My First and Likely Last Post

[OldGoat]

I drive a Y now. I share you issues/concerns about Rivian charging and its RAN. I am dragging my feet on the Rivian because of the accessibility and reliability of charging networks it can access/use.

Also, not really sure how prevalent the vehicle issues are but I simply can’t afford to deal with them anytime.

I was going to trade in my Y to get the T. I decided I can’t do it at this time. Maybe later this year…

??? What vehicle has 100% relieability all the time? Now, to be sure, some vehicles have higher failure rates than others and you may feel that the Rivian failure rates, based on anecdotal information gleaned from forums and bloggers, are unacceptable but if you require a vehicle that will never have an issue, you won't find it.

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[skeansgiere]

Just to clarify I keep reading "$7500 tax rebate". You do NOT get a check in the mail for $7500 from the government when you buy a Tesla, Rivian, Ford, Chevy etc. It is a tax credit used towards your current Tax liability.

 

[FrankieJ]

Greetings, Rivian Lovers!

I am writing this post with a bit of sadness, because I have decided to cancel my R1T order. I placed the order in April of 2022 and at the moment my estimated delivery is April - May of 2023 - so close! One side effect to having to wait so long for a vehicle is that it gives you months/years to debate your decision and whether or not it is/was a good one. Two months ago I was "all in" and envisioning my life with a shiny new blue R1T. I had watched countless videos on YouTube showing how capable they are off-road, how great the storage is, how beautiful they are, etc. I couldn't wait to buy some lumber and throw it in the back of the truck, or take it camping nearby. I am starting to see more and more R1Ts on the road in the DC/VA/MD area (including the occasional R1S). But then I watched some videos by the "Now You Know" guys who own a Rivian and have had some pretty major issues with theirs and some not-so-stellar experiences with Rivian service.

Long story short, instead of the R1T, I am going to get a Tesla Model Y instead for the following reasons:

1. I have the possibility of getting a $7,500 tax rebate. I don't have that option with a Rivian, and $7,500 is a lot of cash to leave on the table.
2. The difference in price between the two vehicles is $35K ($92,500 for the R1T and $57,500 for the Model Y the way I configured them). I can have my bathrooms remodeled with that money. That's a lot of beer money.
3. Both companies have quality/build/service issues, but in my opinion, despite what the J.D. Power Satisfaction Survey says, Rivian is just too young and working through too many kinks.
4. The Tesla charging network is vast and the super chargers "just work". I know they will be opening them up to other EVs in the near future, but I don't want to have any trouble charging or finding a charging station with a Rivian.
5. We live in a pretty remote/rural location and sometimes only have one vehicle at our house. If that one vehicle is a Rivian and it gets bricked like it did for the "Now You Know" guys, we'd have to have it towed 100 miles to Richmond (the closest service location) and then what - catch an Uber to the closest city to rent a car? I have no idea. Our internet is also not great, and I worry that if the R1T decided to pull down an OTA update, it could fail and possibly brick the truck.
6. I am getting a trailer hitch on the Model Y so I will still be able to haul lumber, tree branches, etc.

I love everything about the Rivian, and have ever since I saw them in the "Long Way Up" documentary. They are gorgeous and look like they are a blast to drive. But for me, they need a few more years under their belt to be as reliable as Tesla who have been in the game for many more years. My guess is that in 3-5 years I will be buying a Rivian (R2T?). Heck, in 3-5 years there will be a lot of other EV choices on the market. Mark my words though, I will never buy a Tesla Truck as those are hands down the ugliest thing I've ever seen!

I completely understand your decision particularly the issue with price and availability of DC fast chargers. I do have to take issue with the apprehension about the infancy of Rivian. I have owned a R1T since March of last year and absolutely love it. Sure there were a few issues that needed to be resolved but they have been few and far between and taken care of quickly. At the same time Tesla has had some recalls recently and they have been in business over ten years. You know how they say you get what you pay for? You can get a Tesla for quite a bit less but when I have compared the fit, finish and features of all the Teslas I have seen compared to my Rivian it’s not that close. Having said that, the Tesla Model Y is a nice vehicle so enjoy it and your new bathroom. Completely agree with your comment on the Cybertruck!

 

[Mysta]

Honestly good luck to you. Hope you get what you want out of your next vehicle.
Anecdotally I’ve had a model 3, model x, taycan, polestar 2, and a supra in the past 5 years. I have now had my Rivian for nearing one year. Some friends jokingly asked how long I would keep this one, and I sat and thought about it and honestly, there is not a single other vehicle on this planet that I’d want as a “do everything” vehicle. I think the dual motor large and max pack will be incredible for Rivian.

 

[norivian]

??? What vehicle has 100% relieability all the time? Now, to be sure, some vehicles have higher failure rates than others and you may feel that the Rivian failure rates, based on anecdotal information gleaned from forums and bloggers, are unacceptable but if you require a vehicle that will never have an issue, you won't find it.

Agreed. Just the charging network reliability at this point in time. It’ll get better eventually.

 

[Franksmartin]

Yea good call, you don’t sound like you are ready to be an early adopter

 

[Darnell]

I've had my Rivian since June and I've had my share of issues with it, but nothing that Rivian hasn't been quick to fix for me -- and I live 200 miles from the nearest service center. I came to the Rivian from Tesla and unlike a lot of Rivian owners, I remain a massive Tesla fan. Before the R1T, I had a 2018 Model 3 that was 100 percent trouble free and I sold it four years later for more than I paid. I loved that car and while my R1T hasn't been perfect, I wouldn't trade the Rivian for anything because there's literally nothing else like it. The overall offering just can't be matched.

The Model Y is a great car, but no matter what, it will never be a truck or provide what the R1T can. In addition, the R1T is just levels above in terms of overall build quality, materials and ride quality (and I say that as a Tesla stockholder). The R1T just feels more substantial and better built overall than my Model 3. It's quieter, smoother, more solid feeling and just more luxurious, even though it's a truck.

I'm not trying to convince you or anyone else not to buy a Y, because that is a great car and everyone's situation is different. But I've given this a lot of thought myself as I evaluate my experience with the R1T and wanted to pass along my two cents for others in this scenario.

Same. I drive our M3 now and I feel like my butt is dragging on the ground, the interior is utilitarian, the touch screen is busy, and I do believe I can no longer park without the Birds Eye view.

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