Anyways, like many others here, I'm planning on using RBFCU and I am glad to hear about experiences with them and what to expect. Hopefully I'll have my own story to tell within a few weeks.
Ok this is going to be long but I went through a lot of pain dealing with this entire process so hopefully this helps. Keep in mind I am already a member so I have no info on how to do that and if it is required for your loan.
0. Apply now and lock your rate. The lock is good for 90 days which should be plenty of time.
1. RBFCU is a bit confused about Tesla's old process where Tesla wouldn't register/pay tax in Texas. They used to register the car and pay the tax for their members so they think they need documents they don't really need.
2. After you apply do all correspondence on the phone. Only apply online to get the lower rate. Their online system is useless and gives wrong info about the next step in the process. I wish I would have called right away. The phone number to call will be listed on your account to call to ask information from "Consumer Lending". The number is 210-945-3300. When you call use options 3, 3, 2, 1 to skip the voice prompts. When it asks you if you want a call back only do that if it gives you a time greater than 1 minute. If you want to wait on hold press 2 then 3.
3. If you and your wife will be on the title then make sure to put her on the application. If you don't then you cannot use Docusign to sign and you'll have to be mailed the documentation and sign manually and return via mail taking longer.
4. After you apply and get your VIN let them know your VIN. They will say you need a Purchase Order. The ISA from Tesla will have you sign a contract a couple days after you get your vin. Send them the finished contract. They are OK with that being the PO. Don't expect them to talk to your ISA or the ISA to really deal with RBFCU.
5. When your ISA first contacts you please make sure you ask them where they want the check and to whom it will be sent to. RBFCU thinks all checks get sent to the same person at Tesla so you'll have to correct them. Your ISA will need to give you proof that they will put the lien in RBFCU's name. My ISA said that Model 3 is slightly different than previous models and RBFCU thinks it works the same as 5 years ago.
6. After you have sent your contract they will want you to call and verify your loan terms. If your wife also applied then they will need her to call independent of you. Be prepared that your wife might need to spend a lot fo time on the phone with them. Maybe bribe with a candlelight dinner. On this call they will ask for a pin and email address to send the final loan documents to. After this call you should get the documents sent to your individual emails.
7. Before you get off of the phone make sure they will next day your check to Tesla. If they won't keep pressing. I even offered to pay the extra shipping. Some of the people at RBFCU will say it gets sent ground and other say it is sent next day.
8. After you both sign call RBFCU back and make sure they generate the check. They call it a "Package". I waited and it didn't happen until I called.
9. Your ISA might want a copy of the check or proof that the check was created. Make sure you ask your ISA for a fax number and email on where to send this. Some RBFCU people won't want to email and others will. Some might demand a fax number. My ISA won't do anything until they have the check in hand.
10. RBFCU kept saying they need a copy of the Certificate of Origin. I don't think this is needed but they wanted it because they thought they had to license the vehicle I think.
11. Be prepared that your ISA will be difficult to reach. Please make sure you get all the info you need when you talk with them. I got so fed up today that I called Tesla and demanded he call me back ASAP and he called back right away. I conference called RBFCU with him on the phone so we could get it finished after 6 calls to RBFCU and getting nowhere.
With that said because of the way Tesla works in Texas don't plan on getting your car shipped to TX until RBFCU gets the check in Tesla's hand. I am putting all of this because this was probably the most stressful car purchase I have ever done. It was that painful. I am really drained today from dealing with all of this. I love RBFCU but the combination of Tesla not communicating and RBFCU confused about the process made it a royal PITB. I don't hold this against them and I have most of my banking there but it really was stressful.
