FILE PHOTO: Visitors check a Tesla Model 3 car next to a Model Y displayed at a showroom of the US electric vehicle maker in Beijing, China on February 4, 2023.
Credit: REUTERS/Florence Lo
Tesla Model Y is one of the most advanced electric vehicles in the world. It comes with cutting-edge self-driving technology and powerful motors. It is really expensive for an average customer, but there is an option to buy pre-owned models for a lesser price.
A man (name unknown) in China bought a used Tesla Model Y variant for 101,000 Yuan (approximately Rs 11.89 lakh/$14,000) on the popular pre-owned car seller platform Guazi. It should be noted that a brand-new Model Y costs 335,900 Yuan (around Rs 39,54,107).
Happy that he got a good deal on the Tesla car, he went for a drive. But his joy was short-lived.
After a few hours of driving, the car abruptly stopped mid-way with a warning on the dashboard screen saying the car wasn't charged enough to reach the destination. He tried charging the car at a charging point, but the car couldn't be charged due to a malfunction in the battery.
There is no information on whether he drove the car himself or was delivered from the showroom.
The car owner tried to get in touch with customer care service personnel at Gauzi and Tesla, but couldn't get the issue resolved, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP).
Though frustrated, the man came up with a creative way to protest to gain attention from the press and social media platforms to highlight the lethargic attitude of Gauzi platform towards customers.
He bought an ox to tow the white Tesla Model Y with messages -- 'Deceived by Gauzi' and 'fraud' -- paint sprayed on the car body.
As planned, the ox towing the Tesla Model Y car on the road caught the attention of the citizens. They took videos which instantly went viral on social platforms.
Twist in the tale
Taking note of the issue, Gauzi released a statement that the customer, who is a professional car dealer was well aware of the defects of the car.
That particular car was sold by Gauzi's subsidiary Chesupai, a customer-to-business service firm.
The Tesla car, before the sale, was driven for more than 280,000 km and had suffered significant physical damage.
It was rated grade D, meaning it should be purchased with caution.
Despite the issues, the customer knowingly purchased the car with defects. And, now, he is probably trying to get some media attention and sympathy, the statement said.
“This poor old ox, has anyone thought about its feelings?” SCMP cited a user on the social media platform.
“This is so bizarre. A car that cannot be charged is basically a scrap, and you’re selling it for 101,000 yuan?” said another.