New CPO Buyer Looking for Help in Houston

[jsbull]

I've placed a deposit down on a CPO 2016 Model S P90DL with 22K miles that is currently in Houston. My buying experience has been quite bad so far with a horrible sales associate. I'm now reading CPO nightmare after nightmare in these forums. I live in NW Arkansas, about 600 miles from Houston. My plan is to fly down as soon as the vehicle is ready, sign the papers and drive it back. However, if I get down there and it's trashed, I'll have to fly straight back, costing me ~$800 round trip.

In one post, someone mentions asking a forum member to go look at the vehicle before you travel to pick it up. I'm wondering if there are any Houston members who would be willing to help me out by looking the vehicle over? I know there are some scuffs inside and the rear bumper is scratched, but I don't want to get trapped like many other have seemed to with a really messed up car.

I'd be happy to compensate with a rare beer or bottle of bourbon.

-JS Bull

 

[PhilDavid]

If I were you'd I'd pay $200 and have a professional inspector look over your car. The benefit is they are trained and will do a very thorough job and send you a detailed report. They often know to look for major damage repairs and other issues that an untrained person may miss. I'd do this even if I were inspecting the car in person. Here's an example of a detailed report:

Report Samples | Automobile Inspections

Here are some services you can consider:

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[kerch2007]

JS - I am not sure you check vehicle - as they are delivering them before you pick it up. Mine was in Jacksonville somewhere and got trucked to Orlando center from what I understood. Also, I was trying to scout the area - and I didn't find my car - it was acutally somewhere inside and it was brought back to pick up bay.

 

[Silence88]

Hopefully someone can assist you, but when I picked up my car I wasn't even allowed to inspect it in person before I signed the paperwork. However, I've read instances of people having the exact opposite experience and being allowed to see the car in person before purchase. I will say that there were a couple of small dings or discolorations I found in person that didn't come through in the pics that I received beforehand , but nothing I found to be a deal breaker. I know the picture set quality varies greatly between cars, but hopefully you've been provided with a decent set.

 

[PhilDavid]

Hopefully someone can assist you, but when I picked up my car I wasn't even allowed to inspect it in person before I signed the paperwork. However, I've read instances of people having the exact opposite experience and being allowed to see the car in person before purchase. I will say that there were a couple of small dings or discolorations I found in person that didn't come through in the pics that I received beforehand , but nothing I found to be a deal breaker. I know the picture set quality varies greatly between cars, but hopefully you've been provided with a decent set.

Ha! That was okay with you?

I bet if you told them you are not signing anything until you see the car they would have promptly allowed you to inspect the car you are about to buy...

Unfortunately, sometimes people are treated as badly as they allow to be treated... This is why anyone buying a CPO car should clearly communicate that they are not interested in buying a damaged car and that before they pay and take ownership of the car that they please need to see and inspect in person what it is they are buying. I can't believe we are even discussing the importance of inspecting a used car before buying it!

 

[jsbull]

If I were you'd I'd pay $200 and have a professional inspector look over your car. The benefit is they are trained and will do a very thorough job and send you a detailed report. They often know to look for major damage repairs and other issues that an untrained person may miss. I'd do this even if I were inspecting the car in person. Here's an example of a detailed report:

Thanks for the suggestion on this. My understanding is that they will let people look at the vehicle, but not get in it or drive it. I'm not sure I'd get the $200 out of the service. But, I'll talk to my DS as soon as I get one.

JS - I am not sure you check vehicle - as they are delivering them before you pick it up. Mine was in Jacksonville somewhere and got trucked to Orlando center from what I understood. Also, I was trying to scout the area - and I didn't find my car - it was acutally somewhere inside and it was brought back to pick up bay.

I've been told that it is already at the Houston Pickup location at 14820 North Fwy. However, since my SA was not too bright and it's been 4 days since my deposit and I still haven't been contacted by a DS, I can't be sure.

 

[jsbull]

Hopefully someone can assist you, but when I picked up my car I wasn't even allowed to inspect it in person before I signed the paperwork. However, I've read instances of people having the exact opposite experience and being allowed to see the car in person before purchase. I will say that there were a couple of small dings or discolorations I found in person that didn't come through in the pics that I received beforehand , but nothing I found to be a deal breaker. I know the picture set quality varies greatly between cars, but hopefully you've been provided with a decent set.

Man, that's a tough one. After the stories I've read, I'm definitely going to need to see the car first. I did get an incredibly detailed, hi-res set of photos with close-ups of damage. However, after the stories I've read, I want to be sure that's all there is.

 

[xdms]

I've placed a deposit down on a CPO 2016 Model S P90DL with 22K miles that is currently in Houston. My buying experience has been quite bad so far with a horrible sales associate. I'm now reading CPO nightmare after nightmare in these forums. I live in NW Arkansas, about 600 miles from Houston. My plan is to fly down as soon as the vehicle is ready, sign the papers and drive it back. However, if I get down there and it's trashed, I'll have to fly straight back, costing me ~$800 round trip.

In one post, someone mentions asking a forum member to go look at the vehicle before you travel to pick it up. I'm wondering if there are any Houston members who would be willing to help me out by looking the vehicle over? I know there are some scuffs inside and the rear bumper is scratched, but I don't want to get trapped like many other have seemed to with a really messed up car.

I'd be happy to compensate with a rare beer or bottle of bourbon.

-JS Bull

I was just in your shoes last week (picked up mine Friday).

The Sales Advisor will is the one who will give you a link to a dropbox/google drive of pictures. As others have mentioned, not really high res. Your "Delivery Experience Specialist"/advisor (different person) will give you more photos upon request. My delivery advisor called me 24 hours prior to make sure that what he is seeing is the same as what I was shown.

In my experience, the delivery advisor asked for the link of the dropbox. He wanted to make sure what he is seeing is the same as what I was told/informed. He asked me if I wanted better photos or angles of the car I did not get from the dropbox. Photos were sent to me via text AND email.

I was well informed by both Sales and Delivery advisor prior to picking up the car. My advice is to ask your delivery advisor for more photos.

-doni

 

[xdms]

Hopefully someone can assist you, but when I picked up my car I wasn't even allowed to inspect it in person before I signed the paperwork. However, I've read instances of people having the exact opposite experience and being allowed to see the car in person before purchase. I will say that there were a couple of small dings or discolorations I found in person that didn't come through in the pics that I received beforehand , but nothing I found to be a deal breaker. I know the picture set quality varies greatly between cars, but hopefully you've been provided with a decent set.

I'm sorry to hear this! I had the opposite experience last week! When I got in the delivery center, I had the little piece of "welcome" plaque and the delivery specialist walked me around the car and asked me to inspect it thoroughly before I signed the paperwork.

Inspect vs. play is different though. I did not drive the car around, etc. Just a physical inspection.

-doni

 

[jsbull]

I was just in your shoes last week (picked up mine Friday).

The Sales Advisor will is the one who will give you a link to a dropbox/google drive of pictures. As others have mentioned, not really high res. Your "Delivery Experience Specialist"/advisor (different person) will give you more photos upon request. My delivery advisor called me 24 hours prior to make sure that what he is seeing is the same as what I was shown.

In my experience, the delivery advisor asked for the link of the dropbox. He wanted to make sure what he is seeing is the same as what I was told/informed. He asked me if I wanted better photos or angles of the car I did not get from the dropbox. Photos were sent to me via text AND email.

I was well informed by both Sales and Delivery advisor prior to picking up the car. My advice is to ask your delivery advisor for more photos.

-doni

Thank you for this. It's encouraging after reading a ton of bad experiences.

How long did it take for the delivery specialist to contact you after you placed your deposit? I am reading that it was as much as 30 days for some people and I was hoping to pick up my car later this week.

 

[Videofrank]

Thank you for this. It's encouraging after reading a ton of bad experiences.

How long did it take for the delivery specialist to contact you after you placed your deposit? I am reading that it was as much as 30 days for some people and I was hoping to pick up my car later this week.

My SA called me the next day after making deposit. My DS emailed me 2 days after that. She told me that they were behind on deliveries and it was looking like 7-10 days from order to delivery. It also all depends on you. Are you trading in a car? If so, that takes a couple days. If I were you I'd log in to "My Tesla" account and make sure I fill out everything they need ahead of time.

 

[xdms]

Thank you for this. It's encouraging after reading a ton of bad experiences.

How long did it take for the delivery specialist to contact you after you placed your deposit? I am reading that it was as much as 30 days for some people and I was hoping to pick up my car later this week.

Looked at website for a couple of weeks. Found one a liked on Oct. 21 (2015 S70 70k miles, AP1, glass roof, pristine body for 39k). SA contacted me the next day with pictures and info. The day after (Oct 23) another car came up on the site (2015 s85 AP1, next gen seats, premium interior and sound, only 20k miles an but no glass roof and some cosmetic dings in the body for only 3k+ more). I called my SA and asked my deposit to be transferred.

Oct 24, finance advisor emailed me. All paperwork was sent for application. Documents were uploaded into mytesla account. Oct. 25, all trade in info was uploaded via a link emailed by SA. Oct. 26 finance approval and trade in appraisal sent. Oct. 29 delivery specialist emailed to set appointment. Finalized appointment Oct. 31 and set a pick up date for Nov. 2.

Nov. 2 - Became part of the Tesla family!

 

[kaidou]

Looked at website for a couple of weeks. Found one a liked on Oct. 21 (2015 S70 70k miles, AP1, glass roof, pristine body for 39k). SA contacted me the next day with pictures and info. The day after (Oct 23) another car came up on the site (2015 s85 AP1, next gen seats, premium interior and sound, only 20k miles an but no glass roof and some cosmetic dings in the body for only 3k+ more). I called my SA and asked my deposit to be transferred.

Oct 24, finance advisor emailed me. All paperwork was sent for application. Documents were uploaded into mytesla account. Oct. 25, all trade in info was uploaded via a link emailed by SA. Oct. 26 finance approval and trade in appraisal sent. Oct. 29 delivery specialist emailed to set appointment. Finalized appointment Oct. 31 and set a pick up date for Nov. 2.

Nov. 2 - Became part of the Tesla family!

I wonder how big the cosmetic dings would be. Hope it all works out for you!

 

[jsbull]

My SA called me the next day after making deposit. My DS emailed me 2 days after that. She told me that they were behind on deliveries and it was looking like 7-10 days from order to delivery. It also all depends on you. Are you trading in a car? If so, that takes a couple days. If I were you I'd log in to "My Tesla" account and make sure I fill out everything they need ahead of time.

I filled everything out online within about an hour of placing my deposit, I'm paying cash and have no trade in, so I'm hoping for a quick pick-up date. The DS emailed me last night, so that is encouraging. I'm hoping to pick it up tomorrow or Friday. I travel for work all next week, so it'll be 10-12 days if I can't get it this week.

Looked at website for a couple of weeks. Found one a liked on Oct. 21 (2015 S70 70k miles, AP1, glass roof, pristine body for 39k). SA contacted me the next day with pictures and info. The day after (Oct 23) another car came up on the site (2015 s85 AP1, next gen seats, premium interior and sound, only 20k miles an but no glass roof and some cosmetic dings in the body for only 3k+ more). I called my SA and asked my deposit to be transferred.

Oct 24, finance advisor emailed me. All paperwork was sent for application. Documents were uploaded into mytesla account. Oct. 25, all trade in info was uploaded via a link emailed by SA. Oct. 26 finance approval and trade in appraisal sent. Oct. 29 delivery specialist emailed to set appointment. Finalized appointment Oct. 31 and set a pick up date for Nov. 2.

Nov. 2 - Became part of the Tesla family!

Congrats! That took a bit of time, but it sounds like there were a lot of moving pieces. I'm glad it worked out well.

 

[Donz_S]

I'm impressed by some of the fast purchase/receive times! Mine was much closer to 4 weeks and the delay was all on the Tesla side. Slow email responses too. It took over 8 weeks after receipt to finally gets permanent plates (Texas). All that said... I am VERY happy with the vehicle. Not one bit of negative surprises. At pickup, in K.C. Missouri, I noticed an unmentioned scratch on the rear. They added me to the Svc Center's paint repair schedule and Telsa came out to my home in Houston to repair the scratch. I was VERY pleased with post purchase efforts.

 

[SeminoleFSU]

I've had a reservation on a car since 11/2. Been asking for pics every couple days to no avail...

 

[jsbull]

I now have the car and it's great. A lot of the defects in the photos weren't on the car when I got it. I had to check the VIN to be sure it was the same car. I guess a little wash removed what was reported as scuffs and stains.

Timeline:

• I placed deposit on Saturday, 11/3.
• Sales person responded to me same day.
• Delivery Specialist reached out the evening of 11/6.
• I flew down and picked it up on afternoon of 11/8.

Special notes:

1. The 12V battery was in failure mode when I got there, but they replaced it in less than an hour.
2. There was 1 mismatched tire (front passenger) and they denied my request to replace it so it matched the rest.
3. I did not receive a temp tag or bill of sale, so driving home was risky. They said their printer was "broken".

While it felt like it was dragging on and was making me nervous, it ended up being quick from start to finish. I just wish the delivery specialist had reached out earlier so I could have planned the trip sooner.

Note that I did not trade in a vehicle and I paid cash for the Tesla (arranged separate financing through LightStream @ 3.94% and had cash in my account to pay via ACH.)

 

[kerch2007]

Congrats! it's gorgeous!

 

[PhilDavid]

I now have the car and it's great. A lot of the defects in the photos weren't on the car when I got it. I had to check the VIN to be sure it was the same car. I guess a little wash removed what was reported as scuffs and stains.

Timeline:

• I placed deposit on Saturday, 11/3.
• Sales person responded to me same day.
• Delivery Specialist reached out the evening of 11/6.
• I flew down and picked it up on afternoon of 11/8.

Special notes:

1. The 12V battery was in failure mode when I got there, but they replaced it in less than an hour.
2. There was 1 mismatched tire (front passenger) and they denied my request to replace it so it matched the rest.
3. I did not receive a temp tag or bill of sale, so driving home was risky. They said their printer was "broken".

While it felt like it was dragging on and was making me nervous, it ended up being quick from start to finish. I just wish the delivery specialist had reached out earlier so I could have planned the trip sooner.

Note that I did not trade in a vehicle and I paid cash for the Tesla (arranged separate financing through LightStream @ 3.94% and had cash in my account to pay via ACH.)

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What do you mean they sold you a car with mismatched tires?

Is the mismatched tire from a different manufacturer altogether?

 

[jsbull]

What do you mean they sold you a car with mismatched tires?

Is the mismatched tire from a different manufacturer altogether?

Yes, the Rear Passenger Tire and both on the Driver Side are Michelin. The Front Passenger Tire is Continental.