New buyer question

[GallyP85]

Hi everyone,

I’m in the process of purchasing a used 2014 P85 with 32000 miles. I took the car for a test drive and was great but noticed a creaking coming from the rear suspension when turning at slow speed, the dealer told me this was the air suspension warning up/settling in however at the end of the test drive I still noticed it (although quieter). I’ve tried the search function but not seen anything mentioned regarding creaking air suspension. Is it a potentially a different fault?

Thanks for any guidance!

 

[Ostrichsak]

The air suspension doesn't "warm up" or "settle in" and the sound you describe is most likely a suspension component failing.

 

[Brettski]

Unfortunately your salesman was misinformed or dishonest. Air suspension is pretty quiet - some brands emit hissing sounds but Tesla is overall quiet except for a low pitch sound that’s hard to hear when raising the car. Hopefully it’s something simple - perhaps a dry bushing etc - but it could be more. Best of luck.

 

[OTARon]

it wouldn't have a warranty but you could see about taking it into a Tesla service center and seeing if they would be willing to look at it. See if they see anything wrong. That is one of the reasons I got my 2016 for Tesla, 2 year warranty. Piece of mind. I wouldn't say your used car salesman is lying to you, they might just not have a clue and are afraid to say that. Good luck.

 

[jebinc]

Unfortunately your salesman was misinformed or dishonest. Air suspension is pretty quiet - some brands emit hissing sounds but Tesla is overall quiet except for a low pitch sound that’s hard to hear when raising the car. Hopefully it’s something simple - perhaps a dry bushing etc - but it could be more. Best of luck.

+1

 

[GallyP85]

Many thanks for the replies and confirming my suspicions. I was thinking it sounded more like a worn bushing or linkage.

The car was previously bought from Teslas used stock (in 2017) and comes with a warranty that is still in place up to the end of 2021 so it shouldn't hit my pocket but will have the hassle to deal with.

 

[jebinc]

Many thanks for the replies and confirming my suspicions. I was thinking it sounded more like a worn bushing or linkage.

The car was previously bought from Teslas used stock (in 2017) and comes with a warranty that is still in place up to the end of 2021 so it shouldn't hit my pocket but will have the hassle to deal with.

Make fixing it a condition of the sale, prior to delivery?

 

[RonMoralesCA]

The air suspension is supposed to be pretty quiet.. I just purchased a 2013 myself.