Sawyer Merritt, a longtime Tesla influencer and recent Model Y owner, took his vehicle to Tesla service for minor washer fluid issues and received a Cybertruck as a loaner. He described the experience as fantastic, far better than traditional auto service. Merritt highlighted the responsive team and app features during the process.
Sawyer Merritt, a Tesla investor and influencer who has supported the company for years, recently purchased a Juniper Model Y. Despite common concerns about Tesla's reliability and service challenges, Merritt's experience has been overwhelmingly positive, further boosting his view of the electric vehicle maker.
Merritt brought his Model Y to a Tesla service center for minor issues related to washer fluid. Instead of a standard loaner, Tesla provided a Cybertruck, which he drove while his vehicle was serviced. Sharing his story on the Cybertruck Owners Only Facebook group, Merritt posted a photo of the loaner Cybertruck parked on a hill at night and wrote: “I have been driving this Cybertruck while my Model Y is receiving a few small service items done (washer fluid related). The best loaner vehicle there is.”
This marked Merritt's first use of Tesla service as an owner, and he praised its efficiency. “The entire experience has been fantastic. It’s far better than the traditional auto service I used to experience,” he said. He particularly appreciated the software-first approach, noting: “I love being able to track everything in real time on the app, see the technician’s notes, communicate with the service team directly through the app, check estimated completion time, and view cost info (mine is under warranty), etc.”
Merritt also commended the staff: “The whole Tesla team has been very responsive. It’s a great experience for those rare times you need to visit a service center.”
As a prominent figure in the Tesla community—recognized by employees, frequently interacting with CEO Elon Musk, and praised by the chairwoman and board—Merritt's treatment may reflect preferential service. In contrast, many regular Tesla owners, including Cybertruck customers, report frustrations. Some Cybertruck owners describe vehicles spending more time in service than on the road, with issues persisting after multiple visits. One owner found their truck at service with a homeless man inside who had urinated in it, highlighting broader service struggles.