Tesla Did Me Dirty, I Took My 2018 Model 3 In For Warranty Work, and They Gave Me a Model X Loaner, Now I Want One

You might want to reconsider that loaner car the next time your Tesla needs a repair.

I saw a comment the other day from John Lee on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club Facebook page that really hit home for a lot of people. 

He wrote, "Tesla did me dirty… I took my 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range in for warranty work (bad drive unit) and they gave me a 2025 Model X as a loaner. Now I want one."

John's story is a testament to what a lot of us in the industry have known for years: Tesla's loaner car program isn't just about customer service; it's a brilliant, almost predatory, marketing strategy. Here's why.

John went in to fix what he already had —a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, which he wants to keep in good shape for years to come —and now he's walking away with a case of upgrade fever. He's not alone.

Let's break down this experience and figure out exactly what happened and what he, or anyone in a similar spot, should do next.

Is it a Loaner or a Trojan Horse?

First, we need to acknowledge the power of understanding the Tesla loaner car program. Unlike traditional dealerships that often give you a beat-up, gas-guzzling sedan from a third-party rental agency, Tesla uses its newest and most desirable vehicles. Why? 

Because the experience of driving one is the most powerful sales tool they have. The moment John got behind the wheel of that 2025 Model X, Tesla had him. It's an immersive, real-world test drive that lasts for days, not minutes. This is precisely why Tesla loaner cars are a powerful marketing tool. It's a genius move that makes people question everything they thought they knew about their current vehicle, even if it's a great one like his 2018 Model 3 LR.

From a business perspective, the question of whether a Tesla Model X loaner is a good sales strategy is a no-brainer. It is. It's effective, it's low-cost, and it converts happy customers into potential repeat buyers. You get to feel the sheer size, the quick acceleration, the Falcon Wing doors, and the sheer luxury of the newest model—all while your "old" car is being serviced. It's a calculated move that works more often than not.

Navigating the Upgrade Dilemma

John's next step is a common one for many early Tesla adopters: upgrading from a Tesla Model 3 to a Model X. This is a significant jump, not just in size and features, but in cost and practicality. 

A detailed review of the 2025 Tesla Model X features shows it's an entirely different beast from his 2018 Model 3. You're looking at a larger battery, faster charging, a more advanced infotainment system, and a level of luxury and utility that the Model 3 simply can't match.

But here's where the expert advice comes in. 

The biggest question for John is the cost analysis of owning a Tesla Model 3 versus a Model X. He needs to sit down and crunch the numbers to determine which is more cost-effective. The initial purchase price is just the beginning. A Model X will likely have higher insurance premiums and potentially higher registration fees. The larger battery may also result in a slight increase in electricity costs. He also needs to consider maintenance. While both are low-maintenance, a more complex vehicle like the Model X might have different service needs down the line.

Finally, John must decide whether to trade in his old Tesla for a new one. Tesla's trade-in values have historically been strong, but the market can fluctuate. The value of his 2018 Model 3 will depend heavily on its condition, mileage, and the current market demand. I recommend getting a formal appraisal from Tesla, but also from a few third-party sources like CarMax or online valuation tools. 

This will give him a clear picture of what he can expect to receive for his current car, which is a crucial part of the down payment for the new one.

Conclusion

In the end, John's story is a perfect example of what can happen when a company understands its product and its customer base. It's not a dirty trick; it's a lesson in brilliant product-as-marketing.

Next time your Tesla needs a repair, consider the potential benefits of the loaner car program. It could be a chance to experience a different model and possibly discover a new favorite.

So, here's my question to my readers: 

Have you ever been "done dirty" by a loaner car so much that you considered buying it? What car was it, and what did you end up doing? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Tesla Model 3 story: I Was a Tesla Hater Saying It’s a Microwave, Has No Soul, and It’s Boring, But I Just Picked Up a Model 3 Performance, and Man I’ve Been Missing Out

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via John Lee