Buying Tesla Model 3 via Vroom

[bllanter]

I'm going to share my experience here for others and give any advice I can based on my experience with a trade-in and buying Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD from Vroom. Note: I have previously traded/purchased from Carvana as well.

First thing when buying from Vroom (or really any online dealer) - expect delays, mistakes, miscommunication, no details on unlimited super charging, FSD, EAP, or AP. The process for buying a car can get screwed up even in person, online just adds to the confusion. Also dealing with each state's paperwork/requirements complicate matters more.

Vroom has sales people known as "Automotive Specialists". They are your primary point for questions and can get you in contact with who you need to be speaking with. Replying to their emails goes on record for everyone to see there. Typically this email is [email protected]

Vroom has a separate group who handles your payment/trade/paperwork. They are known as "Document Specialists". You can email them at [email protected] but they can take a day or so to reply. It's much faster to call and have your Automotive Specialist transfer you to the paperwork department. Be warned, they sound like they work for the DMV and are bored to death (just be kind and they will return it).

Prior to contacting Vroom I had all of this ready:
- I knew my lease payoff from my current trade-in. I also had the payoff letter with specifics. (note: there is a different payoff amount when you are trading in to a dealer! make sure you get this)
- a photo of my trade-in odometer
- photo of my drivers license
- a photo of my proof of insurance
- photo of my registration
- scanned copy of my title provided to me by the leasing company (this took a week or more to get because as a lease in my state I do not get the title, so make sure to have this prepared)
- I also had pre-approval for my loan from my bank because they have much better rates than Carvana or Vroom could offer.

Here's what has happened so far:
3/16/21 - I entered my trade and then accepted the offer and started shopping for a Tesla Model 3.
3/16/21 - put $500 down to hold the Tesla I wanted.
3/17/21 - entered all required paperwork to continue the process
3/17/21 - talked with my Automotive Specialist and obtained the summary of the sale for my bank
3/17/21 - provided the summary of the sale to my bank to start the loan
3/17/21 - electronically signed papers from my bank for the loan
3/17/21 - my bank overnighted a cahier's check for the vehicle (minus my down payment to Vroom)
3/18/21 - I wired $2500 to add to my $500 to Vroom as down payment as agreed by bank and Vroom
3/18/21 - I reached out to the Document Specialists to inform them my bank sent the cahiers check without the VIN # and just my name (Doh!)
3/19/21 - the Document Specialists confirmed they received the cashiers check and my wire transfer.
3/19/21 - received the Vroom paperwork agreement via email and electronically signed and returned.
3/19/21 - received the Vroom paperwork counter signed and returned back to me via email.
3/19/21 - called my Automotive Specialist who transferred me to the Document Specialists. They told me expect a few days for the cashiers check to clear.
3/19/21 - I bugged my Automotive Specialist for details on the FSD, EAP, or AP of the vehicle. They directed me to Tesla and I played their game. I contacted Tesla and as expected Tesla will not discuss any details of a car until I am the owner. I replied back to my Automotive Specialist explaining what they have been told is false.

More to come...

 

[IChillinz]

Let us know but to me I would not buy a Tesla before knowing the status of autopilot. Vroom, Carvana, and those online sites, will give you 50 pictures of the thing, but the one picture you need is shot of the software tab and most of thee time they never do. Because of that I won't even look at the cars listed on there anymore. The one site that does is Current Automotive out of Chicago.

Unless thats not that important to you. This is exactly why I bought my used M3 from Tesla. I got so tired of trying to ask people info about cars I check on, to get miss information, or wrong information about Acceleration boost, AP, and warranty status. Plus Tesla gives you extra year of Warranty and 10,000 miles added onto existing warranty and throws in Acceleration boost. Even the older 2018's that may not have had autopilot before it was "standard" has AP included on used Teslas sold from their own site, and they are either AP or FSD, Tesla doesn't sell used Teslas with EAP now. At least that what I've noticed the last year as I was searching to find the right M3 for me.

 

[CapeOne]

3/19/21 - I bugged my Automotive Specialist for details on the FSD, EAP, or AP of the vehicle. They directed me to Tesla and I played their game. I contacted Tesla and as expected Tesla will not discuss any details of a car until I am the owner. I replied back to my Automotive Specialist explaining what they have been told is false.

When buying from Vroom or any third party dealer, the question that needs to be asked is how they acquired the car. If it was an auction car from Tesla, assume it will only have AP and value accordingly. If it was a direct trade-in then it might still have EAP or FSD but If the dealer is unwilling to put that in writing then you should also assume it's only an AP car and value accordingly.

 

[bllanter]

When buying from Vroom or any third party dealer, the question that needs to be asked is how they acquired the car. If it was an auction car from Tesla, assume it will only have AP and value accordingly. If it was a direct trade-in then it might still have EAP or FSD but If the dealer is unwilling to put that in writing then you should also assume it's only an AP car and value accordingly.

What's interesting is they assured me all of their Tesla have AP at least. They said their policy is to not list it since Tesla has the final control of it and they don't want any legal issues if it was taken away or removed. So Vroom intentionally doesn't take photos of the software and share it. Another Vroom buyer of a Tesla said when they received theirs it had FSD but as soon as they claimed ownership of it, FSD was removed. He said he wasn't disappointed because it wasn't ever listed or represented as having FSD.

What I'm curious about is what's the worst scenario? Is there such a thing as a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor which doesn't have AP? If there is, what would it cost me to have it added? 3K?

 

[bllanter]

I'm going to share my experience here for others and give any advice I can based on my experience with a trade-in and buying Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD from Vroom. Note: I have previously traded/purchased from Carvana as well.

First thing when buying from Vroom (or really any online dealer) - expect delays, mistakes, miscommunication, no details on unlimited super charging, FSD, EAP, or AP. The process for buying a car can get screwed up even in person, online just adds to the confusion. Also dealing with each state's paperwork/requirements complicate matters more.

Vroom has sales people known as "Automotive Specialists". They are your primary point for questions and can get you in contact with who you need to be speaking with. Replying to their emails goes on record for everyone to see there. Typically this email is [email protected]

Vroom has a separate group who handles your payment/trade/paperwork. They are known as "Document Specialists". You can email them at [email protected] but they can take a day or so to reply. It's much faster to call and have your Automotive Specialist transfer you to the paperwork department. Be warned, they sound like they work for the DMV and are bored to death (just be kind and they will return it).

Prior to contacting Vroom I had all of this ready:
- I knew my lease payoff from my current trade-in. I also had the payoff letter with specifics. (note: there is a different payoff amount when you are trading in to a dealer! make sure you get this)
- a photo of my trade-in odometer
- photo of my drivers license
- a photo of my proof of insurance
- photo of my registration
- scanned copy of my title provided to me by the leasing company (this took a week or more to get because as a lease in my state I do not get the title, so make sure to have this prepared)
- I also had pre-approval for my loan from my bank because they have much better rates than Carvana or Vroom could offer.

Here's what has happened so far:
3/16/21 - I entered my trade and then accepted the offer and started shopping for a Tesla Model 3.
3/16/21 - put $500 down to hold the Tesla I wanted.
3/17/21 - entered all required paperwork to continue the process
3/17/21 - talked with my Automotive Specialist and obtained the summary of the sale for my bank
3/17/21 - provided the summary of the sale to my bank to start the loan
3/17/21 - electronically signed papers from my bank for the loan
3/17/21 - my bank overnighted a cahier's check for the vehicle (minus my down payment to Vroom)
3/18/21 - I wired $2500 to add to my $500 to Vroom as down payment as agreed by bank and Vroom
3/18/21 - I reached out to the Document Specialists to inform them my bank sent the cahiers check without the VIN # and just my name (Doh!)
3/19/21 - the Document Specialists confirmed they received the cashiers check and my wire transfer.
3/19/21 - received the Vroom paperwork agreement via email and electronically signed and returned.
3/19/21 - received the Vroom paperwork counter signed and returned back to me via email.
3/19/21 - called my Automotive Specialist who transferred me to the Document Specialists. They told me expect a few days for the cashiers check to clear.
3/19/21 - I bugged my Automotive Specialist for details on the FSD, EAP, or AP of the vehicle. They directed me to Tesla and I played their game. I contacted Tesla and as expected Tesla will not discuss any details of a car until I am the owner. I replied back to my Automotive Specialist explaining what they have been told is false.

More to come...

3/21/21 - I came across another newer year model and it listed Autopilot. All the same features and similar miles. I called and talked to customer service (since my specialist had the day off). They connected me with another specialist who instantly switched my purchase to the newer year model! He only warned me it could cost me a few days in processing because I have to sign their paperwork online again to start the process. I think it is worth it!

 

[CapeOne]

What I'm curious about is what's the worst scenario? Is there such a thing as a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor which doesn't have AP? If there is, what would it cost me to have it added? 3K?

I think the worst case scenario would be the M3 only having AP. I don't know if Tesla even offers EAP as an option right now. The next step up from AP would be FSD for $10k or the upcoming subscription option whenever that is announced.

 

[JDMerica]

I'm just glad that they acknowledged receipt of your check. After what happened to TFL (youtube) with their buying experience, there's no way I would trust sending them a cashier's check in the mail as payment.

 

[bllanter]

3/21/21 - I came across another newer year model and it listed Autopilot. All the same features and similar miles. I called and talked to customer service (since my specialist had the day off). They connected me with another specialist who instantly switched my purchase to the newer year model! He only warned me it could cost me a few days in processing because I have to sign their paperwork online again to start the process. I think it is worth it!

3/22/21 - After receiving confirmation emails of the transaction for the new year model, a few hours later all cars disappeared from my transactions in my account. It sure appears like a mistake has been made or their system has an issue. Right now it looks like I have no purchase. Because it is after hours it has been an agonizing evening of not knowing.

 

[bllanter]

3/22/21 - After receiving confirmation emails of the transaction for the new year model, a few hours later all cars disappeared from my transactions in my account. It sure appears like a mistake has been made or their system has an issue. Right now it looks like I have no purchase. Because it is after hours it has been an agonizing evening of not knowing.

3/22/21 - Received a message from my specialist the newer car is on hold and in my account. They are sending it to the contracting phase. I have inquired why does the app and website not reflect this.

 

[bllanter]

3/22/21 - Received a message from my specialist the newer car is on hold and in my account. They are sending it to the contracting phase. I have inquired why does the app and website not reflect this.

3/22/21 - It was explained the car is definitely on hold and in my account but due to the way it was swapped the website and app will not reflect properly. They are next sending me the updated paperwork to digitally sign.

 

[bllanter]

I think the worst case scenario would be the M3 only having AP. I don't know if Tesla even offers EAP as an option right now. The next step up from AP would be FSD for $10k or the upcoming subscription option whenever that is announced.

From what I have researched, it is possible someone purchased a 2018 new and had it configured without AP. I was told by Tesla EAP is not offered anymore during a chat with Tesla. On a 2018 Tesla would not even quote me how much it would generally cost to add AP until I claimed ownership of it.

 

[bllanter]

I'm just glad that they acknowledged receipt of your check. After what happened to TFL (youtube) with their buying experience, there's no way I would trust sending them a cashier's check in the mail as payment.

That's terrible! My bank literally told me they just started wiring for payment of cars (yeah, odd). They opted to send a cashiers check and tracked it. I did call and ask if everything was received and in good order. I even told them who signed for it at their location from FedEx.

 

[bllanter]

Let us know but to me I would not buy a Tesla before knowing the status of autopilot. Vroom, Carvana, and those online sites, will give you 50 pictures of the thing, but the one picture you need is shot of the software tab and most of thee time they never do. Because of that I won't even look at the cars listed on there anymore. The one site that does is Current Automotive out of Chicago.

Unless thats not that important to you. This is exactly why I bought my used M3 from Tesla. I got so tired of trying to ask people info about cars I check on, to get miss information, or wrong information about Acceleration boost, AP, and warranty status. Plus Tesla gives you extra year of Warranty and 10,000 miles added onto existing warranty and throws in Acceleration boost. Even the older 2018's that may not have had autopilot before it was "standard" has AP included on used Teslas sold from their own site, and they are either AP or FSD, Tesla doesn't sell used Teslas with EAP now. At least that what I've noticed the last year as I was searching to find the right M3 for me.

I changed my plan and have ordered one which explicitly specifies it has AP included. Thank you for all of this info, it helped!

 

[sabat]

Hello, first post, and I'm in the same position. I sent in in my paper contract with the title from my trade, wired the extra DP, and am waiting to hear back about delivery. The salesperson said "I don't know" about the options going with the car.

The 2018 M3 Performance shows EAP as an "included package" on one of the Vroom pics. Like any other car, I would expect this $4K package to go with the car (but I'm reading now that this is not guaranteed). I've read everything I can find from Tesla about used sales, and ASFAIK there is no statement regarding the transfer of EAP. Tesla does list that Free Supercharging and Free Premium Connectivity will not transfer, but I can't find anything on EAP, or even FSD.

So, I hope that EAP will remain active after I transfer the car to my account, but if not, I believe Tesla should be clear about this process. Do they expect to be paid twice for the same option, on the same car? I understand that EAP is no longer available, but all I expect is that the current (paid for) options remain active.

Thanks for the site, lots of info here,
Dean

 

[bllanter]

Hello, first post, and I'm in the same position. I sent in in my paper contract with the title from my trade, wired the extra DP, and am waiting to hear back about delivery. The salesperson said "I don't know" about the options going with the car.

The 2018 M3 Performance shows EAP as an "included package" on one of the Vroom pics. Like any other car, I would expect this $4K package to go with the car (but I'm reading now that this is not guaranteed). I've read everything I can find from Tesla about used sales, and ASFAIK there is no statement regarding the transfer of EAP. Tesla does list that Free Supercharging and Free Premium Connectivity will not transfer, but I can't find anything on EAP, or even FSD.

So, I hope that EAP will remain active after I transfer the car to my account, but if not, I believe Tesla should be clear about this process. Do they expect to be paid twice for the same option, on the same car? I understand that EAP is no longer available, but all I expect is that the current (paid for) options remain active.

Thanks for the site, lots of info here,
Dean

Curious what your salesperson is telling you about EAP and if it will stay or not to count on it. Is EAP listed in the options for the car or just visible in a photo?

 

[MP3Mike]

3/21/21 - I came across another newer year model and it listed Autopilot. All the same features and similar miles. I called and talked to customer service (since my specialist had the day off). They connected me with another specialist who instantly switched my purchase to the newer year model! He only warned me it could cost me a few days in processing because I have to sign their paperwork online again to start the process. I think it is worth it!

Normally if the bank has issued a check linked to a particular VIN, like in your case, the loan would need to be cancelled and they would start a new loan for the new vehicle, which may require another credit check. (I have yet to see a bank swap the VIN on a loan once the check was cut. If they did you would need to have a substitution of collateral form submitted/approved.)

tl;dr: Check with you bank and make sure that switching vehicles won't be a problem with your loan.

 

[bllanter]

Normally if the bank has issued a check linked to a particular VIN, like in your case, the loan would need to be cancelled and they would start a new loan for the new vehicle, which may require another credit check. (I have yet to see a bank swap the VIN on a loan once the check was cut. If they did you would need to have a substitution of collateral form submitted/approved.)

tl;dr: Check with you bank and make sure that switching vehicles won't be a problem with your loan.

What’s a bit comical in my case is they just sent the check without a VIN attached to it or anything. This actually caused me some grief because Vroom had to attach the check to my account by my name referenced only. Also when it is time to register the vehicle, it is my full responsibility to take the paperwork to the DMV and add the bank as a lien holder. I plan to tell them afterwards this is the VIN and this is the newer year for the same price. Mostly because I’m not going to let them mess up my transaction further. I have great credit, so they can deal with it.

 

[MP3Mike]

I plan to tell them afterwards this is the VIN and this is the newer year for the same price. Mostly because I’m not going to let them mess up my transaction further. I have great credit, so they can deal with it.

They may cancel your loan and request 100% repayment immediately when you do that. (Since, assuming your loan documents reference the original VIN, you would have misappropriated the funds.) So you could end up looking for a different bank...

I'll be curious how that works out for you.

 

[bllanter]

They may cancel your loan and request 100% repayment immediately when you do that. (Since, assuming your loan documents reference the original VIN, you would have misappropriated the funds.) So you could end up looking for a different bank...

I'll be curious how that works out for you.

I appreciate the concern. I can replace the bank easily. Maybe once I get the new purchase summary I’ll reconsider.

 

[sabat]

Curious what your salesperson is telling you about EAP and if it will stay or not to count on it. Is EAP listed in the options for the car or just visible in a photo?

The EAP (and Prem Connectivity) is shown in pictures, but not listed in text on the Vroom listing. I called Vroom again for clarification, and will post their response.

I would guess that they are dealing with this issue a lot - there are 192 Model 3s on Vroom right now. There should be some sort of understanding for buyers about which options will remain and which will not.