New Model 3 Experience
Order/Delivery:
Ordered July 13th (2026 Model 3 Premium RWD Stealth Gray Black Interior), standard stare at the app constantly waiting for updates for the next couple of weeks. One of my bigger regrets was not knowing about the referral system prior to ordering and not being able to go back and add a referral after. Missed out... oh well. Dates shifted a few times, then narrowed. In the meantime, got a level 2 charger installed at home and ordered all my car accessories. Tesla reached out in the chat on the app and mentioned my car would be ready in a few days once the Factory pushed a critical software update. I got a scheduling a couple days later and picked up the vehicle on the July 31st.
At pickup when examining the car i noticed a paint bubble pop on the passenger rear quarter panel. I pointed it out to the advisor, who took a photo and told me to follow-up with them to schedule repair. Drove off the lot smiling and had a great week at home with the new ride. I had scheduled PPF, Tint, and Ceramic Coat prior to the pickup, but had to delay due to the paint issue. I went through the service process on the app and scheduled a drop off for the vehicle.
Service/Protection Install
The day prior to my service appointment, i called the collision center and asked them about the rental car/loaner situation while i was having work done. I was happy i did because they told me my advisor messed up at delivery and should have prepped them that i would need a loaner. There was a slight worry that i would have to reschedule due to a car not being available for me (the collision center is an hour away from home), but the rep was able to get my squared away. Dropped off my vehicle on August 7th, and they gave me a 2025 Model X Plaid (HYPE). I got to rock the model x for a week while they repainted 3 panels on my vehicle, what a cool car.
Service completed in the app and a rep reached out to start scheduling pickup on August 14th. I was able to coordinate with the detailing place to pick up the car from collision and drive straight over to get the protection on the car next. Unfortunately only had my new car for 20 minutes on the drive over before leaving it with the detailers for a few days. Picked up my car last night (August 18th) and finally back home and tucked in the garage.
I went with Clear Front Bra PPF, Ceramic Coat, and Tint on all but the sunroof (50 front, 35 side, 5 rear and back)
I was very stressed about the drive home (hour and a half from detail place) because they just finished that day so i know the coat was still fresh. Noticed some bugs on the front but nothing else, so hopefully everything looks perfect in a couple weeks for my follow-up appt (they want to be the first ones to wash my car after the work for their QC portion).
Accessories
Got sunroof cover, windshield cover, screen protectors, center console inserts, mudflaps, floor mats, and a small army of upkeep supplies.
Basenor was great, quick shipping on some mudflaps and a Mesh Grille insert.
Tesery sucked. They quoted domestic delivery times, then when shipping finally occurred a week later, it was coming from China and due WELL after my car. I was able to order from Amazon and source out the items i needed much faster and ended up cancelling with Tesery on the international portion of my order (I only kept the mats cause they arrived as quoted).
Just purchased the Umbras from Rimetrix and will be installing those in a week or so, then waiting on the black license plates from DMV (which apparently can take months). Still haven't decided how i am going to mount the front license plate (required in CA). Debating between the standard that came with the car or one that mounts on the tow hitch. Unfortunately the mesh grille is in the way of some of the cooler front plate options.