Is this underbody damage OK?

[Jonoknut]

In the process of buying an R1T and this is on the underbody. This is the front of the truck, under the frunk. I just can't tell what is going on, and if this is just a road debris issue, or something more nefarious going on from behind the cover? Any thoughts or ideas?

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[RoBoRaT R1S]

Only way to find out is to remove the cover….

 

[FooF]

If you do not see damage under the cover, you can get a used subframe cover on eBay, or try to repair the crack in the cover.

 

[Marchin_MTB]

Is this a for sale by owner or a dealer? Do they know what happened?

 

[Jonoknut]

Is this a for sale by owner or a dealer? Do they know what happened?

By owner, but they don't know. They said they hit a pile of snow/ice at one point a couple years ago and maybe that was it.

 

[cbrcanuck]

I'd get it inspected at a service center before buying it. Could be nothing serious, or could be a big deal...

 

[VSG]

That's a composite plate for underbody protection. You can see the threads sticking out from the crack. You would have to hit something pretty hard to cause that damage. I highly doubt it was snow - more like rock. I don't think you would keep going forward after that hard a hit, they probably had to back out. They would remember it. That doesn't mean that anything underneath it is broken, but it must have been a pretty hard bump so I would pay Rivian for a comprehensive inspection, which would detect up a whole lot of things you're not likely to notice ahead of time. Inspection is $300 I think.

 

[Jonoknut]

That's a composite plate for underbody protection. You can see the threads sticking out from the crack. You would have to hit something pretty hard to cause that damage. I highly doubt it was snow - more like rock. I don't think you would keep going forward after that hard a hit, they probably had to back out. They would remember it. That doesn't mean that anything underneath it is broken, but it must have been a pretty hard bump so I would pay Rivian for a comprehensive inspection, which would detect up a whole lot of things you're not likely to notice ahead of time. Inspection is $300 I think.

The car is out of state from me and the nearest service center to them is a 4+ hour drive, something the seller isn't willing to do...

 

[SANZC02]

The car is out of state from me and the nearest service center to them is a 4+ hour drive, something the seller isn't willing to do...

My concern would be what appears to be fluid stains all around the cracks, seems like something underneath is or was seeping out.

See if the owner is willing to remove that cover and take pictures for you.

Unless it is a crazy good deal I’d probably see what else is out there if I could not get this one inspected.

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

I'd bail without a comprehensive inspection. As someone else said, could be nothing - a plastic cover - but without inspection, you'll have no idea.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

 

[derekmw]

Maybe ask if he can take it to a mechanic near by who can take the shield off. You don't need to be a master tech to figure out how to take that cover off just to snap a few pics for you on what it looks like under that panel.

 

[Throwdown]

The car is out of state from me and the nearest service center to them is a 4+ hour drive, something the seller isn't willing to do...

I wouldnt risk it if it cant get inspected first, looks as though some fluid is around the damaged area

 

[Marchin_MTB]

By owner, but they don't know. They said they hit a pile of snow/ice at one point a couple years ago and maybe that was it.

I would be very careful. It could be superficial damage or it could be something very serious depending on how hard the impact was and what it was with. Have it looked at by an SC if you can, otherwise I would pass.

 

[cwintermeyer]

By owner, but they don't know. They said they hit a pile of snow/ice at one point a couple years ago and maybe that was it.

I believe they don't know exactly when and how that damage happened as much as I believe it was caused by a pile of snow/ice. The only plausible part of their story is they've been driving around with the damage unchecked for a couple of years.

You would have to hit something pretty hard to cause that damage. I highly doubt it was snow - more like rock... They would remember it.

Absolutely.

I'd bail without a comprehensive inspection. As someone else said, could be nothing - a plastic cover - but without inspection, you'll have no idea.

100% this. I wouldn't buy any used Rivian without a comprehensive inspection, let alone one with a broken subframe cover surrounded by fluid stains. I would want to know that stuff like the battery pack armor, control arms, dampers, half shafts and subframe (especially if it's a Gen 1 welded subframe) are in tact.

 

[Time2Roll]

I agree with getting the inspection or walk away. If the deal seems good.... maybe it's not.
As the seller is resisting inspection, that is your red flag.

At least get an estimate to replace the cracked cover.

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