View Poll Results: Tesla Model 3 Build Defects - Deal Breaker?
Yes
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31
65.96%
No
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11
23.40%
Maybe
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5
10.64%
Voters: 47. You may not vote on this poll
Tesla Model 3 (merged megathread)
#61
Lexus Champion
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There's a Tesla Store in the King of Prussia mall near me (I think, not coincidentally, it's right next door to the Apple Store).
I think they should let customers test drive the cars around the concourse in the mall--that would be really fun. If the Blues Brothers can do it, why can't I?
I think they should let customers test drive the cars around the concourse in the mall--that would be really fun. If the Blues Brothers can do it, why can't I?
#62
Lexus Fanatic
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Nice general overview. The thing I am still confused about is how to test drive a Tesla and even buy one. The last thread was totally confusing to me. Tesla is a unique animal we have to learn about. The main thing is It depends on where you live it seems.
-What type of facility were you at? By describing it as a warehouse I have to think you were at a Tesla Service Center, as Tesla
doesn't have any "dealerships/franchises". That's why there were no desks etc, it's just to service Tesla's.
-Did you make an appointment or just show up?
Are test drives a normal feature at this place or did they make an exception for you. There is one statement that you had buy the car online then return it in 5 days just for a test drive.
If you want to buy the car what would be the process? Would you still have to buy it online?
I'll stop there I have many other questions though.
-What type of facility were you at? By describing it as a warehouse I have to think you were at a Tesla Service Center, as Tesla
doesn't have any "dealerships/franchises". That's why there were no desks etc, it's just to service Tesla's.
-Did you make an appointment or just show up?
Are test drives a normal feature at this place or did they make an exception for you. There is one statement that you had buy the car online then return it in 5 days just for a test drive.
If you want to buy the car what would be the process? Would you still have to buy it online?
I'll stop there I have many other questions though.
I showed up. Appointments there are not needed, though can be made if desired. As far as I could tell, test-drives were not necessarily the exception there, but the rule...they were also dealing with a couple of customers there as well, and a number of new Model 3s and Model S's seemed to be in stock. Didn't see many of the gull-wing Model X's, though, except for one in the showroom (can't remember how many, if any, were outside on the lot). The Model X got a reputation for poor QC, especially on the gull-door assemblies, so it is possible that people just aren't buying it anymore, or, if they still are, the place was (almost) sold out.
It also should be remembered that the Tysons part of Northern Virginia's D.C. suburbs is a BIG-money-area, with a lot of dollars chasing after a lot of new vehicles. Indeed, Porsche, Bentley, Mercedes, Jaguar, Aston Martin, and other elite brands all have facilities and/or dealerships in that same neighborhood. So, the way that this local Tesla shop operates may or may not be in the same manner as in more mundane neighborhoods or regions of the country....that, I wouldn't know.
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-30-19 at 06:36 AM.
#63
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In Scottsdale, the "showroom" is in the big shopping mall. The service shop and test drive facility is in a building nearby. It is a bit like a warehouse, but serves its purpose. The showroom had one of each of the three models on display and a couple of guys to answer questions. No sales pressure at all.
#64
Lexus Fanatic
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In Scottsdale, the "showroom" is in the big shopping mall. The service shop and test drive facility is in a building nearby. It is a bit like a warehouse, but serves its purpose. The showroom had one of each of the three models on display and a couple of guys to answer questions. No sales pressure at all.
Have you done a test-drive yourself?
#65
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I did, a short drive in a standard range + version which is around $41000. The fit and finish were much better than I expected - not Lexus level, but not bad either. I found the big screen easy to adapt to and after a while it seemed very natural. This model is not really fast, but it is slightly faster than the Camry V-6, BMW 330, or MB C300. My big complaint was the stiff ride. This should have been the best riding Model 3 and it was still pretty stiff. It did handle very well though. The 240 mi range would fit us as a 2nd car and maybe as a primary car now that we don't take long road trips.
I was tempted to try the Performance model, but was afraid I would like it too much.
I was tempted to try the Performance model, but was afraid I would like it too much.
#66
Lexus Fanatic
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Nice review. As for the charging, doesnt surprise me that they don't charge cars for customers. Many dealerships have gas pumps, but they dont fill up cars for customers.
#67
Lexus Fanatic
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BTW, you may (?) have actually seen that place at one time...I know you have been to the Tysons area a number of times. It's on Tyco Rd, squeezed in between the Audi Dealership and the industrial parks along that road.
https://www.google.com/maps/@38.9313...7i13312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@38.9314...7i13312!8i6656
#68
Lexus Fanatic
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#69
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Build quality, even with the paint you love, is absolutely still a major issue for Tesla, with significant defects fairly widespread.
#70
Lexus Fanatic
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Perhaps as the cars age, more problems will show. The brand-new Tesla 3 that I sampled seemed well-enough screwed together.....except for a somewhat tinny closing to the trunk-lid.
Not surprised that the red is a 2K option. It looked it.
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Last edited by mmarshall; 08-01-19 at 11:51 AM.
#71
Lexus Test Driver
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I'm pretty active in the Tesla forums and the build quality issues are getting much better...yes even the paint. I had my Xpel guy evaluate the paint right after i took delivery to see if i should return and he said it was near perfect. He did say the newer builds have been much better through his doors. Just FYI...
#72
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I'm pretty active in the Tesla forums and the build quality issues are getting much better...yes even the paint. I had my Xpel guy evaluate the paint right after i took delivery to see if i should return and he said it was near perfect. He did say the newer builds have been much better through his doors. Just FYI...
#73
Lexus Fanatic
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The Tesla Model 3 I saw (red) had paint as least as good as any new Lexus model. I would imagine one could get an incredible shine with some light polishing and a natural wax.
Last edited by LeX2K; 08-01-19 at 12:38 PM.
#74
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
#75
Lexus Fanatic
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It's an old term in the auto-review business......goes back even before my time.
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As for the vehicle's basic structure, of course, there are three general types, of which most vehicles today are designed from......unibody/monocoque (most passenger cars/crossover SUVs/CUVs), body-on-frame (traditional pickup trucks and some large SUVs), and space-frame/body-panel for some specialty vehicles.
Last edited by mmarshall; 08-01-19 at 02:11 PM.