Ready for delivery, but won't let me see/drive before purchase.

[FTWRS1]

Good news...after a four year wait my S is ready! Bad news...that they won't let me see/drive it prior to completion of the 8 step.

I got an email this week stating I was ready for delivery. My guide is on vacation, but HQ connected me directly with the SC. The SC offered several dates/times to pick up once I finished the 8 step. I've already completed everything but sign agreement and wire funds. Due to the numerous threads on delivery issues as well as the ones on ride quality, etc, I told them I would like to come see and drive the vehicle prior to sending funds. At first they told me they couldn't do it due to liability issues. I told them that they let me drive the T in May so how's the liability different? Any other dealer would allow this and I would be happy to provide DL, insurance, and credit card if needed. They kicked me back to a "manager" at HQ who stated the same to which I replied the same. We talked by phone where I explained I really just wanted to create a more efficient process, instead of the potential back and forth (40mi each way to SC) let me come out and do the delivery (inspection) process, clean up any issues while it's there, send payment, and then come back and pick it up. I offered to come to them for all of this vs. them delivering to me. They relented a bit and are allowing me to come see it if i want, but won't let me drive.

Should I continue to press on them to drive? I'm new to EV's and just trying to create as little back and forth to the SC as possible.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

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[paariv]

Good news...after a four year wait my S is ready! Bad news...that they won't let me see/drive it prior to completion of the 8 step.

I got an email this week stating I was ready for delivery. My guide is on vacation, but HQ connected me directly with the SC. The SC offered several dates/times to pick up once I finished the 8 step. I've already completed everything but sign agreement and wire funds. Due to the numerous threads on delivery issues as well as the ones on ride quality, etc, I told them I would like to come see and drive the vehicle prior to sending funds. At first they told me they couldn't do it due to liability issues. I told them that they let me drive the T in May so how's the liability different? Any other dealer would allow this and I would be happy to provide DL, insurance, and credit card if needed. They kicked me back to a "manager" at HQ who stated the same to which I replied the same. We talked by phone where I explained I really just wanted to create a more efficient process, instead of the potential back and forth (40mi each way to SC) let me come out and do the delivery (inspection) process, clean up any issues while it's there, send payment, and then come back and pick it up. I offered to come to them for all of this vs. them delivering to me. They relented a bit and are allowing me to come see it if i want, but won't let me drive.

Should I continue to press on them to drive? I'm new to EV's and just trying to create as little back and forth to the SC as possible.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

You can return for a refund within 7 days/1000 miles, so use that as your time to test it out.

 

[virgnia_rivian]

There is no test before you drive. That's why there's the 7-day return period. If you find anything at delivery they'll have you open a ticket with service, which is a different team than delivery.

 

[Dark-Fx]

One of the disadvantages to buying direct from manufacturer. Honestly the R1T/S is so good, I don't know how anyone could pass up on it unless they don't actually want a truck/SUV or can't afford it. Especially if they were price-advantaged. There might be issues with your particular vehicle, but odds are pretty good you won't find those out from just a quick test drive anyway.

 

[Monkey]

More R1S reviews, commentary are rolling in talking about it being great and improved from just a few months ago. I wouldn't make that your primary concern. I too was/am concerned about ride quality and handling issues, but that all seems to be improving. Buying sight-unseen is just how these work. It's par for the course with any in-demand vehicle right now. I didn't see my Lightning until I took delivery.

At delivery, take your time and go over everything. If you see anything that needs to be addressed, document it, take pictures or whatever, have your guide note it and then schedule a service. As pointed out already, you have 7 days or 1000 miles in which to return it - no questions asked. Is it the vehicle you want? If yes, then go for it.

Getting test drives is a bit tricky... I would like to test drive an R1S before I decide to go that direction. But they're scheduling R1S first-mile drives here a few months out at this point. And are not really willing to help make it happen for me since my account is configured for an R1T. You could at least try to get the first-mile if you haven't been able to do so. But I don't know if they would prioritize you in any way if you're already at the 8-step point. Almost more of a take it or leave it ordeal. You could pass on delivery at this time, but I don't know what that does to you. I'm configured for a Max Pack and have had R1 Shop access for months and have a guide as they've tried to match me with an R1T identical to my configuration (although just the existing Large Pack) a couple times now. I've had to tell them each time that I'm still waiting on all the max pack details before I commit to anything and may switch to an R1S. They're always happy and tell me the Max Pack - dual motor info should be out real soon.

 

[FTWRS1]

All good points ,thanks! Guess I've just never purchased a vehicle so in demand. Makes sense.

 

[lg3103]

I have had my R1S for 6 weeks...I drove an R1T before, but never an R1S...just get it...inspect it well on delivery. Mine had the panel above the windshield misaligned and the last roof panel with the antenna made a bunch of wind noise...they have fixed that since...it's an amazing vehicle...you'll love it...or you can return it within a week...which I doubt you will once you've punched the pedal a few times

 

[the long way downunder]

Good news...after a four year wait my S is ready! Bad news...that they won't let me see/drive it prior to completion of the 8 step.

I got an email this week stating I was ready for delivery. My guide is on vacation, but HQ connected me directly with the SC. The SC offered several dates/times to pick up once I finished the 8 step. I've already completed everything but sign agreement and wire funds. Due to the numerous threads on delivery issues as well as the ones on ride quality, etc, I told them I would like to come see and drive the vehicle prior to sending funds. At first they told me they couldn't do it due to liability issues. I told them that they let me drive the T in May so how's the liability different? Any other dealer would allow this and I would be happy to provide DL, insurance, and credit card if needed. They kicked me back to a "manager" at HQ who stated the same to which I replied the same. We talked by phone where I explained I really just wanted to create a more efficient process, instead of the potential back and forth (40mi each way to SC) let me come out and do the delivery (inspection) process, clean up any issues while it's there, send payment, and then come back and pick it up. I offered to come to them for all of this vs. them delivering to me. They relented a bit and are allowing me to come see it if i want, but won't let me drive.

Should I continue to press on them to drive? I'm new to EV's and just trying to create as little back and forth to the SC as possible.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I don't get the idea of preventing a drive, but it does happen and Tesla won't budge, I just don't get it. The vehicles arrive with 20+ miles, it's not as if you're a joyrider, so the only concern would be people who "cold feet" after a few minutes driving, which I think is a better outcome than someone compelled to take it and not want it. When I bought the R1T, I think there was a cooling off period (7 days?) I know Tesla quit that offer, too, but I thought Rivian had some sort of satisfaction period?

 

[RivianR1TinSFL]

Good news...after a four year wait my S is ready! Bad news...that they won't let me see/drive it prior to completion of the 8 step.

I got an email this week stating I was ready for delivery. My guide is on vacation, but HQ connected me directly with the SC. The SC offered several dates/times to pick up once I finished the 8 step. I've already completed everything but sign agreement and wire funds. Due to the numerous threads on delivery issues as well as the ones on ride quality, etc, I told them I would like to come see and drive the vehicle prior to sending funds. At first they told me they couldn't do it due to liability issues. I told them that they let me drive the T in May so how's the liability different? Any other dealer would allow this and I would be happy to provide DL, insurance, and credit card if needed. They kicked me back to a "manager" at HQ who stated the same to which I replied the same. We talked by phone where I explained I really just wanted to create a more efficient process, instead of the potential back and forth (40mi each way to SC) let me come out and do the delivery (inspection) process, clean up any issues while it's there, send payment, and then come back and pick it up. I offered to come to them for all of this vs. them delivering to me. They relented a bit and are allowing me to come see it if i want, but won't let me drive.

Should I continue to press on them to drive? I'm new to EV's and just trying to create as little back and forth to the SC as possible.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I just took delivery, no test drives prior. Prob the smoothest auto delivery that I've gone through. Inspect at pick and take notes/document any issues. I would it again with Rivian.

 

[FTWRS1]

I don't get the idea of preventing a drive, but it does happen and Tesla won't budge, I just don't get it. The vehicles arrive with 20+ miles, it's not as if you're a joyrider, so the only concern would be people who "cold feet" after a few minutes driving, which I think is a better outcome than someone compelled to take it and not want it. When I bought the R1T, I think there was a cooling off period (7 days?) I know Tesla quit that offer, too, but I thought Rivian had some sort of satisfaction period?

My feelings exactly. Just thought it was a good chance to be more efficient with with the service issues vs. back and forth or dealing with a return if I don't like.

 

[Monkey]

The no test-drive issue is really a question of logistics. They want you to be well into your 8-step process, or completed with it up to the point of delivery, before they commit to placing that vehicle at your local service center. They are shipping them out as best they can and want to match as many as they can with committed buyers.

 

[iansriv]

Rivian has a process in place that we need to abide by. We can voice our opinions but the ultimate decision is up to them. It definitely doesn't look like they will budge so get the car and drive the crap out of it the first 7 days/1000 miles and see if you have any issues.

 

[gonefishing]

They don't want a back and forth before delivery because they want the delivered metric to be higher. Tesla created this stupid process where the vehicle is "to spec" off the production line and deliver them as quickly as possible. This inflates their delivery numbers as the delivered count is higher when you skip the last QC step. Now the buyer has to bring the car back to SC or just put up with the vehicle they got. This cuts down the complaints to the people who have issues they won't put up with but still creates a line a mile long at the SC.

Rivian is a tesla-wannabe so they just copied them. Hopefully rivian gets new leadership soon because this process is unsustainable. SC can't keep up with newly delivered vehicles needing to open tickets as rivian scales up

 

[virgnia_rivian]

All good points ,thanks! Guess I've just never purchased a vehicle so in demand. Makes sense.

When we picked up our R1T at the factory it was the first time we had driven a Rivian. I had one former EV as a rental car. We immediately left the factory and road tripped it 800 miles back to Virginia. First time charging, first time route planning an EV, and learning the new system. It was frankly quite easy and truck made it effortless. (SUV is the same infotainment system) Good luck with the delivery!

Also, their delivery process makes perfect sense when you look at the logistics. They have tens of thousands of reservation holders. They have only so much delivery capacity. They need you in and out in a set amount of time. These aren’t car dealers. Service and delivery are two separate teams and support tickets are tracked through the Rivian app, similar to an IT support ticket.

 

[totmafang]

There is no test before you drive. That's why there's the 7-day return period. If you find anything at delivery they'll have you open a ticket with service, which is a different team than delivery.

They don't want a back and forth before delivery because they want the delivered metric to be higher. Tesla created this stupid process where the vehicle is "to spec" off the production line and deliver them as quickly as possible. This inflates their delivery numbers as the delivered count is higher when you skip the last QC step. Now the buyer has to bring the car back to SC or just put up with the vehicle they got. This cuts down the complaints to the people who have issues they won't put up with but still creates a line a mile long at the SC.

Rivian is a tesla-wannabe so they just copied them. Hopefully rivian gets new leadership soon because this process is unsustainable. SC can't keep up with newly delivered vehicles needing to open tickets as rivian scales up

Exactly! Let me provide my experience here. Waited for almost 3 years and was super excited to get my R1S, which finally happened 3 weeks ago. On delivery date in my driveway, I noticed few panel gaps and misalignment issues. The delivery guy said no worries, I will help you open multiple tickets (taking pictures and putting down descriptions) with service. They will address all these issues. Sounds good, right? One day later I got a call from service center confirming with my tickets and helping me to reserve a service appointment. The chicago service center actually had the earliest available time among all, which is 2 weeks later. Now my R1S is at Chicago service center for almost a week, and they told me they are not gonna touch my liftgate and taillight because they were told by engineer department as long as it opens and closes properly, do NOT touch it unless there's some obvious damage to it. They said if they try to adjust it manually, it might cause water leakage issue since the vehicle passed the high pressure waterproof test at the factory. I called Chicago service center again today to ask if they can address the rear liftgate misalignment issue for me, but still got the same response "unfortunately, these vehicles are early built and the 7 days return period has passed so this is what we have to deal with now". I guess I will have to live with it or send the vehicle in for 2 weeks again hoping they will do something to make it better. So my advice is if you see rear liftgate, doors or front trunk panel misalignments that you are not comfortable with, you should really consider the 7 days route.

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