The Tesla Model S "Experience" -- here is the third installment in my continuing series of reviews, following (1) my initial review of the entire experience from first phone call to initial delivery, and (2) my subsequent review of my first 30 days with this "car" (although "car" doesn't quite capture it ... it is so much more) ...
Here is my experience from days 30-60 ...
... it has been a tumultuous 30 days -- and revealing in some ways.
As some of you know, in my new gig, I travel back and forth weekly from San Diego to LA. That frequently means big traffic -- and that frequently means big surprises (some good, some not so much). Cases in point:
(1) I was rear-ended on the I-5 freeway -- couldn't believe this happened; have never been rear-ended my entire driving life and, wouldn't you know it, it happens as soon as I get my Tesla. So, there I am -- in stop and go traffic (surprise surprise). I slow down and stop for the car in front of me. I look into my rear-view mirror. I see the gap closing between me and the car behind me ... closing fast. I assume it will stop. It doesn't. It keeps coming. I can't believe what's happening. I actually yell, "are you kidding me?" before he slams into my car. Am incredulous. Almost comical. Brand new car. Immediate accident (at least the guy was nice about it). Fortunately, everyone is safe -- my Tesla is in one piece -- handled the impact very well actually. It is drive-able.
But, here's the rub. This accident happened 3 weeks ago -- and, the body shop (FYI -- there is only one Tesla authorized body shop in San Diego county -- which likely is the same story wherever you are) still doesn't have the parts. In fact, my appointment is on the 15th of this month -- meaning it takes about 30 days to get the parts they need to make repairs. So, that's an issue. I love the car. But, these kinds of real-world events -- i.e., accidents -- lead to more difficulty and require more patience with a Tesla. After all, it is an entirely new kind of car -- and few have the familiarity they need to do the job right. That will change -- and change fast -- but it is an issue for we early-adopters right now.
(2) One week later, I got a flat tire -- are you kidding me? Two weeks ago, my family joins me for an LA weekend. As the valet takes the car out of the hotel parking lot, I notice a flat tire. Seriously? I can't even recall the last time I had a flat tire -- and now I get one one week after getting rear-ended on the I-5.
And, here's the problem. There is no spare tire. Yes, that's right. No spare tire. Tesla apparently went this route to spare car weight. Efficiency. I get that. But, think about it. If you are on a road-trip -- and it's a deep dark night -- you may be in trouble ... especially because a Tesla authorized and specially trained tow service must tow your car (it can't be just any towing service). Otherwise, the unfamiliar service may damage your car -- and damage it badly. Not exactly convenient when you are on that night-time road-trip. It certainly wasn't convenient for my family and me -- and we were in LA! (Once we did get the car towed to the Tesla service center, they took good care of us).
So, here are my lessons learned:
First, be patient. I am an early adopter of an entirely new kind of car and technology. Appreciate it. Respect it. But, understand the implications.
Second, and following on that last point, if you choose not to buy your own spare tire, at least invest in a tire repair kit so that you can do bare minimum tire repairs to get you somewhere safe if something happens.
Third, keep long road-trips to a minimum for now -- wait until more Tesla authorized service providers get online.
After all this, what is my 60 day verdict? Still love the car. Still wow-ed by the acceleration and handling. Still absolutely glad I bought it. But, a bit wiser now after living a seeming life-time of car issues in the past 30 days.
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