I could care less about the red bow and don't need any clapping employees, and I already got a factory tour at the meet-the-x event, but I do expect a proper inspection. I am worried that I am going to miss details that bother me later, like misalignment or other issues that I don't even know about yet that they could be wrong. What is everybody's experience there, is bringing up stuff later different from up front? And, anybody close to fremont that knows what to look out for that is willing to assist the inspection process for say a bottle go wine ?
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eyespii
Member
When I picked up my X last month at my local SC, I had already noticed several issues, but I still took the car home for a week so I could really have time to go over the car in more detail. After a week, I called the SC up and gave them my laundry list of issues and concerns, and its still there almost 3 weeks later.
Every few days I get a status update from the SC manager and in the meantime I have a brand new S90D loaner to drive around. Is this situation ideal? Obviously not! Does Tesla really need to increase the QC of the X before releasing them? Yes! Do I think its worth it for what is the coolest SUV in production today? Absolutely!
I can only imagine how their QC issues will be, when faced with the increased volume from another model - Tesla 3. They say 2017 release, but I believe realistically 2018 at the earliest.
Every few days I get a status update from the SC manager and in the meantime I have a brand new S90D loaner to drive around. Is this situation ideal? Obviously not! Does Tesla really need to increase the QC of the X before releasing them? Yes! Do I think its worth it for what is the coolest SUV in production today? Absolutely!
I can only imagine how their QC issues will be, when faced with the increased volume from another model - Tesla 3. They say 2017 release, but I believe realistically 2018 at the earliest.
Meh.
In this case, consumer loyalty does not appear based on the quality of the fit and finish, nor the reliability of the vehicles, but rather the idea of an EV vs. ICE and the really fast acceleration (which is probably why Tesla seems to spend a lot of effort on P mode, then ludicrous and possibly plaid vs. improving the delivered quality of the cars).
It will be interesting to see how much that loyalty extends to the people who would by Model 3 and the overall mass market.
I don't get how a $150k car can be delivered that is scratched, not fully painted, mis-aligned, panels within "specs" that a customer can easily notice, doors that don't close/open properly, rattles, etc. The idea of taking delivery with a list of things that still need to be fixed on a $100k+ vehicle is really bizarre. I would never sign off on any purchase like that until everything has been addressed.
The delivery window in MyTesla still shows April-Early May. At this point, I'm not so anxious any more. I want them to make sure mine is right. If I had the experience the OP did at his delivery, I would have not accepted the car. I think it's really weird that they would be so pushy about the paperwork. Most likely because they were fully aware of all the issues with the car... As with when I buy any car. I don't sign paperwork until I fully inspect the vehicle. I order vehicles all the time for personal and business use. Papers don't get signed and payment doesn't get made until the car is up to my expectations for delivery.
I know that Tesla has to be spending a ton extra on each of these cars that need massive repairs and adjustments after production. I'm betting production will slow again in the very near future so they can better get this under control. The push here was to maximize delivery numbers by for Q1 and this could also be another reason why we're hearing reports of delivery people being pushy with the paperwork. Cars are not "delivered" until the customer takes delivery. If delivery is held off for a customer that wants all the issues corrected, this cuts into the total delivered for the end of Q1 that's less than 10 days away -- in other words, anyone who refuses delivery now so that problems can be corrected, won't take delivery until Q2. I wouldn't be surprised if there are incentives or bonuses in place for Tesla personnel to get these delivery papers signed. This end of quarter push is also why the majority of deliveries over the past week or two and continuing now are in California or close by and why we saw production of 90D models and all that. And is most likely the reason why I, and a good many others, are seeing later VINs get produced and shipped before ours. And at this point, I don't care... I'll gladly wait if I know that the car will be 100% perfect and ready when I set foot in the SC to pick it up. If it's not, I guess they can try again and call me when it is. ...And that's going to be a difficult and painful thing to do if it comes to that. So many of us have waited a long time for the X.
I know that Tesla has to be spending a ton extra on each of these cars that need massive repairs and adjustments after production. I'm betting production will slow again in the very near future so they can better get this under control. The push here was to maximize delivery numbers by for Q1 and this could also be another reason why we're hearing reports of delivery people being pushy with the paperwork. Cars are not "delivered" until the customer takes delivery. If delivery is held off for a customer that wants all the issues corrected, this cuts into the total delivered for the end of Q1 that's less than 10 days away -- in other words, anyone who refuses delivery now so that problems can be corrected, won't take delivery until Q2. I wouldn't be surprised if there are incentives or bonuses in place for Tesla personnel to get these delivery papers signed. This end of quarter push is also why the majority of deliveries over the past week or two and continuing now are in California or close by and why we saw production of 90D models and all that. And is most likely the reason why I, and a good many others, are seeing later VINs get produced and shipped before ours. And at this point, I don't care... I'll gladly wait if I know that the car will be 100% perfect and ready when I set foot in the SC to pick it up. If it's not, I guess they can try again and call me when it is. ...And that's going to be a difficult and painful thing to do if it comes to that. So many of us have waited a long time for the X.
vjlvjl
Bluebird
Here's the delivery checklist I used. Sorry, I don't know whom to thank for pulling this together.
Tesla Model X Checklist
Those things are all fixable. A shame you have to wait for them to make it right, but your X is gorgeous. Apparently there are dramatically different experiences depending on SC (or in your case the factory) where the cars are picked up. Why is this happening? Don't the SC and delivery staff all go through the same training?
Don't worry too much. You will only get stranded if you open the doors. So, bring a blanket with you. When you stop at the SuperCharger, roll the window down, drape the blanket over the door panel and climb out the window. Reverse the process after fully charged. No worries.
Interesting. I never thought of it that way.
Yeah, be careful that the red bow, the clapping employees and the excitement of "aren't you special for buying our car" does not get in the way of a non-emotional evaluation of what you are spending $120k for!
Pay attention to what is behind the curtain
I bought an iphone where they did the clapping and big deal, and it was an experience...but I knew that I could return the phone in 14 days if I wasn't happy, so it didn't affect my decision to purchase.
There some good threads on the forum and a checklist in a recent thread. It is a great vehicle, but know what to look for - you obviously have a lot more leverage before you sign the papers than after, especially at the end of a quarter. There was one person who mentioned that he was asked to sign the papers before inspecting the car with the idea that Tesla will fix anything later. Clearly, that is more likely at Tesla than at Big Bob's Used Car Lot, but still, for $120k, you deserve to have high expectations before signing.
Had my delivery cancelled today 4 hrs prior to me picking up the car. The delivery specialist called and said they couldn't deliver because of "trim issues" they identified at the SC. I've been moping around all afternoon having to wait another week to get it, but I guess I should be glad they looked.
Darryl
ModelXTracker.com Co-Adm
MikeJr74 went with me back in February for the first time I attempted to take delivery. He can tell you they wanted me to sign off on delivery before I even saw the car. The DS said something like "why don't we take care of the paperwork while we get your car ready". My car was suppose to have been delivered at the end of January but after it arrived at the SC there was a problem with flickering headlights which required replacement of a power module (a known problem).
I said no, I want to inspect the car first. They didn't argue with me and brought the car around. Mike inspected the car while my wife and I went through the orientation. They were thorough with the orientation and most of what was found was molding which was not completely snapped it, misaligned headlamp assembly (one side higher than the hood and the other side owner than the hood), and a scratched panel in the rear of the car. Thinking everything was only minor I signed the paperwork. Ten minutes later they came back and said they had found a cracked charger port (a know problem) and I would not be able to take the car home. All paperwork was voided. They did give me a Model S P85 to drive while they ordered a charger port.
Two weeks later I was back again to pick up the car. I waited almost two hours past my scheduled delivery time while they downloaded and installed a software update. The car got less than 5 miles before it had s problem with a defective latching mechanism (a known problem) but this time they had no loaner. The checklist is great, but it is the things you can't see which cause the most problems. As you can see from my response every major (I say major only because it prevented delivery of the car or the car wouldn't run) was because of what they said was a known problem.) If they are known problems why do they wait for the parts to fail before they are replaced. It is like a time bomb waiting to go off, if you haven't had your front door latches replaced it is not if they will fail it is when will they fail. I see the known problems are still happening to others.
I escalated my issues up the chain of command which seemed to help get the problem resolved faster. I picked up my car again last week. I even got a call from the manager a couple days later to make sure I was satisfied. I currently have no major problems just some minor issues. I love my car, and do not regret purchasing the car.
I was not happy with the almost three year delay and was not happy with the issues I have had since but anytime you purchase leading edge technology and are an early adopter you have to be willing to accept the risk. Any of us could have walked away any time and got our money back. It it is not like it would have earned much interest with the rate being so low these days. I saw one person saying their $5,000 deposit was like investing in the company. I differ, you could get your $5k back at any time. On the other hand there is no guarantee you will ever get back money you investment.
I am concerned those who will be putting down $1,000 to reserve an M3 don't understand there is risk, there will probably be delays and early adopters will probably have some issues with their car. Where a $1,000 is not a lot to those who have purchased a Model X, it is a lot more to the majority of people buying a Model 3. Any significant delay with the M3 will probably mean they are unable to get the $7,500 Federal Tax Rebate which is a lot to the average M3 purchaser and could mean not being able to afford the car. There was a comment today on the forum about the quality issues with the MX and the ability to deliver a M3. I expect the M3 will have similar issues that the MX had if anything more. Because the MS and MX used the same chassis this reduced the possibility of issues. The M3 will be the first to use a new chassis. The only thing that may reduce issues is the M3 will not be as complicated of a car as the MX.
Again, I love my MX and feel honored to be able to own one. I have two recommendations. Don't pay in advance of accepting the car and don't accept the car without inspecting it and noting any issues, no matter how minor on the sales paperwork. If there is anything other than cosmetic issues put off accepting the car until they are resolved.
I said no, I want to inspect the car first. They didn't argue with me and brought the car around. Mike inspected the car while my wife and I went through the orientation. They were thorough with the orientation and most of what was found was molding which was not completely snapped it, misaligned headlamp assembly (one side higher than the hood and the other side owner than the hood), and a scratched panel in the rear of the car. Thinking everything was only minor I signed the paperwork. Ten minutes later they came back and said they had found a cracked charger port (a know problem) and I would not be able to take the car home. All paperwork was voided. They did give me a Model S P85 to drive while they ordered a charger port.
Two weeks later I was back again to pick up the car. I waited almost two hours past my scheduled delivery time while they downloaded and installed a software update. The car got less than 5 miles before it had s problem with a defective latching mechanism (a known problem) but this time they had no loaner. The checklist is great, but it is the things you can't see which cause the most problems. As you can see from my response every major (I say major only because it prevented delivery of the car or the car wouldn't run) was because of what they said was a known problem.) If they are known problems why do they wait for the parts to fail before they are replaced. It is like a time bomb waiting to go off, if you haven't had your front door latches replaced it is not if they will fail it is when will they fail. I see the known problems are still happening to others.
I escalated my issues up the chain of command which seemed to help get the problem resolved faster. I picked up my car again last week. I even got a call from the manager a couple days later to make sure I was satisfied. I currently have no major problems just some minor issues. I love my car, and do not regret purchasing the car.
I was not happy with the almost three year delay and was not happy with the issues I have had since but anytime you purchase leading edge technology and are an early adopter you have to be willing to accept the risk. Any of us could have walked away any time and got our money back. It it is not like it would have earned much interest with the rate being so low these days. I saw one person saying their $5,000 deposit was like investing in the company. I differ, you could get your $5k back at any time. On the other hand there is no guarantee you will ever get back money you investment.
I am concerned those who will be putting down $1,000 to reserve an M3 don't understand there is risk, there will probably be delays and early adopters will probably have some issues with their car. Where a $1,000 is not a lot to those who have purchased a Model X, it is a lot more to the majority of people buying a Model 3. Any significant delay with the M3 will probably mean they are unable to get the $7,500 Federal Tax Rebate which is a lot to the average M3 purchaser and could mean not being able to afford the car. There was a comment today on the forum about the quality issues with the MX and the ability to deliver a M3. I expect the M3 will have similar issues that the MX had if anything more. Because the MS and MX used the same chassis this reduced the possibility of issues. The M3 will be the first to use a new chassis. The only thing that may reduce issues is the M3 will not be as complicated of a car as the MX.
Again, I love my MX and feel honored to be able to own one. I have two recommendations. Don't pay in advance of accepting the car and don't accept the car without inspecting it and noting any issues, no matter how minor on the sales paperwork. If there is anything other than cosmetic issues put off accepting the car until they are resolved.
vangogh
Member
Interesting....I went to the factory and there are all kinds of signs around saying "delivery experience" and there is a big white tent erected in the parking lot. I did my delivery at the beginning of January at the factory and it was inside and appropriate (although there were some issues (like hatch/panel gaps) that were present and I'm still waiting to get them corrected.
The car in the OP developed the door latch issue, driver door won't open. Took it into SC, estimate is 2 weeks to fix all the issues (panel alignment, scratches, door latch, door alignment, rattles, wind noise). Got a loaner S.
I think QC st Fremont factory is letting any issues SC can fix slide out the door to increase Q1 #s. Good for Tesla, bad for customer experience.
Anyone picking up their car this month should be aware of this, and know there will be a strong push from the delivery specialists to get you to sign and take delivery despite these issues.
On the bright side, I feel confident Tesla SC will take care of the existing issues with my car.
I think QC st Fremont factory is letting any issues SC can fix slide out the door to increase Q1 #s. Good for Tesla, bad for customer experience.
Anyone picking up their car this month should be aware of this, and know there will be a strong push from the delivery specialists to get you to sign and take delivery despite these issues.
On the bright side, I feel confident Tesla SC will take care of the existing issues with my car.
Mark Z
Active Member
Here is the original thread that documents how the list started for Model X:
Model X Delivery Checklist
30 days out of service during the first 18 months makes the car a Lemon in CA. See posts in the other thread "Horrible, horrible and terrible day".
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