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What should I look for when buying a used R1T

VanCityMike

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I'm new to EVs and looking to swap my full size gas guzzler for an R1T. There are a few used Gen1 Quads in my area ranging from 10k miles to 55k miles. Is there a list of things I should check when buying a used one, other than the obvious one of kicking the tires?
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RivianRiverRat

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I'm new to EVs and looking to swap my full size gas guzzler for an R1T. There are a few used Gen1 Quads in my area ranging from 10k miles to 55k miles. Is there a list of things I should check when buying a used one, other than the obvious one of kicking the tires?
This is a "NEW" vehicle check list - haven't seen a used list
 

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cbrcanuck

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I'm new to EVs and looking to swap my full size gas guzzler for an R1T. There are a few used Gen1 Quads in my area ranging from 10k miles to 55k miles. Is there a list of things I should check when buying a used one, other than the obvious one of kicking the tires?
I'm in Vancouver and have been in my R1T for a little over two years, coming from F150s and an Outback over the previous 15 years. Knowing what I know now, I would also happily look at a lightly used R1S or R1T if I needed too for whatever reason. This has been my first EV experience and it has been nothing short of awesome. The biggest thing I tell people - as long as you can charge at home it's amazing. If I had to rely only on public charging - not a chance.

As for looking at Rivians, I'd get a service history from the SC as a #1 priority - if it's clear or only has minor things, I'd be comfortable. And this forum is a wealth of information. It's a bit harder to filter through for the really good tips than it was in the early days since there's a lot more fluff, banter, politics and whining than there was early, but still lots of great info in here.

A couple of big tips from my experience:
- Don't feel the need to jump on software updates. Let others test them first
- Don't use the low suspension settings or conserve mode often, you'll chew through tires (I drive pretty gently in normal heights and my tire wear has been way less than I feared - I'll get lots of life out of my 21s and separate 20s for winter). I only use conserve on long flat highways with minimal traffic.

Good luck!
 
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VanCityMike

VanCityMike

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I'm in Vancouver and have been in my R1T for a little over two years, coming from F150s and an Outback over the previous 15 years. Knowing what I know now, I would also happily look at a lightly used R1S or R1T if I needed too for whatever reason. This has been my first EV experience and it has been nothing short of awesome. The biggest thing I tell people - as long as you can charge at home it's amazing. If I had to rely only on public charging - not a chance.

As for looking at Rivians, I'd get a service history from the SC as a #1 priority - if it's clear or only has minor things, I'd be comfortable. And this forum is a wealth of information. It's a bit harder to filter through for the really good tips than it was in the early days since there's a lot more fluff, banter, politics and whining than there was early, but still lots of great info in here.

A couple of big tips from my experience:
- Don't feel the need to jump on software updates. Let others test them first
- Don't use the low suspension settings or conserve mode often, you'll chew through tires (I drive pretty gently in normal heights and my tire wear has been way less than I feared - I'll get lots of life out of my 21s and separate 20s for winter). I only use conserve on long flat highways with minimal traffic.

Good luck!
Thanks, that's great info. I don't have charging at home sorted yet, building a garage and have to increase the service to my house. It's coming this year though.

When you say get a service history, I assume you mean via the owner?
 

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cbrcanuck

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Thanks, that's great info. I don't have charging at home sorted yet, building a garage and have to increase the service to my house. It's coming this year though.

When you say get a service history, I assume you mean via the owner?
Even a 240V plug temporarily is fine, I just wouldn’t rely on 120V (it’s way too slow), and fighting public charging and the time involved is a huge pain. Charging at home is glorious :)

I was thinking the service center should be able to pull the history based on the VIN, so you wouldn’t have to rely on the seller’s info only. Fortunately any service is definitely done through them. Feel free to put any items up on here if they exist and the forum would be able to comment on if they’re a big deal or not.

if you can minimize miles, you’ll maximize warranty too…
 
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VanCityMike

VanCityMike

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Cast front subframe, not welded. There are pictures of both here if you search for it
There are so few on the market I don't think I can reasonably use that as a criteria to eliminate one. Both of the models I'm looking at are 2023.
 

bhendron

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I hesitate to say this for my own sake, but you might look at the lifetime efficiency. It could tell whether the person drove it like a little old lady or a demon from hell. Also, if you can talk with the original owner, find out how often they charged it to 100%?
 

doit82

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I'm new to EVs and looking to swap my full size gas guzzler for an R1T. There are a few used Gen1 Quads in my area ranging from 10k miles to 55k miles. Is there a list of things I should check when buying a used one, other than the obvious one of kicking the tires?
Check the brakes and rotors, especially the inner brake pads. If they salt the roads around you they are prone to corrosion, seizing, and premature wear on the inner pads with potential damage to the rotors (dont ask me how i know).
 

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doit82

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