Don't expect a test drive before delivery

[Scott]

I really want to see and sit in an R1S before I buy. Ideally I’d like to see color combos too (at least the one I have configured)

That said, since we are getting these at about 16k below full price I would probably just accept delivery and sell it if I didn’t like it. The risk is low when the “off the lot” depreciation doesn’t exist. That is probably more advantageous than returning to Rivian.

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[rraj2k81]

I am in the need to test drive one before I buy camp, and if that means I don't buy one then I am ok with it.

When I was researching the Model 3/Y all the reviews were saying how good and comfortable the seats were, until I had a chance to test drive them and they were the most uncomfortable seats I have sit in. I test drove each model at least twice for a good 1 hour and at no point did I find them comfortable. The Model Y was a bit more livable due to it being elevated.

Same with the Polestar 2, I just could not get comfortable with that oversize under-spaced centre console, which was a deal breaker despite how good a car it is.

No way would I have been happy with either of them had I bought them without a test drive. So, for me a test drive is crucial, to figure out these types of ergonomics.

What I don't understand is, Rivian has about 1000 company vehicles on the road under company control. Why can they not use them for test drives if they are having a hard time getting these test drive events up and running.

 

[ATX]

My main concern at this point is making a color selection. I’d love to just see one in each color somewhere and would travel for that if possible. Test drive would be a welcome bonus but I’m in regardless, just want to know what color to go with when it is time to finalize.

 

[moosehead]

I must be nutz.

Don’t want a test drive, instructor guide, one hour inspection, or cupcakes.

Please, just the keys and a full charge. Thank you. Buh bye.

 

[MikeM]

I have a July-September 2022 delivery window and received a notice yesterday that Rivian would be conducting the First Mile Test Drive event this month (March 2022) in Atlanta, so I have signed up for March 24. I am looking forward to seeing the R1T "in the flesh" so to speak.

 

[ntskip]

Had my test drive on Saturday in NYC! It was awesome. The Rivian team delivered the R1T to my door and spent an hour with me. I drove it, examined it, and played with all the features - Wonderful vehicle. Can’t wait for the delivery.

 

[87Ducks]

My only hesitation personally is that i'm 6'5 and might have headroom issues. With that said, I owned a Silverado for a while and didn't have any issues with it and the internal dimensions seem similar enough that I'm hoping I'll have no issues. We'll see

Exactly my concern. Not 6'5" but I want to make sure my fat butt can fit comfortably in the vehicle.

 

[AllInev]

Solution, offer a config option for reservation holders that don’t require a test drive to move ahead in the queue over folks that do. Problem solved.

I love it!!!

 

[Greenwater]

Preorder MaxPack since 1/4/20. They brought me a LE R1T two weeks ago for a 45 minute walk around and test drive. It beat my already high expectations. The screen is eerily similar to Tesla so piece of cake for me to navigate quickly. Visibility was fantastic, particularly rear view. Drive and handling was tight and smooth. More excited than ever. But I have to wait until at least 2023 for the MaxPack. I hope they have good production news tomorrow. It will be worth the price and the wait. My suggestion is to take the $15,000 they just gave us back from the price increase debacle and invest it at $40/share. Your truck will be free in a few years.

It's not impossible, but it feels like it would take perfect execution to get there, I think it's unlikely.

I think Rivian will have a long life as a great car company, but I don't see a 15k investment at $40/share paying off a new truck in say 5 years. At $45/share they have a 40 billion dollar valuation. You'd need that 15k investment be worth 5x, or 75k at least to pay off preorder prices. 5x 40 billion is 200 billion. I can't see rivian getting that far in 5 years, because they don't appear to be in line to make that many trucks. That's toyota or ford motor sized.

 

[LTD in CBTS]

Fair enough. It is a tough business model. I think they have a shot at being a great company and I am willing and able to invest so I am going for it. Fortunately I can afford to be wrong. I am just super impressed that they are rolling amazing machines off the factory line and getting them into the hands of enthusiasts. At least a $15k investment might buy you a camp kitchen or gear tunnel. Its all good!!!

 

[atlastracer]

What I don't understand is, Rivian has about 1000 company vehicles on the road under company control. Why can they not use them for test drives if they are having a hard time getting these test drive events up and running.

Do you mean the 1000 employee trucks? Those are not company vehicles. They are just owned by employees.

I doubt that Rivian has that many demo vehicles for test drives - which is why the slow roll out. It's a tough spot. They have done pre-production trucks they can use. But if they weren't up to the high standards (early builds, stuff they fixed later) then it may not give a great impression on test drive. If they stop producing trucks for sale and instead for demo drives. They end up with both slowing down customer deliveries and producing trucks they can't sell as new later (have to be sold as used or demos).

 

[Lsthrz]

They aren’t losing any customers, or enough to matter, by not offering test drives. Maybe in time…

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