A Cybertruck owner from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Sean, says Tesla is refusing to accept his recalled Cybertruck with a defective rear motor inverter as a trade-in vehicle.
Sean adds that he doesn’t want to wait the approximately two months it would take Tesla to perform the repair, so he’s willing to trade in the vehicle, pay Tesla more money, and upgrade to a tri-motor Cybertruck Cyberbeast.
However, it appears that the EV maker doesn’t want to take Sean’s Cybertruck back under any circumstances.
Sean, who goes by the username “TrueRoadWarrior” shared his story on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum. Here is what he wrote…
“In a recent post, I shared that I expected a long wait time for the recall repair of the inverter on my All-Wheel-Drive Cybertruck. It looks as though 2 months is the lead time, and I just came from the service center. That all depends on when they actually receive the repair parts.
I decided I would look into trading my AWD Foundation Series Cybertruck in for a Cyberbeast if I could take delivery sooner as I can’t risk driving my truck (my only vehicle) long distances if there’s a possibility of the inverter breaking.”
Before proceeding, it is important to note that Sean is only looking to get a new Cybertruck because the current one has a major flaw that Tesla will not fix for months.
Most people would be frustrated with a car company that puts them in such a predicament; however, Sean is still willing to give Tesla another chance and even pay more money for the tri-motor Cybertruck Cyberbeast.
Keeping this in mind, let’s see how Tesla responded to his request. Sean continues to write…
“I went to Tesla’s trade-in estimator, entered my VIN, and then received a text from a Tesla Representative who shared that “…At this time, we're not accepting any Cybertruck trade-ins.” Not for upgrades or anything else.”
What’s interesting here is that if Sean wanted to trade in any vehicle other than a Cybertruck, even an internal combustion vehicle from a completely different car company, Tesla would be willing to give him a trade-in estimate.
However, if a Cybertruck owner is looking to trade in his/her truck, it appears that Tesla wants nothing to do with them.
Finally, Sean concludes his post writing…
“I’m not sure what I would get for the Foundation Series AWD, but based on Tesla’s response, I think I might be lucky to get 75% of what I paid for it. This is deeply concerning.”
Sean believes it’s alarming that Tesla is unwilling to stand behind its products. However, other forum members, who also happen to be Cybertruck owners, say Tesla is in the right here.
For example, Carsly, a Cybertruck owner from Princeton, New Jersey, writes…
“Your purchase agreement likely precludes you from selling for one year. So, how do you expect to trade it in?
Maybe if you were one of the first Cybertruck owners to take delivery last year, you'll be able to trade it in a few weeks once your one-year prohibition on transfers has elapsed. Otherwise, a year is a year.”
This is a surprising stance to see a Cybertruck owner take. First, Tesla instituted the purchase agreement to prevent individuals from buying and flipping the truck for a profit on the secondary market.
This made sense in the early days of the Cybertruck when the truck was selling for as much as $200,000.
However, Sean’s case is that he’s forced to get a new vehicle because Tesla will not fix his recalled Cybertruck for 2 months. Despite this fact, he’s willing to give Tesla more money to upgrade to an even more expensive Cybertruck version.
For me, this sounds like Tesla not standing behind its products; however, please let me know what you think in the comments. Share your ideas by clicking the red “Add new comment” button below. Also, visit our site, torquenews.com/Tesla, regularly for the latest updates.
Image: Courtesy of Tesla, inc.
For more information, check out: Tesla Cybertruck Owner Finds His Cybertruck Leaking Oil, Now He Needs a $7,665 Motor Replacement
Tinsae Aregay has been following Tesla and the evolution of the EV space daily for several years. He covers everything about Tesla, from the cars to Elon Musk, the energy business, and autonomy. Follow Tinsae on Twitter at @TinsaeAregay for daily Tesla news.
Comments
I just don't understand what…
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I just don't understand what it is that gets these people to fork out gobs of money on a vehicle that was falsely advertised, has lots of documented issues and, leaves you high and dry when something goes wrong.
I've read story after story about people having so many problems, yet stick with such a horrible brand.
You've literally described…
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In reply to I just don't understand what… by Chase Woofer (not verified)
You've literally described every major auto maker. Please don't ever buy an Audi, especially!
I concur with your statement…
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In reply to I just don't understand what… by Chase Woofer (not verified)
I concur with your statement, wholeheartedly.
If it is a recall, doesn't…
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If it is a recall, doesn't Tesla have to repair it on their dime anyways? Why would they care if it was while it was owned or after a trade in? Either way they have to fix it.
A: Its a lemon that they…
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In reply to If it is a recall, doesn't… by NMK (not verified)
A: Its a lemon that they stuck him and a lot of customers with. Based on their obvious incompetence its probably got other problems.
B: They hace been supply limited. They could have his 80k + 40k for the upgrade and a lemon they have to sit on for months, do even more work on and maybe sell for less than 75% or they can have 80+120k right away and tell him to sit on his hands.
Worse multiply that by all effected owners and you have a cash flow issue
As long as Tesla puts him in…
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As long as Tesla puts him in a rental, I don't see the big deal. No car manufacturer has an obligation to adhere to that customer's request.
But if the rental isn't a…
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In reply to As long as Tesla puts him in… by Alex (not verified)
But if the rental isn't a cyber truck that's not fair. How can he be expected to drive around for two months without people knowing he's a douche?
My son has a recall on his…
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In reply to But if the rental isn't a… by JW (not verified)
My son has a recall on his F150 which they can't perform until April or May, so what is the difference, I'm sure he made some ridiculous demands??
There has been 0 ... ZERO…
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In reply to As long as Tesla puts him in… by Alex (not verified)
There has been 0
... ZERO... indication that Tesla is paying for rentals.
Fanbois just making stuff up.
In regards to the oil leak…
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In reply to As long as Tesla puts him in… by Alex (not verified)
In regards to the oil leak problem, is it possible that instead of weld that a strong silicon or jb weld might be used to fix the pin hole? I don't know the specifics of pressure but I have made repairs with these products if not much pressure was involved. This is just a suggestion provided you look more into pressure and if the oil used to see if they would dissolve or blow out any patch applied.
So that is the problem they…
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In reply to As long as Tesla puts him in… by Alex (not verified)
So that is the problem they dont have to put you in a rental. Had same thing happen with ford took then 6 mth to get the part and the vehicle was getting worse.
If the vehicle is still…
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If the vehicle is still functioning, why is this a story? Even if it broke down, Tesla would put him in a loaner while waiting for the parts and repair for his truck.
Just another snowflake that thinks the world operates like Burger King. And If you don't get it your way, you whine.
I got some advice for all of you EV drivers. Learn to be patient, especially with EVs, if the parts are on backorder, why would Tesla take it in on trade?
They are having a hard enough time moving them as it is, and taking that one in trade means they would be stuck with a used, deprecated unit that they can't sell until the recall is done.
And for him to be surprised that his silly truck isn't even worth 75% of what he paid shows you how out of touch with reality he is. Everyone knows you lose 50% driving it off the lot, and especially with a live it or hate it vehicle, the resale value just isn't there. If it was the top of the line model maybe, but it looks like he's trying to dump his mid range one for the top one.
This problem is easy to solve. Just drive your truck until the new inverter shows up, then have it replaced. Then trade the truck in when it is a recall free, saleable truck (car).
Only thing I can see that…
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In reply to If the vehicle is still… by Former GM tech (not verified)
Only thing I can see that makes him look foolish is wanting to buy another piece of junk from Tesla. Who doesn't stand behind thier products.
You seem to be the snowflake…
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In reply to If the vehicle is still… by Former GM tech (not verified)
You seem to be the snowflake.
It is a RECALL. All that butthurt over something that has no affect on your life.
Its not safe to drive, it…
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In reply to If the vehicle is still… by Former GM tech (not verified)
Its not safe to drive, it could fail resulting in the total loss of the car and injury or death, if calamity comes about your insurance could pay nothing knowing you knew it was unsafe and caused the accident by driving anyways.
They aren't providing loaners and its the 6th recall in about a year on a vehicle people are paying over 80k for.
They should be forced at this point to offer full refunds.
I understand the frustration…
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In reply to If the vehicle is still… by Former GM tech (not verified)
I understand the frustration when you buy a car and expect it to run. I'm not in the exact same boat but I bought Hyundai Tuscon with about 65000 miles on it. I didn't have it long enough to need an oil change before the engine blown due to the piston gasket that they recalled. Not being an original owner they tried to make me pay the full cost of a new engine. And I had to figure out my own rides for 4 months after they finally agreed to pay for, but I got no loaner. Car companies love to screw you.
This is not a new problem…
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In reply to If the vehicle is still… by Former GM tech (not verified)
This is not a new problem and exclusive to Tesla. I remember a long while ago both Ford and GM pulling this same stunt. Why would a new/used dealership want to ownership of a defective vehicle especially on a vehicle that has a long recall wait list. It becomes dead stock to them unable to move forward with repairs due to unavailability and unable to be sold as no one else would want to buy a new used unrepairable/unrepaired vehicle.
Has nothing to do with TESLA won't stand behind their product. But won't sit next to your problem child. Especially if you are just trying to abandon it.
Stupid is as stupid does. At…
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In reply to If the vehicle is still… by Former GM tech (not verified)
Stupid is as stupid does. At this point you won't back down because of pride. To admit you got taken advantage of... Which I'm sorry to say, is more true now than ever, will never happen. You're not brave enough
What a fool!! Tesla doesn't…
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What a fool!! Tesla doesn't want his trade-in because it's having problems selling it's new trucks and doesn't want to deal with used resales at this time. Doesn't want to break the myth that sales are robust. The cybertruck has been a cyberdisaster but Tesla will never admit it. Thanks Elon, you loser
You're calling the richest…
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In reply to What a fool!! Tesla doesn't… by Jim dumbas (not verified)
You're calling the richest man in the world.a LOSER...don't think so...
I don't think it's that…
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In reply to What a fool!! Tesla doesn't… by Jim dumbas (not verified)
I don't think it's that simple. He went online to an online system. He never spoke to a representative of tesla who probably, like most companies, would have went the effort to help him. His vin is in the system locked as per his contract with tesla so it only makes sense that an online trade in would be declined and flagged
It appears to me the cyber…
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It appears to me the cyber truck is a piece of junk
I'd run it hard hoping the…
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I'd run it hard hoping the inverter would break.. bring it back repeatedly to the dealer for a repair. Be aware of what your State lemon law requirements are.
His only vehicle....ugh, his…
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His only vehicle....ugh, his first mistake was buying a toy truck and relying on it.
I could have predicted a cyber truck as your only vehicle was a bad plan and I only have a high school education.
Stop being dumb.
Well I have a 2022 Hyundai…
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In reply to His only vehicle....ugh, his… by Aaron Robert Kelly (not verified)
Well I have a 2022 Hyundai ELANTRA hybrid that quit on me on the interstate and the fix is a lithium ion battery part of some type that they have not been able to get for five months now. I've not had that car for five months and it sits in the shop. No eta
I would not invest in a…
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I would not invest in a truck as expensive as this and the company don't honor the issue or make me a satisfied customer. Oh hell no. NEVER
Even Tesla said it's not…
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Even Tesla said it's not about any contract stipulations it's the fact that they refuse to accept ANY as a trade in or otherwise. Besides that contract stipulation likely doesn't apply if you're returning the vehicle to the original manufacturer. The guy could likely just force Tesla to accept it since it qualifies as a lemon.
Reputation, like virginity,…
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Reputation, like virginity, is lost once
Who would buy one just to…
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Who would buy one just to get screwed over by Elon Musk?
It goes from 0 to 60 or more…
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It goes from 0 to 60 or more in seconds, maybe good in Italy or Germany, this obnoxious car doesn't levitate and fly over traffic, it's useless.
Pagination