When you order a Tesla, the excitement of waiting for delivery can be palpable. However, there are times when you might need to delay the delivery, and understanding how long Tesla will hold the car pickup is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that influence how long Tesla will hold a car for you, based on various user experiences and guidelines.
Tesla typically holds a car for up to 72 hours for pickup. Extensions are rare, and failure to pick up within this period may result in order cancellation.
Understanding the Order Hold Process
Once your Tesla is ready for delivery, you’ll receive an email notification asking you to schedule a pickup. If, for any reason, you’re not ready to take delivery—whether it’s because you haven’t sold your current vehicle or are unavailable—Tesla may place your order “on hold”.
An order hold essentially means that Tesla pauses the delivery process until further action is taken. While this gives you some breathing room, it’s important to know that this hold is not indefinite and could lead to the cancellation of your order if left unresolved.
Duration of the Hold: How Long Does Tesla Give You?
Based on user experiences shared in forums, Tesla typically provides a 72-hour window to pick up the car once the delivery is scheduled. If you fail to take action within that time frame, the car might be assigned to another buyer, and your place in line could be delayed.
One user shared that after receiving an email to schedule their Model Y delivery, they couldn’t act immediately because they hadn’t sold their previous car. Soon after, their order status changed to “Your delivery is on hold.” This raised concerns about how long the order would stay on hold before being canceled.
The general consensus is that Tesla won’t allow a hold to last for months. Another forum user pointed out that specific details regarding order holds can be found in the Motor Vehicle Purchase Agreement, which is available in your Tesla account. This document outlines Tesla’s policies and, as many users have noted, Tesla has become stricter in recent years about cancellations if a buyer does not take delivery in a timely manner.
Can You Extend the Hold Period?
In rare cases, some Tesla buyers have successfully negotiated with their delivery center for a few extra days. However, these extensions are exceptions rather than the rule. As one forum post mentioned, while some buyers managed to convince Tesla to extend the hold for an additional 48 hours, this is not something you should count on.
It is clear that Tesla has a strong interest in moving cars quickly to new buyers, particularly as demand remains high. Therefore, if you know you’ll need an extension, it’s advisable to contact your delivery center as soon as possible.
What Happens If You Don’t Pick Up Your Tesla?
If you fail to schedule or pick up your car within the allowed window, Tesla may cancel your order altogether. This is particularly true if Tesla has already assigned a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to your order, which typically means your car is ready for immediate delivery.
Cancellation can be disappointing, especially if you’ve been waiting for months. Tesla may offer to place you back in line, but you’ll likely lose the car that was originally reserved for you.
Financial Considerations: What Happens to the Deposit?
One thing to keep in mind is the non-refundable order fee of $250, which Tesla requires to place the order. This is not a deposit but an additional cost that applies regardless of whether the order is completed. If your order is canceled due to a failure to pick up the car, this fee will not be refunded.
Fortunately, you won’t need to pay for the car itself until the day of delivery. Tesla may ask for payment several days in advance, but most experienced buyers recommend waiting until you’ve inspected the vehicle in person before making the final payment.
Delivery Timing Variability and VIN Assignment
Tesla’s delivery timing can be unpredictable. Some buyers have found that delivery dates are pushed back, while others have received their cars sooner than expected. Once a VIN is assigned to your order, delivery is usually imminent, often within one to two weeks. If you’re looking for more control over the timing, some users suggest checking Tesla’s online inventory for cars that are already built and available for quicker delivery.
Conclusion
In summary, Tesla typically holds a car for pickup for up to 72 hours before assigning it to another buyer. Extensions are rare and should not be relied upon. If you’re unable to pick up your car, there is a risk of cancellation, particularly as Tesla has become more stringent with its policies. To avoid issues, it’s important to act quickly and communicate with your delivery center if you foresee any delays.
Understanding Tesla’s delivery and hold policies can help you manage your expectations and make the delivery process as smooth as possible. Be proactive, know your options, and always stay in touch with your Tesla delivery advisor to ensure a successful delivery experience.
FAQs
How long does Tesla give you to pick up a car?
Tesla typically gives you a 72-hour window to pick up your car before it may be assigned to the next buyer.
How long will a Tesla hold a charge?
A Tesla can hold a charge for several weeks when parked, but it depends on the battery’s state of charge and ambient temperature.
How long can I leave Tesla parked?
You can leave a Tesla parked for several weeks, but it’s best to keep it plugged in to maintain battery health.
Can I pick up my Tesla instead of getting it delivered?
Yes, Tesla allows you to pick up your car from a delivery center as an alternative to home delivery.
