delivery date/time has been set for 9/1
9/1/2020 9:30AM - THE BIG DAY, arranged a ride with some friends from San Diego to Carlsbad to take delivery at 10AM. On the way to the delivery center I got a call letting me know the car WOULD NOT be ready as the service team was unable to set up the car due to LTE malfunction. Very disappointing, but I read enough to know that appointments get cancelled last minute. Turned around and went home.
9/1/2020 ~2:00PM - After asking for updates, the delivery specialist called me and told me we could still pick up the car but the internet functions would be unavailable (searching for waypoints, internet streaming, etc). FINE WITH ME. We set an appointment for 5PM (last one available) to pick up the car.
9/1/2020 4:30PM - Had to Lyft as our friend was busy. Reminded me why I hate ride shares. The guy was either wasted or falling asleep the whole 30 min drive. WHATEVER, we're here. We were greeted warmly, they pulled the car out, we went over it to make sure nothing was completely messed up. The car looked perfect. They detailed it and everything. We signed some papers, wrote the check and we were on our way!
9/3/2020 - LTE functionality was remotely enabled.
There are a lot of horror stories out there about ordering, communication after the sale and delivery. I have to say I was very impressed. Colin, my sales guy at Fashion Valley in San Diego was awesome. I asked him a few questions over text while we were waiting for delivery, and after. He was always responsive and kind. I never felt like I was bothering him.
Bryce, my delivery guy, was communicative and very apologetic about the last minute snafu.
And THE CAR! It's our dream car. Incredibly nice inside, comfortable and quiet. The ride is so smooth and the acceleration is addicting.
Anyway, just wanted to share my story for anyone waiting on their delivery.
8/5/2020 - Ordered Model S Long Range Plus (Cream interior, white exterior, 19" Tempest wheels, no FSD)
8/6/2020 - Automated text welcoming me to Tesla
8/19/2020 - Automated text letting me know to expect delivery within 1-4 weeks.
8/23/2020 - Logged into Tesla.com account and found the MVPA (still no VIN listed on the website, but it was in the MVPA)
8/28/2020 - Automated test letting me know that delivery date/time has been set for 9/1
9/1/2020 9:30AM - THE BIG DAY, arranged a ride with some friends from San Diego to Carlsbad to take delivery at 10AM. On the way to the delivery center I got a call letting me know the car WOULD NOT be ready as the service team was unable to set up the car due to LTE malfunction. Very disappointing, but I read enough to know that appointments get cancelled last minute. Turned around and went home.
9/1/2020 ~2:00PM - After asking for updates, the delivery specialist called me and told me we could still pick up the car but the internet functions would be unavailable (searching for waypoints, internet streaming, etc). FINE WITH ME. We set an appointment for 5PM (last one available) to pick up the car.
9/1/2020 4:30PM - Had to Lyft as our friend was busy. Reminded me why I hate ride shares. The guy was either wasted or falling asleep the whole 30 min drive. WHATEVER, we're here. We were greeted warmly, they pulled the car out, we went over it to make sure nothing was completely messed up. The car looked perfect. They detailed it and everything. We signed some papers, wrote the check and we were on our way!
9/3/2020 - LTE functionality was remotely enabled.
There are a lot of horror stories out there about ordering, communication after the sale and delivery. I have to say I was very impressed. Colin, my sales guy at Fashion Valley in San Diego was awesome. I asked him a few questions over text while we were waiting for delivery, and after. He was always responsive and kind. I never felt like I was bothering him.
Bryce, my delivery guy, was communicative and very apologetic about the last minute snafu.
And THE CAR! It's our dream car. Incredibly nice inside, comfortable and quiet. The ride is so smooth and the acceleration is addicting.
Anyway, just wanted to share my story for anyone waiting on their delivery.
When did you provide the financing info? I purchased mine on 8/5/20 and I still haven't had a delivery update. I was able to secure financing later and provided it to Tesla on 8/25/20.
I think the order isn't "submitted" until you complete the financial and insurance section, even if it changes later. I lost about a week until I was told just to put in all cash and my current insurance policy. It all can be changed before delivery. It is a very bad ordering process requiring insurance and payment prior to even getting a VIN number. I don't know of any other car manufacturer that does this, because the details are generally not available when one orders and agrees to purchase a new car that will be built. It is like Tesla has never sold a car before.
I did not have to provide insurance info until I had a delivery day and the MVPA.
So, you wrote them a check AT delivery? That's what I wanted to do; you know, do a proper inspection BEFORE I make the purchase. With their current 'Contact-less' delivery process, I was highly encouraged to made the final payment before I showed up to accept the car. They said that if I wait to make the payment at delivery (even if it's electronic), it could take hours to clear. They did say that I have 100 miles (or I forget how many days) to take the car home and give it a close inspection and return it for any reason to get my money back. I'm not sure about most other people, but I live 63.2 miles away from the dealership. I wonder if the return mileage to the dealership would count against this 100 miles? <-- (Sarcasm) The other thing, they also said it could take 4-6 weeks to get my money back if I return it. Nice, huh?
I submitted my order on 06/26/2020, have a delivery date of 09/17/2020, and still haven't uploaded my insurance information.
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If you go to your order on the Tesla website from your phone, you can make an electronic payment immediately from your account (debit transaction) after inspecting the car on the day of delivery. Just have your bank routing number and account number.handy. There is no need for a check, but my closest Tesla office said they would take a personal check. The electronic check seemed safer and easier to me.
Yes, I wrote a personal check after inspecting the car. If you're so wound up about the process, maybe don't buy the car.
rafacq
Member
I had a Cashier’s check from my bank a few days before delivery. I uploaded a copy of the check to my Tesla account. I took it with me when I flew to California to pick up the car at the San Diego Delivery Center. Colton, my delivery specialist was very nice and answered all my questions clearly. Delivery was a very pleasant experience.
What about my statement makes you think I'm wound up about the process? I don't need you to invite me to not buy the car; I can make my own decisions. For example, it wouldn't be my decision to take $95K of my money to purchase a depreciating asset outright, not when money is so cheap. The better play for me would be to invest some of that cash. Tesla is currently offering financing at 2.49%; I can make more than a 2.49% return off of my personal investments. But, that's me; to each his own.
And, for the record, this will be my second Tesla purchase.
Actually, I went ahead and made the payment so there wouldn't be any issues at delivery. I sent the electronic payment in days ago and it still hasn't cleared. I'm not sure what the disparity is; maybe they prioritize the processing if it's your delivery day? To be clear, my Tesla account shows that I no longer owe any money (it took over a day) but the money is still in my bank account - it's not even showing up as an 'In-Process' status.
Ordered a new LR Model S, red with black interior and FSD on 8/26.
Got my VIN 8/27.
Notified today, 9/7, that the car has been built and is on its way to Paramus, NJ.
Scheduled delivery for 9/22. I am in Maine but elected to drive down to NJ rather than do home delivery. Can't wait!
Got my VIN 8/27.
Notified today, 9/7, that the car has been built and is on its way to Paramus, NJ.
Scheduled delivery for 9/22. I am in Maine but elected to drive down to NJ rather than do home delivery. Can't wait!
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