Model 3

Make
Tesla
Segment
Sedan

Stories have been making the rounds regarding the build quality of the Tesla Model 3, with some claiming that the new Musk-mobile lacks the build quality of its rivals. The fact that Consumer Reports dropped the Tesla Model 3 from its recommended list of cars was a significant blow not only to the company but to prospective buyers across the globe. Despite the questionable quality of its vehicles, Tesla still enjoys glowing owner reviews and the Tesla Model 3 ranks high in owner satisfaction ratings except for one client who, according to Reddit, just spent over $35,000 on a front left fender for a Tesla Model 3.

When Reddit user u/Wellyoh ordered his brand new Tesla Model 3 on 21 September, he was expecting to take delivery of, well, a fully assembled and functioning Tesla Model 3. Instead what he got was a front left fender, neatly packaged and dent free. The obvious thing to do was to post this faux pas on the internet with the caption "Ordered my model 3 on 9/21. Today a front fender randomly showed up at my house". Within minutes hilarity ensued.

The post has been upvoted nearly 16,000 times, and the string of comments has revealed some comic gold in the snarky tone only Reddit users could conjure: One user chirped "The guy who actually ordered that front fender must be loving your Model 3". Another noted that legendary country-folk singer Johnny Cash had written a song called One Piece at a Time which perfectly captured the situation with its lyrics. "I'd get it one piece at a time, and it wouldn't cost me a dime, You'll know it's me when I come through your town, I'm gonna ride around in style" the man in black bellows out.

While Tesla battles with reliability issues and a wayward CEO, mix-ups like this won't be doing them any favors, but at least it's entertaining for the rest of us.