Fixing your Rivian - Right to Repair?

[Max]

I know this may sound way too early but I have nothing better to do. I was watching this video on difficulties of fixing a Tesla by someone else (or yourself) and that made me concerned about how Rivian will handle the right to repair issue? Would they be nicer and respect the laws more? Or we are screwed once something breaks? R1 is much more likely to be abused than a Tesla and when things go wrong especially for those of us that plan to keep it long after warranty, it is important to have options. Any of you know if there has been any communication from Rivian or their service centers in this regard? or we just have to buy the vehicle and hope for the best?

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[SeaGeo]

My understanding is Rivian doesn't seem to support RtR, and won't be making parts available to the general public. Which is something that really pisses me off when I get reminded about it, and hope someone sues them over it if that's the case.

 

[Max]

My understanding is Rivian doesn't seem to support RtR, and won't be making parts available to the general public. Which is something that really pisses me off when I get reminded about it, and hope someone sues them over it if that's the case.

when I tried to get a quote from Geico for Cybertruck and R1T, Cybertruck was considerably more expensive. I assume it is because insurance companies have data on cost of repairing Tesla and know they can’t get as much money back from salvage vehicles as it is explained around minute 19 in his video. Once they have the same kind of data on Rivian, our insurance may go up.

 

[SeaGeo]

when I tried to get a quote from Geico for Cybertruck and R1T, Cybertruck was considerably more expensive. I assume it is because Insurance companies have data on cost of repairing Tesla and know they can’t get as much money back from Salvage vehicles as it is explainedaround Minute 19 in his video. Once they have the same kind of data on Rivian, our Insurance may go up.

I think a big portion of that is because of the way the CT is manufactured. Not sure how you repair it when it's one big ass solid steel sheet in theory.

 

[eggpaul]

Customers should be able to purchase most non- structural parts.

 

[Max]

I think a big portion of that is because of the way the CT is manufactured. Not sure how you repair it when it's one big ass solid steel sheet in theory.

It may get totaled easier but you won’t need paint for minor damage.

 

[eggpaul]

It may get totaled easier but you won’t need paint for minor damage.

I recall hearing the stainless steel model might be the most expensive option for it. Others might have paint. I can be wrong though.

 

[Tim-in-CA]

Hopefully Rivian is all set for parts / body shop repairs. Some people were having issues getting parts to get their vehicle repaired after an accident.

EDIT : To clarify, I meant parts availability for Teslas is VERY difficult. Same may be true for other auto manufacturers because of "supply chain", but Tesla availability was bad WAY before Covid-19 came into existence!!

 

[Friscorays]

Bummer about March 1, 2022.

 

[Max]

Hopefully Rivian is all set for parts / body shop repairs. Some people were having issues getting parts to get their vehicle repaired after an accident.

Yup. I just hit a dear at low speed after breaking (minimal damage) and it has been a month and still don’t have the car back.

 

[Max]

At the same time, one won't be able to conceal minor damage to the Cybertruck with paint.

Cybertruck is like my dining room table. It had fake built in scratches and flaws when it was new so even after 10 years, it still looks like the first day. Rough and ugly is a feature for CT.

 

[SeaGeo]

Hopefully Rivian is all set for parts / body shop repairs. Some people were having issues getting parts to get their vehicle repaired after an accident.

you should check out the fun ID.4 owners have had with parts relating to the few who've had drive train and battery issues (generally a pump). I was just reading one who's car has been out of commission for 6 weeks, and another took 5 months to get fully fixed.

Both were provided loaners by VW, and I'd expect Rivian to do the same. It's still a pain in the ass right now, and obviously a difficulty with the supply chain.

 

[sub]

Sadly, I believe that the opportunity for profit from service/repair/replace shenanigans greatly outweighs the reputational downside. There are just not enough people who care about this to counter the lost earnings.

The only solution is robust legislation. And I'm not sure that is very likely either - again because not enough people care about the issue.

 

[ironpig]

There is no way to know until the first issues start to pop up. But having gotten a Model S in 2014, I am expecting the following with my R1T:

1. There won't be parts available to fix the truck for the first year or two, so don't worry about trying on your own. Why even bother when you have a warranty to handle it?

2. If your truck needs a minor repair, expect it to take a while. Weeks maybe months. Especially if you don't live in a major city.

3. If your truck is in a minor accident, expect it to take at least 3x longer to be repaired than a normal car.

4. If your truck is in a serious accident, hope that it's totaled.

5. Expect your insurance rates to be 30% higher than a similarly priced ICE Truck.

6. As an early adopter, prepare for annoyance, inconvenience and unexpected issues to pop up. It's inevitable, but that's why we have a community forum for support and sharing of issues.

 

[Sgt Beavis]

I recall hearing the stainless steel model might be the most expensive option for it. Others might have paint. I can be wrong though.

It’s not just paint or stainless steel. It’s the monocoque construction technique. There are NO body shops that do that work. At this point I’m not sure Tesla will be able to fix the CT’s body beyond door dings. I’m concerned that a damaged fender would lead to the body being totaled.

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