Finally! Got my VIN, need advice

[SteelRhino]

Finally, after more 90 days' wait, I got the VIN...

Reserved: On the day of the reveal (11/22/2019) - RN11275XXXX
Order invite email: 12/08/2023
Ordered: 12/08/2023
VIN received: 03/21/2024
Trim: CBFS
Pickup requested: Tesla Rocklin

I have a TM3 LRAWD and was planning on trading it in. I'm being told that it might be better to sell it at some other place like carmax, etc. Any suggestions here?

Another concern: Planning on putting a wrap more for protection than anything. Funny as to why steel needs protection, I think it's more for cosmetic reasons more than protection (of course, there is some level of added protection). Also will get ceramic coating on the windshield for sure as I have seen some videos suggesting it being more beneficial than running the wipers, especially at highway speeds). Any recommendations?

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[rizvend]

Finally, after more 90 days' wait, I got the VIN...

Reserved: On the day of the reveal (11/22/2019) - RN11275XXXX
Order invite email: 12/08/2023
Ordered: 12/08/2023
VIN received: 03/21/2024
Trim: CBFS
Pickup requested: Tesla Rocklin

I have a TM3 LRAWD and was planning on trading it in. I'm being told that it might be better to sell it at some other place like carmax, etc. Any suggestions here?

Another concern: Planning on putting a wrap more for protection than anything. Funny as to why steel needs protection, I think it's more for cosmetic reasons more than protection (of course, there is some level of added protection). Also will get ceramic coating on the windshield for sure as I have seen some videos suggesting it being more beneficial than running the wipers, especially at highway speeds). Any recommendations?

In my experience, places like Carmax will give you a quote for 25% more over what you would get with Tesla to buy your car.

 

[Speedr]

I've had the best luck with KBB. You get a few offers from various dealerships and usually one will be significantly higher than the rest.

In regards to wraps, PPF, etc., I think the only reason to do it is if you want it to look different. I'm not stressing about the Stainless Steel, nor finger prints for that matter. It's a truck. Maybe in a year or two I'll wrap/PPF it to change the look/color (and if there are any issues with the stainless steel, it'll cover them up).

Also, the DeLorean car people have a wealth of stainless steel knowledge, and I haven't heard one of them every say their cars were ruined due to bugs, the type of cleaners, etc.

 

[HaulingAss]

Finally, after more 90 days' wait, I got the VIN...

Reserved: On the day of the reveal (11/22/2019) - RN11275XXXX
Order invite email: 12/08/2023
Ordered: 12/08/2023
VIN received: 03/21/2024
Trim: CBFS
Pickup requested: Tesla Rocklin

I have a TM3 LRAWD and was planning on trading it in. I'm being told that it might be better to sell it at some other place like carmax, etc. Any suggestions here?

Another concern: Planning on putting a wrap more for protection than anything. Funny as to why steel needs protection, I think it's more for cosmetic reasons more than protection (of course, there is some level of added protection). Also will get ceramic coating on the windshield for sure as I have seen some videos suggesting it being more beneficial than running the wipers, especially at highway speeds). Any recommendations?

I have an extra Model 3 LR RWD to get rid of too. You will get the highest value from private buyers and the second highest value from places like Carmax. Tesla deals in used cars as a customer service, for those who demand it. In many states it saves quite a bit of money off the sales tax of the new purchase by lowering the taxable purchase price. If you live in one of those states, it's probably close to a wash (vs. selling it to Carmax and not getting the reduced sales tax on your new car). Tesla wholesales most of the cars they buy in this manner for somewhere near the price they pay you. Pick the method that works best for you.

IMO, the Cybertruck's stainless steel doesn't need protection. It will look good for decades to come. I would fill the microscopic pores in the metal with a thin coat of wax at least once per year after a good cleaning, that will help it stay clean and looking good. I would worry more about protecting the plastic trim pieces with UV inhibitors and protectants than the stainless steel which is the toughest, most damage resistant material a production vehicle has ever been made from.

Ceramic coating on the windshield is not necessary either. It will make the Auto-wipers less consistent in performance (since they were developed with bare glass in mind and that will change the surface tension of the water on the glass). Sure, when the ceramic coating is new, the windshield will stay pretty clear, at least at higher speeds, without any wipers. But all coatings fail and wear out, especially with the wipers abrading dust across the coating. It's just a matter of time. IMO, it's an unnecessary expense of time and money. If it lasted forever, sure, why not. But it doesn't.

 

[Thatch]

Rainex works great on CT windshield

 

[HaulingAss]

Rainex works great on CT windshield

I first tried Rain-X years ago, I think it was in the 1990's. I thought it was the most amazing stuff ever. At least at first. Then I discovered how it needed to constantly be cleaned off and refreshed, because it would get smeary after only a week or two. I gave up after about 12 applications and the rest of the bottle went to waste.

I wonder if the durability of it has improved since then. I live in a climate with a lot of wiper use, mostly light rain.

 

[kpanda17]

In my experience, places like Carmax will give you a quote for 25% more over what you would get with Tesla to buy your car.

sales tax savings can eat away at that advantage, bringing the 25% down to more likely 15%
assuming you own the trade-in outright
just do your homework, compare Tesla's real offer after they do the vin accident search vs Carmax and other
just compare and be sure to consider the sales tax savings and no hassle factor, i've done 3x Tesla trade ins and they were worth every as smooth, flawless and no hassle

 

[Defiant]

Rainex works great on CT windshield

I plan on using RainX as well when I pick up my truck in a week or so, but I read this in the owners manual and thought I would just not RainX the camera portion.

“To add a hydrophobic coating to your vehicle's windows, apply the coating only to the side and rear windows, not the front windshield—doing so may affect the visibility of the autopilot cameras. Follow the hydrophobic coating manufacturer’s instructions for application details.”

Has anybody had negative experience with this on other Tesla models? My Tesla model S is pre-auto pilot and have used RainX for years on it successfully so I haven’t run into an issue.

 

[SteelRhino]

I first tried Rain-X years ago, I think it was in the 1990's. I thought it was the most amazing stuff ever. At least at first. Then I discovered how it needed to constantly be cleaned off and refreshed, because it would get smeary after only a week or two. I gave up after about 12 applications and the rest of the bottle went to waste.

I wonder if the durability of it has improved since then. I live in a climate with a lot of wiper use, mostly light rain.

This is what I saw someone post on youtube and hence I was thinking about doing the ceramic coating on the windshield:

 

[Darth abbott]

Finally, after more 90 days' wait, I got the VIN...

Reserved: On the day of the reveal (11/22/2019) - RN11275XXXX
Order invite email: 12/08/2023
Ordered: 12/08/2023
VIN received: 03/21/2024
Trim: CBFS
Pickup requested: Tesla Rocklin

I have a TM3 LRAWD and was planning on trading it in. I'm being told that it might be better to sell it at some other place like carmax, etc. Any suggestions here?

Another concern: Planning on putting a wrap more for protection than anything. Funny as to why steel needs protection, I think it's more for cosmetic reasons more than protection (of course, there is some level of added protection). Also will get ceramic coating on the windshield for sure as I have seen some videos suggesting it being more beneficial than running the wipers, especially at highway speeds). Any recommendations?

I got more for my ram at Tesla was blown away.

 

[Cold.Truth]

I traded in my 2013 Model S for a 2017 Model 3 in Jan 2018, then I sold the Model 3 at Carvana in prep for the CT in Jan 2024. Tesla offered me $19k (I had 30k miles on it). Carvana offered me $24k. I went with Carvana and sold it. For me, I feel the XP was superior with Carvana. It wasn’t bad with Tesla, but $5k is $5k. Everyone’s outcomes are going to differ on this question I fear.

 

[chrgmeup]

I sold my Tesla through KeySavvy for $25,000 after I received an offer of $13,000 from KBB. KeySavvy was good for two reasons. 1) the buyer was able to get the $4,000 tax credit for used vehicles. 2) KeySavvy operated as an escrow account, so I knew payment was there and felt comfortable releasing my car to the new buyer. They also handled all of the paperwork, including title.

 

[BeFamousVideo]

Finally, after more 90 days' wait, I got the VIN...

Reserved: On the day of the reveal (11/22/2019) - RN11275XXXX
Order invite email: 12/08/2023
Ordered: 12/08/2023
VIN received: 03/21/2024
Trim: CBFS
Pickup requested: Tesla Rocklin

I have a TM3 LRAWD and was planning on trading it in. I'm being told that it might be better to sell it at some other place like carmax, etc. Any suggestions here?

Another concern: Planning on putting a wrap more for protection than anything. Funny as to why steel needs protection, I think it's more for cosmetic reasons more than protection (of course, there is some level of added protection). Also will get ceramic coating on the windshield for sure as I have seen some videos suggesting it being more beneficial than running the wipers, especially at highway speeds). Any recommendations?

After getting Tesla's email to configure on Dec 8th 2023 for the CT where it read I would take delivery Jan-March (still no VIN). I listed my M3 LR for sale on Craigslist and it sold in 5 days. The buyer who was form AZ told me many buyers look in CA (I'm in So Cal) since there the pool of Tesla cars for sale is 10X what is available in AZ. Dealers and other websites were all low ball offers.

 

[SteelRhino]

I sold my Tesla through KeySavvy for $25,000 after I received an offer of $13,000 from KBB. KeySavvy was good for two reasons. 1) the buyer was able to get the $4,000 tax credit for used vehicles. 2) KeySavvy operated as an escrow account, so I knew payment was there and felt comfortable releasing my car to the new buyer. They also handled all of the paperwork, including title.

Sounds interesting, I'll check it out. Thanks for the info.

 

[SteelRhino]

After getting Tesla's email to configure on Dec 8th 2023 for the CT where it read I would take delivery Jan-March (still no VIN). I listed my M3 LR for sale on Craigslist and it sold in 5 days. The buyer who was form AZ told me many buyers look in CA (I'm in So Cal) since there the pool of Tesla cars for sale is 10X what is available in AZ. Dealers and other websites were all low ball offers.

Makes sense. I'm in NorCal, might see if the same thing works out for anyone from OR/NV... thanks for the info.

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