Detailing with Marc
My 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus has finally arrived! I ordered it early June and it arrived early August (via home delivery) exactly 8 weeks after I placed my order. I’m going to make another video about the order process and the delivery experience (which were interesting, to say the least), but THIS video focuses on doing a through inspection of the car after I took delivery. That’s what I really cared about: What is the condition of my new car, and what are the flaws so I can make a checklist and get everything fixed. Tesla is notorious for poor quality, fit and finish, and especially paint quality. Have they finally improved? Let’s find out.
Pros:
– No manufacturing defects here! The best Tesla I’ve seen yet in terms of fit, finish and quality. Tesla has improved greatly here! Panel gaps are uniform, paint job quality is high, interior fit and finish are very nice
– The blue with black accents looks amazing! So glad I paid extra for the blue paint (cost = $1,000)
– 19″ sport wheels (cost = $1,500) are beautiful
– The driving and ownership experience is fantastic! Some people buy Teslas to save the planet and reduce maintenance costs – which I care about too – but I mainly bought it because it’s a performance car and accelerates and handles fantastically! This car replaced my BMW 335i, and that says a lot
Cons
– Tesla MANUFACTURED an excellent car, sadly it didn’t stay that way. My car has scratches ALL OVER IT as you’ll see in the video. Nothing I can’t polish or compound out, so I’m not too concerned; a basic paint correction should have it looking flawless. To Tesla’s credit, they setup a service appointment and offered to take care of everything for me, but I declined because I want to do the work myself and make sure it is done to my exacting standards. But come on Tesla, take good care of your cars after they roll off the assembly line, literally ALL the issues with my car could have been prevented
– No floormats! That’s right, the Standard Range Plus model does not come with floormats, you’ll have to buy your own. I know Tesla is focused on driving down costs and making their cars more affordable (and bravo Tesla, you’ve done well) but no floormats? Come on! The floormats I bought from the Tesla accessories store cost $99, are very cheap quality and probably cost Tesla $20 or less to manufacture, an odd place to skimp, but I’m sure they have their reasons for not including floormats
In short, my delivery experience was dampened a bit by all the damage to the car, but THIS CAR IS AMAZING! If you’re thinking about buying a Model 3 Standard Range Plus (SR+) you will not regret it! This car is the total package and will please just about anyone who gets behind the wheel. In a word, this car is FUN! Like most Tesla owners, I am in love