Munro says Tesla Model 3 is profitable

Certainly looks okay from that distance. Seems odd that there doesn't appear to be a gap between the fascia and... what's the proper term? The fender body panel? ...doesn't appear to be a gap between the fascia and the fender body panel, as it appears in the photos in post #25.

And now this disinformation-monger is trying to use the "Let's you and him fight" strategy, to generate disagreement here.

I've been asked by the moderator not to call anyone a troll, but let's just say that someone here -- not naming names -- shows a strong resemblance to a certain mythical creature which traditionally lives under a bridge.

 

I'm pretty sure nobody thinks I'm making this up. I can take more photos to include my customized aero caps to prove it's the same car, but I don't think that is necessary.

I think the zoomed in original headlight photos exaggerated the panel gap between the fender and bumper. But the car was not in an accident. The right headlight is sticking out a little bit and I'm fine with it as purely cosmetic. Most people probably wouldn't even notice it unless they were specifically instructed.

Some people have issues with the paint cracking on some of the weld seams, paint peeling in corners, and others have issues with the hood/doors/trunk not closing correctly due to being out of alignment. Those issues I would have a problems with.





If the moderators wish, they can move these posts to a separate thread since it's gone off course from the original topic.

 

Great pictures. I can clearly see why you should sell it and am interested in taking this lemon off your hands.

Reports are first Model 3 were available only for $50,200 but we'll use $50,000 to keep the math simple:

Code:

 $50,000  :: minimum purchase price of first Model 3
*     25% :: depreciation, owner reported defective facia and headlights
-$12,500  :: 25% depreciation
--------
 $37,500  :: depreciated price
-$ 7,500  :: Federal tax credit, used car, owner keeps
--------
 $30,000  :: fair market value
 $??,???  :: liens against the title

Ok, we have a rough, fair market value for the car. To make a detailed offer:

1. Need the VIN to check the car history and get a list of extras from Tesla.
2. Current odometer reading?
3. Where it is registered so my bank can check the title for liens?
4. What airport should I schedule a cheap (2-3 weeks) flight?

Bob Wilson

 

There is a method to my madness:

• Tesla laid off 9% in June, ~3,000 employees
• Employees had early preference for the most bug prone Model 3
• 36,700 Model 3 made by end of June
• $666/mo car loan @2% for 72 months, $50,200 cost, $5,000 down/trade-in

So now we can make a model:

• ~10% of early Model 3 sold to employees ~= 3,670 cars
• 9% probability they were laid off ~= 330 Model 3 owned by former Tesla employees

If I can find them, there should be about 330, lightly used, Model 3s on the market. Faced with a substantial monthly car payment and loss of work, they are probably interested in getting out from this expense. So here is the deal:

1. They keep the Federal and State Tax credits but use them to depreciate the car.
2. I'll take the car off their hands by paying the remaining lien (negotiable.)
3. Offer them our 2017 Prius Prime for an excellent price or they buy something else.

So if someone comes here complaining about the fit and finish of their Model 3, my ears perk up. It is probably one of the earliest that were sold to Tesla employees. There is a 9% chance they were recently laid off so it is time to make a deal.

Bob Wilson

 

Ha ha Bob, you're funny. I'm keeping my car for 10+ years. Nice try.

Good luck on finding sellers. In this job market, they all probably have new jobs by now. Here's the cheapest used Model 3 I've seen and it has 12,000 miles for $48,500: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/742938993/overview/

 

I've seen a few, but could only find two right now:

 

Yes, trunk overhang.

 

Mine looks fine. That's not caulking but a welding seam where two pieces are joined.

 

Agreed!

Sometimes discussions of 'fit and finish' sound like making a mountain out of a mole hill. But I've also seen young kids back from Halloween going through their loot and complaining about one or another type of candy . . . 'Ok, I'll take that off your hands' and see them suddenly ready to fight to keep that crappy candy.

Bob Wilson

 

Wow, have just found your reply, Domenick. Not sure why I missed it -

Yes, I have developed a new driveline, ideal for EVs. Attached is our press release in JPG. Only thing is it won't be shown before the end of this year - flat out on other projects.

Stuart