Would you buy now (yes) or wait (no): Poll

[lefkonj]

Just like in the beginning with Tesla there are going to be issues, it seems like those will bother you so it might be better to wait. For me, I didn't order a launch edition on purpose knowing they would have some challenges and when mine shows up will jump at it so fast, Normal Il won't be so Normal.....

Sponsored

 

[the long way downunder]

Hi guys! I just received my 8-steps but after looking through the forums, I'm seeing a lot of front drivetrain, clunk issues, wind noise issues squeeking, and bed cover issues. Seems like if you take delivery now, you should pretty much plan on service (from what I'm reading). This doesnt instil much confidence... I am 100% buying a Rivian, but in no rush emotionally. I could buy now or wait 6-8 months.

Emotions aside, if you guys were in my shoes would you simmer down and let Rivian work on polishing the weak points and sharpening up production a bit more? Maybe hang tight for a 2023? Or just say nope 11000 or so is plenty of time to work out a majority of the bigger bugs/issues.

I'd like to lower my early adoption tax, but perhaps nows a safe time to jump in?

Thoughts?

I'd be careful about quality inspection at delivery – just like always with any vehicle these days, quality is an issue with every manufacturer.
But there's nothing to wait for unless you want an R1S or the Mega Pack battery … both of which are not happening soon, so waiting would be open-ended and prices are only going higher.
As for quality or "timing" when to buy, who knows if quality when yours is built will be better or the same … I'd like to think it's already a priority for Rivian to lift their game on quality … my R1T has been reliable since delivered in March … I'm wondering what's going on that quality assurance is letting some vehicles go to delivery with obvious problems.
I think Rivian has improved quality (paint, body) and we know of revised components to address some earlier bugs, but there's still the new reports of ongoing design flaws (suspension, driveshafts, wind noise.) If they called up to say "your R1S with Mega Pack is ready" I'd take it.

 

[sevengroove]

Poll question is poorly phrased; am I answering the “buy now” or “wait” question?

Yes.

 

[Gsxr150]

Not a popular sentiment I'm sure, but seeing Kyle's latest video on drivetrain backlash really has me losing the faith. My view of being an early adopter means getting a price break to deal with manufacturing and software bugs like panel gaps, paint quality, bad sensors, squeaks and rattles, doors and windows, new ADAS, and even occasionally getting stranded, so long as Rivian service was up to the task. For me, being an early adopter does NOT mean accepting a very expensive electric vehicle with WORSE drivetrain refinement than a Toyota Yaris. Sure, 800 HP and 15 inches of ground clearance are great, but most people aren't using that 99% of the time. Hearing that both Kyle's test and personal trucks had rapidly worsening drivetrain noise, and that it's coming back after being fixed means the design of their driveline is either not finished or knowingly inadequate. I also don't like how Rivian is giving people the runaround with the issue, telling folks it's normal.

My friend, Kyle's latest video is the one the freaked me out. Basically the reason I posted this poll. Most of the trucks out there now are lower miles and reviews come from those having the truck for 2 days. How's the driveline once it has 20k miles, ya know. Maybe that's something they fix in production in the next 6 months. Seems like a big concern?

 

[Gsxr150]

Poll question is poorly phrased; am I answering the “buy now” or “wait” question?

Shoot, sorry about that guys...not enough coffee and a 3 year old running in circles haha.

 

[Gsxr150]

So I answered ’yes’ but that is assuming that you will be keeping at least one other car or happy to drive an Enterprise rental car (or get Uber credits). I notice you live in Minnesota so not sure where the nearest service center is.

Maybe I have got a lemon but I have needed many service visits and many of them have meant a tow over 3 hours to Bellevue WA. Also the R1T is my only vehicle and a rental car sucks because it means I have to change my lifestyle significantly.

So in my experience your Rivian will need service, they will try really hard to make things right but it is still a PIA.

I'd wait if I knew that was going to happen.....no way I'd move forward. I can wait another 6 months and still get my locked pricing. HOWEVER, the overwhelming majority seem to say yes (move forward with delivery). Interesting! Good stuff.

 

[CGM55082]

My friend, Kyle's latest video is the one the freaked me out. Basically the reason I posted this poll. Most of the trucks out there now are lower miles and reviews come from those having the truck for 2 days. How's the driveline once it has 20k miles, ya know. Maybe that's something they fix in production in the next 6 months. Seems like a big concern?

But let's look at the whole picture here. Kyle said the Rivian is his favorite daily driver EVER -- and he's had a lot of great vehicles. He basically spent the entire video gushing about the truck and I lost track of how many times he said he absolutely loves it.

Now, I also have the drivetrain lash Kyle mentioned and service has quieted mine down like they did for his. Like his, mine is starting to come back again. I just have to believe a fix is in the works and will be retrofitted like the new tonneau cover. Point being, I wouldn't hesitate to take delivery of your Rivian and I would bet my house that Kyle would give you the same advice!

 

[CGM55082]

Not a popular sentiment I'm sure, but seeing Kyle's latest video on drivetrain backlash really has me losing the faith. My view of being an early adopter means getting a price break to deal with manufacturing and software bugs like panel gaps, paint quality, bad sensors, squeaks and rattles, doors and windows, new ADAS, and even occasionally getting stranded, so long as Rivian service was up to the task. For me, being an early adopter does NOT mean accepting a very expensive electric vehicle with WORSE drivetrain refinement than a Toyota Yaris. Sure, 800 HP and 15 inches of ground clearance are great, but most people aren't using that 99% of the time. Hearing that both Kyle's test and personal trucks had rapidly worsening drivetrain noise, and that it's coming back after being fixed means the design of their driveline is either not finished or knowingly inadequate. I also don't like how Rivian is giving people the runaround with the issue, telling folks it's normal.

The drivetrain backlash is real, but it's a minor inconvenience and I'm confident Rivian is working on a long-term solution that will be retrofitted. More importantly, Kyle spent most of that video talking about how much he absolutely loves the Rivian. Said it was his favorite daily driver ever.

 

[Yellow Buddy]

My friend, Kyle's latest video is the one the freaked me out. Basically the reason I posted this poll. Most of the trucks out there now are lower miles and reviews come from those having the truck for 2 days. How's the driveline once it has 20k miles, ya know. Maybe that's something they fix in production in the next 6 months. Seems like a big concern?

Or 40k or 60k for that matter. Unfortunately nobody will really know for now. The early Tesla motors were getting replaced around 60-70,000 miles. Luckily there was a good warranty on that.

The other issue you may run into is if you wait too long, the technology reliability resets and now need to wait to see how the reliability shakes out. It could be better or it could be worse. How do you time it? If they move on from the Bosche motors and go to Rivian's in house motors for everything as an example. You don't want to have jumped in and now be left with legacy support, but you would then lose all the reliability data you hav so far.

How long do you wait for a Rivian?

I've seen folks hold onto a signature Model X reservation for reliability. Then right when they were about to jump in, they launched AP2. They ended up financially better than I did left with my AP1. They then waited for AP2 to flush out...and lost free supercharging. Some jumped in, only to be burned with the AP2.5 refresh. Those that didn't wanted to see what 2.5 would bring and rumors of Raven. Raven ended up taking 2 years. But now there's the Model Y...

It's a tough call. I've decided to jump in and convinced myself I wanted to see 10,000 cars built first. Am I willing to wait much longer? Maybe a little, but not a lot. I'm happy with the options, trims, and packages right now.

But there are certainly a lot of what ifs?
- What if they changed the wood color?
- What if the yellow accents disappeared?
- What if the seat backs no longer had usb-c or hooks?
- What if they added a glove box?
- What if there's no more rear under seat storage?
- What if the rear seats now fold up for more room?
- What if Munro gets them to shave 500lbs?
- What if next year it gets better efficiency?

 

[jjswan33]

I'd wait if I knew that was going to happen.....no way I'd move forward. I can wait another 6 months and still get my locked pricing. HOWEVER, the overwhelming majority seem to say yes (move forward with delivery). Interesting! Good stuff.

I mean the truck is awesome, hands down. You will love it.

It just boils down to what is going to bother you. The gear lash is minor, if you listen to music you wont’ even hear it. Will your Rivian break and need service, eventually yes. Will you need multiple service calls in the first 6 months/18k miles (like I have) that is TBD as more people log miles and time with the truck. I may be an outlier and also I have an early VIN 31XX.

What I would want to know:

- Where is Rivian going to service my truck? Is there is a service center nearby?

- If not you will have to deal with towing for service, and non-warranty stuff may be at your expense. Also it typically means even a short service call takes a week.​

- Will I be able to survive comfortably with an Enterprise Rental or Uber credits while in service? Do I drive on gravel roads often? Do I need to transport my pet? At least these are the issues that I have.

 

[mwexler2]

I’d provide a more detailed answer, but I need to load up my R1 and drive over the hill.

 

[SoCal Rob]

If you’re selling or trading in your only reliable utility vehicle in order to buy the Rivian, and you need a utility vehicle to do things that you won’t be able to do if your Rivian is unavailable then I’d probably wait. Other than that I’d go for it.

 

[moosehead]

If that smoke show you had been in heavy pursuit of for the past three years finally offered it up tonight, or say 6 months from now, which would you choose?

Don’t fail the stupid test.

 

[mini2nut]

Long term durability is still an unknown.

Will the 4 Bosch electric motors stand up long term? How about the complex adjustable air suspension? How will the 8 CV joints and four half shafts hold up under the incredible torque from the electric motors?

Rivian knew they would have to offer a strong bumper-to-bumper factory warranty to lure buyers to a brand new vehicle from a brand new vehicle manufacture.

 

[manitou202]

It's a roll of the dice now or in 12 months. They won't suddenly have Toyota level of quality by next year. I've had no serious issues with my truck, only minor things that will wait until I "need" to have a service visit.

If you wait, there is the risk they change pricing or something else. There is also the unknown impact of the tax credit. You will definitely get the credit if you take delivery this year. Next year is a roll of the dice.

Any major fixes should be rolled down to your truck (tonneau cover, CV joints, etc).

Sponsored