Mixed experience - not the vehicle but the N. Rush St. team and their lackluster introduction to the Tesla brand.
When I entered the showroom I was kindly greeted by a Tesla representative, Drew, who answered a few key questions about the vehicles and scheduled time for me to engage in a test drive to take place a few days later - Drew agreeing to pick me up at my condo "without a problem." In advance of the appointment, I sent a message to confirm the test drive and our meeting point. An hour before our scheduled meeting I received a reply, Drew did not recall agreeing to begin the test drive from our confirmed meeting point. Thirty minutes after our scheduled appointment another Tesla representative arrived, and we hit the road.
This missed communication should have been a sign of what was to come; however, it did not register at that time.
A few days later I scheduled another test drive so that my spouse would have an opportunity to experience the vehicle before placing the order. Due to vehicle availability, Drew directed us to the showroom on Grand Ave. When we arrived at the showroom for the test drive the representative informed us that it would not be possible to perform the test drive because we did not have proof of vehicle insurance. A unique request given I had not been required to show proof of vehicle insurance for the first test drive and had not been instructed by my Tesla point of contact, Drew, to bring proof of insurance to this second test drive. We were unable to get behind the wheel; however, another Tesla representative took us out for a spin so my spouse could experience the vehicle as a passenger.
Ready to place the order for the vehicle I asked Drew if it would be possible for Tesla to offer a credit to cover a portion of the cost of installing an EV plug at our residence. Drew said that he would speak with his manager and get back to us within a few days. A week later Drew sent a note that he had new inventory coming to the store, but he had not addressed our question about credit for EV plug installation. I informed Drew that we have been ready to place the order and that we were only waiting for him to make good on his earlier commitment to provide a reply regarding the possibility of credit for the EV plug installation. Drew immediately replied, "EV plug credit is unprecedented and not possible unfortunately." What was not conveyed to us was that our wait for Drew's reply to our question, from a week earlier, would result in a price increase that he could do nothing about. According to Drew, "The way Tesla views it is that your order was placed after the price increase."
I do not believe Tesla strives to create a customer experience that the team at the N. Rush St. has delivered - cavalier attitudes, no consistent or timely response to customer enquiries, and a take it or leave it mentality. A clip of Drew's text communication will demonstrate this: "Also regarding the price of charging installation, it's worth mentioning that the price of the same vehicle a year ago was $15,000 more."
Perhaps this is a sign of what is to come as an owner of a Telsa if/when any type of service will be needed, or perhaps it is just the N. Rush St. team - let's hope it is the latter and not the former! I would highly recommend that you steer clear of the N. Rush St. team if you are looking for genuine customer service associated with Tesla vehicles - there is another location on Grand Ave. that had a friendly and informative team. Perhaps their approach toward customer service is better aligned with what Tesla strives to deliver. read more