Keep R1S or switch to R2, Financial vs. Tech Dilemma

[narmstrong79]

I’m currently in a bit of a "good problem to have" situation. I own a 2024 Rivian R1S that I purchased NEW for an effective price of ~$65K. This was possible by stacking a preorder voucher (MSRP was $92,397, paid $73,547) with a successful amendment of my 2022 taxes for the $7,500 federal tax credit (plus interest!).

I’ve since added Comma AI (with a Lukas harness for longitudinal control) and new tires. I owe about $33K, and trade-in offers are coming in around $60K.

With the Rivian R2 Launch Edition approaching, I’m debating if the switch makes sense.

R2's $58,000 (launch edition is the smart option) + delivery, price tag is an "affordable" entry point for many. But because of my R1 pricing, the R2 is really only $6-8K less than what I paid for a an R1S.

• R1S Equity: I have roughly $27,000 in positive equity, which means I would likely finance about the same as what I owe now.
• Range is basically the same My R1S is SW Locked at 300 mile and because it's a "standard+" i could charge to 100% (i don't, i charge to 80% /240 miles) R2 range at 70% daily (Rivian recommended) is 230 miles
• The Loss: air suspension, and a third row, I don't tow so I dont care about the towing capacity difference.
• The gain: Newish tech, future ready if I wait for Gen 3 hardware. In house autonomy features.

Is the R2 worth giving up the raw capability of a Gen 1 R1S? as I wouldn't lose much in depreciation
Or should i keep the more "premium" 30% discount?

I'll be very interested in what the non- launch edition pricing is , with Gen 3 hardware and the option for the white interior.

Feature	My R1S (Gen 1)	R2 Launch Edition (s00n'26)	R2 Gen 3 (mid '27 Est.)
Autonomy HW	Comma AI	Gen 2 (Enhanced Autonomy+)	Gen 3 (LiDAR + RAP1 Chip)
Charging	CCS	NACS	NACS
Interior	Ocean Coast	Black Crater Signature Only	Coastal Cloud (White)
Suspension	Adjustable Air	Fixed Semi-Active	Fixed Semi-Active

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[VandalSibs]

My total non-professional opinion is that if you are happy with the rig you have (as opposed to the "I really want the newest hotness" that happens to lots of us!), keep it.

Also, you most likely have a better interest rate on your current loan than what you would get for the new rig (unless you have some sweet connections....)

Plus, if you wait longer you'll have even more positive equity on the R1S, so more buying power.

 

[derekmw]

Although I'd be inclined to say just keep the R1, I wouldn't want to own one out of warranty based on the experiences I have had with my two R1's. So just for that fact, I would get the R2.

 

[lefkonj]

When Rivian puts Lidar in the R2 I am sure it will hit the R1 as well. The question is going to be getting a loaded R2 or a entry R1, if they have similar Autonomy features.

 

[narmstrong79]

When Rivian puts Lidar in the R2 I am sure it will hit the R1 as well. The question is going to be getting a loaded R2 or a entry R1, if they have similar Autonomy features.

I doubt it, but we'll see. With full focus on R2 ramp, GA opening and rolling out R3. I think R1 might be left behind for a while. But time will tell.

As a Rivian fan...It Would be great if Rivian made a new R1 standard, that had the cost savings from R2 (suspension etc...) in a 3 row

 

[narmstrong79]

Although I'd be inclined to say just keep the R1, I wouldn't want to own one out of warranty based on the experiences I have had with my two R1's. So just for that fact, I would get the R2.

I'm my mind, I'm going to let this R1 at least until the warranty expires which is in 2028 for comprehensive and 2032 for battery and motors.

Tossed this out as a discussion as I do like the R2... And I feel like I'm playing with house money a little bit.

First world problems

 

[Great Gatsby]

Although I'd be inclined to say just keep the R1, I wouldn't want to own one out of warranty based on the experiences I have had with my two R1's. So just for that fact, I would get the R2.

This right here. All things being equal, the R1 is still IMO the one to have. However, if the R1 is coming close to the limited warranty and you can get an R2 0 miles, then the R2 starts to make a lot more sense.

 

[usulio]

You have 121 kWh usable. R2 has 87. While R2 is more efficient, I bet your real world range would be lower. If that matters.

 

[narmstrong79]

You have 121 kWh usable. R2 has 87. While R2 is more efficient, I bet your real world range would be lower. If that matters.

Efficiency is slightly important since my electric rates in NH are horrible, and I don't need big range for typical use. I'm fine with a couple extra charging stops, for the one one road trip I probably do every year.

 

[Time2Roll]

I would go with 2nd generation R2. So keep the R1 for now.
Best of luck on the choice.

 

[Hodog16]

If you are going to buy an R2, I’d wait until it gets everything updated like Lidar etc.

In your shoes, I would sell the R1S and be thankful you bought it right and didn’t take a bath. Then I would lease the launch R2. Take the $30k equity freed up and invest or use it elsewhere.

 

[HaveBlue]

Is your R1 an LFP? I don't recall the chemistry on the Standard +

 

[MikeWilliams_R1T]

Unless you need the additional towing capacity or the third row, I’d trade it before the bottom drops out on its trade in value. $60k is a banger trade in offer for a 2 year old gen 1. You won’t see that again once the R2’s start shipping.

 

[narmstrong79]

If you are going to buy an R2, I’d wait until it gets everything updated like Lidar etc.

In your shoes, I would sell the R1S and be thankful you bought it right and didn’t take a bath. Then I would lease the launch R2. Take the $30k equity freed up and invest or use it elsewhere.

Decent advice. Leasing is available in my state yet, and leasing isn't anything I'm interested in personally.

 

[narmstrong79]

Is your R1 an LFP? I don't recall the chemistry on the Standard +

A Standard or Standard+ Gen 1 is the NMC Large pack, Gen 1 didn't have LFP, The only difference is it's software locked at 121kWh usable. (standard was locked at 106 kwh). Standard+ was required if I wanted to add the performance pack.

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