R1S 2022 launch edition , doesn’t turn on - auction

[bandapear]

Hello everyone,
I appreciate any help and insights. I found a 2022 r1s launch edition on copart , the car has a hit in the back which I don’t consider serious at all but it’s not listed as a run and drive and it seems the auctioneer could nt turn it on . I used vin doctor and carfax and I estimate the car to have like 3k miles on it , the car was listed for 96k back in August 2024 and it was sold for auction October 2024 . I am thinking to bid on the aggressively because I am thinking this is a case of depleted 12 v battery , I think the hit in the back brought it to auction and the battery go depleted while on the lot.btw this for a personal use
What do you guys think ?
car I absolutely love rivian and I already on the waiting list for a R2

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[Count Orlok]

"It is better to be impetuous than cautious"
~Machiavelli

 

[R1TandMe]

I haven’t been to an auction in a long time So I don’t know what they will let you do while inspecting the car. If you cannot jump the 12v then it really depends on how much of a deal you can get.

 

[oskeei]

Have been curious about the process so I wanted some VDO's. Assuming what I saw on the Youtube machine is reality, I've seen several use a battery jump pack to start vehicles.

It seems to be high risk, high reward.

 

[bandapear]

"It is better to be impetuous than cautious"
~Machiavelli

Am

Have been curious about the process so I wanted some VDO's. Assuming what I saw on the Youtube machine is reality, I've seen several use a battery jump pack to start vehicles.

It seems to be high risk, high reward.

one guy just connected a 12v battery through the trailer plug.

 

[bandapear]

"It is better to be impetuous than cautious"
~Machiavelli

I completely agree, i could have done it the dull way and bought it used or from rivian

 

[Riviot]

one guy just connected a 12v battery through the trailer plug.

2022s have two really easy to access battery packs, why not bring two jumper packs and connect to both, wait 5 minutes, and see if it fires up?

Obviously only do it with no one looking, and disconnect both battery packs if it works. Depending what part of PA you're from, they may not know what they have and just want it gone. Got a link to the auction?

 

[bandapear]

https://www.copart.com/lot/77188564/salvage-2022-rivian-r1s-launch-edition-wa-north-seattle @Riviot

 

[riivian]

I’ve been observing these wrecked Rivian auction vehicles for quite some time now. It’s been almost a year since I began researching this. Fortunately I came across a contact of mine in Rivian who informed me that Rivian is now looking at all Copart and IAAI vehicles. They’re flagging the VINs in the Rivian Service database as wrecked, totaled, or similar. My contact explained that this makes it extremely challenging to obtain any service or repair for these vehicles. They mentioned that while it’s not entirely guaranteed that they won’t work on them(case by case basis), you might need them in case you have to redo wiring and replace modules to get them coded to the car. Additionally, obtaining parts and other components seemed to be difficult. Also, the cost is very high and may likely dramatically hurt the initial perceived savings from getting these types of vehicles originally.

The next hurdle is to get the vehicle approved by the state and listed as a valid safe repair option for a salvage title(State Officer must review and approve in person, they "may" likely contact Rivian for documentation or an authorized 3rd party to see what has been done). My contact shared that they’re aware of several individuals who purchased these vehicles and encountered significant issues(dead ends). As a result, they usually attempt to sell them back on the auction site to recoup their losses since they couldn’t find any viable use for them. This is likely the reason behind the current one you’re observing.

Based on this information, I’ve come to the conclusion that I would only consider purchasing a wrecked Rivian for parts only if I had a reliable, working vehicle that wasn’t officially flagged as an insurance claim or if I needed something for my own vehicle. However, I’ve deduced that this scenario is unlikely to occur, but still possible.

To evaluate the repair needs for this Rivian vehicle based on the provided images, here’s a breakdown of the visible damage and likely replacement or repair requirements:

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1. Rear Glass and Liftgate Assembly:
• The rear windshield is completely shattered and will require a full replacement.
• The liftgate shows structural damage and may need to be replaced entirely.
• Rear liftgate trim pieces, lighting components, and possibly the motorized lift mechanism (if damaged).

2. Rear Bumper and Reinforcements:
• The rear bumper is missing, as seen in the detached components.
• Replacement bumper cover, reinforcements, and associated mounting hardware.
• Wiring harnesses for sensors (parking, proximity) may need inspection or replacement.

3. Rear Taillights and Surrounding Paneling:
• At least one rear taillight assembly is likely damaged or missing.
• Panel damage to the rear quarter panel on the driver’s side.

4. Rear Suspension/Chassis Damage:
• Inspect for potential suspension damage from the impact, particularly around the rear axle.
• Rear cross-member components may need realignment or replacement.

5. Side Panel and Paint Repairs:
• Dents and scratches along the driver-side rear quarter panel.
• Likely paint restoration after bodywork repairs.

6. Miscellaneous Parts:
• Various trim and small parts, including badges, moldings, and clips.
Center 2nd row armrest looks to have a permanent cosmetic imprint from impact
that looks like it fell forward and landed on something in the seat
• Rear camera (if integrated into the liftgate or bumper) may need replacement or recalibration.

7. Detached Parts (Image 4):
• Includes fragments of the bumper and potential rear undercarriage components. Assess usability or replace as needed.

Recommendations for Repair Process:

• Structural Assessment:
Conduct a thorough inspection of the frame and unibody for misalignment or damage. This step ensures safe restoration.
• Electronics Diagnosis:
Rivian’s vehicles have advanced electrical systems, including cameras, sensors, and wiring. A full diagnostic scan is necessary after parts replacement. ADAS system will have to be recalibrated due to the rear camera damage and other sensors likely. Only Rivian or authorized body repair center can do this.
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Full disclosure, I am no pro and just an avid Rivian enthusiasts that have thought about the same thing you are. I hope this information helps you make an informed decision. This consideration could potentially save you a significant amount of money!

 

[lefkonj]

looks like a good amount of damage just physically, who knows about the wiring and tech underneath. not something I would personally do but some people like a challenge. If it won't start I wouldn't touch it.

 

[Dave Cundiff]

Don't invest time or money you can't afford to lose.

Then you might remember it as a fun challenge, whichever way it turns out.

Very best wishes!

 

[Donald Stanfield]

I've rebuilt a few salvage vehicles before, and I'll share some lessons I've learned along the way and let you decide for yourself if this is a good idea. The first lesson learned is that there is always more damage than first appears. Damage like faulty sensors, airbags, airbag controllers, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and frame issues can't be seen in pictures.

Second lesson: the manufacturer or dealer will not deal with a salvage car due to liability. They won't perform specific repairs, and other repairs will be costly. Mechanics know that working on a vehicle in an unknown condition could lead to significant issues. All the airbag stuff and seatbelt stuff will need to be done by a third party.

You can usually save money by buying airbags from other totaled cars still in safe working condition and getting things like seatbelts rebuilt and airbag ecus reset. If you have to purchase these parts factory new, you will find out quickly that it's not worth the expense to repair the broken one over buying a new one. Remember that a totaled vehicle means that the parts and labor costs to repair said vehicle exceed the vehicle's value. So that means to save money and get a car for cheaper than it would be to purchase, you need to save enough money on repairs to get a cost down from higher than the vehicle's value to lower than the vehicle's value. It would help if you accomplished this without compromising the safety of the car in question.

Significant things are working against you for trying to do this with a Rivian. The availability of aftermarket or salvage repair parts is minimal for Rivians. You aren't likely to find safe airbags to replace those blown, and you aren't expected to find third-party companies knowledgeable enough to fix your vehicle outside the manufacturer. Sure you can do all the work yourself, and Rivian will help you turn it on if it just was a 12V issue but what if it isn't?

Rivian isn't going to do ANYTHING to that car under warranty because the warranty is instantly voided once a vehicle is branded with a salvage title. Even for issues that had nothing to do with the accident, you will be paying 100% out of pocket, and Rivian has no incentive to cut you a deal. Rivian doesn't want people rebuilding salvage vehicles, no manufacturer does. Most people who rebuild them cut serious corners and this can lead to a reputation hit for Rivian.

I'd personally steer clear of trying this, and I say that as someone with experience.

 

[Riviot]

https://www.copart.com/lot/77188564/salvage-2022-rivian-r1s-launch-edition-wa-north-seattle @Riviot

That is a very serious hit to the back, it involves more than just the bumper. With the glass bashed open and the PNW elements exposed, I wouldn't touch it.

 

[bandapear]

@Riviot @Donald Stanfield @Dave Cundiff @lefkonj @riivian thank you all for your insights. There is stuff that I did not think of, but there are things that still give me the courage to want to do it. First, I called Rivian yesterday, and they told me that this VIN number has all its warranties active. The car is not rebranded as salvage; instead, I will get a bill of sale in Washington, so the warranty will not be automatically voided and I can get the title clean here in PA , this car is going to be for personal use so I don't have to worry about profit. I am thinking if I land a 25k price for it + 20k of repairs i will still be within a very decent price for a 3 Row SUV and 20k less then a used one and lastly this one has the largest battery pack and quad motor.
Is the risk i am taking still justified ? or you still not convinced?

 

[Donald Stanfield]

@Riviot @Donald Stanfield @Dave Cundiff @lefkonj @riivian thank you all for your insights. There is stuff that I did not think of, but there are things that still give me the courage to want to do it. First, I called Rivian yesterday, and they told me that this VIN number has all its warranties active. The car is not rebranded as salvage; instead, I will get a bill of sale in Washington, so the warranty will not be automatically voided and I can get the title clean here in PA , this car is going to be for personal use so I don't have to worry about profit. I am thinking if I land a 25k price for it + 20k of repairs i will still be within a very decent price for a 3 Row SUV and 20k less then a used one and lastly this one has the largest battery pack and quad motor.
Is the risk i am taking still justified ? or you still not convinced?

/.
Do you have 20k in cash to pay for the repair parts? Are you doing the work yourself? If it doesn't go your way are you able to walk away from the investment an not be screwed over? If you can answer yes to all 3 of those questions it might turn out okay.

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