Quality Questions / Concerns

[Tomx17]

I spoke with my delivery specialist today. I asked about panel gaps and delivery issues. He comforted and told me confidently that "Tesla has been doing way better this year with panel gaps and quality issues - especially in the Scottsdale location." Obviously, I didn't believe him at all and continued "So will minor gaps and blemishes be fixed before acceptance of the vehicle?" He said "if they're small, yes. Otherwise an appointment will be needed." Which I followed "Will that appointment take place this month or in around 90 days?" He did confirm it would take a while. about 4 weeks out to schedule an appointment to fix issues with the vehicle.

Don't worry, I didn't approach this conversation too harshly - I apologized for presenting concerns based on my online reading here and on YouTube. I explained that I just worry and want a good looking car for the price I am paying... but my concerns remain valid.

Do you guys have a game plan of how to handle delivery issues? If there are panel gaps, headlamp gaps, scratches, frunk misalignment, door misalignment, taillight gaps, a seat heater not functioning, touch screen issues, etc. Is it WISE to schedule an appointment potentially a month out to get those resolved? Or is it better to get the small things fixed before taking the car home that same day.. if that's even possible.

 

[Tomx17]

[Embarrassment bump]

 

[Black306]

Personally, I'm not too worried about bringing up every issue on delivery day. If I catch minor issues, I'll point them out. If there is something major, I won't accept the car. I'm planning on using the 1 week/1k mile return period as an evaluation period to do a deeper dive into the car and return it if I find issues that I believe won't get fixed with service appointments.

This is a 'want car,' not a 'need car.' I have no problem returning the car if I'm not happy with it. (Yes, I realize I won't be able to order the same configuration within a year.)

 

[Tomx17]

Thank you for the very informative reply. I should do the same with the 1 week test drive.. and at least view it that way. I'm just really worried about this delivery process. My situation is a bit different. I have the next 4 months free to enjoy the car 24/7, then I will have to put the vehicle in storage for 4 months and not touch it at all until September - its just my seasonal line of work. I more so feel like I need the car, which is never a good thing to have a purchase feel like a need. To me, fleeting time is my concern.. so I'm leaning towards accepting delivery no matter what... This tied with the tax credit makes me feel particularly pressured to receive a well sculpted Model 3 this month.

 

[jjrandorin]

Reading these forums will make some people assume that every car is falling apart. You are currently stressing out planning for something that you have no idea will be fact or not. It may or may not be, but why not decide what you will do at that point, rather than make plans to argue with someone about something that may or may not happen?

 

[diezel_dave]

My car has what I would consider several minor issues with panel gaps and trim alignment. This is something that generally would bother me a lot but I didn't say anything about it at delivery and I'm learning to just accept the car for what it is. Those little things make my car unique and it's been almost therapeutic for me to accept these minor imperfections on such an expensive purchase and try to move on and focus on enjoying the aspects of the car that make it so great.

I don't expect anyone else to agree with this logic because it seems reasonable to expect a high level of quality control on a luxury car but this is what works for me.

 

[jonquiljo]

My car has what I would consider several minor issues with panel gaps and trim alignment. This is something that generally would bother me a lot but I didn't say anything about it at delivery and I'm learning to just accept the car for what it is. Those little things make my car unique and it's been almost therapeutic for me to accept these minor imperfections on such an expensive purchase and try to move on and focus on enjoying the aspects of the car that make it so great.

I don't expect anyone else to agree with this logic because it seems reasonable to expect a high level of quality control on a luxury car but this is what works for me.

Agreed. Look in the mirror - we all have minor imperfections! Some, not so minor! Do we hide if we have a big zit on our nose? Don't answer that! You get the point.

We don't need to go to the shop, but rather focus on what is unique and good. Cars, people - all are the same.

Enjoy your car. That's what you bought it for, not putting it in a garage to look at. The matter of fact is that other people will look at imperfections and never see them. We get tuned in to them.

 

[ivy_]

Don’t sweat it. The quality concerns are really a thing of the past.

 

[toolman335]

The recent builds are a lot better than the early models. That is why I bought mine in September. It's a gorgeous, well put together vehicle.
I'd be far more concerned with storing one for 4 months. Will you be able to keep it charged? You don't want to run it down to zero. Yikes.

 

[dhrivnak]

I spoke with my delivery specialist today. I asked about panel gaps and delivery issues. He comforted and told me confidently that "Tesla has been doing way better this year with panel gaps and quality issues - especially in the Scottsdale location." Obviously, I didn't believe him at all and continued "So will minor gaps and blemishes be fixed before acceptance of the vehicle?" He said "if they're small, yes. Otherwise an appointment will be needed." Which I followed "Will that appointment take place this month or in around 90 days?" He did confirm it would take a while. about 4 weeks out to schedule an appointment to fix issues with the vehicle.

Don't worry, I didn't approach this conversation too harshly - I apologized for presenting concerns based on my online reading here and on YouTube. I explained that I just worry and want a good looking car for the price I am paying... but my concerns remain valid.

Do you guys have a game plan of how to handle delivery issues? If there are panel gaps, headlamp gaps, scratches, frunk misalignment, door misalignment, taillight gaps, a seat heater not functioning, touch screen issues, etc. Is it WISE to schedule an appointment potentially a month out to get those resolved? Or is it better to get the small things fixed before taking the car home that same day.. if that's even possible.

I own and have looked at MANY 3’s and have yet to find those fleeting panel gaps. It’s like looking for the Holy Grail. I am sure it’s out there but darn hard to find.

 

[adaminfl]

Picked up my M3P yesterday and there were no issues. Same quality as any Audi, BMW, or MB I’ve owned. They did tell me they had to replace a window pre delivery. Difference here is they told me, with most brands you never know.

 

[Tomx17]

Reading these forums will make some people assume that every car is falling apart. You are currently stressing out planning for something that you have no idea will be fact or not. It may or may not be, but why not decide what you will do at that point, rather than make plans to argue with someone about something that may or may not happen?

Trust me, I'm completely aware upon posting this that I may sound like a stress case. I'd just rather be equipped with strong answers and know the working parameters instead of accidentally signing or accepting flaws that they may never fix for me. With that said, I know that there's plenty of possibility that I can get a great car off the starting line. Fingers crossed is a great approach. In addition to having realistic expectations, I'd rather be prepared than be surprised.

 

[Tomx17]

My car has what I would consider several minor issues with panel gaps and trim alignment. This is something that generally would bother me a lot but I didn't say anything about it at delivery and I'm learning to just accept the car for what it is. Those little things make my car unique and it's been almost therapeutic for me to accept these minor imperfections on such an expensive purchase and try to move on and focus on enjoying the aspects of the car that make it so great.

I don't expect anyone else to agree with this logic because it seems reasonable to expect a high level of quality control on a luxury car but this is what works for me.

This is great stuff. A winning perspective. Thank you.

 

[Tomx17]

I created this thread in hopes of becoming prepared and adopting the right approach to taking delivery. I think my questions have been answered by a few of you quite well along with plenty of great input. I had already come to the conclusion on my own that it would be best to try and accept delivery at all costs - within reason.

Dave and Jonquiljo provided a great perspective in addition to what I had thought. It is implied that the cars will eventually get scratches and dings on them. Viewing imperfections as part of the product and that it doesn't take away from the value and experience is a great mentality. Nothing is perfect, I know. I guess I may be suffering from first time new car buyer syndrome. Haha. This is why my dad told me to put a light scratch on the car soon after taking delivery - to get it out of the way.

Seriously, thank you for the replies and helpful comments.

 

[rxtm3]

Picked up my car yesterday (home delivery) and inspected pretty much every inch of it. Aside from some very minor lack of paint in some of the door jams (don’t care) there was a small paint chip at the corner of the driver side door near the trim. It’s about 1mm wide and nothing that touch up paint can’t easily fix. Very satisfied so far with the quality!

 

[jpfive]

mmm... red