https://archive.is/wip/tXhS9

spoiler

I purchased a used 2018 model x 18 months ago.

Everything has been OK initially, I purchased through Tesla and had the used approved warranty etc.

4 weeks ago I started getting an intermittent fault, essentially the car would intermittently be "stupid", no cruise control, assist features etc. It would infrequently resolve after 45 minutes idle for the next drive.

This intermittent issue then extended to critical features like power steering.

Now I don't know if anyone has tried, but it's simply not possible/safe to drive this car without power steering.

Also, did you know the car can just stop power steering from working randomly? Seems dangerous. Not something you would want to happen while going at speed towards a curving exit ramp.

The car needed to be put on a flatbed to get it to service.

I'm 2 weeks in, and most recently I've been advised that even if a fault isn't being found, the time it takes will just be added to my bill. This means that an inability to diagnose a fault is placed on me as financial responsibility but I have no power over the tools/processes and no alternative.

I'm appalled by the customer services, im not blaming the service team they can inly do what they are told to do. I'm without a car for two weeks so far, technically they (Tesla) seem to think they can just keep billing me. In theory the car could be with them for months, I could rack up a bill in excess of the cars worth!

I've had to formally complain just to get a dialogue with someone who might be able to get me a courtesy car instead of one that would cost me each day.

To say I'm appalled is an understatement. I love the car, but if I have to foot a lengthy bill for diagnostics because the services lack the ability to diagnose faults effectively, then I can't see how this is a viable business to partner with for my travelling needs.

Rant over. Love the car but hate pretty much everything else about the way this all works (or doesn't in this instance).

If I could go back in time I would not have made this purchase.

  • happybadger [he/him]
    hexagon
    hexbear
    13
    2 months ago

    And with a battery that costs like $15k to replace every 10~ years. They've got 4~ left before that's halving the value again.

    Buying a used Tesla takes a special kind of perennial rube. The sort of person who will die following a chicken across a road.