Schwarzenegger Can’t Fit In His Tesla Roadster, Wants Refund
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has owned a Tesla Roadster for almost a year now, and while he has publicly praised the electric car manufacturer’s work, he’s not a fan of the car itself and has been looking to get his money back.
The news, disclosed by the tech gossip blog Gawker, seems to have been kept under wraps by both the governor and Tesla Motors. However, it’s unclear what exactly is delaying the transaction from happening.
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But Schwarzenegger doesn’t have a problem with the functionality, style, battery-life, or any of the other important aspects of an A-class electric car: he just can’t comfortably get in-and-out of driver’s seat. The Gawker’s tipster said he’s “more of a Hummer guy.”
Tesla, just like all carmakers, is having a tough time in this economy, so it’s understandable that they wouldn’t to lose a celebrity endorsement. But why would it take 9 months to allow a return, especially for such a simple reason?
And also, Arnold, try a test drive before you buy next time.
Press photo courtesy of Tesla Motors
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March 26th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
wow, unbelievable… you slam arnold for not test driving the car? you do realize that you can’t test drive it, right? like most high demand cars, including the prius i might add, they don’t let you test drive since there are none around for that sole purpose, and you can’t drive someone else’s car…
March 26th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Buying a product that’s at the blue print stage, then whining about it… And CA voted for this moron?
March 26th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
@J: you can test drive these cars if you go to the right event. I’m pretty sure Arnold is at the right events.
March 26th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
I happen to have a vintage roadster that’s very tight. You can get a pretty good idea from sitting in a passenger seat whether you will FIT in a car. If you buy a car without even trying it on for size – not driving it even – not much sympathy.
The Duke (John Wayne, for the generationally challenged) actually had the top of at least one of his cars modified so he could wear his cowboy hat while driving. I’ve seen the car. Maybe Arnold could do something similar.
March 26th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
He is probably one of the few people that could possibly justify driving a behemoth like a Hummer around. Makes a case against large people?
March 26th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
No wonder he was out shopping at the Geneva auto show …
Arnold should put it up on the secondary market. Lets see what a used Tesla with celebrity ownership will fetch.
March 27th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
So the demand for these on the used (pre-owned?) market is zero?
Surely the greater fool theory applies here as elsewhere.
March 27th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
He should get a Chevy Tahoe. They are roomy enough for my 6′5″ spouse, I’m sure he would fit. They all run on e85, and there are hybrid versions available. And he would be helping keep American autoworkers working. It’s named after someplace in California. What’s not to love?
March 28th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
A person would have to be an idiot to buy a car without a test drive.
All Tesla buyers buy their cars without a test drive.
Therefore all Tesla buyers are idiots.
March 31st, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Reminds me of the time someone came up to me about my land yacht vs. his hybrid. I asked to see the inside of his car. I could tell with a glance I would have no chance of fitting, ( I’m6′9″. 2.03m)
He reluctantly said no, and we had a nice eco conversation afterward.
April 13th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Actually you can test-drive Teslas. A friend of mine test drove one, and he didn’t even buy one. Just had to talk to them, sound like a serious buyer with the $$, and fill out some paperwork (mostly “you break it you buy it”, and “we’re not responsible if you die test driving it” legal mumbo jumbo).
April 24th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Those Tesla are small… seems SMALLER then the Lotus too..
I am 6′3 and can’t get into a Lotus easily.. The Gov is a bit older now & not as Flexible as you may like to think.
Tell him to get with a Cadillac HYBRID or Taho Hybrid & enjoy the comfort.
Ford/Smith is coming out with an ALL electric Van next year, I am sure he will be more comfortable in that.
Perhaps not as stylish, but when your back hurts you don’t care how stylish you look…:>)