New Model S inspection or checklist

[tdbrooks]

I'll be getting my third new Model S when current lease expires in June.

Does anyone know of someone qualified to inspect a new delivery in the Fairfield County, Connecticut area.

Short of that, does anyone have a checklist which we ourselves could use to inspect?

On our last one in 2018, we fortunately noticed a long crack in glass skylight, which then was fixed, but had we not noticed and drove away, I shudder to think what might have happened.

Thanks for your input and advice.

 

[jeremymc7]

This is by no means complete, but hits the major basses. There are numerous checklists and none cover 100%; it would book a whole book..

Congrats on your THIRD Tesla, I'm only on my second, ENJOY!

Had you noticed that crack within 5 days I'm sure there would have been no issue.

If you need a referral for the new one let me know and I'll share.



A. Verify pre-delivery vehicle records

• Check for the correct full name and address on your paperwork.
• Confirm the vehicle’s VIN matches your paperwork.
• Bring written or digital proof of your down payment having been made and the final payment details
• Bring a printed insurance card.

B. Exterior inspection

• Inspect body exterior paint for defects.
• Inspect vehicle underside (front and rear) for signs of scraping, or damage.
• Check for any obvious body panel misalignment, or gaps. Especially the frunk gap, charge port, front and rear lights flush with hood/panels, glass roof panels aligned, no leaks.
• Inspect wheel rims for damage, and that all 4 valve stem covers on tires.
• Inspect all glass for signs of distortion, scratches, or cracks.
• Check for proper windshield and windshield trim installation.
• Inspect all edges of the roof glass panel and rear window.
• Test all doors to ensure they open and close without unreasonable effort or sound. Check paint in areas such as door hinges, that are not visible when doors are closed.
• Test opening and closing of the trunk with auto-close button. The door should latch and seal automatically.
• Test opening and closing of the frunk. Check paint in areas that are not visible when frunk and trunk are closed.
• Check for the towing eye under the frunk mat, and that it can be easily removed.
• Ensure door windows auto-close completely when doors are closed.
• Check all front and rear exterior lights for signs of internal condensation.
• With all doors open, inspect the weather seals around door gaps and windows. NOTE: Some deliveries have reported seals being “overlapped” incorrectly. This is easily fixed by hand in a few seconds, but worth noting.

C. In the driver seat

• Check for any error messages on the display screen.
• Touch the “Tesla T” at the top of the screen to bring up the “About Your Tesla” window. Tap the unicorn drawing to access the Sketch Pad. Leave the Sketch Pad up for a minute to make sure there are no phantom touches happening on the display.
• Gently test the driver and passenger door emergency release.
• Check all 4 windows to ensure they open and close properly.
• Make sure AC/Heat works at full power without strange noises.
• Test the sound system to ensure all speakers are working (move fade/balance to all four points to verify)
• Test the steering wheel position controls to ensure proper operation.
• Press the center of the steering wheel to make sure the vehicle’s horn works.
• Check windshield for distorted view.
• Test the windshield wipers.
• Test the rearview camera.
• Check side mirrors for proper operation of folding and position adjustment (minimal noise).
• Check sun-visor operation and mirror condition.
• Check the rearview mirror for any warping or distortion.

D. Interior inspection

• Inspect interior seat upholstery, door surfaces, dash, liner & carpets (including rear seats, frunk, and trunk).
• Check the windshield and windows for ripples in the glass.
• Check left and right clothing hook operation.
• Check all seat belts for proper operation.
• Both front seats don’t squeak when moving (check all directions of motion).
• Check the rear seats for proper fold-down operation.
• Try to lift the bottom of the back seat to ensure it is securely attached to its base.

E. Connectivity inspection

• Test connectivity in all USB ports (1 USB-A/1 USB-C in the front, 2 USB-C in the rear).
• Check 12 volt DC receptacle has power.
• Test connectivity of wireless phone charger.
• Music streaming & phone streaming work, radio reception is good.
• Test both key cards to ensure they work on B-pillar. Keep one key card on your person in case the phone app does not operate properly.
• Pair your smartphone to your vehicle over Bluetooth. Check functions work (unlock, precondition, etc)

F. Lighting inspection

• Vanity mirror lights, Front overhead driver & passenger lights.
• Rear overhead left & right side lights.
• Driver & passenger foot wells, Driver & passenger door pockets
• Rear left & right door pockets.
• Driver & passenger door puddle lights.
• Console middle compartment light, Console rear compartment light.
• All door latch button lights, All door window button lights.
• Steering wheel control lights.
• Glovebox light (check glovebox opening and closing).
• Frunk light.
• Trunk lights (2).
• Fog lights.
• Headlights (low & high-beam).
• Front park lights.
• Front turn signal lights, Left & right side turn signal lights.
• Rear running lights.
• Brake lights.

G. Inspect charging ability

• Check the charge port door for proper operation and alignment.
• Check charge port indicator light.
• Ensure the vehicle will accept a charge.
• Check the mobile charging kit with cable. Test it to ensure it works and each connector charge, latch, unlatch
• J1772 adapter.
• NEMA 5–15 120v adapter.
• NEMA 14–50 240v adapter.
• Test supercharger on site.

H. Final items

• Ask your delivery specialist to make sure that your car is marked as DELIVERED in Tesla’s network. There have been reports of cars being delivered and the phone app doesn’t allow log in the following day.
• Make sure you have copies of all paperwork necessary for good documentation of your purchase, including a copy of your signed purchase agreement. If your delivery specialist suggests that you can get your documents electronically on your Tesla account, ask for paper copies you can take with you anyway.

 

[tdbrooks]

Jeremy, thanks so much for your thoughtful and insightful response. My timing is such that I should be in time for the new updated interior. Very exciting on top of the tech and range upgrades.

 

[scrapps]

Greetings fellow Fairfield county Tesla Owner I'm in Wilton. I'm planning on having my car delivered (hopefully in March!) to Automobilia Auto Salon in West Haven so they can add XPel PPF, Ceramic coating and tint the windows. I'll be asking them to do a walk round of the car with me as they are experts when it comes to such things. I'd highly recommend them if you are thinking about protecting your shiny new S. They are a pretty high end shop and deal with a lot of exotics. Just tell them James with the Model 3 sent you

 

[Hayseed_MS]

Thanks Jeremy.

I actually put that into an excel spreadsheet with checkboxes (yes, I do drive people around me crazy with this kind of stuff). Will use at delivery.

 

[tdbrooks]

Hayseed, can you email me a copy of your excel file? [email protected]
That would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[tdbrooks]

Scrapps, I got some tinting done in Stratford, but probably not going full boat since this will (again) be a 3-yr lease. I appreciate your input though. Best of luck with your delivery.

 

[brunla]

I am going to be getting the New S as my first Tesla. The sales associate told me that I will only be allowed to inspect the outside of the car. That they will not unlock it until I have paid the remaining amount. Is this true? You can only do an interior inspection of a car after you pay for it???? I live in Los Angeles. This sounds nuts and would render the above list useless.

 

[jeremymc7]

I'm in Los Angeles and was allowed to inspect the interior of both of my cars. I did a loan on both cars and any paperwork that could be completed on line was done so in advance. The last car the car was unlocked and I was allowed to inspect everything I wanted before final signatures and acceptance. This was during pandemic at Costa Mesa. The prior car all final paperwork and signatures had to be complete and signed and then they gave me the keys to drive away (and inspect). In both cases I had opportunity to report issues or refuse the car before leaving the lot. Costa Mesa was more intimate, better run, and with nicer staff.

 

[scrapps]

I am going to be getting the New S as my first Tesla. The sales associate told me that I will only be allowed to inspect the outside of the car. That they will not unlock it until I have paid the remaining amount. Is this true? You can only do an interior inspection of a car after you pay for it???? I live in Los Angeles. This sounds nuts and would render the above list useless.

That sounds like BS to me. I was allowed to inspect the interior and exterior. Was there for my friend's delivery too and that was the same.

 

[brunla]

I'm in Los Angeles and was allowed to inspect the interior of both of my cars. I did a loan on both cars and any paperwork that could be completed on line was done so in advance. The last car the car was unlocked and I was allowed to inspect everything I wanted before final signatures and acceptance. This was during pandemic at Costa Mesa. The prior car all final paperwork and signatures had to be complete and signed and then they gave me the keys to drive away (and inspect). In both cases I had opportunity to report issues or refuse the car before leaving the lot. Costa Mesa was more intimate, better run, and with nicer staff.

Thank you for your insight. I hope the associate was wrong. Not even being able to see the new refreshed model before purchasing is tough enough. They said I will likely get my car before they even have test models delivered. (I ordered Nov last year, so I should be a priority.)

 

[derichio02]

Thank you for your insight. I hope the associate was wrong. Not even being able to see the new refreshed model before purchasing is tough enough. They said I will likely get my car before they even have test models delivered. (I ordered Nov last year, so I should be a priority.)

I have accepted delivery from both the Marina Del Rey and Burbank delivery centers in LA. All three times, 2019(mdr), and twice in 2020(mdr,bur) I have not signed or paid the final balance until I inspected the car fully inside and out. The time I financed, the loan paperwork was actually inside the car for me to sign. In short unless things have changed in the last 2 months, your advisor is wrong. I also have a 21 ordered and plan on not paying a dime until I fully inspect.

 

[jeremymc7]

Not even the $100 order fee.

 

[brunla]

I have accepted delivery from both the Marina Del Rey and Burbank delivery centers in LA. All three times, 2019(mdr), and twice in 2020(mdr,bur) I have not signed or paid the final balance until I inspected the car fully inside and out. The time I financed, the loan paperwork was actually inside the car for me to sign. In short unless things have changed in the last 2 months, your advisor is wrong. I also have a 21 ordered and plan on not paying a dime until I fully inspect.

What about if there are no test models to drive before your car comes in? I'm facing that. New yoke steering, no way to drive it first, but then don't want to wait another 3+ months for another one.

 

[derichio02]

What about if there are no test models to drive before your car comes in? I'm facing that. New yoke steering, no way to drive it first, but then don't want to wait another 3+ months for another one.

Pick up from Marina Del Rey. They will let you take a loop in the delivery lot. That’s the best that can be done with this vehicle. The only other option is to wait.

 

[jeremymc7]

Marina does have the lot to drive around it. But I’m not sure how it is during pandemic.

For example Marina had me do all the paperwork and everything inside Dec 2019 before pandemic.

Costa Mesa has inside as well. But with pandemic in June 2020 they couldn’t let anyone inside. And had set up temporary booths and tables. So everything was done outside and it cut into the lot and parking spaces.

It’s possible Marina might be doing things outside as well and reduced space in the lot (like Costa Mesa was) might mean no lot to drive around in.

It’s actually possible to get someone at Marina on the phone to discuss. I know I talked to them directly. But it took many, many calls. Like was either busy, rang off the hook, or went to mailbox that was always full.

 

[derichio02]

Marina does have the lot to drive around it. But I’m not sure how it is during pandemic.

For example Marina had me do all the paperwork and everything inside Dec 2019 before pandemic.

Costa Mesa has inside as well. But with pandemic in June 2020 they couldn’t let anyone inside. And had set up temporary booths and tables. So everything was done outside and it cut into the lot and parking spaces.

It’s possible Marina might be doing things outside as well and reduced space in the lot (like Costa Mesa was) might mean no lot to drive around in.

It’s actually possible to get someone at Marina on the phone to discuss. I know I talked to them directly. But it took many, many calls. Like was either busy, rang off the hook, or went to mailbox that was always full.

I picked up a Model 3 on 12/14/2020. Everything was outside but they still let folks drive

 

[jeremymc7]

Sounds like Marina is the place to go if you want to drive around the lot before leaving.

I went out of my way to get the last car anywhere but Marina.

For me the folks at Costa Mesa were much nicer, easier to work with, and the whole process was just smoother.

 

[brunla]

Pick up from Marina Del Rey. They will let you take a loop in the delivery lot. That’s the best that can be done with this vehicle. The only other option is to wait.

So when you get the VIN and they say they want to arrange final payment, that is not actually when you pay? And do you know if they will let you pay for your down on a credit card?

 

[Sbaimo]

I picked up a Model 3 on 12/14/2020. Everything was outside but they still let folks drive

derichio02
I also
Libé in LA in Hancock Park. When I ordered my new S from Century City, the SA advised me to pick the car up from the Marina. He said the Marina location was a better service center than Burbank.

I’m equidistant from the 2 locations. Do you have any experience with the Burbank location and if so, did you like it. My SA has me picking up in Marina if they ever release the refreshed model. Just curious if anyone has had service from both these places. I am a first time Tesla buyer and want to know which service center might be better. I am not confident about anything the Tesla sales people tell me.