Everything You Thought About Tesla Repairs is Wrong - An Australian Shop Reveals the Truth
For years, a cloud of misconceptions has hovered over Tesla, painting the electric car maker as an automaker with prohibitively expensive repairs and scarce parts. However, breaking this myth wide open, a Tesla-certified repair shop in Melbourne, Luxury Auto Body, offers a refreshing perspective. They assert that Tesla’s repair costs and parts availability are quite comparable to industry norms. Surprisingly, Teslas might be easier and more economical to repair than some of their petrol-powered counterparts.
The Reality of Tesla Repair Costs
In a candid conversation with Drive, Danny, a seasoned panel beater with over 30 years in the automotive industry, divulged some startling insights. He highlighted that most Tesla repairs, barring extreme cases, cost between AU$4500 (US$3000) to AU$5000 (US$3300). Contrary to popular belief, many Tesla spare parts are surprisingly affordable. “Some parts on Teslas are unbelievably cheap. For instance, a bumper bar costs considerably less than what one might expect,” Danny remarked.
While components like airbags and suspension systems carry a higher price tag, they're still notably cheaper than similar parts for luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Danny further clarified that front-end repairs on Teslas are considerably easier and less costly than rear-end damages. Repairs for a significant frontal impact could be around AU$25000 (US$16600), while rear impacts might skyrocket to AU$45000 (US$30000). Yet, even with these figures, repairing a Tesla remains less expensive compared to a BMW or a Mercedes-Benz, where similar repairs might range between AU$50000 (US$33200) and AU$60000 (US$39800).
Complexity of Repairs and Technological Edge
One of the intriguing aspects of Tesla repairs is their structural uniqueness. According to Danny, replacing a quarter panel involves sophisticated procedures as Teslas are often glued and riveted. This makes rear-end repairs more complex and on par with luxury vehicles like BMW and Mercedes. However, he also noted that Teslas do not pose any unique challenges when it comes to recalibrating sensors and cameras, all of which can be efficiently managed in-house.
Furthermore, Tesla’s proactive measures in ensuring customer satisfaction have also improved repair times and parts availability. Last year, Tesla Australia opened a comprehensive hub in Auckland that includes sales, service, and parts delivery, aimed at expediting the repair process. Tesla-certified repair shops now have easy access to an extensive electronic parts catalog, which houses all necessary information for repairs.
Quality and Safety: The Tesla Promise
Danny pointed out that while there are occasional delays, parts availability has generally been quite robust. “We’ve only had to wait for parts a couple of times, and in one instance, it was for six weeks,” Danny shared, praising Tesla’s build quality as comparable to other mass-market automakers. He described Teslas as good all-rounders suitable for everyday use.
Safety remains another standout aspect of Tesla vehicles. Despite alarming headlines about electric vehicle fires, the panel beater asserted that they’ve yet to encounter a single case of a battery fire. “Even in major collisions, there’s been no risk. Tesla’s Model Y, for instance, has a first responder’s wiring harness that you can cut for safety, putting the car into a shutdown mode during accidents,” he explained.
For those interested in seeing the reality of Tesla repairs, Drive produced an enlightening video that covers the everyday workings of these repair processes.
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