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Purchasing a buyback/lemon - great deal or total disaster?
- Thread starter Vino&chanel
- Start date
Again, the 8 years/unlimited mileage warranty is ONLY on the HV battery and drive unit (Vehicle Warranty).
I currently drive an i3 and really love driving electric. It's a fun little car to drive. However, not to sound too uppity, but I am use to driving a luxury car and really miss driving one. Previously had a Mercedes S550, X5, Alfa Romeo Giulia... the list goes on. I feel like the Model S gives me both of those things, luxury and electric. I love the way it looks and have several friends that own them that have let me drive it and it really is a dream. I do own several other cars, so was really hoping to be able to find a great deal on one so that I could pay cash for it which is why I have been open to looking at this year and mileage. I am starting to wonder though if it is just unrealistic and I need to consider spending a bit more to get something that will give me more longevity and not end up becoming a money pit.
Wait, a lemon law buyback executed 6 years after the car was new? This doesn't sound right. You are buying a proven-headache? Drive your ICE until you have enough money for a used Tesla thru their website
Yes I am trying to get some more detailed info about why exactly the vehicle was bought back by Tesla. Was told something about a software issue that took over 30 days to get an update for so they qualified for a buyback. Still waiting to see paperwork to verify this.
I bought Signature P90DL #725 Model X for my wife a little over 2 years ago. The lemon was due to self presenting door not opening. TESLA eventually changed the gasket design but not before buying back from original owner. No major issues in the 2+ years having it and we are now out of warranty. No fix is <$500, but that’s ok.
$25k for lemon on 2013 with buyback is an OK price but expect questions when you try to sell it later.
$25k for lemon on 2013 with buyback is an OK price but expect questions when you try to sell it later.
Thank you for sharing this. I fully understand that any out of warranty repair will be costly... as a BMW and Mercedes owner I have certainly experienced that. I am really trying to weigh the pros and cons with this one. I don’t generally buy used cars this ‘old’ and certainly not with this title so this is a whole new experience for me. Glad to hear that it has been positive for you so far!!
Thank you so much for your input on this. I am thankful to not be in a position where I am rushed at all. This car is 100% want and not a need. In think for starters the price will have to be reduced a couple thousand and I am still waiting on the paperwork in regards to the buyback. I do get some comfort knowing I have that bumper to bumper 12month/12k warranty but there is so much more to consider...
I see. Yeah, the Bolt isn't luxurious at all and has a crappy interior (I have one). But, as you can see, they're cheap, have plenty of range and are reasonably fast in terms of acceleration.
Page 7 of https://www.dca.ca.gov/acp/pdf_files/englemn.pdf lists the conditions for lemon law in CA.
For that kind of $ (you said $29K), if I didn't care about luxury and wanted something new covered by a full warranty, I'd get a Bolt w/the equipment level you like.
If you really want a Tesla or want more luxury and are willing to spend some more, instead of the car you're considering, I'd rather have an off-menu "$35K" (well, possibly $35.4K) + $1.2K destination charge + fee off-menu Model 3 SR (An Update to Our Vehicle Lineup) new, unless you find a used 3 that still has plenty of warranty left.
Tam
Well-Known Member
It's fine as a local car around town but not practical for long-distance due to slow charging.
Thank you for the lemon law link! Very helpful. The seller copied me on an email he sent to his contact at Tesla requesting the specific details of the buyback, so that will be a big determinant if I want to consider moving forward with this. I also feel like the $29k is too high w/ the branded title, and that will also need to be negotiated.
I am trying to figure out what my priorities are in purchasing the vehicle. I know I definitely want the 85kW battery, but is year or mileage a bigger factor? Options? Trying to figure this all out...
Let’s see. I bought a clean title 2014 P85+ with 50k miles in May 2019 for $39K. Sight unseen from TESLA and in and out in 10 minutes in Marina Del Ray.
immediately noticed:
- tail light dimming (both replaced under warranty not due bill by mobile service)
- DU noise (replaced 3 months in)
- worn CF spoiler (replaced with RPM OEM look alike)
- two door handles fail at 6 months (replaced under warranty)
- on board charger failure (also covered under warranty)
No battery issues to date and it’s a 85kw Rev D if that matters.
not a lemon title but a car that didn’t age well in SoCal. She’s all buttoned up now, added RFS and so far partial CF dechrome by me.
I’ll note I used to own P10456 P85 2013. I totaled it Jan 2018. The build in the P85+ 2014 feels tighter but isn’t as refined as 2015 onward.
No AP, no insane or ludicrous. I wouldn’t change it for anything. I’ve since decided the car stays with us and will go to my son when he turn 16.
take the time and go look at the car. Decide if you like it:
Checking EV CPO I cant find a P85 under $40k so $25 for lemon to me seems coat value is built in. Just be sure why it was lemoned and check the above failures if they have occurred
immediately noticed:
- tail light dimming (both replaced under warranty not due bill by mobile service)
- DU noise (replaced 3 months in)
- worn CF spoiler (replaced with RPM OEM look alike)
- two door handles fail at 6 months (replaced under warranty)
- on board charger failure (also covered under warranty)
No battery issues to date and it’s a 85kw Rev D if that matters.
not a lemon title but a car that didn’t age well in SoCal. She’s all buttoned up now, added RFS and so far partial CF dechrome by me.
I’ll note I used to own P10456 P85 2013. I totaled it Jan 2018. The build in the P85+ 2014 feels tighter but isn’t as refined as 2015 onward.
No AP, no insane or ludicrous. I wouldn’t change it for anything. I’ve since decided the car stays with us and will go to my son when he turn 16.
take the time and go look at the car. Decide if you like it:
Checking EV CPO I cant find a P85 under $40k so $25 for lemon to me seems coat value is built in. Just be sure why it was lemoned and check the above failures if they have occurred
TripleTrucker
Member
I bought a 2012 Volt with a buyback title several years ago.
It seemed like a great deal and was pretty much trouble-free for the few years I had it. Unfortunately, the branded title killed the trade-in value. It didn't matter that there were no issues with the car and I had not had many problems. That stamp on the title will just turn off many people.
It got me into the electric car idea which led me to buy my Model S, so I guess it was worth it!
It seemed like a great deal and was pretty much trouble-free for the few years I had it. Unfortunately, the branded title killed the trade-in value. It didn't matter that there were no issues with the car and I had not had many problems. That stamp on the title will just turn off many people.
It got me into the electric car idea which led me to buy my Model S, so I guess it was worth it!
I don't think I would go for that car with the branded title, at least not at that price point.
I would recommend bumping your price up to $35k which opens up lots of possibilities - if you can.
I know that you wanted to pay cash and be done with it, but you're probably going to be much happier in the long run spending just a bit more. By staying at $30k you literally only have a few options, some of which are branded titled cars.
At $35k you have hundreds of options.
Also, in case you haven't seen it there is a company that offers extended warranties on Tesla cars.
Vendor - X-Care EV Extended Warranty - The "Why" to our "What".
I would rather a 120k mile out of warranty 85kW Tesla with a clean title and a 3rd party extended warranty than a branded title.
Just my $0.02
I would recommend bumping your price up to $35k which opens up lots of possibilities - if you can.
I know that you wanted to pay cash and be done with it, but you're probably going to be much happier in the long run spending just a bit more. By staying at $30k you literally only have a few options, some of which are branded titled cars.
At $35k you have hundreds of options.
Also, in case you haven't seen it there is a company that offers extended warranties on Tesla cars.
Vendor - X-Care EV Extended Warranty - The "Why" to our "What".
I would rather a 120k mile out of warranty 85kW Tesla with a clean title and a 3rd party extended warranty than a branded title.
Just my $0.02
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