Situations
How do I insure a Tesla before delivery?
Tesla wants proof of insurance before delivery. What Tesla's pages say about when to upload it and what to bring, and what to ask your insurer.
What to do when something is off
Step-by-step answers for specific situations at a Tesla delivery or when buying a used Tesla, from a flagged defect to a missing item.
Situations
I just got my VIN: what happens next?
You have a VIN for your new Tesla. What Tesla's pages say comes next in the US: insurance, final payment, bank paperwork and scheduling your delivery.
Situations
My new Tesla loses battery overnight. What should I check?
Your new Tesla loses charge while parked. What Tesla's manual lists as drains when the car is not plugged in, and which settings to check first.
Situations
My Tesla discount or incentive disappeared after the VIN. What can I do?
Your Tesla discount or incentive changed after you got a VIN. What the IRS says about the federal credit and what to check in your own order, in the US.
Situations
Something looks slightly off on my new Tesla. Is it normal?
Something looks slightly off on your new Tesla. We cannot say if it is normal, but here is how to record it, raise it before you sign and what to ask Tesla.
Situations
My Tesla was built months ago. Should I worry?
Your new Tesla was built months before delivery. Tesla's manual does not give a limit, but it does say what time does to tires. What to check and ask.
Situations
My new Tesla shows less range than advertised. What now?
Your new Tesla shows less range than advertised. What Tesla's manual and the EPA say about the figure, what changes it, and what to record at delivery.
Situations
The used Tesla I'm viewing shows 87% battery health. Is that good?
A used Tesla you are viewing shows 87% battery health. Whether that is good depends on age and mileage. What Tesla and the DOE say, and what to ask first.