Was supposed to take delivery tomorrow but was delayed due to damage found.

[neutralnovice]

So I am very annoyed and disappointed. I was so excited for delivery tomorrow but I just got a call from my delivery specialist that a technician found damage to a door (she didn't really go into detail about that) and that it would take up to two weeks to diagnose and repair.

This is now worrying me because I am very uneasy about getting a supposedly new car that has already been through some damage before I even see it.

Also, another thing that bothered me was the mileage on the purchase documents. It stated that there are 50 miles on the odo already---where did that 50 miles come from?

Am I just being overly worried? What should I do?

 

[sidmini]

If you are not happy reject the car and as for a brand new custom order. Otherwise I’m sure tesla will make good and the car will be fixed perfectly. Request a loan car for 2 weeks for the hassle

 

[pensphreak]

Welcome to the club: Car damaged during delivery

As for the mileage, I think 50 is the default. Mine said 50 but was actually like 8 on the odometer or something

 

[neutralnovice]

If you are not happy reject the car and as for a brand new custom order. Otherwise I’m sure tesla will make good and the car will be fixed perfectly. Request a loan car for 2 weeks for the hassle

I wonder if I can just get free stuff instead lol. I still have a working car... Maybe some free all weather floor mats would be nice.

 

[neutralnovice]

Welcome to the club: Car damaged during delivery

As for the mileage, I think 50 is the default. Mine said 50 but was actually like 8 on the odometer or something

Well, at least I no longer feel alone lol. But I still find it difficult that such damage can happen in transport from the factory---I am just guessing that the factory is so busy that they don't really do in depth inspections of their vehicles prior to transport and delivery. Still unacceptable though.

 

[Super_Popular]

I wonder if I can just get free stuff instead lol

HA!....I like you!.

And 50 miles is standard. I would try and find out if they are putting a new door on or repairing the original door. It really depends on the extent of the damage on how I would react. But you are right, this is supposed to be a new damage free car.

 

[sidmini]

You are definitely in your right to ask for some swag

 

[SSedan]

Actually shipping damage is fairly common across most manufacturers, with dealers and inventory stock for most other manufacturers though it is just harder to see. A small percentage of most vehicles are built to order as opposed to how Tesla does it. This makes it more visible for Tesla.

You buy dealer stock elsewhere who is to say if it was patched up?

 

[jeffro01]

Tesla really needs to change it's messaging and process here... As noted by @SSedan it's quite common for cars to come off of delivery trucks at traditional dealers with cosmetic damage, and sometimes worse, that needs to be repaired before the car ever makes it to the lot... Rarely do buyers even know about it unless someone screwed up and let the proverbial cat out of the bag either by shoddy work or otherwise.

With Tesla, everyone knows wayyyy too much about their delivery compared to the traditional experience. Some would argue that traditional dealers should be more open and honest like Tesla (who isn't always open and honest about this either to be fair) or Tesla should change it's messaging and approach which is where I plant my flag...

Jeff

 

[neutralnovice]

UPDATE: So after requesting a more insight on what the damage was exactly with my DS, I was told this:

The ball joint for the door motor apparently became detached so when it closed, it damaged the door panel "basically poked a hole into the sheet metal"

She explained the 50 miles to me, which I understand.

Here is a photo of the apparent damage... and it's pretty major, IMO. Part of me feels like this doesn't bode well for this particular vehicle.

 

[Super_Popular]

So how are they going to fix it?, replace the panel or bondo it?....you should find that out.

 

[neutralnovice]

So how are they going to fix it?, replace the panel or bondo it?....you should find that out.

I will email my DS. In the first part of the email, she said "two weeks or order parts and repair damage" so not very specific.

If they just bondo it (I'm assuming that means patch it up--sorry lol), should that be unacceptable to me?

 

[TexasRat]

That looks pretty bad. I'm no expert, but I'd expect them to have to replace the panel? Assuming I'm looking at it correctly. As much as it sucks to wait longer, I'd consider refusing delivery. If they have to repaint that entire door, it's not going to look the same as it was from the factory will it? Terrible luck Maybe they can speed you up another one and give you a tesla loaner while you wait?

 

[neutralnovice]

That looks pretty bad. I'm no expert, but I'd expect them to have to replace the panel? Assuming I'm looking at it correctly. As much as it sucks to wait longer, I'd consider refusing delivery. If they have to repaint that entire door, it's not going to look the same as it was from the factory will it? Terrible luck Maybe they can speed you up another one and give you a tesla loaner while you wait?

I'm torn if I should get a loaner lol. I'd rather have some free stuff that would be useful for when I actually get the car. I have a car that Im using now so I should be ok.

 

[Spelly88]

I'm torn if I should get a loaner lol. I'd rather have some free stuff that would be useful for when I actually get the car. I have a car that Im using now so I should be ok.

Another idea is if they won’t give you free stuff, ask for a year or two of service for free. Easy enough for them to do. I had an issue with an inventory order a month ago and when it fell through they gave me 2 years of service free when I ordered my new car.

 

[Cycle11111]

50 miles is the legal requirement for a new car I believe. I had 50miles on my docs but actual was about 15 miles.

As for damage - suggest you only accept a replacement door - no way for bondo.

 

[sidmini]

damaged the door panel "basically poked a hole into the sheet metal"

That is not good, don't accept anything less than a new door panel / new door and discount in the price of the car.

 

[bob_p]

If a body panel needs replacement outside of the factory, not clear the vehicle you will be purchasing would be considered a "new vehicle".

10 years ago when our Lexus dealer received our new LS - it had been damaged during delivery, requiring repairs. They never even gave us the option of purchasing that car because they said that once the repairs would be completed, they wouldn't be able to sell it as a "new car", so they instead re-ordered our configuration and we had to wait a few weeks for the replacement to arrive.

We picked up our new X 100D 3 weeks ago (and it was in perfect condition). If we'd seen this damage - on a car costing over $100K, we would seriously have considered asking them to order us another, and accept the delay.

 

[Pentium2004]

Make sure the color matches when you get it back. Tesla had to repaint my car 6 times to get a match.

 

[neutralnovice]

So another update: I got an e-mail back and they are supposedly replacing the entire door including the motor.

And I got a message from my Owner Advisor - she offered to have built a brand new one with a late August delivery.

Should I take the new one?