Tesla increase price of order - rights?

dysucker

Hi,

A bit of a strange one, and want to check if they're allowed to do this.

I have ordered a Model 3, and agreed a price based on my configuration all online, and paid a reservation fee.

Since then, they have altered the price of the various configuration options, to the point now that my order has increased in cost.

In my opinion, I agreed a price and paid a reservation fee. But I don't know if the order is legally binding or not, since I haven't taken formal delivery.

Just interested to know whether I'm protected by any consumer rights on this, as it seems unclear.

daveyjp

What does the reservation contract say? All that does is get you on a waiting list.

It is not unusual for car manufacturers to state prices may rise, particularly those with long waiting lists and options lists.

dysucker

Purchase Price, Taxes and Official Fees. The purchase price of the Vehicle is indicated in your Vehicle Configura7on. This purchase price includes local VAT
(if and when applicable), but may not include some local and regionally required taxes and fees. Because taxes and fees are constantly changing and will
depend on many factors, such as where you register the Vehicle, they will be calculated closer to the 7me of delivery and indicated on your Final Price
Sheet. You are responsible for paying these taxes and fees.
Order Process; Cancellaon; Changes. AQer you submit your completed order, we will begin the process of preparing and coordina7ng your Vehicle
delivery. Unl your Vehicle is delivered to you, you may cancel your order at any me, in which case you will receive a full refund of your Order Payment.
Because your Vehicle is manufactured to your order or already has been manufactured, changes to your Vehicle Configura7on will be difficult, if not
impossible, for us to accommodate. While we will try to accommodate your request, you may be subject to poten7al price increases for any pricing
adjustments made since your original Order Date. Any changes made by you to your Vehicle Configura7on, including changes to the delivery loca7on or
es7mated delivery date, will be reflected in a subsequent Vehicle Configura7on that will form part of this Agreement. When you take delivery of the
Vehicle we will provide a credit to the final purchase price of your Vehicle equivalent to the amount of the Order Payment you paid. This Order Payment
and this Agreement are not made or entered into in an7cipa7on of or pending any condi7onal sale contract. Except as explicitly described in this
Agreement or the Region Specific Provisions, this Agreement is binding and you may not cancel. If you are a consumer, the cancella7on provisions herein
do not affect and shall not be interpreted as limi7ng your right to cancel this Agreement under local law.

These areas outline pricing as far as I can see. It doesn't say anything about being able to change price, but does say it is binding and cannot be cancelled

daveyjp

It says it can be cancelled.

Unl your Vehicle is delivered to you, you may cancel your order at any me, in which case you will receive a full refund of your Order Payment.

unholyangel

Being able to cancel a contract doesn't mean its not binding.

Plus, the consumer contract regulations mean the trader can't vary the price once there is a contract, unless its expressly agreed by the consumer & trader.

A contract not making you enough profit doesn't give you the right to cancel without liability. Its entirely within their control therefore they cannot disclaim liability for it.

droopsnoot

Have you paid a reservation payment, or have you got to the stage of having a "Purchase Agreement"?

tesla wrote:

While this Reservation secures the approximate delivery priority within your region, it does not constitute the purchase or order of a vehicle. When the start of production for your Reservation nears, we will ask you to configure your Model 3. Tesla will create an order for your vehicle and you will receive a Purchase Agreement indicating the purchase price of the vehicle, plus estimates of any applicable taxes, duties, transport and delivery charges, and any other applicable fees. If you proceed with the order, we will apply your Reservation Payment towards the order payment. Until you enter into a Purchase Agreement, your Reservation may be cancelled at any time, in which case you will receive a full refund of your Reservation Payment.

gzoom

In the past just a deposit and order agreement was enough to 'lock in' the price.

Our X was ordered in June 2016 but wasn't delivered till March 2017, our final invoice price was the same as in 2016 despite prices going up 10%+ in early 2017 due to currency changes.

But Tesla have clearly changed this policy, and until you pay the full amount via bank transfer they appear to be able to change the final invoice amount.

You can cancel pretty much at any stage and get your deposit back though.

[Deleted User]

Get in touch with Tesla. When prices change they usually make sure anyone who ordered earlier doesn't pay more. If there are price cuts (there were recently) you should get the lower price too.