I’ve been a big Tesla enthusiast/follower since late 2015, and after having finally placed an order for my ideal config Model 3 (Performance in Pearl White, with White interior) on 7th July…today was the day - collection day.
I travelled up to the Newcastle collection centre with my father-in-law and arrived bang on time (11.30am). I was quite pleasantly surprised with the set up there - a nice mini showroom type place, with a red MY and white M3 to look at/around. We got a coffee as there were 2 people in front of us. I looked out into the car park and spotted a car that matched my order but couldn’t see the reg. It looked very nice.
After a few mins, I was called and went through the collection process - which consisted of me handed over my driving license, confirming the reg and signing a tablet. 2mins later and I was given my keys and told my car was out there somewhere (I’d made some small talk and told them I’d driven one before and generally knew the score etc).
Sure enough, the car I’d spotted earlier WAS my car. I had braced myself for a poorly presented car based on some other recent experiences on here (especially given the weather) but was pleasantly surprised how clean it was. It wasn’t gleaming, but better than I’d expected.
I checked the car over for a good while but couldn’t spot any issues. Wheels were good, panel gaps were fine, light fittings were flush, no scratches. Happy days. All chargers and stuff was there. 8miles on the clock, 48% soc.
There was a couple collecting a Model Y next to me and they were a bit underwhelmed. They had some condensation in the rear lights (as I did) that they were going to get checked. They weren’t happy that their brand new car wasn’t sparkling. It wasn’t pitted but not clean either - mainly on the roof though it was a black MY so the dirt probably shows up a bit more. Just goes to show how the first impressions can differ and for those completely new to Tesla ownership. I did offer some advice and try to reassure them.
Have to say, my car looks damn good. Better than I was expecting, and much better and aggressive looking in the flesh.
So far I’m really impressed. Headed for a quick supercharge - had a quick chat with some other guys charging and headed home.
Still a lot to set-up and get used to (can’t connect to my Wi-Fi yet for some reason) - first home charge tonight for example, but I’m very happy with it and glad I had a good collection day.
A few pics (admittedly not the best):