Warning about accepting delivery

[r1200gs4ok]

View attachment 576747 I’m a victim of accepting delivery and falling for the “everything” will be fixed at the SC.

On delivery day, I was excited and the car looked great for the most part due to being freshly washed. The sales associate reassured me that everything will be fixed so I felt better and accepted delivery.

I immediately took photos and even recorded a video of the issues such as
- missing front bracket over front cameras
- dangling cable
- panel alignment
- smudges interior and pillar misalignment

After capturing a few items on the app, my SC appointment wasn’t for another 3 weeks at which I have already racked over 1k miles.

At the appointment I went over everything and it took 3 days to complete. When I picked it up, I had to wait over an hour just for someone to pull out my vehicle. When I picked up the vehicle, no one walked me through what was completed or if I was satisfied. Just gave me my keycard and said bye.

Even when I serviced my Honda, I received a full walk through and complimentary wash. I don’t think we should feel entitled but I’m just disappointed with the level of customer service Tesla provides.

I inspected the vehicle and only a few items were corrected while everything else said it was “to spec”. I immediately told the service advisor to come out and inspect with me while comparing to a few other MY’s. He said it’s within spec and nothing else I could do or else the trunk will be pushed in. For the pillars, they had to re order and said mobile will handle it.

I am totally dissatisfied and have no choice but to be stuck with what I have. No quality assurance whatsoever

Attached are my photos. Let me know what you think

Sorry....but no way in hell would I accept that car at delivery.....

 

[Flybuddy]

I’m not sure I understand your “opinion” on the subject as this seems more of a “fact” issue. It’s been well proven and well discussed that the minute you accept delivery, your ability to get things fixed is made much more difficult. I was promised during delivery that they would fix several minor AND major issues with he car and I’m going on 10 months and still fighting. In fact, they have outright declined to fix some things even though they acknowledged them during my pick up.

Sorry, I could probably be a little clearer. When I say the issues will eventually be fixed I'm referring to what Tesla considers as issues which is why I strongly referenced the problems with their specs. New owners at delivery do not know what their specs are and you are left to your own opinion as to trust the delivery rep or not. Only options we have are to accept or reject delivery. Having only picked up one vehicle from them I was under the impression that they don't fix issues at delivery or give written promises either. Given your poor experience are you recommending something other than rejection? I would imagine that most delivered vehicles have some problems.
My main reason for the post was to offer a suggestion of professional delivery advisors that we would pay a premium for to help avoid problems like those that unfortunately have happened to you.

 

[BLW2]

the advice given in the original post, and all these countless posts about warranty work and bad QC, makes me think of the RV industry.

It's widely known that build quality is quite low and QC non-existent across pretty much all RV makers. You kinda need to go into the PDI expecting to test every last feature, system, and device. To crawl under, over, and through everything you can get your head or hand into. To be ready to measure voltages to confirm electrical systems, pressurize every water line and fill every tank looking for leaks, etc... Still things will be missed.
RV manufacturers I'm convinced have their business model built around a certain fraction of the profit to be eaten by the dealerships doing warranty repairs.... and they gamble on owners just fixing a lot of things themselves.

 

[pclark]

Know that you will not get a SC appointment within 7 days and when you appt does happen items on your list will be "in spec" and "no action taken" on your SC ticket.
So your panel gaps, light/door alignments etc can be up to 4mm off and they'll not correct them.

This was not my experience (admittedly, I've only been through this once). The Minnesota SC noted the issues I pointed out, indicated they'd be fixed via the SC, it took a few weeks to get the appointment, and they fixed the noted issues at no charge as expected.

The specific issues were some obvious paint flaws on a Model S. I also noted some minor panel gaps which they measured and said "that's in-spec." The panels weren't perfectly aligned but were more than close enough for me to accept the vehicle.

On the whole, I was happy with the delivery and vehicle acceptance process.

 

[E FUEL]

Great advice. I’m picking up my Model Y tomorrow and it looks like we need to be wary of “car salesman” tactics. Who’d have thought Tesla would put us in this position. I have had my Model 3 for two years and it arrived pretty much flawless and trouble free and has been pure joy.
As previous posters have suggested, a “buying companion” would be great. We hire an inspector when we buy a home and it’s usually money well spent. I think there’s a business opportunity here for Tesla cognoscenti. I’d pay somebody to reduce the misery of being out in the hot sun in our current blazing, sticky-humid weather.

 

[Agni]

Shared info where I thought it would be helpful in my posts.
To be clear, my views are generally applicable to all SCs and not intended to say one SC is better or worse than another.
SCs are in the same boat as customers getting variable quality from manufacturing overwhelming their abilty to spend time to prep the cars ahead of delivery let alone fix other issues.

Hope this helps, be prepared, and enjoy the ride.

Exactly, this problem cannot continue into 2021 IMHO for Tesla to succeed in the long run.

 

[spokey]

Exactly, this problem cannot continue into 2021 IMHO for Tesla to succeed in the long run.

I think they have more time. To be honest, I would buy say a Camry if it was available in a range of 300 miles or better. Or better, I like my Subaru Outback. If it was available in 300+, I'd buy that. But I researched and the auto makers like Toyota don't get it. Mind you, I think Toyota's fuel cell direction is in fact the right direction, but talk about years away because of infrastructure. In the mean time, long range battery only will need to do.

I do like the MY and I'm like everyone else. Dying every day I haven't gotten a VIN. Of course also thankful thinking the longer I wait, the likelier I won't be rejecting it.

But I think most people don't think about the other stuff Tesla has going for them, like the chip differences, the innovations like heat pumps, etc. I think taking them down will take more than next year.

 

[Leon Rickshaw]

Can you send a photo of the panel gap to Elon's Twitter account? There need to be inspections at keys junctures during the assembly process so that a car with the degree of gap can be tagged, and the cause of this defect immediately comprehended. Maybe a robot needed recalibration, or the addition of some other part affected hand assembly. Yours wouldn't be the only car with such an issue.

Constantly perfecting--especially as new information is known-- is the Tesla way, isn't it supposed to be? I read that Shanghai manufacturing is better because of the updated equipment/processing, which is going to be transferred to Fremont. Part of the assembly line is/was being shut down to be retrofitted.
(Not sure if this is correct, just what I read.)

I've stopped being the earliest of adopters because of the glitches that need to be worked out. By the time I ordered a Model 3,
its build reputation was good. Mine certainly was. Paint perfect. Panels fine. After washing the car, I noted two or three very small almost cosmetic issues that don't bother me (I know that I am picky compared to most car buyers). The major minor one--which I would mention if I ever had to go to a Service Center-- seems to have fixed itself.

 

[OCJoe]

I just got my Model Y FSD Performance. It is beautiful. I have a few fingerprints on the headliner and some moisture in 2 lights. and a small scratch on the front bumper. Nothing to worry about, easy to fix. I don't care if it takes 10 visits. I love driving this car! Wow Wow Wow.
I accepted delivery quickly.
I should have bought one sooner!
Sorry I just had to put a tiny bit of weight on the other end of the teeter totter for perspective.

I also had a good delivery experience and LOVE driving the car. But I don't think it's a matter of putting "weight on either end of the teeter". I've referred friends BUT I've also advised them to avoid getting caught up in the excitement and go through an exhaustive check list before accepting delivery, see attachment below.

I have accepted delivery of several ICE cars and never bothered with a checklist because 1) I was buying from automakers with solid initial-quality reputations and 2) I had high confidence I could take the care back to the dealer and they would fix it in a reasonable amount of time at no additional cost to me. Most Teslas come off the line in beautiful condition and a happy new owner drives off with a smile. But there are too many stories like those of the OP who get a car with serious flaws and they aren't resolved in a timely way. In order to avoid that unlikely but very unpleasant experience, I urge buyers to inspect your new Tesla VERY CAREFULLY before accepting it.

 

[OCJoe]

I would definitely like a Tesla owner that really knows what to look for on collection day come along and advise me.
I am quite good at checking cars over, but this is my first Tesla and when checking over an Audi for example there is little chance in finding anything. As far as panel gaps go with Audi I have never had to mention any.

I am a little concerned that I will be like a kid in a sweet shop on the day, even though I will take a list from the forum I will have to remember I stick with the plan and inspect it fully and take my time.

I would be happy to pay for someones time to come along and help note everything down, that said once I have taken mine and been through it I know I would be able to help someone through the process. So if anybody wants a wingman after September 24th 2020 in Manchester UK give me a shout! I would make sure to be seen and not heard so not to impress on someones "Tesla Day!"

Be useful to take some notes and pictures and get a second opinion on the days excitement, I mean lets be honest here guys there is going to be a massive distraction in the shape of your brand new Tesla sat there!

I doubt my 10 year old daughter will say much more than "Open the wing doors again daddy!"

May I suggest (Don't laugh!) that there is a place where we could find someone local to each SC on the site that be kind of like a "Collection helper / wingman" Maybe add it to our signatures? Or maybe it just me that is a bit rubbish!!! And the whole idea is ridicules..

If I were in the UK I'd come with ya! See my post later in this thread and/or elsewhere on this site for a check list. I believe in you; you can do it yourself!

 

[ChicagoJoe]

Hopefully factory of origin, as in quality will be better once intently built GigaFactories are online.

But I suspect it’ll mostly mean improved cost-cutting. Many of the issues are reflective of company ethos on lean manufacturing passing quality control to the consumer.

Funny the lengths people are willing to go to for a ‘premium brand’ like Tesla. I’ve had BMW 3 and X3 series’ and fit and finish on those were above and beyond the M3. Oh, and they were cheaper too. Sure, electronics are great. Constant software updates are really nice. But, from a build and materials quality, it’s just so lacking. The inside feels pretty cheap. The ride isn’t that great. I didn’t realize when I was buying this that I was basically paying an ‘early adopter premium’ instead of a ‘premium car premium’.

 

[blissdancer]

If practical, go to your SC, run through a full checklist. Make notes, take pictures and tell the SC what you want fixed. Email them the list and say I'll be back when you've done the repairs to accept delivery.
Note. They will tell you all of this will be done through the App but you'll have accept delivery to do it that way. Do not do that!

Good luck!

I am confused by this part of your post.

I was told I could not go to my SC to accept delivery. That I have to go to the factory in Fremont. Is there a way to get them to deliver to me at the closest SC?

 

[cleanbold]

Shared info where I thought it would be helpful in my posts.
To be clear, my views are generally applicable to all SCs and not intended to say one SC is better or worse than another.
SCs are in the same boat as customers getting variable quality from manufacturing overwhelming their abilty to spend time to prep the cars ahead of delivery let alone fix other issues.

Hope this helps, be prepared, and enjoy the ride.

Great advice.
I went armed with a checklist and having watched numerous youtube videos to know what to look for. I would not have caught all the issues had I not gone prepared. If your SC is like mine, it will be atleast 2-3 weeks before you are able to book an appointment. Also be prepared that all issues might not be fixed in one appointment and you will have to make multiple appointments to fix new and/or same issues. I live about 30 miles from the SC so imagine the hassle each time I have to go and drop the car. Have to take time out of my work schedule and the worst part is that they offer Uber credits instead of loaner cars. So I have had to uber back and forth to drop and pickup the car after it has been supposedly fixed. Don't fall for it if they tell you that the car will be ready the same evening. Most of the times you will get a message saying they need to keep it another day or two. So be prepared to be without your car in case you don't have another vehicle or re-schedule until they can get you in a loaner.

 

[azentropy]

1000 miles / 7 day's

Just a point of clarification. You can return it in before 7 days and 1000 miles, however you must report/document any paint or cosmetic issues within 3 days or 100 miles.

 

[am_dmd]

Just a point of clarification. You can return it in before 7 days and 1000 miles, however you must report/document any paint or cosmetic issues within 3 days or 100 miles.

3 days/100 miles is that official? My DS had no info about this when asked. Also I reported a cosmetic issue on 3rd day (I was not even looking for issues but was installing mats and noticed it) but my DS never replied and this another person who replied just denied these issues. I recommend to scan every inch before leaving the lot and if they deny it don't accept delivery.

 

[azentropy]

3 days/100 miles is that official? My DS had no info about this when asked. Also I reported a cosmetic issue on 3rd day (I was not even looking for issues but was installing mats and noticed it) but my DS never replied and this another person who replied just denied these issues. I recommend to scan every inch before leaving the lot and if they deny it don't accept delivery.

I believe it was on the contract/documents I signed on delivery. My delivery specialist also stated it and provided me an email to document any issues separately from creating a service request with the app.

 

[Limejuice]

As someone who has refused delivery and also accepted delivery I have some advice:

The person doing delivery will agree with anything you point out at delivery and tell you all will be corrected in your first SC visit and that you have 100miles/7days to return the car so you should accept.

Know that you will not get a SC appointment within 7 days and when you appt does happen items on your list will be "in spec" and "no action taken" on your SC ticket.
So your panel gaps, light/door alignments etc can be up to 4mm off and they'll not correct them.

Tesla makes a big deal about touchless delivery/home delivery but do not accept delivery before fully inspecting the car inside and out! Once you accept your ability to get anything done is diminished substantially.

If practical, go to your SC, run through a full checklist. Make notes, take pictures and tell the SC what you want fixed. Email them the list and say I'll be back when you've done the repairs to accept delivery.
Note. They will tell you all of this will be done through the App but you'll have accept delivery to do it that way. Do not do that!

There's been a big improvement in quality this year but still many reports from latest builds of issues. Wait till later next year if you want but you're missing out on a truely amazing car now.
Just go prepared and make sure you'd accept 'your car' as it stands to avoid disappointment.

Good luck!

I have had the exact same experience with aircraft delivery. Motto: as you said DO NOT ACCEPT!! They will try to talk you into it, it’s their job. again don’t accept, above advice is right on

 

[NY_Rob]

^ I have heard the 100mi "rule" before, but not the "or 3-days" limit, but it makes sense.

I also understand wants and desires come in to play when you've waited possibly months and your new car is literally within arm's length. But, as many can attest to.. just because the DA has some defect promised in writing to be repaired.. it doesn't really count for diddly. Any one, three or all the items on your list could be found to be "within spec" and case closed! My 2 cents is.. ask yourself if you can live with the defect or is it something you would consider paying a 3rd party shop to fix? If you answered yes to either question.. then act like everything's perfect and accept delivery of your new car.

 

[ukevowner]

If I were in the UK I'd come with ya! See my post later in this thread and/or elsewhere on this site for a check list. I believe in you; you can do it yourself!

HAHHA - That made me smile - No joke. I started laughing at work and got a strange look from a colleague, he turned round looked at my screen and said "Bloody Tesla again I suppose" What on earth do you all talk bout on there" Must be full of jokes!"

They will never know!

 

[MrABRanch]

Got our model Y a couple months ago, beautiful car yes we had a few issues, no deal breakers, I had a 41 point list, and told them I would not buy without an inspection (took closer to 2 hours to leave). Got a Due bill with issues, waited a while because I wanted the craziness to calm down before trying to get it all fixed (it was near the massive Q2 Push). Originally had a Mobile service appointment, which has changed to a full service appointment and is back a couple weeks, I am worried they are gonna claim it's in spec! - and I'll ask them for that spec information...tbh I have no noticed any of these issues, again.

But I have to say apart from what I consider fairly small issues this car has been amazing, it's more solid and feels more together, quieter than our M3 it handles and drives brilliantly, I am always happy to take it out, I completely love it. I think Tesla's focus on drivetrain quality, and less on body quality, personally I would prefer a car that has a few visual bugs than one that has weak/faulty/iffy drive units etc - We traded in a Ioniq plugin, body was solid but the drive just felt messy, weird regen-braking issues. Tesla is in a different league in terms of Drive quality.