Should Tesla Reconsider Policy re: Credit for 19" Sig|Perf Wheels?

[swegman]

According to my understanding, a Performance Production vehicle can be configured (via options) identical to a Signature Performance vehicle but for the availability of the Tesla red exterior, the white leather interior, Singnature badging, and an earlier delivery date. Interior appearance of both models will be identical I was told by sales people.

The Signature Performance includes the tech package, the upgraded stereo, the shelf, and the twin charger as standard. These items can be added to the Performance Production model. Note that the second charger is only needed if you intend to buy the high power wall connector, which is an option with both models.

Both models include 21 inch wheels/tires as standard, and both may be downgraded to 19 inch wheels/tires (with no credit at the present time).

[spatterso911]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Tesla doing something for its Signature reservation holders. However, I would be surprised if it was something that could potentially effect the production line or production schedule. Things that occur to me are a field installation of a center console insert, waiving the first year's annual maintenance fees, etc.

Larry

Well, since the Signature line is first in, first out, I believe it is entirely possible that items can be installed in the Sigs that require a minor retooling of the line after production is completed.. This could be done before initiation of the regular production vehicles.

[ViperDoc]

They are basically just charged the standard price to upgrade from the base wheels.

[swegman]

ViperDoc,
Meaning the car is $3,500 less when equipped with the standard 19 inch wheels/tires?

[brianman]

Another Signature distinction...

Any bugs that only affect the first 1000 (or less) off the line will be Signature exclusive. :|

[VolkerP]

Please keep in mind that Model S is not U.S. only. There will be a limited number of signature cars for every new market - Canada, Europe/Asia, Switzerland, UK, Hong Kong, Australia, and so on. Check the Tally Thread. After completion of the first 1000 U.S. signature cars, production will interleave between general production cars and signature cars.

[rogbmw]

I find that if they never offered the option to downgrade wheels (which is what most other makes do), they probably would have less/no issue. Or if they never offered 21" wheels as standard in any trim level (and stuck with more common 19" or 20").

I think Tesla marketing allowed the downgrade option to:
A) allow more options to the buyer
B) make it seem like the included wheels are of added value to the car that the buyer gets for "free" or a discount.

Instead, it got customers to unexpectedly feel like they got ripped off by having wheels they don't want/need (mainly because they are 21" wheels) bundled with the car and being charged full price for them.

I guess that I am seeing the flip side of the coin here. Yes - it would be nice to possibly see a discount - BUT - the car was stated, and never varied from to my knowledge - that the 21 inch wheels were STANDARD in specific packages, and that is what customers ordered when they reserved those packages. I would not feel ripped of because the 21 inch wheels were standard in that package. It bould be my choice to downgrade, not TMs. We were not deceived or anything, so now - if we want something different - some seem to want a discount. Would it possibly be nice...yes, but that is not the point. The car's specifications included 21 inch wheels. If that was not desired, then the option was given to downgrade the wheels to a smaller size at no charge. But remember - the car was specked with 21 inch wheels.

Another option, and one that is practiced at BMW, Mercedes, and most dealerships, is that one can purchase different wheels from the actual BMW or Mercedes store and have them swapped out, and either trade in the wheels to the dealer for what ever he would give on trade, or sell them out right. The back of the Roundel (BMW CCA magazine) regularly has new car take offs that people are selling. Has anyone priced 19 inch wheels at a dealership (store) to see what they will cost? Or is this price available?

Additionally, I do not believe that opting for 19 inch wheels over 21 inch wheels equates to a "lesser car". Right now I am riding on 35 profile tires on my BMW, and quite frankly, even though they offer marginally better performance, I am looking forward to a higher aspect ration tire with the 19 inch wheels on the Model S. As many have said, 21 inch wheels and low profile tires, combined with some of the roads in the US, do not equal the best situation....

[dsm363]

I agree with rogbmw. It would be great to get a discount on 19" wheels but doesn't look like it will happen. If 19" wheels are a primary selling feature, then a production (non-performace) sport is the way to go. This sucks for some Signature owners as we put money down years and years ago when we were told 'it will be fully loaded' without being told what that meant.

[swegman]

The non-Performance Production is not an option for me because of the interior. If Tesla makes no accommodation, I intend to exercise my right to delay the order for 6 months, thus preventing them from selling 2 cars to other individuals for that period of time. They never said anything to me about the 21 inch wheels/tires before I placed orders. Everything else I can accept. I will not accept the 21 inch tires/wheels.

I am hopeful my sales rep will work something out. He knows what is at stake.

[AnOutsider]

How would your deferral prevent someone else from getting a car in your stead? I was under the impression they just moved on to the next person after you.