How to avoid the worst bugs in Star Citizen (as of v4.0.2)
The first trick you'll need to learn is how to Server/Region Hop. Some of the worst bugs require just leaving the current server and going to a different one.
To force a server change you'll need to exit back to menu and change your region to something else.
Note: If you attempt to start the game in the same region, the game leans toward placing you in the server where you've been most recently.
Elevators
Bed log as often as you can to avoid current hangar instance issues and set your spawn at a less popular station. Most hangar instance issues have been fixed by now, but they occassionally pop back up in busier stations (such as Checkmate) on certain servers.
If the elevator to your hangar isn't working, try all the other elevators. If none of the elevators work, you'll either need to go to a "Pad" and hitch a ride with someone, or server hop to find a working server.