Taking delivery tomorrow - what should I look for?

[FlyErik]

Hello, Tesla gurus!

I am taking delivery tomorrow of a Model 3 AWD in blue with a black & white interior!

SO excited to see this car, since I didn't get to see a blue and white combo in person at all - just hoping I fall in love at first sight...

That said, what do you recommend that I look for at the time of delivery?

This car was produced on 22 October 2018, so it's one of the latest.

What are some fit & finish concerns you've had? What can I look for to ensure my delivery goes smoothly?

I TRULY appreciate any input from you all as I am a Tesla virgin, so this is new territory! But I am absolutely stoked to get into the Model 3 and make this major change in my driving life!

THANK YOU!
-Erik in the East SF Bay Area, CA

 

[Limit X]

I had some dried wax or weird compound in between some panels, they had to take it back to service to fix it.

 

[FlyErik]

I had some dried wax or weird compound in between some panels, they had to take it back to service to fix it.

THANK YOU! I'll definitely watch for that! Do you love your 3, though?

 

[Limit X]

The car itself yes, some things during the whole process can be improved, but hey nothing is perfect, and I am glad Tesla exists

 

[75Shappyt]

what you will look for, is Lots Of Fun!!!, good luck

 

[BillO]

I picked up the same config a couple weeks ago in Fremont — you are gonna love it, I love love love mine!

I had read about so many problems people had, I was overwhelmed just thinking about what to check. In the end, I did a very simple walkthru, maybe 10 or 15 minutes. Outside, a quick check of the paint, panel gaps, and alignment. Open and close all the doors, trunk, and frunk. Inside, set up your phone, seat, mirrors, and steering wheel. Open and close all the windows and the charge port, turn on the A/C and heat. Check out the audio, navigation, and backup camera. Look over the white interior. That’s about it.

Most important, do this all first, before starting the paperwork or handing over the check. My delivery specialist had me start with the paperwork and after a few minutes I was feeling like I really wanted to see the car first. So we stopped and did the inspection and then I was happy to finish the transaction.

 

[StellarRat]

Congratulations. You are going to be amazed. It's like stepping into the future.

The biggest complaints seem to be paint and seals (trunk.) So, I'd definitely check those. You might also look around the inside to make sure there aren't any scratches or marks. I'd also take some time and set the mirrors and seat before you drive off, so you don't have to figure that out in motion.

 

[CaptainJ]

Look for a wide open stretch of road and then let 'er rip!

 

[SoundDaTrumpet]

I used the Model 3 delivery checklist googled from a San Luis Obisbo site. I eventually bought mine into the Tesla Service Center for two scratches and a shaved off wheel well. All other concerns were addressed on my visit to Tesla Service Center.

1. The doors really do close better over time. Rear doors appeared to stick out, but it's fine now after 3 weeks.
2. The rear heater pumping out heat is fixed in v40 software.
3. I had to vacuum plastic shavings on the dash, and rub off adhesive on glass a few places, so definitely not immaculate.
4. Pay attention during the demo if you are using the J1772 adapter. Too excited to pay close attention. I had some no charging overnight twice because 4yo and me pressed the trigger on a J1772 EVSE. It unlatches the lock AND doesn't let you charge unless re-plugged. Lesson learned.

Excited for you. I miss my 3, so stuck driving the Model S 75D loaner for a couple of weeks. Nice to experience that car. It's a different beast.

 

[AeroEngineer]

Hello, Tesla gurus!

I am taking delivery tomorrow of a Model 3 AWD in blue with a black & white interior!

SO excited to see this car, since I didn't get to see a blue and white combo in person at all - just hoping I fall in love at first sight...

That said, what do you recommend that I look for at the time of delivery?

This car was produced on 22 October 2018, so it's one of the latest.

What are some fit & finish concerns you've had? What can I look for to ensure my delivery goes smoothly?

I TRULY appreciate any input from you all as I am a Tesla virgin, so this is new territory! But I am absolutely stoked to get into the Model 3 and make this major change in my driving life!

THANK YOU!
-Erik in the East SF Bay Area, CA

Make sure you look under the car to check for damage. I had planned to do that during delivery but didn't bother because the rest of the car looked great. Finally looked under about a week later and saw that both rocker panels (black plastic) had scrapes running down them, and the front fascia had a minor scrape underneath as well. Most likely from loading/unloading during transport. Not a huge deal, and the battery is untouched, but am annoyed at myself for not looking. Planning to mention it to my SC next time I talk to them but no way I can prove I didn't do it!

 

[gyzmodo]

• Weatherstripping around the door seals
• Rear view camera (watch out for vertical green lines)
• Paint Paint Paint!

Finally picked mine up today after 4 weeks from the Fremont popup service center to address the long list of delivery issues. They ended up replacing the whole front and rear bumper for the paint issues. They weren't able to fix the camera issue even though they replaced the camera. They said they've seen the issue on other cars and have reported it to engineering for a fix. Possibly a software bug?

 

[FlyErik]

THANK YOU, BILL! This is very helpful information and I'm relieved to hear that you're loving your AWD 3! I appreciate the suggestion to see the car first and then do the paperwork. I will do the same on your advice!
Thanks again - this is exactly the kind of information I was hoping for when I posted this. I'll update with some pictures and let everyone know how it went today!

-Erik

I picked up the same config a couple weeks ago in Fremont — you are gonna love it, I love love love mine!

I had read about so many problems people had, I was overwhelmed just thinking about what to check. In the end, I did a very simple walkthru, maybe 10 or 15 minutes. Outside, a quick check of the paint, panel gaps, and alignment. Open and close all the doors, trunk, and frunk. Inside, set up your phone, seat, mirrors, and steering wheel. Open and close all the windows and the charge port, turn on the A/C and heat. Check out the audio, navigation, and backup camera. Look over the white interior. That’s about it.

Most important, do this all first, before starting the paperwork or handing over the check. My delivery specialist had me start with the paperwork and after a few minutes I was feeling like I really wanted to see the car first. So we stopped and did the inspection and then I was happy to finish the transaction.

 

[FlyErik]

I used the Model 3 delivery checklist googled from a San Luis Obisbo site. I eventually bought mine into the Tesla Service Center for two scratches and a shaved off wheel well. All other concerns were addressed on my visit to Tesla Service Center.

1. The doors really do close better over time. Rear doors appeared to stick out, but it's fine now after 3 weeks.
2. The rear heater pumping out heat is fixed in v40 software.
3. I had to vacuum plastic shavings on the dash, and rub off adhesive on glass a few places, so definitely not immaculate.
4. Pay attention during the demo if you are using the J1772 adapter. Too excited to pay close attention. I had some no charging overnight twice because 4yo and me pressed the trigger on a J1772 EVSE. It unlatches the lock AND doesn't let you charge unless re-plugged. Lesson learned.

Excited for you. I miss my 3, so stuck driving the Model S 75D loaner for a couple of weeks. Nice to experience that car. It's a different beast.

THANK YOU for all of this info, too! It's always good to hear others' experiences and I appreciate your sharing. Hope you're back in your 3 soon!

 

[FlyErik]

• Weatherstripping around the door seals
• Rear view camera (watch out for vertical green lines)
• Paint Paint Paint!

Finally picked mine up today after 4 weeks from the Fremont popup service center to address the long list of delivery issues. They ended up replacing the whole front and rear bumper for the paint issues. They weren't able to fix the camera issue even though they replaced the camera. They said they've seen the issue on other cars and have reported it to engineering for a fix. Possibly a software bug?

THANK YOU, KIIT. I appreciate this info as well! I'll be looking VERY carefully at these three items as well. Can't wait to see it in person, though! Counting down the minutes now....

 

[FlyErik]

Make sure you look under the car to check for damage. I had planned to do that during delivery but didn't bother because the rest of the car looked great. Finally looked under about a week later and saw that both rocker panels (black plastic) had scrapes running down them, and the front fascia had a minor scrape underneath as well. Most likely from loading/unloading during transport. Not a huge deal, and the battery is untouched, but am annoyed at myself for not looking. Planning to mention it to my SC next time I talk to them but no way I can prove I didn't do it!

Thanks, AeroEngineer! I'll also add these to my personal checklist, so I can leave with confidence that I got the best possible fit and finish! Appreciate your sharing your experience and advice!

 

[kris_m3]

What do issues with the weather stripping and panel gaps look like?

 

[SMAlset]

Hello, Tesla gurus!

I am taking delivery tomorrow of a Model 3 AWD in blue with a black & white interior!

SO excited to see this car, since I didn't get to see a blue and white combo in person at all - just hoping I fall in love at first sight...

That said, what do you recommend that I look for at the time of delivery?

This car was produced on 22 October 2018, so it's one of the latest.

What are some fit & finish concerns you've had? What can I look for to ensure my delivery goes smoothly?

I TRULY appreciate any input from you all as I am a Tesla virgin, so this is new territory! But I am absolutely stoked to get into the Model 3 and make this major change in my driving life!

THANK YOU!
-Erik in the East SF Bay Area, CA

Curious how your delivery turned out?

 

[FlyErik]

Curious how your delivery turned out?

HA! Well, here's the kicker..... I waited over TWO HOURS at the Fremont Delivery Center only to be ultimately told that they couldn't locate my vehicle..... They said it had shown as being there at their location at noon today, but they couldn't figure out where it went!
SO, after being dropped off by my niece (she had to move on with her life) at 4:15pm, I was given a Lyft ride home, leaving Fremont at 7:28pm. They offered to reimburse my dinner - and I went fancy, getting a #6 at In-N-Out - and also give me one free year of service and a home wall charger for my trouble.
What I REALLY want, though, is my frickin Model 3!
Anyway, thank you for asking - wish I had a better report, but I will be posting separately about this one, as I feel it needs to be shared in its own string!
Hope they have my car tomorrow!

 

[BillO]

So sorry to hear that! Hard to see how this kind of thing keeps happening. They will get you your car eventually — a buddy of mine had three “deliveries” before he got his. He loves it now though...

 

[SMAlset]

HA! Well, here's the kicker..... I waited over TWO HOURS at the Fremont Delivery Center only to be ultimately told that they couldn't locate my vehicle..... They said it had shown as being there at their location at noon today, but they couldn't figure out where it went!
SO, after being dropped off by my niece (she had to move on with her life) at 4:15pm, I was given a Lyft ride home, leaving Fremont at 7:28pm. They offered to reimburse my dinner - and I went fancy, getting a #6 at In-N-Out - and also give me one free year of service and a home wall charger for my trouble.
What I REALLY want, though, is my frickin Model 3!
Anyway, thank you for asking - wish I had a better report, but I will be posting separately about this one, as I feel it needs to be shared in its own string!
Hope they have my car tomorrow!

Well I guess you made out like a bandit with the exception of the car which I'm sure you'd much rather have! I know when we were there end of September they had the parking lot at the Delivery Center and what looked to be a large parking lot down the road from there full of cars. I have no idea how they move cars around and store them but you'd think they could locate them through an app like what we use for our own cars. If not, they should develop an app for the use at the Centers. Rather embarrassing to have it there and not be able to locate it and obviously more importantly it puts the customer out and not the initial experience you want to provide. Hope your car got located today and you are off driving it. Such a nice day for a drive in the Bay Area today.