Taking Delivery of a Tesla Model Y

On March 30, 2022, I finally received the Tesla Model Y, which I had ordered on September 21, 2021, with the following options:

• White paint
• Black interior
  
• Tow Hitch (for attaching mountain bike racks)
  

The Tesla Model Y was dropped off at around 4:00pm on March 30, 2022. I was contacted a few days before my delivery and had to complete all the required steps using the iPhone Tesla app. Overall, the purchasing process was relatively smooth. The Tesla process was monumentally faster than purchasing a new vehicle at an auto dealer. For example, when I last bought the Audi Q5 from Stevens Creek Audi, I must have spent 2-3 hours at the dealer filling out paperwork. The Tesla App took me no more than 15 minutes.

When the car was dropped off, I looked it over and talked to the delivery person. At first, I thought it was missing the Tow Hitch because it was hidden behind the plastic bumper cover. A Tesla rep called to assure me that the tow hitch was installed and that I had nothing to worry about. However, to avoid damaging the bumper, I needed a unique tool to remove the bumper cover.

The Motor Vehicle Order Agreement is as follows:

I decided to use David Pogosian to install the Nema 14-30R socket in my home, where I could plug in my Tesla Mobile Connector that came with the Tesla Model Y. 

I ordered the front and rear floor mats from WeatherTech:

• WeatherTech Front and Rear Floormats 
• WeatherTech Cargo Liner
  

In addition, I ordered the following accessories from Amazon:

• AutoTech Zone Sunshade for 2020-2022 Tesla Model Y, Custom-fit Windshield SunShade 
• SanDisk 256GB Ultra Dual Drive Luxe USB Type-C - SDDDC4-256G-G46   
• Tesla Model Y Glass Roof Sunshade with UV/Heat Insulation Cover Gray Set of 2 for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2022 Model Y 
• Pry Bar Set for Tesla Model Y Hitch Cover, Removal Tools Set for Tesla Model Y Hitch Cover [2Packs] 
  

I also ordered the following item from Tesla:

• Gen 2 NEMA Adapters

After taking delivery, I realized that my rear passenger-side tire had lower pressure (38 psi vs 41 psi in all other tires). As time went by, the pressure in the tire decreased.

When Inna returned from England and decided to drive the car, the rear tire indicated 32 psi! We called Tesla multiple times to try to get a replacement, but Tesla offered us to pay $380 for a replacement tire. We decided to get a spare tire temporarily so that we could drive the car.

We contacted Tesla, and they sent over an AAA van, which removed the leaking tire and installed a spare. I made an appointment in June for a tire replacement (the earliest we could find one).

Overall, I am very disappointed in how Tesla handled the tire issue. On a new car, Tesla should have taken it better. I still don't know whether I will be forced to pay $380 for a defective tire. Dealing with Tesla Service is unpleasant.

Friday, June 3, 2022

I finally visited the Tesla Service facility at 2801 Northwestern Parkway, Santa Clara. When I arrived for my 8:15am scheduled appointment, I was told that even though my tire was reported as repaired - it was not. I dropped off my car and walked to work nearby. Tesla was offering free Uber rides (but no loaner cars). At about 10:05, I received a message that my car was ready.

It took about two hours for Tesla to patch a tire when it should have been 20 minutes. The cost was $81 (which includes $75 for labor and $6 for parts). Compared to the customer service at Lexus or Audi, Tesla's service is efficient but slow.