Radonculous
Member
I don't necessarily disagree with you, but I think @mknox is trying to make a valid point. The more I've been thinking about it, I think I may have a better way to put it into perspective.
Some people buy a 100k car for it's performance and luxury. Others will buy a 100k car for bleeding-edge technology. (Honestly, only tesla really fills that niche right now.) People who are buying teslas at 100k and expecting luxury are sorely disappointed because tesla isn't in the business of making top-of-the-line luxury cars. They're in the business of industry disruption through rapid iterations and changes of cutting-edge technology.
Prior to tesla's model S and X (imo), a 100k car only fit the bill of an incredible luxury vehicle with great performance and fit and finish. That was the defacto standard of what it meant to own a car in that price range.
So while I agree that defects should not be tolerated, people (if they're going to be happy with a tesla) need to adjust their expectation of craftsmanship. Don't misunderstand me. Defective things are NOT OKAY. No one should have to put up a faulty AC, faulty doors, cars stalling out in the middle of the road with errors, airbag errors and other things that make the car undrivable. Tesla needs to get on top of that. However, people need to realize that tesla never promised a luxury vehicle of superb fit and finish (at least I never got that impression). Tesla promised people a revolution in which they get INSANE vehicle performance while turning the oil industry completely up-side-down. Slap that together into a car with a HUGE touch screen, amazing technology and decent materials ... well that's your model S and X. The X even moreso because of things like auto-opening/closing doors, a huge windshield and FWDs.
So which camp are you in? If you're not buying into the new tech and great range while being free from gas, then you're buying the wrong car. People who are expecting MB S-class (though I've been in them and while they're nice I don't think they're absolutely amazing) or Lexus LS/LX (I think they're some of the best fit-and-finish vehicles out there) will most likely be disappointed. I'm normally in the camp of Lexus fit-and-finish, but I'm giving it up because the engineer and car enthusiast in me just wants a toy to play with that is really an engineering marvel.
Disclaimer: I don't have my car yet. It could be a huge lemon and I'll have to deal with it when the time comes. That being said, I hope I have set the right expectations so I don't get off on the wrong foot. I'm not going to go over door panels and chrome finishes with a ruler. I will however, make one concession that I won't stand for, and that would be cabin noise @outie I feel your pain. If my car had those popping noises, I would be making a huge stink too!!
Respectfully, I was ignorant too until you actually get the car. Do NOT let the excitement of the car and honeymoon phase get in the way of going through ALL aspects of the car. Really look at every panel, make sure ALL electronics work as they are supposed to, look for noises, make sure steering is aligned. Hell even get a paint meter because your car may have serious damage to it that they will likely not take responsibility for. Also when you get your back after you note any of the issues, check all the panels and wheels to make sure they did not damage your car. I think its realistic to not expect quality or luxury as yo you mentioned. Be careful and good luck! I hope your experience isn't similar to the numerous people who keep posting similar to our experience.