What’s the build quality on pre Shanghai model 3

[gsmith123]

I have a 2019 Fremont Model 3 (with a bit over 70k miles on it). Build quality been acceptable - but not perfect. The driver seat wiring harness got pinched and damaged by moving the seat (fixed under warranty). The rear trunk wiring harness was also replaced under warranty. One of the buttons for adjusting the driver seat was also replaced under warranty.

It's moderate rattley (I haven't done anything about it but a subtle rattle from near the lights on the ceiling).

Otherwise mechanically it's been solid.

IMO, day to day the biggest drawbacks of cars of this era are suspension / ride quality, cabin noise, and seat comfort (that one is a bit subjective, I personally don't like my seats). New cars (Highland Model 3 Performance, in particular!) improve on all of these areas, and generally feel like they have a higher end interior. Highland Model 3 really feels like a totally different car inside, almost every surface and material has been changed.

 

[Jangy]

Based on what facts?

LG vs Panasonic battery is a big enough difference that I won't bother to make a list. Now the LR has it, too. The US always gets the prime supply. And the US factory is the most agile, as are the zillions of centers around. The last thing I would want is a Chinese built Tesla.

 

[Jangy]

I have a 2019 Fremont Model 3 (with a bit over 70k miles on it). Build quality been acceptable - but not perfect. The driver seat wiring harness got pinched and damaged by moving the seat (fixed under warranty). The rear trunk wiring harness was also replaced under warranty. One of the buttons for adjusting the driver seat was also replaced under warranty.

It's moderate rattley (I haven't done anything about it but a subtle rattle from near the lights on the ceiling).

Otherwise mechanically it's been solid.

IMO, day to day the biggest drawbacks of cars of this era are suspension / ride quality, cabin noise, and seat comfort (that one is a bit subjective, I personally don't like my seats). New cars (Highland Model 3 Performance, in particular!) improve on all of these areas, and generally feel like they have a higher end interior. Highland Model 3 really feels like a totally different car inside, almost every surface and material has been changed.

100%. Each refresh has been significant. I love the '24 MP3. To your point, each of those areas has been addressed

 

[gsmith123]

LG vs Panasonic battery is a big enough difference that I won't bother to make a list. Now the LR has it, too. The US always gets the prime supply. And the US factory is the most agile, as are the zillions of centers around. The last thing I would want is a Chinese built Tesla.

I have to disagree with some of this. First off, Fremont has produced cars with both LG and Panasonic battery packs over time so that's not a benefit of Fremont in all cases.

The US doesn't always get the prime supply. The 4680 Model Ys were only made briefly but were pretty poor in terms of charging performance.

"Agile" isn't really always what you want for build quality. There's a benefit to letting Fremont try things out and then adopt it once the problems are ironed out.

 

[Drew57]

My Fremont built April 2020 Model 3 LR was as faultless as the Shanghai built December 2022 Model Y LR I now drive.

The only manufacturing issue I found with the earlier car was a tiny dust blob under the clear coat on a wing mirror, replaced at home by a Ranger a few days after delivery of the car (...but I did accidentally fry the e-SIM during a supercharger session in 2020, however that was resolved very rapidly. Don't try to complete a software update while supercharging, including exiting the car at the same time! )

 

[Jangy]

I have to disagree with some of this. First off, Fremont has produced cars with both LG and Panasonic battery packs over time so that's not a benefit of Fremont in all cases.

The US doesn't always get the prime supply. The 4680 Model Ys were only made briefly but were pretty poor in terms of charging performance.

"Agile" isn't really always what you want for build quality. There's a benefit to letting Fremont try things out and then adopt it once the problems are ironed out.

All my Teslas have had the Panasonic. All were also built in Fremont. What I said was that the prime parts are prioritized here. I didn't say that they can make enough of them yet. That's why it took a bit to get to the LR. Also, note that I didn't say the China made ones are any different. I said that the TESLA process dictates the quality of the car. PERIOD. The Cybertruck is full of recalls, not because of the nationality of the worker, but because Tesla chooses to launch stuff ASAP and then deal with it.

That segways into your last point, about not wanting agility. I do. You may not. I'm not whining. I'd have 5 model 3s in my immediate family and I have LOVED them all. None were perfect. None drove like the Benzes I used to drive. I like that tesla is disrupting the market. Many may not. Tesla may not be for everyone. And more competition is coming. My next car may not be a Tesla. But the last thing that will go into my thought process regarding which to get will be the manufacturing location of the car. I know that Tesla wouldn't give a single concession to add quality, if it isn't already baked into their processes. You're assuming that the Chinese factory has some added budget to take an R&D project and get it ready for scale. That isn't the philosophy, regardless of what rhetoric it fits. It's the exact same concept as an iPhone. I personally prefer new tech, any day. Especially if it is generational differences like the updates in '21 and '24. Those are WAY more significant to me than where it was built.

 

[Whyone]

You're concerned about the relative build quality of the same product from 2 different factories? ........... There's so many things to consider when determining the best used Tesla, the least of which is factory.

....The last thing I would want is a Chinese built Tesla.

Please make this stop!!!

 

[Jangy]

Please make this stop!!!

Why would you poke if you really wanted it to stop? I love how you avoid the facts but have plenty to "say"

 

[Whyone]

Why would you poke if you really wanted it to stop? I love how you avoid the facts but have plenty to "say"

Based on direct personal experience, I offered a couple of data points which where both relevant too and directly addressed OP's question. Others have added similarly to this thread. If enough people do this, you build up a consensus...hive knowledge.

You however launched into the thread with a series of comments which appeared to do little other than demean and belittle OP and demonstrate that you know how to use the CAPS function on your keyboard, if not necessarily when it is appropriate to deploy this!

 

[Jangy]

Based on direct personal experience, I offered a couple of data points which where both relevant too and directly addressed OP's question. Others have added similarly to this thread. If enough people do this, you build up a consensus...hive knowledge.

You however launched into the thread with a series of comments which appeared to do little other than demean and belittle OP and demonstrate that you know how to use the CAPS function on your keyboard, if not necessarily when it is appropriate to deploy this!

Hive knowledge. This is so funny. What is wrong with education? Hive knowledge, indeed.

 

[Billionaireboy]

@Jangy and @Whyone - Both DONT know what they are talking about.....dont listen to either of THEM

Please hug and make up

OP - The best decision you can make is getting a Fisker Ocean or even better, a Fisker Karma - they have "Tesla Guts" made impecably!

 

[Whyone]

Hive knowledge. This is so funny. What is wrong with education? Hive knowledge, indeed.

OK, I think you can stop digging now; I think that hole is probably deep enough.

 

[browellm]

That segways into your last point

 

[Irata]

I think it's fair to say that build quality has improved from the early days.

If a list of warranty repairs is available, worth asking for these.

Another way to think about it is, the older cars have been run in now and likely had all issues fixed under warranty. My Fremont build car is nice now I've had everything fixed, I even have many new suspension parts(all warranty due to creaking sounds) which are now labeled made in Germany, which MIC cars don't have. It drives better now than when new.

 

[Jangy]

OK, I think you can stop digging now; I think that hole is probably deep enough.

It's not just about digging. It's about talking facts instead of just what makes others feel good. Let's just keep an eye out on the new Highland launch. The 2024 MP3 from China is now getting out there and feedback is coming in. I would think that you'd be open to feedback from it as indicator of USA vs China build quality. I can't wait to look back on this thread in 6 months and see the progress. The ONLY advantage out of China is CHEAPER materials and CHEAPER labor. That isn't to be confused with less expensive.

If you want to stop, then stop. I don't have feelings for you, so don't plead. Just stop if you're done. Don't if you aren't. Don't avoid accountability so much.

 

[Whyone]

It's not just about digging. It's about talking facts instead of just what makes others feel good. Let's just keep an eye out on the new Highland launch. The 2024 MP3 from China is now getting out there and feedback is coming in. I would think that you'd be open to feedback from it as indicator of USA vs China build quality. I can't wait to look back on this thread in 6 months and see the progress. The ONLY advantage out of China is CHEAPER materials and CHEAPER labor. That isn't to be confused with less expensive.

If you want to stop, then stop. I don't have feelings for you, so don't plead. Just stop if you're done. Don't if you aren't. Don't avoid accountability so much.

All of which helps OP how precisely?

And please, please step away from the CAPS key!!!

 

[Jangy]

All of which helps OP how precisely?

And please, please step away from the CAPS key!!!

OP should know that Tesla quality trends with age of the car. Notice that this would also show in Europe. But you don't like letting OP draw his own conclusions do you?

I asked you to STOP pleading. Haha. I'm just messing. I appreciate the banter. I mean you no harm or anything. I don't like Brits, but I'm sure it's mutual.

 

[Whyone]

OK, a different tack.

The OP has asked a very specific question based on his circumstances/budget.

What would your advice to him or her be?

(I have many friends in the US having spent a good deal of time working there. I am certainly not so stupid/small-minded as to condem the populations of entire nations to the 'dislike' bin).

 

[browellm]

OP should know that Tesla quality trends with age of the car. Notice that this would also show in Europe. But you don't like letting OP draw his own conclusions do you?

I asked you to STOP pleading. Haha. I'm just messing. I appreciate the banter. I mean you no harm or anything. I don't like Brits, but I'm sure it's mutual.

Not only can you not spell segue correctly, you have consistently overlooked there was a period in late 2020 to March 2021 where the UK got refresh cars from Fremont followed quickly by the first shipments from Shanghai, so we were able to directly compare build and paint quality of the refresh cars. The Shanghai cars were consistently better, in fact there are YT videos from UK-based Tesla aftermarket dealers doing detailed walkarounds talking about the fit and finish of said vehicles.

Now, we are completely prepared to accept that Fremont have subsequently upped their game and are now producing cars of comparable quality, but this is irrelevant to the OP because he is looking at buying a used car in exactly the time period I have just described to you.

 

[Jangy]

OK, a different tack.

The OP has asked a very specific question based on his circumstances/budget.

What would your advice to him be?

(I have many friends in the US having spent a good deal of time working there. I am certainly not so stupid/small-minded as to condem the populations of entire nations to the 'dislike' bin).

I don't know OP's budget, but I would try to buy the newest one possible. On a model 3, I would focus on a 2022, if I could afford it. If not then a 2021, and so on. The quality on the model 3 has had dramatic improvements since 2018. Tesla doesn't refine anything before launch. This is the same strategy with any new technology. I just got a 2024, which is the first year of new tech, so I am expecting some "issues". I assume that the 2025 will work some of those issues out.