I just discovered another issue with my one week old Model 3 to go along with the misaligned steering wheel, a 3-4 inch long paint drip by the rear trunk... Did I mention it took 5 days for the SC to return a phone call? Not how I wanted my M3 experience to start...
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More paint issues
- Thread starter Duf67
- Start date
C141medic
Active Member
The day I got mine I immediately took it to my detailer. He found issues with the paint and a few dents that the SC and I had missed. And the SC resolved them. It’s always good if you can get another pair of eyes to look your car over. SC follow ups sometimes fall through the cracks. Typically if I’m expecting a call from them and I don’t hear from them within a day or two I try to reach out to them.
C141medic
Active Member
Not only am I a lawyer, but my buddy who runs a prominent body shop is coming with me. I was also thinking of hiring an independent insurance adjuster to join the party. They are going to hate me at Tesla on D-Day.
Oh wow, yea they are in for a doozy. I have seen so many fit and finish issues on the internet with the M3 it is making my head spin.
C141medic
Active Member
If it needs an alignment it certainly would be interesting. You may be better off if the mobile tech can take care of the paint issue if it’s superficial. If it’s beyond the clear coat then it definitely needs higher level care. My total body shop experience was about 3 weeks for minor repairs so if the mobile tech can fix it properly than you’re ahead of the game.
the paint is likely an easy buffing fix (unless it's undercoat...I guess you'll find out soon), and I had a similar issue with the steering wheel alignment, and they said it was so few degrees that the car's system will make self adjustments. That was 2 weeks ago, and indeed I noticed less of a degree.
Good luck
There will almost always be minor imperfections, the important part is that the car drive safely.
if you keep sending it back for small things, you'll never have a car (while they still have your money)
Set your expectation right and decide what you can and cannot live with, while the Service center will likely schedule a future date to fix those imperfections.
UngaBunga1989
Member
Pretty sure Tesla may not be the right car for you. It is a very early stage, entrepreneurial company. The cars are exceptional to drive, but I would not bet on perfection in fit, finish or service delivery. Sadly, for right now that is part of the Tesla experience. I knew this going in and have actually fairly pleasantly surprised. BUT, my car was NOT pristine -- I just don't really care about a dust fleck here and there in the paint and/or perfectly aligned panels. The car is the best car I have ever driven and I am totally behind what Tesla is trying to do. I have personally "sold 5 Teslas to friends and family in the past 4 months.
But, if you want perfection? I'd honestly save yourself the aggravation...
N5329K
Active Member
You're the perfect owner: an early adopter who is thrilled with what the car has to offer, and with the company's mission. Nothing at all wrong with any of that (I pretty much feel the same way). But...I don't know how well that will translate to a mainstream buyer who might be spending more for this game-changing EV than he or she ever has spent on a car before, and expects it to be fast, beautiful, reliable and squared away. Add loooooong service waits to fix manufacturing defects and you can see the size of the next hurdle Tesla needs to jump.
Robin
WilliamG
Hinge Fanatic
Agreed, 100%. Got my M3P yesterday and it's incredible, but if you're looking for *perfect* in fit, finish, and paint - you're in the wrong place.
Curious, have you noticed any fit and finish defects? Agree with your post. I've bought two brand new cars in the past but have NEVER been one to check for minor things like that.
