This is a long overdue post about my experience of buying a used Roadster. It all began on a Saturday afternoon last July when I went into the Menlo Park Tesla dealer to see if my two younger kids will fit in the third row of the Model S. I had reserved earlier in the year and was preparing myself for the big purchase. While I was waiting to talk to a sales staff, I took a seat in one of the first certified used Roadsters, a silver 2.0. As soon as I did, I got the attention of Dan, an assistant manager who offered me a test drive. He said he was sorry that they did not have a third row equipped MS on hand but if I came back the next day, he’d let me take the roadster for a spin. I told him I’d think about it. Well, think I did, all afternoon. I gave Dan a call later that day and he set up a time the next morning. Kyle met me at the dealership and let me have the key solo and told me to bring it back whenever. Well, you know how this turns out. Needless to say, I was completely blown away.
I got busy at work after that day but over the next several weeks, I never stopped thinking about the Roadster. My only reservation was the 2.0 body style. I much preferred the 2.5 nose. So one my curiosity lead me to the forums and I came across the “Tesla for sale” thread. Wow, all the available Roadsters listed in one place. And there just happened to be a white 2.5 available in Newport Beach. I decided to get in touch with the seller and he still had it. I did some additional searching but this was the one that I really liked. White with all the carbon inside and out, black interior with orange trim and black forged rims. This was perfect.
I talked to the owner, checked the title, talked to the dealer down there and confirmed that everything was legit. Then, I was introduced to Jose Andrade of C&R Towing by the main mechanic at the dealer. I had asked about the best way to transport the Roadster from Newport Beach to Menlo Park. Jose turned out to be the key reason I decided to go through with the purchase and made the experience a positive one. When I called him, he was immediately helpful and understanding of my unease. He reassured me and addressed my concerns about making such a big purchase over a long distance. I was still busy at work and did not have time to travel. I knew I was taking a risk but I talked to enough people and convinced myself this was ok. Jose even offered to check the car when he picked it up. Well, I guess I got lucky. One early morning last August, Jose picked up the Roadster at the owner’s house in Newport Beach. He emailed me photos from his phone. He was concerned about the slight scratches on the underside of the front airdam. I knew I’ll do more damage to that part of the car so I told him to go for it. Later that evening, he drove up to my house in his flatbed with a beautiful white Roadster!
My two older kids were at home when Jose drove up. The long sleek flatbed with the compact Roadster on the back looked impressive. The truck was white with very few markings. The white truck and the white Roadster seemed to be somehow related. The kids were so excited they started running around in circles. I was a little worried about the low front clearance and how Jose would unload the car but I needed not worry. He was a professional with a very advanced flatbed, a specially made vehicle for transporting high-end cars. He effortlessly tilted, lowered, and drove the car off the bed in a matter of minutes. It was obvious he’s done this many times. I thanked him, wrote him a check, we shook hands and he was on his way. The immaculate white Roadster sat silently on my driveway.
I got busy at work after that day but over the next several weeks, I never stopped thinking about the Roadster. My only reservation was the 2.0 body style. I much preferred the 2.5 nose. So one my curiosity lead me to the forums and I came across the “Tesla for sale” thread. Wow, all the available Roadsters listed in one place. And there just happened to be a white 2.5 available in Newport Beach. I decided to get in touch with the seller and he still had it. I did some additional searching but this was the one that I really liked. White with all the carbon inside and out, black interior with orange trim and black forged rims. This was perfect.
I talked to the owner, checked the title, talked to the dealer down there and confirmed that everything was legit. Then, I was introduced to Jose Andrade of C&R Towing by the main mechanic at the dealer. I had asked about the best way to transport the Roadster from Newport Beach to Menlo Park. Jose turned out to be the key reason I decided to go through with the purchase and made the experience a positive one. When I called him, he was immediately helpful and understanding of my unease. He reassured me and addressed my concerns about making such a big purchase over a long distance. I was still busy at work and did not have time to travel. I knew I was taking a risk but I talked to enough people and convinced myself this was ok. Jose even offered to check the car when he picked it up. Well, I guess I got lucky. One early morning last August, Jose picked up the Roadster at the owner’s house in Newport Beach. He emailed me photos from his phone. He was concerned about the slight scratches on the underside of the front airdam. I knew I’ll do more damage to that part of the car so I told him to go for it. Later that evening, he drove up to my house in his flatbed with a beautiful white Roadster!
My two older kids were at home when Jose drove up. The long sleek flatbed with the compact Roadster on the back looked impressive. The truck was white with very few markings. The white truck and the white Roadster seemed to be somehow related. The kids were so excited they started running around in circles. I was a little worried about the low front clearance and how Jose would unload the car but I needed not worry. He was a professional with a very advanced flatbed, a specially made vehicle for transporting high-end cars. He effortlessly tilted, lowered, and drove the car off the bed in a matter of minutes. It was obvious he’s done this many times. I thanked him, wrote him a check, we shook hands and he was on his way. The immaculate white Roadster sat silently on my driveway.