Post Initial Problems with the Model X

[anticitizen13.7]

Absolutely!!! As a Production reservation with a VIN in the low 300s, I definitely want to hear about what's going wrong with the early Signatures. And then I want to hear that Tesla has resolved every single problem (which is likely) by the time Tesla starts building the Production models. This will allow me to know what potential issues I should be looking for at delivery, and being mentally prepared for certain disappointments that we'll just have to accept (like poor visibility out of the rear window, no folding 2nd-row seats, no AM radio band, etc.). I'm sorry if stock shorts take advantage of these reports, or if current owners start to weep because they have to read about problems fellow owners are having. Too bad. Get over it. It's very helpful information, and many of us want to know it.

I completely agree with this. TSLA shareholders may not want unfavorable items about Model X out in the news, but in the end, it's the customers that make or break the future of Tesla Motors. The short sellers have little control over how many people buy these cars. I'd rather customers be happy with their purchase than surprised and upset about something unexpected.

With regards to poor rear window visibility, I'm afraid it seems that most modern cars suffer from this, due to a combination of high rear decks in sedans and increasing slope in rear windows for aero reasons. If you look at a car that is praised for good all-around visibility, it is generally going to be boxy like a Subaru Forester. My current car, an 8th generation Honda Civic, has awful rearward visibility to the point where I try to avoid backing up the car when possible. I never had this problem with Hondas from the mid to late 90's. I am sure that complaints about this lead to Honda making rear cameras standard in the 9th Generation Civic and onwards.

 

[Mark Z]

Absolutely!!! As a Production reservation with a VIN in the low 300s, I definitely want to hear about what's going wrong with the early Signatures. And then I want to hear that Tesla has resolved every single problem (which is likely) by the time Tesla starts building the Production models. This will allow me to know what potential issues I should be looking for at delivery, and being mentally prepared for certain disappointments that we'll just have to accept (like poor visibility out of the rear window, no folding 2nd-row seats, no AM radio band, etc.). I'm sorry if stock shorts take advantage of these reports, or if current owners start to weep because they have to read about problems fellow owners are having. Too bad. Get over it. It's very helpful information, and many of us want to know it.

Wonderful response!

After the discoveries that the detail specialist found, the original post is now filled with new information that helps give answers to relax and prepare for more enjoyment of Model X.

The leather seats will look old if not cared for, so get the best advice soon so you will be thrilled later. Until then, if you are wearing blue jeans, then sit on a towel or other material the same color as the seat. I did that with Model S and the White Leather looks as good as day one.

One question for those who have the Ultra White Seats, does daily use with blue jeans cause color transfer? If not, then just post the answer if and when it happens and how long you had the vehicle without cleaning the synthetic material.

 

[eloder]

or those of us on the list for an X wanting to see how the issues are sorted to make a more educated decision on when to jump into the fray.

It's a proven fact that Tesla will make any and every imperfection proper and corrected again. There's no reason they're going to suddenly stop this with the Model X. If your concern about the MX is that it will need some initial post-factory corrections, you may as well cancel now and buy a tried-and-true Toyota SUV. I fully expect my Model 3 to have issues and I don't care in the slightest.

This thread, this early on, only provides fodder for TSLA shorts and those who would seek to destroy or undo the company that is Tesla.

People are welcome to post what they feel as owners. Still waiting to hear a delivery story of someone regretting their X, and I don't think we'll hear one for a very, very long time.

 

[jmwang]

Is there any feasibility of having a thread of issues in which only owners, and people with immediate delivery numbers (somehow verified) can participate?
There's a need for information. Sometimes someone at Tesla has it, sometimes its someone on this thread.
Alot of us signed up knowing our cars were likely to be one the ones being improved upon, and are fine in that knowledge. Certainly I would rather Tesla work out their errors with me than the dude from the NYT, but there's a ton of misinformation out there as to even what expected behavior is. A fair amount of the misinformation resides within Tesla, so where's an owner to go?

I would expect 90% of recurring errors to be reduced by 90% in the next few weeks, so the thread could be blown up then....

Not sure about feasibility, and by no means signing up for that job, just hoping there's some room for compromise. I can see both sides of this.

 

[ohmman]

While I understand emotionally why some of us don't like to read bad things about Tesla in the press (especially if it's based on very loose information), I still don't really understand why anyone cares. I also don't know why anyone cares what shorts do. Shorts aren't going to bankrupt Tesla. Tesla is the only one who can bankrupt Tesla. If shorts manage to drive the price down temporarily, buyers should arrive and rejoice in sale prices - assuming the shorts are acting on baseless information.

If you're an investor, shorts shouldn't bother you. If you're a Tesla enthusiast and supporter, shorts shouldn't bother you. Incorrect news might get under your skin, but otherwise I don't see why it would even register on your annoyance meter.

I'm happy to be told what I'm missing here.

 

[Mark Z]

Is there any feasibility of having a thread of issues in which only owners, and people with immediate delivery numbers (somehow verified) can participate?...

The Tesla Motors Forum would be ideal with their "Private" threads. The problem there is difficulty putting photos in the post and no editing. Once it is written, it can only be deleted by request.

What would help here is for all the posts to have a longer edit time so updates could be provided instead of being sealed up after a day. I realize the Wiki Post is available, but isn't that for everyone to edit? I doubt anyone would want that, just as we don't want a database.

With some updated data provided today, problems have been answered and other concerns have been replaced into savings for Tesla Motors. Since the new softer leathers do show color transfer more and have a tendency to crease a bit, isn't it great to know that it is a normal process so Tesla won't be replacing seats unnecessary. Same with my personal windshield sparkles, money can be saved by just claying the surface to clean the window properly instead of glass replacement. Money saved by Tesla? I like when that happens.

 

[Lonnie123]

I have to say I'm relieved to see that none of the current Sig owners have posted any issues with the Falcon Wing Doors. (I havent read through this thread all the way so maybe someone did)

Those were on the top of the "could go wrong" list and its nice to see they appear to be working as advertised. Could bring out a revolution in the luxury door market ;-)

 

[schonelucht]

No one is telling anyone else they shouldn't post what they want to post.

From the very first reply in this thread :

lets not

 

[bonnie]

From the very first reply in this thread :

Weak. That's out of context. People have been clearly and consistently saying that everyone is free to post what they want to post.

 

[lolachampcar]

I love the outrage over nothing. It's so cute.

Nice and condesending there bonnie. There really are people out there like me that simply want to discuss the X with those that have taken delivery and will share the good and bad (knowing that Tesla has a fantastic track record of dealing with most of the bad). The ability to live through these early issues vicariously with the early adopters amongst us is invaluable.

Your position is clear but, as you pointed out before, it is simply one person's opinion and really should not be pushed with condescending comments.

Lastly, I've appreciated your attempts to offer corrective comments on my behavior in the past (needed correction). Hopefully you will see mine above in the same light.

- - - Updated - - -

It's a proven fact that Tesla will make any and every imperfection proper and corrected again. There's no reason they're going to suddenly stop this with the Model X. If your concern about the MX is that it will need some initial post-factory corrections, you may as well cancel now and buy a tried-and-true Toyota SUV. I fully expect my Model 3 to have issues and I don't care in the slightest.

This thread, this early on, only provides fodder for TSLA shorts and those who would seek to destroy or undo the company that is Tesla.

People are welcome to post what they feel as owners. Still waiting to hear a delivery story of someone regretting their X, and I don't think we'll hear one for a very, very long time.

I disagree from very practical experience. First, I am already learning from what current owners are posting. Second, I nailed my P85D delivery. I got a 2015 ViN in addition to next gen seats with perfect paint and panel alignment. At the same time, I got the proper sport suspension on the car. I had none of the issues associated with the December cars. Knowing what is going on with initial production and making your own call as to when to enter the process based on current issues and likely correction scenarios is very helpful.

 

[andrewket]

Nice and condesending there bonnie. There really are people out there like me that simply want to discuss the X with those that have taken delivery and will share the good and bad (knowing that Tesla has a fantastic track record of dealing with most of the bad). The ability to live through these early issues vicariously with the early adopters amongst us is invaluable.

Your position is clear but, as you pointed out before, it is simply one person's opinion and really should not be pushed with condescending comments.

Lastly, I've appreciated your attempts to offer corrective comments on my behavior in the past (needed correction). Hopefully you will see mine above in the same light.

- - - Updated - - -



I disagree from very practical experience. First, I am already learning from what current owners are posting. Second, I nailed my P85D delivery. I got a 2015 ViN in addition to next gen seats with perfect paint and panel alignment. At the same time, I got the proper sport suspension on the car. I had none of the issues associated with the December cars. Knowing what is going on with initial production and making your own call as to when to enter the process based on current issues and likely correction scenarios is very helpful.

Not to go too off topic, but other than the delivery delay in Dec 2014, my 2014 VIN P85D has been perfect, and I'm happy I didn't wait for a 2015 VIN. It's the same car.

 

[lolachampcar]

bonnie,

I just read a post over on TM where they reference your selling your Model X. Is this indeed the case and, if it is, can you elaborate here as to why you would do so after waiting for it for so long?

 

[bonnie]

Nice and condesending there bonnie. There really are people out there like me that simply want to discuss the X with those that have taken delivery and will share the good and bad (knowing that Tesla has a fantastic track record of dealing with most of the bad). The ability to live through these early issues vicariously with the early adopters amongst us is invaluable.

I think you totally missed my point, lola. I could have just said something about 'manufactured outrage' and perhaps should have. But honestly, do you not see that these posts about 'by golly, I'm going to post about problems if I want to and you're not going to stop me!!!' is just pure drama?? NO ONE IS STOPPING ANYONE AND NO ONE IS TRYING TO DO SO. That was my point. Look back through the thread. My comments from the beginning have been 'post if you want to do so'. I just saw no need yet for a database, since so few cars were delivered.

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bonnie,

I just read a post over on TM where they reference your selling your Model X. Is this indeed the case and, if it is, can you elaborate here as to why you would do so after waiting for it for so long?

Sure. As many know, I've qualified for a discounted Founders, fully loaded, through the referral program. I was also made an offer that would have been impossible to refuse in any case (meaning, even if I wasn't getting a Founders) from someone who wanted an early Sig X and could afford to twist my arm hard. Between the premium I'll be receiving and the discount, I've made out like a bandit (stevezzz has graciously pointed out 'you SUCK' over learning the details - old friends who keep you grounded are priceless.) Hard not to grin like a fool when I think about it.

As sad as I am to let it go, it is now parked and waiting for final paperwork before making its way to the new owner. Beautiful vehicle and I'm very very sad to see it go. I was lucky enough to have it in my possession for a few weeks and I'm grateful to the new owner for allowing me to lightly drive it. Can't wait for the permanent addition to my household now.

 

[lolachampcar]

Glad to hear you are still in the fold with Model X and especially glad to hear the reason for the sale Congrats.

 

[bonnie]

Glad to hear you are still in the fold with Model X and especially glad to hear the reason for the sale Congrats.

thanks. just couldn't quite justify two Xs ...

 

[ecarfan]

While I understand emotionally why some of us don't like to read bad things about Tesla in the press (especially if it's based on very loose information), I still don't really understand why anyone cares. I also don't know why anyone cares what shorts do... If you're an investor, shorts shouldn't bother you. If you're a Tesla enthusiast and supporter, shorts shouldn't bother you. Incorrect news might get under your skin, but otherwise I don't see why it would even register on your annoyance meter.

I strongly agree. Short term investors as a group always lose more than they win. If TSLA goes down temporarily because of some silly overblown "scandal" (like the tiny number of f**es two year ago) I don't care, and I have -- for me -- plenty invested in TSLA. Investing based on short term thinking is a money loser.
I also agree with Bonnie that it can be (and this is my wording) premature and short-sighted to post about an X "issue" based on one or two cars and either assume or imply that such an issue is present in most or all X's currently being produced or that said issue is something that Tesla will not be able to rectify on delivered cars. One should make such posts with caution and avoid making unwarranted assumptions.
That said, no one is being prevented from posting whatever they want to about their new X. We all want to hear every detail of the ownership experience, pluses and minuses.

 

[30seconds]

Sure. As many know, I've qualified for a discounted Founders, fully loaded, through the referral program. I was also made an offer that would have been impossible to refuse in any case (meaning, even if I wasn't getting a Founders) from someone who wanted an early Sig X and could afford to twist my arm hard. Between the premium I'll be receiving and the discount, I've made out like a bandit (stevezzz has graciously pointed out 'you SUCK' over learning the details - old friends who keep you grounded are priceless.) Hard not to grin like a fool when I think about it.

Oh, that's brilliant. Congratulations - your patience and support was clearly rewarded. And I almost spit my morning coffee while reading this.

 

[eloder]

While I understand emotionally why some of us don't like to read bad things about Tesla in the press (especially if it's based on very loose information), I still don't really understand why anyone cares. I also don't know why anyone cares what shorts do. Shorts aren't going to bankrupt Tesla. Tesla is the only one who can bankrupt Tesla. If shorts manage to drive the price down temporarily, buyers should arrive and rejoice in sale prices - assuming the shorts are acting on baseless information.

If you're an investor, shorts shouldn't bother you. If you're a Tesla enthusiast and supporter, shorts shouldn't bother you. Incorrect news might get under your skin, but otherwise I don't see why it would even register on your annoyance meter.

I'm happy to be told what I'm missing here.

How important early impressions are, and how those translate into EV acceptance and interest as a whole for the general public. The general public isn't reading TMC, they're reading whatever highlights the media decides to provide--and the FUD is by far the strongest controller of media no matter what product or service you're selling.

Big case and point based in recent events, the public's perception of EV fire risk. EVs catch fire at 1/10th the frequency of gas cars, yet a majority of the Model 3 target market still thinks EVs are horrible fire hazards.

I could name a whole host of products, political policies, etc. that are still unreasonably dominated by the early FUD voices, even years down the line. I just think people should tread carefully this early, especially when Tesla service still seems as exceptional as it did with the early Model S vehicles.

 

[ohmman]

How important early impressions are, and how those translate into EV acceptance and interest as a whole for the general public. The general public isn't reading TMC, they're reading whatever highlights the media decides to provide--and the FUD is by far the strongest controller of media no matter what product or service you're selling.

I'm going to argue that Tesla has an overwhelmingly positive image in the popular press. They've been gushing over the MX, and have obviously gushed over the MS. I don't think a few articles on blogs that are preaching to their subscriber base are going to impact that.

Big case and point based in recent events, the public's perception of EV fire risk. EVs catch fire at 1/10th the frequency of gas cars, yet a majority of the Model 3 target market still thinks EVs are horrible fire hazards.

Do you have a source on this? Over half of the Model 3 target market? If that's the case, I must live in another universe. I've never met a single person who mentioned EV fires when we discuss the benefits of an EV. And you can probably tell by my participation here, I talk a lot about EVs.

 

[lolachampcar]

It hurts my brain to think that the solution to fuddy people is to not speak amongst ourselves....... Life gets rather limiting if you take that to its extremes.