Questions For Uk Model 3 Owners (delivery Complete)

[EV Guy]

@EV Guy

What was the attitude of SC wrt those niggles?

The first one is not clear to me from the photo, without seeing the plate in person I can really tell how it would fair on my scale - I hate seeing wonky number plates. Can’t really see what the paint issue is other than there is one.

I’m not dismissing the above, far from it, but it’s difficult from the photos for me to judge the severity.

The alignment is more than a niggle though and apart from being visually unappealing it could easily lead to noise or even reduced range - the latter you could never prove and many people simply say that M3 is not the quietest of EV’s on the road.

The issue that I have is that I’m expecting a perfect car, probably much like you and many others. So, if we end up with niggles, I’m just trying to get an idea of what is an acceptable niggle to get fixed and what is simply the normal level of build quality

The delivery specialist just listed everything and said he’d pass it on. I’ve not had any follow up from Tesla Birmingham over the last week.

The green circled items on the paintwork (difficult to capture on a pic I admit) show areas of fogging in the paint which are circular. I have about 10-12 across the car and have decided to get it independently corrected and a ceramic coating applied.

I went with high expectations my car wouldn’t have any issues and was disappointed. I’ve got over that now as owning and driving the car makes up for it ️

 

[MrBadger]

We are thinking of ceramic coating (Model 3 paint is as soft as it possibly can be so I have read in the paint thread) - don't know much about the process but heard that they correct things - not sure what that exactly means. Interesting to hear how you get on. I would like to think a paint expert would make a better job at fixing.

 

[ACarneiro]

Let’s face it, it was an unrealistic expectation

Out of interest, where did you get your ceramic coating applied and how much did it cost?
Thinking of doing the same to time (if and when it arrives!)

 

[WannabeOwner]

have decided to get it independently corrected and a ceramic coating applied.

I had my car wrapped and their instruction was to not let the vendor fix any paint issues (any brand, not Tesla per se) as they would much prefer to fix them, rather than fix the vendor's fix-attempt!

So I reckon you've made the right choice to use a detailer (not wishing to let Tesla off the hook of course)

Model 3 paint is as soft as it possibly can be so I have read in the paint thread)

Model-3 specifically? Definitely true of Model-S but as I understand it that is (at least in part) because it is aluminium

it was an unrealistic expectation

Based on past performance I agree, but UK Tesla handover folk say that quality is vastly improved on M3 (compared to MS/MX)

 

[MrBadger]

Model-3 specifically? Definitely true of Model-S but as I understand it that is (at least in part) because it is aluminium

I'm following this thread: Model 3 paint wearing off. Some of the reasons are Model 3 specific - design and manufacturing decisions etc (like to think Tesla address those), some may be California paint limitations (I wished all manufacturers used water based paint) and some are paint quality choice ie very soft paint (like to think Tesla also looks at improving that).

 

[ElectricJoules]

After you get a VIN and a delivery date do you have an option to purchase accessories like floor mats? If you get an option is it before you go to the pickup point, or when you are picking up?

 

[AMC7]

After you get a VIN and a delivery date do you have an option to purchase accessories like floor mats? If you get an option is it before you go to the pickup point, or when you are picking up?

There are currently no RHD floor mats available from Tesla- from my understanding there is no uk Tesla store to purchase from either. My suggestion is to use knowledge of other people on the forum.

I have found a site that does RHD floor mats but I’m not convinced by them yet- www.diamondcarmats.com - need to check them out a bit more.

 

[zayn]

Let’s face it, it was an unrealistic expectation

Out of interest, where did you get your ceramic coating applied and how much did it cost?
Thinking of doing the same to time (if and when it arrives!)

full polish corection prior to ceramic coating is the usual process. I had gtechniq serum light ceramic coating on my current Audi B9 S4 and it has a guarantee of 5 years. Has made cleaning bi-weekly a lot easier and faster lots of beading. Requires around 24 hrs to cure properly. Total cost was £350. One item I would definitely recommend is a water filter just use for a final rinse. it means no drying and no water spots

Refillable 0ppm Water Filter (7 litre) RG-Filter-7L

 

[interbear]

I'm following this thread: Model 3 paint wearing off. Some of the reasons are Model 3 specific - design and manufacturing decisions etc (like to think Tesla address those), some may be California paint limitations (I wished all manufacturers used water based paint) and some are paint quality choice ie very soft paint (like to think Tesla also looks at improving that).

It’s an interesting thread. I have every intention of taking my M3 to a detailer for ceramic paint protection. Did that with a previous car and it’s not cheap - about £600 if I recall rightly - but worth it in terms of how easy the car is to keep clean and looking good thereafter.

One question I did have though is whether or not the red paint, as it’s described as “multi-coat” is any better than the other colours in terms of quality and durability? My M3 on order is a red one, not for that reason but because I think it’s a great colour, but “multi-coat” suggest better quality to me. Has to be some reason for the price of it!

 

[MrBadger]

The inspector called multicoat hardness 2H so slightly better but not as good as the 3H and 4H from some other manufacturers.

Not sure what dark blue metallic counts as.

 

[Oddbin]

Kinda new to all this ceramic coating thing. What should I be looking out for or avoid? Is RainX still the go-to or are there better options for using on your windscreen similar to the ceramic coatings?

 

[WannabeOwner]

I'd like what protection Ceramic Coating provides for nudging up against countryside hedges and someone with Jean trouser-studs squeezing alongside the car. I presume it won;t help with a car being keyed? (compared to Wrap)

I have half contemplated wrapping Model-3, but its a significant cost (which I considered worthwhile for model-S but I'm sucking my teeth for a car half that price)

 

[interbear]

Kinda new to all this ceramic coating thing. What should I be looking out for or avoid? Is RainX still the go-to or are there better options for using on your windscreen similar to the ceramic coatings?

Best to go to a recommended detailer in your area for advice.

Last time I had it done the detailer used GTechniq products - Gtechniq Ceramic Paint Protection, Automotive Ceramic Coating, Marine Ceramic Coatings

There are plenty of other options no doubt but I’d definitely recommend the quality result and would also recommend an accredited detailer to do it. You can get an idea of pricing here - Gtechniq Ceramic Paint Protection, Automotive Ceramic Coating, Marine Ceramic Coatings

 

[djgillett]

Insurance was going to do with Privilege - they stopped doing model 3 now - so direct line or Churchill circa £750.

Did anybody else notice insurance prices go rocketing up in the last couple of weeks, or is it just me...?

My quotes have gone from £1,200 to £2,300...on a SR+...with absolutely no change in details. For context, my Jag insurance is £1,200 already (London insurance is expensive).

EDIT: and that's with a £550 compulsory and £350 voluntary excess...if I take the voluntary off, my premium goes to £2,800...

I've got 9 years no claims, license 10+ years I'm 27 - £200 a year comes off the quote once I turn 28...this is madness.

 

[-DB-]

I'd like what protection Ceramic Coating provides for nudging up against countryside hedges and someone with Jean trouser-studs squeezing alongside the car. I presume it won;t help with a car being keyed? (compared to Wrap)

I have half contemplated wrapping Model-3, but its a significant cost (which I considered worthwhile for model-S but I'm sucking my teeth for a car half that price)

Careful, some insurers won't insure a wrapped car! I've no idea why! I've read somewhere (here or SpeakEV) that DirectLine is one of the insurers that will not cover a wrapped car.

EDIT: just seen it was on this site in another thread. Best to check with your insurer before going ahead with a wrap!

 

[WannabeOwner]

some insurers won't insure a wrapped car! I've no idea why!

yes good point - this is with DL (my wrapped car is with NFU who were happy)

I assume the reason is that after accident the wrap needs replacing, with increased cost.

The stuff that it prevents (scratches etc.) are all covered by Insurance Excess, so Insurance never pays out for what Wrap prevents ... so insurance Company sees no benefit?

Perhaps Insurance Company will not cover it, but it doesn't "invalidate" insurance (like an engine mod would)? I could probably live with the risk that a panel or two replaced and I have to pay to re-wrap

 

[zayn]

Did anybody else notice insurance prices go rocketing up in the last couple of weeks, or is it just me...?

My quotes have gone from £1,200 to £2,300...on a SR+...with absolutely no change in details. For context, my Jag insurance is £1,200 already (London insurance is expensive).

EDIT: and that's with a £550 compulsory and £350 voluntary excess...if I take the voluntary off, my premium goes to £2,800...

I've got 9 years no claims, license 10+ years I'm 27 - £200 a year comes off the quote once I turn 28...this is madness.

your the wrong side of 30 , I am in london over 30 current 2018 B9 S4 just under 600

 

[djgillett]

your the wrong side of 30 , I am in london over 30 current 2018 B9 S4 just under 600

I get why my insurance is generally expensive, outrageous though it is. My question is why did my quotes go from £1200 up to £2300 and has anybody else seen similar happen?

 

[djgillett]

Its quite a big jump and you might want to call up the insurer to see if they can shed any light on it?
Are your details *exactly* the same - same address, date of birth, claims history etc.?

Yes! There's no rush now, given that Tesla have confirmed no car for me until August - which is conveniently when I turn 28, so a delightful drop in costs is coming my way...

 

[J18ede]

Yes! There's no rush now, given that Tesla have confirmed no car for me until August - which is conveniently when I turn 28, so a delightful drop in costs is coming my way...

Did you have a early reservation, and when did you place your order?