Cancel Tesla Order: How I Backed Out and Got My Deposit Back

I’ve been patiently waiting on a Tesla Model Y refresh for what feels like forever. When I picked up my 2022 Model Y, I was already hoping for the upgraded battery pack and tech tweaks that were rumored to be on the way.

So when the refreshed Tesla Model Y Juniper finally became available, I jumped at it. I placed a deposit, expecting this would be the upgrade I’d been holding out for.

But then I cancelled my order.

You might assume I cancelled because of the negative press Tesla has been getting lately—most of it tied directly to Elon Musk’s actions and public image. And yeah, that definitely played a role.

But there were a few other factors that made me hit the brakes on my Tesla pre-order. From pricing issues to miscommunication and a changing economic landscape, it all started to add up. Here’s why I cancelled my Tesla order—and why you might be thinking about doing the same.

1. Paying for Features I Didn’t Get

One of the most frustrating things about the Tesla Model Y Launch edition is that it bundles every upgrade into the price, whether you want them or not. As I pointed out in my deep dive on the Tesla Model Y Launch configuration, you’re locked into a one-size-fits-all deal.

I wasn’t thrilled with the color options, so I chose the included Stealth Gray, which is a free standard colour choice despite an upgrade baked into the cost. Same story with the white interior—by the time I placed my order, it wasn’t even available, yet I was still being charged for it. It felt like I was paying for premium features without actually receiving them.

When you’re spending over $60,000 USD on a car, these things matter.

2. Full Self-Driving: Great Tech, Bad Value

I’m a fan of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD). Through my FSD testing, I’ve noted improvements, especially over the past year. But here’s the thing: it still doesn’t justify the price tag when it’s bundled into a launch edition.

FSD is currently a $8,000 USD add-on. But Tesla also offers it as a monthly subscription, which can be a better deal depending on how long you plan to own the car.

To make matters worse, bundling FSD into the purchase price inflates the cost and can push the vehicle into higher tax brackets or even trigger luxury vehicle taxes in certain areas.

Also, if you buy FSD separately after delivery, you can do it via credit card and stack up points—something I would have preferred.

3. The Mystery of the Included Accessories

This one was just annoying.

When I first connected with a Tesla rep about the order, I asked if accessories like floor mats, roof racks, and a second home charger were included. I had seen people online say they were, and my rep confirmed it via text.

I shared this in forums, only to have others say they were told the opposite. I visited a Tesla location to see the Model Y Launch edition in person and asked the staff there, and they said accessories were not included.

I went back to my original rep, who once again confirmed via text that they were. At this point, it was clear there was no official policy—just confusion. I probably could have fought to get those accessories included based on this, but honestly, I didn’t want the headache.

4. Price Increase and Trade-In Value Fluctuations

Initially, I was cold-texted by Tesla to see if I was interested in the new Model Y. The rep mentioned that prices were slated to increase by $9,000 CAD in just a couple of days—which, spoiler alert, never actually happened (more on that later).

That, paired with what seemed like a very attractive trade-in value for my 2022 Model Y, made the upgrade feel like a smart move at the time. So, I went ahead and placed the order.

But after submitting photos and paperwork, Tesla came back with a revised offer that was $17,000 CAD less! Seventeen. Thousand.

Yes, my current car is wrapped and has aftermarket accessories, but I was more than willing to remove them to get a better trade-in value. I even had a couple small dents, but Tesla originally said those would fall under normal wear and tear. Now, suddenly, they were part of the markdown.

It felt like a bait and switch, and I wasn’t impressed.

READ MORE: How Much Battery Degradation Do I Have after 3 Years of Ownership?

5. Miscommunication on Color and Wheels

Trying to make the most out of the launch edition pricing, I opted to upgrade to Quicksilver paint and 20″ wheels, with the intention of reselling the wheels (not a fan of the look).

Tesla reps confirmed this was possible. But when my VIN came in—surprisingly early, I might add—only the wheels had been updated. The color stayed as Stealth Gray.

More texts. More back-and-forth. Added delay. No resolution.

6. The Uncertain Financial Landscape

Let’s face it: buying a Tesla right now is a gamble.

Between plummeting Tesla stock prices, a trade war, and volatile shifts in vehicle pricing, it’s not unthinkable that the price of the Model Y Juniper could drop dramatically just months after release. Tesla is known to adjust prices post-launch, and I didn’t want to be the sucker who paid a premium just to have the car lose value the second it left the lot.

Especially with the potential for more tariffs on vehicles coming into Canada (a 25% tariff was recently floated), the pricing game felt more like a moving target than a sure thing.

7. Elon Musk’s Comments and Actions

Whether you love him or hate him, Elon Musk’s comments and actions have had a noticeable impact on Tesla’s public image. Personally, it doesn’t feel great to buy a product that could be directly affected by the decisions of someone who seems increasingly unpredictable, not to mention the horrible things he has publicly said and done.

I originally justified buying a Tesla for environmental reasons and the cutting-edge tech. But now, I can’t ignore the noise. There’s a growing sentiment that supporting Tesla is supporting Musk’s personal brand—and that’s becoming a dealbreaker for a lot of people, including me. Ideally, he is removed as CEO so the brand can move on without him. He would then be free to “clean up” government waste, cheat at video games, or maybe even be a father.

How I Got My Tesla Deposit Back

Getting my Tesla deposit back wasn’t exactly smooth.

After going back and forth with a Tesla advisor through the in-app text chat (which felt like talking to a bot most of the time), I finally got a call from a real human. He started with the usual “Let me look into it,” but I cut him off to save us both time.

I explained exactly why I wanted out: the massive bait-and-switch on my trade-in value, and the misleading claim that Tesla prices in Canada were going up the next day—which, of course, didn’t happen for the new Model Y. Based on that, I told him I’d appreciate canceling the order and refunding the deposit.

To his credit, he agreed.

Now, this was a specific situation and not guaranteed for everyone. Tesla officially lists deposits as non-refundable, so getting it back is more of an exception than the rule.

That said, I strongly suggest keeping a record of any promises or conversations—screenshots, texts, names, dates—just in case you need to use them as leverage. It might just be your backdoor if things go sideways.

Cancel Tesla order – Should You Do It Too?

If you’re second-guessing your Tesla order, you’re not alone—and honestly, now might be a smart time to hit pause.

Beyond frustrations with pricing and communication, there’s growing backlash against Tesla owners. Reports of vandalism are becoming more common, and whether justified or not, simply driving a Tesla can make you a target in some areas.

Then there’s the broader economic picture. With rising interest rates, consumer uncertainty, and Tesla’s stock performance tanking, it’s hard to ignore the signs. Historically, Tesla is quick to slash prices after launch periods—and jumping in early often means paying a premium for tech that gets cheaper fast.

For me, these risks—paired with a company image that’s taken a serious hit—were enough to step back. If you’re feeling the same unease, it might be worth waiting for things to stabilize before committing.

With more Tesla alternative options available, it has never been eaiser to make the shift.

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