Tesla - seems to be the time..

[theaxe]

I've been thinking about a Model S for a while and with the facelift (and recent sale of my Aston) I think now's the time.

I had a test drive and I think a 90D is the model for me (maximum range important). I have a few lingering questions though.

1. I hear there's a referral discount but google seems to suggest it's mostly (or just) for the US. Does anyone know the situation in the UK?
2. I could pay cash but the PCP deal includes a guaranteed future value. Is it fair to say this is a good idea given uncertain residuals?
3. In terms of spec I think the sun roof, auto pilot and enhanced interior packages are worth it. Air suspension and uprated hifi seem less so..
4. Has anyone got experience of running with bikes on the roof? Just wondering how much they would impact the range.
5. Superchargers in the UK, I get the coverage is okay and expanding but my concern is availability. If I was to arrive at 6pm on a Friday should I be expecting a wait? Do Tesla publish stats on Supercharger usage?

Any other thoughts or observations would be welcome!

[theaxe]

That's really helpful, thanks! I'll drop into one of the US forums to see if I can get hold of a referral code there..

[theaxe]

Thanks for the replies, put my order in just now. Still making my mind up on colours.. currently going with the multi-coat Red exterior, tan leather and black Alcantara.

[theaxe]

I used Richard's code (thanks!). It worked fine although I had to start a new design.

Currently quoting just 'September' but the dealer said it'd be up to 12 weeks.

I was surprised to find a number of bugs/UI problems on the ordering page. I got some screenshots which I'll pass back to them.

[theaxe]

Here's the current spec..



I didn't want black/grey/silver/white and the Blue looked a bit too bright.

For the interior I wanted something not too dark and I think the tan works better than the grey. The only outstanding thing is whether to have the light alcantara (lightens the interior but not the same shade as the leather) or the black (hides fingerprints from kids, goes with anything).

[theaxe]

Mike_C said:

gangzoom - of course this is entirely personal preference, but personally with a light colour leather interior I reckon a black headliner is cooler! Mine has the tan leather with light alcantara headliner, and if I were doing it again I would go black Also, the premium interior pack is worth it - the ambient lighting really ups the luxury feel at night, but more than that you get the remote open/close tailgate option which is well worth it. Finally, no Autopilot is madness IMO - anyone looking at a Tesla in the future will expect it to have AP, so this could really hit resale values. Plus, it is utterly awesome

I've come to that conclusion, if the light headliner better matched the tan I think I'd keep it but for now I think black is the way to go.. each to their own of course... :-)

For me autopilot is one of the main selling points, in a couple of year a lot of cars will have something similar so I'm keen to be ahead of the curve.

BTW. I'm pretty sure I can skip the 2 week cooling off period so now I've decided on the headlining I might do that.

[theaxe]

NUMMI used to kick out 6000 cars a week back in the 2000s and imagine Tesla are well automated. I think the problem is going to be in the supply chain.

[theaxe]

Bee_Jay said:

theaxe said:

BTW. I'm pretty sure I can skip the 2 week cooling off period so now I've decided on the headlining I might do that.

They don't let you do that any more, due to distance selling regs. You have to wait the full 2 weeks...

Here's a snip from my agreement:



Seems that I can do it... that said I'm now wavering on the colour / uprated sound so I think I'll use the full 2 weeks.

[theaxe]

Bee_Jay said:

Yup, mine said same (just checked), but they won't when you try (I did) because they aren't allowed to any more under UK rules... Still, it goes by damn quick anyway!

Ah, fair enough. As you say it goes quickly.. :-)

[theaxe]

So interestingly I logged in today to make yet another change to my spec and I noticed a new 'Confirm' button and I got this:



Now all confirmed.. :-)

[theaxe]

I now have a VIN! I did think about the AP 2.0 hardware but with that 'what' and the 'when' so uncertain I didn't want to put my plans on hold. Plus inevitably once AP 2.0 comes out there'll be some new component just over the horizon.

Edited by theaxe on Monday 11th July 19:48

[theaxe]

So here's an observation.. on the config page it still quotes deliveries in September as it did when I spec'd my car:


... but if I check on my order it was originally October-November but has now slipped again:


I don't mind either way but I'm curious about the delay and why the configurator is so optimistic.

[theaxe]

I've mostly been dealing with the team at Gatwick, so far they've been excellent. Had a great visit and test drive and since my order went in the delivery manager has responded to all my queries within minutes (even at weekends/evenings).

By way of an update the car went into build last week and 5 days later it's now 'in transit'... now the wait really begins.

[theaxe]

Thinking about it I booked my test drive online. I don't think I had to email them.

[theaxe]

There is the referral discount (£750 at the moment). To be honest I like the 'one price for everyone' system.

[theaxe]

Congrats! Did you confirm your order yet (if you have the option)? That might shave off a week or so rather than waiting for it to self-confirm.

[theaxe]

My car is showing as In Transit now. My delivery manager called to give the update, apparently once it gets to the east coast they'll have a clearer idea of when I can expect delivery.

[theaxe]

orbit123 said:

Hi,

have sent you a PM jimbojones81. I'm going to go for a 60D after much deliberation. If anyone has a referral code I could use it would be very much appreciated.

thanks.

Here's my referral code if you still need one.

[theaxe]

You can play with specs on the Tesla site to get an idea. I think the rate is about 6%.

[theaxe]

Good news, the DM just called to say that the car is making good progress across the Atlantic and I should be able to pick up around the end of the month.