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It’s common for car dealerships to have overflow lots filled with unsold inventory when they can’t accommodate everything on their main premises. However, these overflow areas are usually paved or gravel lots, not large, unkempt fields. Unfortunately, some prospective owners of the new Tesla Model 3 Highland have found their vehicles stored in exactly such a setting.
A Reddit user named LSDBunnos discovered a field in Northern Florida filled with brand-new, unsold Tesla Model 3 Highlands, all left languishing in thick grass. Local commenters have indicated that this field is utilized by the Tesla store in Tampa, but it has also served other Tesla dealerships in Florida. The Drive contacted the Tesla store located at the International Plaza in Tampa, which confirmed that the site is indeed used as an overflow lot for delivery centers.
The Model 3 Highlands seen in the field appear to be brand-new and unregistered, with many dated for manufacture in April 2024, according to LSDBunnos. This means that some customers may receive one of these vehicles when purchasing a new Tesla. This situation raises concerns, as leaving a car in a weedy, unkempt field for months, especially in Florida, is far from ideal.
While Teslas lack many components prone to rust due to their aluminum construction and absence of exhaust systems, they face different challenges. The undercarriage of vehicles left in tall grass can become a refuge for various animals—such as rodents, skunks, insects, and even snakes, especially given Florida’s wildlife. These critters can make nests, gnaw on wires and components, and cause damage over time. Furthermore, Tampa is known for heavy rainfall, which can worsen the situation by turning the ground into mud, making it easier for the vehicles to sink over time.
And let’s not forget about the insects. While rodents might burrow into car parts, insects pose an even greater threat. They can fit into smaller spaces, establish nests, and damage car interiors. Though bugs can infiltrate cars left on paved surfaces—particularly in damp garages—they’re much more likely to thrive in a muddy, swampy area.
One user even mentioned that their car “snitched” on itself by capturing footage of its stay in the field through its Sentry Mode camera. The Tesla store we contacted informed us that the vehicles arrive washed, cleaned, and prepared by the delivery centers, but the representative could not confirm the specific origin of these cars. While it is reassuring that Tesla cleans the cars before they are delivered, the fact remains that they should not be left in a field to begin with.
While a parking lot filled with new Tesla Model 3s doesn’t necessarily indicate a drop in sales, it’s typical for any dealership, regardless of brand, to have several unsold vehicles on site. What stands out in this case is the chosen storage location, as leaving numerous cars in a muddy field for extended periods is rarely advisable.
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