I expect to get my 3MR before the end of the year. I stopped by the Clearpath CU office today and filled out an auto loan application. Easy peasy, 1.49% for 48 months. To become a member you contribute $5 to their Charity Fund and open a savings account for a minimum $1. I had a 20 spot on me so $5 for the charity and $15 for my savings account. I have a 60 day lock on the loan so I am protected.
The way it works is I wire transfer my down payment to Clearpath and they deposit into their account. They then wire Tesla the total amount of the car (MSRP + taxes and fees). And, BOOM, I'm done.
Clearpath is a very small CU with only two offices, both in SoCal. I counted a total of 4 employees in the satellite office I visited (manager, receptionist, and two tellers). The main office is in Glendale, Ca. The office manager took my loan application. She said they have been deluged by people all across the US looking for Tesla loans as a result of "the forum."
She said that unfortunately they only make loans to applicants in the SoCal area.
So far, so good, YMMV. The only thing I need now is that "phone call" from Tesla!