Yesterday, as I was scrolling through the “Tesla Tips & Tricks” group on Facebook, I stumbled upon a post that caught my attention immediately. It wasn’t just another Tesla owner showing off their new range stats or a shiny wrap job. No, this was something entirely different. A gentleman named Adam Jones, from Canada, had shared a story about his recent purchase: a used 2017 Tesla Model X 100D with only 15,500 miles on it. But there was a catch: the whole floor and seats in the back were missing.
Adam wrote, “Hey everyone. So I bought a used Model X, and apparently, it used to be a Tesla mobile mechanic car. The whole floor and seats are missing. I was just wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what I can do, or where I can find the 5 seats that go in the back. Tesla is charging me an arm and a leg.”
Now, you’ve got to admit: this is not your typical used car story. Adam mentioned that he bought this Model X because he got a great deal. And with just 15,500 miles on the odometer, it’s practically new. But what he didn’t realize was that this car, used for Tesla’s mobile mechanic services, was stripped down to maximize cargo space for tools and equipment. That left Adam with a spacious, albeit incomplete, Tesla.
I chatted with Adam and he sent me a few additional images.
The Search for The Model X Seats
Adam’s predicament sparked a lively discussion in the comments. Many Tesla enthusiasts offered practical suggestions. The most straightforward solution? Find the rear seats from a salvage yard. Junkyards often have an updated online inventory, so you can search by make and model without wasting time visiting in person. These places typically have seats from totaled Teslas, and some will even install them for you, saving you the hassle of doing it yourself.
Another critical point for Adam to consider is the legal side. In some states, it’s actually illegal to sell a vehicle without the proper seating as it was originally manufactured. If the seller was a dealer, Adam might have legal recourse. Even if the vehicle was sold “as is,” retail laws in certain areas could obligate the dealer to provide and install the missing parts. Adam would need to check his local laws to see if this applies to him.
The Creative (and Hilarious) Solution for Repairing This Model X
But not everyone was focused on practicality. A commenter named Ronald Dennis suggested a more unconventional approach: “Take that thing to Home Depot and build in some flooring and carpeting and throw a couch in there! Some cabinetry, fridge, for example.”
And honestly? It’s not a bad idea. With some creativity, Adam could turn this Model X into a unique mini RV. Tesla vehicles already have impressive features like climate control and access to power, making them ideal for camping or road trips. This could open up a whole new use for a Model X that might otherwise sit in a garage waiting for seats.
If Adam needs some inspiration, he might want to check out this story of a man who built his own Tesla Cybertruck on a budget. It’s proof that with a little ingenuity and elbow grease, the possibilities are endless.
Why This Matters
Adam’s story highlights something we often forget when buying a used vehicle: the history matters. While the low mileage was certainly a selling point, it’s clear that this Model X had a very specific job before it ended up on the resale market. For those considering a used Tesla, it’s a reminder to dig deeper into the vehicle’s past.
And for those of you wondering whether a Model X is worth the hassle in snowy climates or for long road trips, you might find comfort in this article about a Model X owner who laughs at the naysayers. It’s all about understanding the versatility of this vehicle and making it work for your needs: seats or no seats.
What’s Next for Adam?
Adam has a few paths forward. He could go the salvage yard route and restore the Model X to its original setup. He could turn it into a custom camper, giving him a unique way to enjoy Tesla ownership. Or, he might even have a case against the dealer, depending on his local laws.
For those interested in customizing their Tesla interiors, there are companies offering vegan upholstery options and custom-made interiors. Adam might take this opportunity to make his Model X truly one-of-a-kind.
What Do You Think?
Have you ever purchased a used vehicle that came with unexpected surprises like Adam’s Model X? If so, how did you handle it? Would you restore it to its original condition, or would you turn it into something entirely different, like Ronald suggested?
Let us know in the comments! And if you’ve ever considered turning your Tesla into a Christmas display, you might find this story both amusing and cautionary. Share your thoughts below, please. I can’t wait to hear your experiences and ideas.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.
Comments
I'd try a scrap yard - there…
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I'd try a scrap yard - there will be a steady supply of being stripped for parts, just be careful and aware of the hazards if the vehicle has been in an RTA and take suitable precautions ie: make sure it is electrically safe.
What about the back seats…
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In reply to I'd try a scrap yard - there… by Ian McKinlay (not verified)
What about the back seats wouldn't be electrically safe? Just curious what is on/in them that an accident would make unsafe
Get someone to custom build…
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Get someone to custom build your seats and probably save a ton of money.
If you got a big enough yard…
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If you got a big enough yard you can start your own junkyard. You might find somebody that wants the wheels and the any other mechanical things that it might need. This is where the saying comes in "buyer beware."
Copart.com Search for model x
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Copart.com
Search for model x
He didn't see pictures of it…
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He didn't see pictures of it or ask questions just bought it sight unseen? Some people I tell ya.
I think he knew the seats…
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In reply to He didn't see pictures of it… by Dang (not verified)
I think he knew the seats were missing, he just didn't know why they were. At least that's how it sounds.
I’ll trade that model X for…
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I’ll trade that model X for my ‘19 Ttitan diesel, straight up. I have dogs and I would like to remove the back of each and every vehicle that I would obtain to make room for them. It’s just me and four dogs. My wife died of cancer and they’re life long companions now at least to the end of my life, I don’t know how they are going to fair.
Make it a make shift little…
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In reply to I’ll trade that model X for… by David Thompson (not verified)
Make it a make shift little camper looks like enough room to make it something cool
Hard to believe there was no…
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Hard to believe there was no photos showing the inside or he didn't bother to ask with the interior look like. It sounds like for some reason you're trying to make it out like he got scammed cuz it was a Tesla
I wouldn't support that…
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I wouldn't support that fascist, so I wouldn't support Tesla in any way, not even used. The idea of a trillionaire make me sick. When I was born the top 4% of Americans had more wealth than the bottom 40%, today Mush and Bozos have more wealth than the bottom 40%. How much longer before they have almost all of it? I used to be afraid to die. But without healthcare, a stable place to live, and an unsure life after I can no longer work, I don't see the point of sticking around
so he didn't look at the car…
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so he didn't look at the car before purchasing? this story sounds sketchy.
Did he not see the car or…
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Did he not see the car or photos before he bought it? Should have been pretty obvious.
Darth Tesla has you under…
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Darth Tesla has you under his power, may the Force be with you!
If he likes music turn the…
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If he likes music turn the back seat into a hugh custom speaker system.
Try LKQ salvage/ used auto…
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Try LKQ salvage/ used auto parts. They have a multitude of salvage yards across the United States. Good luck in your search.
Quick explanation/story: …
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Quick explanation/story: prompted by a medical issue, I traded in my 2013 Tesla Model S P85 and purchased a BMW 750iL (stupid move!). A few months later, I learned the car had been wrecked by the new owner. I checked online and learned the car was in the country of Georgia, being repaired. I also found that oftentimes the newly-repaired cars are shipped to Lithuania and Latvia for sale in Europe and abroad. I also learned that high-end car parts often travel that same route. I have bought several parts from sellers who are based in Lithuania and Latvia and the prices were far cheaper than outlets in the US. Like any transaction conducted online, especially abroad, due care is required.
I'm not familiar with the…
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I'm not familiar with the physical aspects of that vehicle - but if the seat and seat belt mounting points are welded in place, and were cut/ground away by the PO, he might have a larger issue than merely not being intelligent enough to know that junkyards (and private owners who part out totaled vehicles) exist.
How, exactly does a person…
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How, exactly does a person buy a car without realizing that the seats and floor are missing? I'm having a little trouble understanding how that could happen. This sounds like one of those stories where, upon reading it, the reader says "there has to be a lot more to this story".
I might have noticed the…
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I might have noticed the missing seats when I looked at the car before I bought it.
Take the front seats out of…
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Take the front seats out of it too and drive it like a skateboard, or go in the mobile mechanic business.
Have you ever driven a TESLA…
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Have you ever driven a TESLA? I HAVE… there’s no going back!!! I would have purchased it even if there was ONLY THE DRIVER’s SEAT!!! That a better deal than a used Tesla 3!
Consult your attorney. The…
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Consult your attorney. The first thing that comes to mind is the implied warranty of fitness for purpose, but you need someone adept at consumer protection laws.
Hello..The Tesla X Model…
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Hello..The Tesla X Model with no backseats and accessories...I would consult a custom body shop for restomod ideas that would save you money...The 100d model is a great long range vehicle..Great job buying this....
Just drive it as-is. If you…
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Just drive it as-is. If you wait long enough, it will burn up, and missing seats will no longer be a problem.
www.car-parts.com this is a…
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www.car-parts.com this is a website where you can search by your make and model for parts and it will give you a listing for all of North America.