06/02/23
Ordered a 23 Model Y long drive dual motor with FSD after two test drives, Some initial experience after six weeks.
Demonstration and first drive experience of my first Tesla Vehicle.
Staff a Dartford were very helpful, knowledgeable and were able to answer all my questions. I was extremely impressed by the vehicle’s performance, the Tesla handled well, quiet, responsive and comfortable a very pleasing drive. Booked a second extended test drive after looking at Tesla’s owners and many on live reviews and demo videos, again very impressive drive. Being an older driver having had knee replacements I valued the easy entry and summons to allow driver door to be fully opened for ease of access avoiding twisting on knees for getting in and out of the vehicle in tight parking spaces where doors can only be partially opened. This was a strong positive in deciding to order the vehicle with the full FSD and considered it worth the FSD cost
Restricted view from rear window but with camera vision and sensors found parking easy in busy streets parking bays and at supermarket car parks, that said found the KIA ev6 all round camera view much superior. Reversing was poor compared to my previous vehicle that was equipped with Left and Right 50-meter warning sensors.
Pleased with the interior, rear boot and front bonnet storage, very roomy and ease of dropping rear seats when extra space is required.
Simplicity of ordering the vehicle and accessories
Extremely easy including setting up the Tesla App, account and ordering accessories, trays, jacking accessories, wall charger all arrived on time.
Disappointments
I was informed at the time of placing the vehicles order that I will receive it quarter for end of November / December which was acceptable. The Tesla app confirmed this and at first was impressed with the communication updates. On the 12 October 22, I received an update advising me of expected delivery of 19 October to 3rd of November and directed me to pay the outstanding balance to avoid delays. I went to the bank and paid by bankers transfer to ensure prompt payment and received notification from Tesla that the account was fully paid. I them made arrangements to sell my vehicle and to obtain insurance quotations in readiness.
A week later I received a further update of the delivery, expected delivery November / December. I contacted Tesla who informed me that no vehicle had been assigned and a date could not be given, they were puzzled how I managed to make full payment as payment account details are only sent out when the VIN has been allocated. I was not prepared to leave full payment as an open check and requested a refund less the deposit. I was informed that it could take a few weeks and must be applied in writing, add that I had committed to sell my vehicle not a great start.
On the 22 November at 10.34 I received a Tesla Vision disclaimer stating that some functions Summon, Special Summons, Park and Self Park were temporarily not available and would be restored by Vision over the air software update.
I contacted Tesla first by telephone followed by two emails and I was assured that the removal of the USS sensors, will only temporarily affect Parking, Auto Park, Summons and Special Summons on my model and an improved system will be replaced by a software update using the vehicles cameras as part of Tesla Vision improvements in the New Year. Tesla also advised as I had not yet taken delivery I could cancel the FSD and purchase it at any time in the future. I explained that the main reason for purchasing FSD pack was for parking and more importantly for Summons for easy access. I was assured the features would be available in the New Year via software update.
In the first week of December, I received an update informing me revised delivery of 19 January to 3rd March, I contacted Tesla who were unable to confirm as they are not aware until the vehicles arrive at Southampton port. therefore I agreed to join my sons who had booked Christmas break in Nottingham adventure park with their families.
A week later I was informed that my vehicle VIN had been assigned and I needed to pick it up on the 23 December, given a choice of collection times. I explained that I had book a Christmas break but could pick the vehicle up after Christmas / New year, I was informed that I would loose the vehicle and would have to wait for the next slot which would be in the first / second quarter of 2023. Having sold my vehicle did not wishing to lose the Tesla, I therefore arranged to return from Christmas break to pick up the vehicle from Brent Cross Delivery Hub. I did call into Brent Cross and spoke to one of Tesla’s staff who kindly offered to have the vehicle ready for the 21/22 December, but having purchase train tickets, arranged car and gap insurance was not cost effective.
Treated as Cattle Class – take it or leave attitude
Three days before collection date, I was informed that there was no guarantee of the vehicles charge level at the time of pickup and to familiarise myself with nearest charging points locations and how to charge the vehicle.
On arrived at Brent Cross on the 23rd of December with my Grandson from our Christmas break in Nottingham to Brent Cross Collection Hub, which was a portacabin, there was a que waiting outside the “Hub” with customer getting wet. We eventually got into the delivery portacabin and were given the two vehicles’ key cards and asked to sign for the vehicle acceptance. I was surprised as we had not had a glimpse of the vehicle, but reliably informed that we could inspect the vehicle before driving away, additionally we were informed that the vehicle was located a few rows to the rear of the HUB. Leaving the cabin, we noticed some vehicles had the hazards lights flashing, but we roamed around the massive car park for around 20 minutes, soaked eventually finding the vehicle in a completely different location.
Having made enquiries and noting that Brent Cross has only two charging points which are constantly full, therefore dropped the car at home, changed into dry clothes, washed it to check vehicle condition and then returned to Nottingham by train. I contacted Tesla to notify of a defect on the rear driver’s door, it appeared that the lower door protection had been applied to a dirty paint surface. Tesla booked an appointment at Park Royal but later asked if I wanted home repair.
Summing Up
Negatives
Worst ever experience in the purchase of 12 new vehicles over 53 years.
Low speed traffic stop starts very jerky when pulling away
Annoying window wipers operating on dry windscreen on Auto pilot
No sensors to aid parking or getting out of tight spots, only warning is bumper to bumper contact.
Cameras have misted up in the cold weather on three occasions and were not available
Price drops just after 15 days of purchase, but that’s life. 2023 has lower the status and image of Tesla brand, more EV’s entering the market greater choice
Positives
That said overall well-constructed, lots of room, comfortable, great satnav / display and pleasing to drive, but have serious concerns over the removal of radar and USS sensors and have lost trust in the Tesla Product.
Best driving experience against other EV vehicles, maintaining slight edge over Polestar with the Tesla Charging Network and milage range.
Ordered a 23 Model Y long drive dual motor with FSD after two test drives, Some initial experience after six weeks.
Demonstration and first drive experience of my first Tesla Vehicle.
Staff a Dartford were very helpful, knowledgeable and were able to answer all my questions. I was extremely impressed by the vehicle’s performance, the Tesla handled well, quiet, responsive and comfortable a very pleasing drive. Booked a second extended test drive after looking at Tesla’s owners and many on live reviews and demo videos, again very impressive drive. Being an older driver having had knee replacements I valued the easy entry and summons to allow driver door to be fully opened for ease of access avoiding twisting on knees for getting in and out of the vehicle in tight parking spaces where doors can only be partially opened. This was a strong positive in deciding to order the vehicle with the full FSD and considered it worth the FSD cost
Restricted view from rear window but with camera vision and sensors found parking easy in busy streets parking bays and at supermarket car parks, that said found the KIA ev6 all round camera view much superior. Reversing was poor compared to my previous vehicle that was equipped with Left and Right 50-meter warning sensors.
Pleased with the interior, rear boot and front bonnet storage, very roomy and ease of dropping rear seats when extra space is required.
Simplicity of ordering the vehicle and accessories
Extremely easy including setting up the Tesla App, account and ordering accessories, trays, jacking accessories, wall charger all arrived on time.
Disappointments
I was informed at the time of placing the vehicles order that I will receive it quarter for end of November / December which was acceptable. The Tesla app confirmed this and at first was impressed with the communication updates. On the 12 October 22, I received an update advising me of expected delivery of 19 October to 3rd of November and directed me to pay the outstanding balance to avoid delays. I went to the bank and paid by bankers transfer to ensure prompt payment and received notification from Tesla that the account was fully paid. I them made arrangements to sell my vehicle and to obtain insurance quotations in readiness.
A week later I received a further update of the delivery, expected delivery November / December. I contacted Tesla who informed me that no vehicle had been assigned and a date could not be given, they were puzzled how I managed to make full payment as payment account details are only sent out when the VIN has been allocated. I was not prepared to leave full payment as an open check and requested a refund less the deposit. I was informed that it could take a few weeks and must be applied in writing, add that I had committed to sell my vehicle not a great start.
On the 22 November at 10.34 I received a Tesla Vision disclaimer stating that some functions Summon, Special Summons, Park and Self Park were temporarily not available and would be restored by Vision over the air software update.
I contacted Tesla first by telephone followed by two emails and I was assured that the removal of the USS sensors, will only temporarily affect Parking, Auto Park, Summons and Special Summons on my model and an improved system will be replaced by a software update using the vehicles cameras as part of Tesla Vision improvements in the New Year. Tesla also advised as I had not yet taken delivery I could cancel the FSD and purchase it at any time in the future. I explained that the main reason for purchasing FSD pack was for parking and more importantly for Summons for easy access. I was assured the features would be available in the New Year via software update.
In the first week of December, I received an update informing me revised delivery of 19 January to 3rd March, I contacted Tesla who were unable to confirm as they are not aware until the vehicles arrive at Southampton port. therefore I agreed to join my sons who had booked Christmas break in Nottingham adventure park with their families.
A week later I was informed that my vehicle VIN had been assigned and I needed to pick it up on the 23 December, given a choice of collection times. I explained that I had book a Christmas break but could pick the vehicle up after Christmas / New year, I was informed that I would loose the vehicle and would have to wait for the next slot which would be in the first / second quarter of 2023. Having sold my vehicle did not wishing to lose the Tesla, I therefore arranged to return from Christmas break to pick up the vehicle from Brent Cross Delivery Hub. I did call into Brent Cross and spoke to one of Tesla’s staff who kindly offered to have the vehicle ready for the 21/22 December, but having purchase train tickets, arranged car and gap insurance was not cost effective.
Treated as Cattle Class – take it or leave attitude
Three days before collection date, I was informed that there was no guarantee of the vehicles charge level at the time of pickup and to familiarise myself with nearest charging points locations and how to charge the vehicle.
On arrived at Brent Cross on the 23rd of December with my Grandson from our Christmas break in Nottingham to Brent Cross Collection Hub, which was a portacabin, there was a que waiting outside the “Hub” with customer getting wet. We eventually got into the delivery portacabin and were given the two vehicles’ key cards and asked to sign for the vehicle acceptance. I was surprised as we had not had a glimpse of the vehicle, but reliably informed that we could inspect the vehicle before driving away, additionally we were informed that the vehicle was located a few rows to the rear of the HUB. Leaving the cabin, we noticed some vehicles had the hazards lights flashing, but we roamed around the massive car park for around 20 minutes, soaked eventually finding the vehicle in a completely different location.
Having made enquiries and noting that Brent Cross has only two charging points which are constantly full, therefore dropped the car at home, changed into dry clothes, washed it to check vehicle condition and then returned to Nottingham by train. I contacted Tesla to notify of a defect on the rear driver’s door, it appeared that the lower door protection had been applied to a dirty paint surface. Tesla booked an appointment at Park Royal but later asked if I wanted home repair.
Summing Up
Negatives
Worst ever experience in the purchase of 12 new vehicles over 53 years.
Low speed traffic stop starts very jerky when pulling away
Annoying window wipers operating on dry windscreen on Auto pilot
No sensors to aid parking or getting out of tight spots, only warning is bumper to bumper contact.
Cameras have misted up in the cold weather on three occasions and were not available
Price drops just after 15 days of purchase, but that’s life. 2023 has lower the status and image of Tesla brand, more EV’s entering the market greater choice
Positives
That said overall well-constructed, lots of room, comfortable, great satnav / display and pleasing to drive, but have serious concerns over the removal of radar and USS sensors and have lost trust in the Tesla Product.
Best driving experience against other EV vehicles, maintaining slight edge over Polestar with the Tesla Charging Network and milage range.
I must be one of the few who doesn’t even use the free auto lane assist that comes with every car. I did try using it a few times and the amount of effort to keep touching the steering wheel and the constant engaging disengaging was just annoying. The big instance for me was doing a long trip down the M6 with the family and I was cruising along in my lane and the car without warning/reason violently phantom braked and jerked to the left. The Mrs screamed and said do not ever put that thing on again when I’m in the car 
I literally haven’t touched it since. I’m sure it can work but the whole point of these assists should be to make the journey more relaxing and not have you constantly hovering around the break and steering.
