Hi Folks, here is a quick update on my return experience.
As shared previously, I ordered a 2019 M3P with 40 ish k miles on Odo in mid-march and collected it from Corby in the last week of April.
Like others, I was unsatisfied with the vehicle's condition and the delivery team's behaviour, so I decided to exercise my statuary right of distance buying.
Return Process -
1. Step 1 - I wrote an email informing Tesla about the issues in the vehicle and made it clear that the vehicle would be returned if they were not addressed. Tesla returned saying any panel fitting, gaps etc., are within the threshold they have defined, so there is nothing to be done there. They said I should log a new service request via their app for mechanical issues. The delivery executive was quite adamant and said the vehicle's condition was reflected in the price.
2. Step 2 - I visited their centre in London after writing another email with my decision to return the vehicle. I met a very geeky and polite Tesla executive who looked into the issues. He agreed that the problems listed are recurring in M3 made in Fremont, US, and it is better to go for a slightly newer model e.g. 2020 or 2021 at least.
3. Step 3 - I requested them to process the return. They carried out a fresh inspection, performed a factory reset on the computer and did the paperwork online.
4. I did not hear anything from Tesla for several days after the handover without notification, SMS, or anything. So I had to chase them again. This week I received the refund in my bank account. However, I'm still waiting to get £200 paid for the reservation.
Big Surprise - The exact vehicle is listed back for sale by Tesla, and the price has gone up by £7500. I don't know what magic they did to improve the vehicle's condition.