Delivery Cancelled by Rivian

[sbonder]

Ordered 2026 R1S and 5 minutes before arriving at the delivery I got a call cancelling it. They say they noticed a problem with the vehicle and want it fixed before giving it to me. They were perfectly nice and gave me a loaner since I’d driven an hour. While I’m not happy and slightly concerned, I am now getting a hard press from the sales person to switch vehicles because the repair may take some time. They are trying to push me to a color and interior I don’t want and offering a $3k discount. But, it is THE SAME discount that they are offering on that vehicle as a promotion to everybody. And, because the white interior they are trying to push me toward is more expensive, the end result is that the vehicle with discount costs exactly the same as my original order.
At a traditional car dealer I’d insist on a real discount or just walk and go elsewhere. What, if any, actual discount could I negotiate for this with Rivian? Any experience? I expected my car this past Friday and now it might be weeks before I have one. I’m guessing they will want the loaner back before then, but not sure.
Just looking for some experience/data points.

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[Dark-Fx]

They are trying to push you into a sale before the end of the quarter, which means tomorrow is the last day. I'd want to get it in writing that they'll still include whatever discounts you're getting on the car you want once the quarter ends.

 

[VSG]

If you want to keep your original configuration, just keep it. They are offering you an alternative configuration which costs the same and which they can get to you immediately, vs some indefinite wait to address the issue in your vehicle. Meanwhile you have a loaner. And they're not going to claw that back from you. Not what you hoped for, but would you rather they had just delivered the car with known problems?

If you want a further discount, the only way to get one is to ask. Tell them yes you want the alternative configuration IF they can knock x off the price. What is it worth to you? But I think after the end of the month they will have much less flexibility. Purchases aren't really subject to negotiation, but in a case like this they do have some room for concessions when there's a problem.

 

[NY_Rob]

Stuff happens, it can be as simple as someone scratched it while transporting it or it could be something more serious and they're waiting for parts?

As mentioned by @VSG, you don't have much leverage because it's not like they filed the Title with your state DMV yet. If you don't want your original vehicle, it just gets repaired and goes back in to stock. It's not like a dealer has to pay the manufacturer to floor plan it on their lot.

You probably won't get a price adjustment on your original vehicle, you might be able to get some free accessories out of it or better wheels/premium paint on a replacement vehicle?

 

[knwilson27]

Our first delivery date was canceled due to rail issues. We were assigned a new VIN and new delivery date for tomorrow 6/30. Just got a message this morning:

“Your vehicle officially departed today

This means it will not make it in time for your appointment tomorrow. We're so sorry to provide you this info. We will reach out as soon as it lands - hoping for end of this week or an appointment mid-next week due to the holiday.”

 

[TexasBob]

Never take a color you do not like just to save a few $$$ or speed delivery, it will irritate you every day for years to come. (Ask me how I know.)

 

[justinkitswa]

Our first R1S (dual, max battery) was cancelled the day before scheduled delivery over a "problem"

Rivian did not initially offer anything except "sorry, we can't deliver it to you and we have no ETA on when it will be available"

Eventually I got someone on the phone who said it was a QA issue with the battery and they had no ETA on when it would be solved.

I asked for my deposit back and they eventually offered to eat the cost of shipping one from UT to WA or refund the deposit.

If you can find one somewhere with the spec's you want, ask them to ship it at their cost and give you the discounts.

 

[TollKeeper]

First I would find out what happened to the one you were supposed to pick up. 5 minutes before delivery? Someone hit it in the parking lot? Catch Fire?

Maybe its something that would make it so you dont want that truck anymore.

If you fancy your config, stay with your config. I changed mine, and I regret it every day since delivery.

 

[Eeyore]

Never take a color you do not like just to save a few $$$ or speed delivery, it will irritate you every day for years to come. (Ask me how I know.)

I know how you know because I know the same way.

DON"T SETTLE for anything less that exactly what you want. You WILL have regrets.

 

[ribuck97]

The ironic. (Or crappy) part of the situation is if you are financing… the rates change if not delivered by 6/30.

 

[ksurfier]

see if they can give you Rivian Shop cash, $2500, if it’s even a combo you’d be willing to take…

 

[BanditTA]

The ironic. (Or crappy) part of the situation is if you are financing… the rates change if not delivered by 6/30.

You should be able to ask Rivian to honor your prior finance rate. They did that for me when my delivery got delayed until the following month.

 

[Zathras]

I would take the better vehicle for the same price. I'd ask for something in addition. Spare tire? Rivian Gear? But in the end, if I. like the color they're offering, I'd go with that. But not one penny more, and get it to me fast.

I was seeing 8-12 week times from order to getting an R1 recently, so they are limited as well as far as pulling a new car out of a hat.

But seriously, get the car you want. Even if it means driving a loaner (like a bat out of hell) and having fun with it.

 

[Mousetrap]

I’m guessing they will want the loaner back before then, but not sure.

I'm in the same area as you and have had loaners from both Rohnert Park and South San Francisco (it was before Fell St opened) for extended periods before, like a month or more. That part shouldn't be a concern.

 

[mclark2112]

When I leased my R1S, I was able to get crossbars and not charge for Limestone paint (was a quarter end as well) if I took the car a week early. So there may be some room for negotiating on product rather than discount. Also, don't get a color or configuration you don't want, life is too short.

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