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New or Used R1T… looking for your $.02

CampfireWisdom

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My next car will be an R1T.

That being said, there’s been some good deals out there on used 2023 R1Ts. I know the differences between G1 and G2, but are the differences enough to warrant a difference of $20K.

Here’s my idea. Buy a used R1T and drive it around for two years or until they update the R1Ts with the new autonomy chips. Then, upgrade to a more future proof model. I’m thinking that dropping all that $$$ on an R1T now without the full autonomy potential may not be a wise mood.

If you got any insight, I’d love your $.02.

Thanks in advance.

Greg
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tones94

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Was in the same situation and got a 22 R1T. I think in particular for the R1T it’s not worth the price difference when it comes to ride quality - heard R1S you can tell a difference from gen 1 and 2. Some things are better in gen 2 for sure like cameras and matrix headlights I wish I had but the value of gen 1s are hard to beat IMO. Plan to keep until 2030 then reassess. Save the 20K. Despite the hardware being better, it will take rivian some time to get FSD dialed.
 

Time2Roll

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Then, upgrade to a more future proof model.
Technology is accelerating. Features and materials are improving at a faster pace each year. No matter what vehicle is purchased it will be more obsolete faster than ever before.

May as well save some money and get the used one. Try to be happy with what it can do for as long as possible.
 

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Scoiatael

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Only thing I don't like about Gen 1 is the horrible camera quality. If you can live with that, Gen 1 is fine.
 

antimatter

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It was my first EV, so I went used to both lessen the cost and the deprecation. Autonomy isn't high on my list of wants, so the 'established' Gen 1 hardware was another issue. I was also lucky in that June of last year was when (I think) a lot of initial lease trucks became available, so there was a large selection to choose from. Things are a bit tighter now, but I'll be willing to bet there will be some Gen 2 stuff that comes off lease in 2027.
 

Cal

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I’d wait until the impact of the R2 is clear. Then I’d go for a Gen 2. They will definitely see a drop. Not necessarily super big but I think the spread between gen 1 and two might shrink. Particularly if you wait until next year. Why settle for less for a couple of thousand.
 

2kwik4u

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My next car will be an R1T.

That being said, there’s been some good deals out there on used 2023 R1Ts. I know the differences between G1 and G2, but are the differences enough to warrant a difference of $20K.

Here’s my idea. Buy a used R1T and drive it around for two years or until they update the R1Ts with the new autonomy chips. Then, upgrade to a more future proof model. I’m thinking that dropping all that $$$ on an R1T now without the full autonomy potential may not be a wise mood.

If you got any insight, I’d love your $.02.

Thanks in advance.

Greg
Two things from where I sit. This opinion and a couple bucks will get you a cup of coffee, so take it for what it's worth.

I'll never own a second gen or beyond Rivian unless they bring back the internal, mechanical door releases. Period. It's a step too far into the "electrification of everything" that poses a serious safety risk that I won't accept.

Secondarily, I'll never own a Rivian outside of warranty. Even beyond stuff breaking and being absurdly expensive, there are currently near zero independent shops that are willing to work on a Rivian. Special tools, manuals, and replacement parts that are required to service the truck are very expensive and/or kept under strict control. This is a "right to own and repair" issue that Rivian isn't handling well IMO. The only option at the moment is an extended warranty.

SO, if you're OK with the interior door release being electric get a second gen R1. If you aren't OK with that get a first gen R1 and budget for an extended warranty.

The autonomy upgrades and crap like that are more FOMO issues than daily usable features you'll be missing. Similar premise to "waiting for interest rates to come back down" before buying a house. If you want one, go get it and enjoy it. These things drop in value faster than boat anchors, so having or not having autonomy is likely not going to make/break a deal from a financial aspect.
 

RivAW

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IMO the changes from Gen 1 to Gen 2 are not worth it for the money. Additionally, some thing have gone backwards (sound system, internal door release. If it was me, I'd buy a Gen 1 and look at xcelerate (or some other) warranty for peace of mind.
 

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narmstrong79

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Get a Gen 1 with Meridian audio. Best all-around imo
This


Buying new is never a great financial decision, Buy used let someone else eat the depreciation. The Tech didn't change that much from old to new.
 

Mark_AZR1T

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Hands down Gen 1, Meridian Audio and don't look back. These are becoming legitimate bargains for a fantastic truck.
 

ndmiller

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Taking a depreciation hit on an R1 at this time is unwise, get the used deal and buy an R2 later for the same price. But if you have money to burn buy new.

Autonomy chips bought later will also be obsolete quicker than you'd think, so take that out of the equation.
 

KRIV_ian

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I was in the same situation about a year ago and went with a used 2023 R1T. No regrets so far.
 

flyingdock

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I just picked up an early 23 gen 1 R1T with the Meridian system. I didn’t think sound quality mattered all that much to me as I’ve gotten used to some pretty terrible systems in the past, but holy smokes the Meridian is incredible. I bought mine direct from Rivian. Still has over 2 years of warranty left, dual 12v batteries, 12 volt plug in the cab. I didn’t get the subframe upgrade as that came later as well as no powered bed cover so there are some trade offs. In comparison to a new one, I’m so happy with what I have and half the price. Maybe I’ll upgrade with the gen 3 rolls around, but right now it’s miles of smiles. Good luck!
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