I took delivery of my used model S on 12/31. Don’t pay too much attention to the horror stories. Ive come to find it’s mainly the same folks repeating their story over and over, and usually the issue at hand was the car had scratch or two, or someone didn’t treat them like a VIP enough. While it is strange to pay a transport fee and delivery deposit for a car you haven’t seen, you will still have the option to deny delivery if the car is in bad shape assuming you elect to secure your own financing or pay cash. With any large transaction, don’t pay for anything until you’ve seen it in person.
Yes, it is a used car. There could be small cosmetic defects like small scratches or small smudges on the seats. If that is something that would really upset you, you shouldn’t be buying any type of used car. Also remember, often times buying Tesla 3rd party doesn’t get you any kind of warranty. But dealing direct with Tesla, you get a 1yr or 10000mi warranty. While I’d like the longer warranties they used to offer, this is nothing to sneeze at.
Between ordering and delivery, all communication was fast, efficient and friendly. My sales person answered calls, texts, and emails usually within minutes. I specifically asked him what would happen if there were listed features missing at delivery and he ensured me that a full refund of my deposit and transport fee would happen. I got this in writing as well.
When I showed up for delivery, the car was as advertised and in great shape cosmetically and mechanically. I payed with a cashiers check and told them I’d like to inspect outside and in before handing the check over and they had no problem. Found a pretty big crack on a mirror cap and they gave me a due bill to have it fixed. Mobile service took care of it in my driveway this past Thursday for free.
This was the easiest car buying experience I’ve ever had and I couldn’t be happier with the car. I’m sure some folks have had bad experiences, but remember, angry people are usually the loudest.