Decided to jump in on this topic.
I have had my S85 for 11 weeks, and have 8800 miles on it. The warranty period with mileage and time is a big concern of mine. I have heard that the Tesla should require less maintenance than an ICE vehicle, and oil changes and transmission services are a thing of the past. However, I am concerned and uncertain about Tesla's philosophy regarding several issues.
1) Salvage Tesla's. Sure, from a corporate view, it makes sense to not support returning a salvage vehicle to operational use. No problem... just order a new one, right? I think it's because they are winding their way through uncharted territory, and maybe corporate policy hadn't anticipated this reality, but they need to address this in a friendly and positive way.
2) Replacement Parts and Diagnostics
I think that if I have purchased a product, I should be able to purchase replacement parts at a reasonable cost. It doesn't matter if it's a Craftsman Snow Thrower, a blender, a Mercedes Sedan, or a Tesla MS. I don't have a major problem with paying a reasonable diagnostics fee, but I would be happier if I can buy such a setup and perform the diagnostics myself. My Dell computer allows this; why not a technologically advanced vehicle like the Tesla. I could even agree with Read Only capability, and not the ability to change parameters or reset warnings, etc. An informed consumer is a empowered consumer. I would take it to Tesla to reset if necessary, but again, for a reasonable fee.
I am also concerned about the major proprietary parts that require purchase from Tesla. The center console and air suspension parts come to mind. How about a fair price with core exchange. If I have to cough up $6K to $7K for the center console, what is the value of the failed one? If it's worthless, I'll keep it. If it must be turned in, will Tesla repair the failed part(s) and offer it as refurbished part. What would be the refurbished price (exchange?)
3) I wonder about the battery pack. Sure, the 8 year unlimited mileage (85kWh) warranty applies, but how does that 8 year warranty really work? If the contactor fails in the pack, why should a new pack be necessary. Let me take it in to the Fremont factory SC and have them just replace the failed part. I totally understand the concept of FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) but I don't want to pay for the fancy box and contents when only a knob needs replacing. If they can perform a 3 minute battery swap, the cost to remove the battery shouldn't be too expensive. If it's out of warranty, I will work on the pack myself. (I have experience in working on high voltage traction vehicles including gel and lithium energy systems). If the contactor fails, will I have to try and locate it on the open market, or can I order one from Tesla. Again, I'm talking about in-warranty as well as out-of-warranty situations. I am stating a battery pack issue, whether it is a battery pack assembly failure, or a substantial loss of range issue. I might not want to replace a whole battery pack assembly for a single part failure.
4) If Elon Musk is really comitted to Tesla Service not being about making money, we should see corporate policy following this where the rubber meets the road. The price of the annual service seems to be inflated if I bring the MS to the SC, but is reasonable if they bring me a loaner and ferry it back and forth. How about the option.
Scotty