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Besides a few possible 50,000+ mile examples, Tesla Model Ses are all in warranty right now. Once they're out of warranty, it's possible that customer satisfac
by bri3d 12y ago
Besides a few possible 50,000+ mile examples, Tesla Model Ses are all in warranty right now.
Once they're out of warranty, it's possible that customer satisfaction will go right out the window unless Tesla subsidize the cost of repairs further.
Tesla seem cognizant of this issue in that they both offered a better-than-standard warranty for their market segment and are proactive about updating cars to revised parts (as opposed to other manufacturers, who often force consumers to harass dealers about service bulletins they've noticed and want fixed).
However, I'd still worry a bit. Systemic issues could result in increased depreciation and a tarnished reputation, which would be a double-whammy for Tesla thanks to their aggressive buy-back lease program.
Plus with a complete vendor service lock-in, Tesla are in complete control of service prices and availability. This is a tricky game to play. Right now, Teslas are relatively expensive and owners probably won't have problems paying dealer service prices, but as Tesla move downmarket they'll have to strike a balance between making a profit and preserving their reputation, and there aren't any third-party mechanics for budget-conscious consumers to seek out.
- ghaff 12y agoI admit that I don't drive BMWs or other high-end cars but I must say that this sentence caught my eye: "The maintenance service, done at the same time, includes topping off fluids, cabin filter replacement, key fob batteries, and a tire rotation. All told, we paid $636.90 with tax." I'm probably not the market for (current) Teslas--too cheap when it comes to cars--but that seems like... a lot. My Toyota SUV, which is not a particularly LOW-end car, covered pretty much all service for 2 years. Again, understand I'm not Tesla's current market.
- tdicola 12y agoThat sounds about right for dealer maintenance on a luxury car. In reality they probably put less than $10 of fluids in the car, replaced batteries for a couple bucks, popped in a new air filter for $20, and spent 15 minutes moving the tires between axles. You're really just paying for the dealership's time to do those things.
- ghaff 12y agoAnother reality check to print out and file away for the next time I'm tempted to buy one of those German sport-luxury car things :-) I do like them. I just like lots of other things more for that amount of money.
- virtue3 12y agoFrom what I understand about BMW's getting out of the shop for less than <1000$ is a pittance... (at least once that warranty is over) ~700$ for routine maintenance seems like a lot. But they did do a shitload of work on the car (like replacing the entire rear passenger seating) for free.
- cardiffspaceman 12y agoIf you do those things on a BMW as its first owner, or as a CPO owner, they are no charge. you paid up front for that until 50k or 4 yrs.