Yes, I was one of those clearly influenced by wanting the full $7,500 tax credit and Tesla's Y/E marketing push. Although I DID place a $1,000 deposit a couple of days after online ordering was first offered -- but then I cancelled a couple of months later.
So my wife and I had recently been looking to replace her 2012 Volt (we also have a 2016 Volt that has been my DD, will now be hers) and one week ago today (12/23) "just for fun" I went online to configure my dream Model 3 -- Red Tri-Coat, White interior, Dual Motor Performance+ with EAP. I said to myself, "there is zero chance that this car will both be available AND be able to be delivered in time to get the full Tax Rebate."
Less than 15 minutes later I had uploaded all of the necessary paperwork to complete the order and offer our 2012 Volt for Trade. Two hours later I got a fair offer for the Volt and accepted it. Three hours after that I got an email from the Assistant Manager of the Paramus, NJ store (on a Sunday, even though that store is not open on Sunday) thanking me for my order and welcoming me to the Tesla Family. Several hours later I had an assigned VIN and delivery date and time (12/28/18 at 2:00pm at my home). Was this really happening???
I reached out to a friend who works at Tesla Corporate and find out that my car rolled off the line 11/29/18.
Monday 12/24, first thing in the morning I call my insurance company and get Proof of Insurance for the new car and add this to my electronic record. Wednesday morning my final Purchase Agreement is available and I initiate final payment from my bank via electronic check. Thursday I get a text / email confirming my delivery time and introducing me to my delivery specialist (who is actually from the Springfield, NJ store). He makes sure that I have the Title available for the 2012 Volt and asks for its milage.
Friday morning my delivery specialist calls and asks if I'd like to take delivery early -- at 12:30. I say, "sure!" He shows up at 12:35 and brings the car right up the driveway next to the garage. I look over the car -- all looks great. Because I have been lurking here and reading about the car ever since it was released, I tell him that I don't need to be given the "tour" of my car. He backs the 2012 Volt out of the driveway (in which he will drive back to the Springfield store). I invite him into my house and we sign all of the paperwork in 5 minutes. He wishes me well, I wish him well. I now have a gorgeous, new Model 3 Performance+ as a result of the easiest car buying experience (by an order of magnitude) of my entire life.
The build quality on my car also appears to be fabulous (hope I am not jinxing anything here!). No, it did not come with the back-ordered spoiler or model designation badge, but I doubt I will install either of those anyway. All of the body panels and trim are very well aligned with the very minor exception of the chrome trim where the rear passenger door meets the right, rear quarter panel...but that is really splitting hairs as it is off by perhaps several mm. And, Greg from Signature Auto Detailing (Hillsborough, NJ), who is doing paint correction, ceramic paint protection and protective film on the front of the car for me this weekend, said that the paint was excellent overall with only one small dust nib.
Best of all, the car drives like an absolute dream.
All in all this was one heckuva great experience thus far and I thought it was worth noting that Tesla delivered for me in a big way and pleased someone who is not easily satisfied...
So my wife and I had recently been looking to replace her 2012 Volt (we also have a 2016 Volt that has been my DD, will now be hers) and one week ago today (12/23) "just for fun" I went online to configure my dream Model 3 -- Red Tri-Coat, White interior, Dual Motor Performance+ with EAP. I said to myself, "there is zero chance that this car will both be available AND be able to be delivered in time to get the full Tax Rebate."
Less than 15 minutes later I had uploaded all of the necessary paperwork to complete the order and offer our 2012 Volt for Trade. Two hours later I got a fair offer for the Volt and accepted it. Three hours after that I got an email from the Assistant Manager of the Paramus, NJ store (on a Sunday, even though that store is not open on Sunday) thanking me for my order and welcoming me to the Tesla Family. Several hours later I had an assigned VIN and delivery date and time (12/28/18 at 2:00pm at my home). Was this really happening???
I reached out to a friend who works at Tesla Corporate and find out that my car rolled off the line 11/29/18.
Monday 12/24, first thing in the morning I call my insurance company and get Proof of Insurance for the new car and add this to my electronic record. Wednesday morning my final Purchase Agreement is available and I initiate final payment from my bank via electronic check. Thursday I get a text / email confirming my delivery time and introducing me to my delivery specialist (who is actually from the Springfield, NJ store). He makes sure that I have the Title available for the 2012 Volt and asks for its milage.
Friday morning my delivery specialist calls and asks if I'd like to take delivery early -- at 12:30. I say, "sure!" He shows up at 12:35 and brings the car right up the driveway next to the garage. I look over the car -- all looks great. Because I have been lurking here and reading about the car ever since it was released, I tell him that I don't need to be given the "tour" of my car. He backs the 2012 Volt out of the driveway (in which he will drive back to the Springfield store). I invite him into my house and we sign all of the paperwork in 5 minutes. He wishes me well, I wish him well. I now have a gorgeous, new Model 3 Performance+ as a result of the easiest car buying experience (by an order of magnitude) of my entire life.
The build quality on my car also appears to be fabulous (hope I am not jinxing anything here!). No, it did not come with the back-ordered spoiler or model designation badge, but I doubt I will install either of those anyway. All of the body panels and trim are very well aligned with the very minor exception of the chrome trim where the rear passenger door meets the right, rear quarter panel...but that is really splitting hairs as it is off by perhaps several mm. And, Greg from Signature Auto Detailing (Hillsborough, NJ), who is doing paint correction, ceramic paint protection and protective film on the front of the car for me this weekend, said that the paint was excellent overall with only one small dust nib.
Best of all, the car drives like an absolute dream.
All in all this was one heckuva great experience thus far and I thought it was worth noting that Tesla delivered for me in a big way and pleased someone who is not easily satisfied...
