Used Gen1 R1S vs waiting until 2026 (maybe) for a lease

[rogersmj]

I have been wanting a Rivian for a long time, but there's no service center near me....but it's getting harder to resist. I would be inclined to lease a new one now with all the incentives, but leasing is not offered in my state. And while there's no service center either, 3 months ago Rivian submitted permits (which were approved) to build one less than 4 miles from my house(!!). Supposedly it will open next year, I'm guessing in time for R2, at which time (also supposedly) leasing might become available here.

Anyway, my current dilemma: a mint 2023 R1S Quad (March 2023 build) in my preferred colors is available locally for like $63k-ish. As far as I can tell it's perfect — there are no rattles, everything works, etc. It's in really nice shape.

One of the things that gives me the most anxiety with these trucks is the 12v system and the possibility of suddenly having a dead vehicle — I'm sure everyone's well aware. This is a car we would take on road trips sometimes, and the thought of getting stranded is very unpleasant. I found out that Rivian switched from the early-build dual 12v battery to the single 12v battery starting with March 2023 builds...exactly the one I'm looking at. So I'm guessing it has a single 12v battery, which (according to my research) is more prone to failure, because of the additional load on the one battery. There's also often no warning before it fails, it seems. Is my understanding accurate/up to date? Has Rivian come up with a way to mitigate this, Is there any long-term resolution for this?

So...I can get this great-looking 2023 for like $63k, with a warranty until 2028 (although I'll be without a local service center for close to a year), or I could wait until next year and (probably) lease a 2026 gen2. My preferred gen2 spec (Dual Max with some options) is going to be > $90k. I'm not sure if that's worth a $30k+ premium compared to this gen1.

Obviously this is a personal decision but would really appreciate the community's thoughts on any pros/cons I might not be thinking about.

In case it's relevant: we would have two other vehicles, one of which is a Tesla Model Y Performance the other is a Miata. The Rivian would replace a Telluride.

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[Donald Stanfield]

The closest service center to me is 3.5 hours away, and I've had a Rivian since '22. So, for me, waiting for a close service center isn't much of a concern. The Gen 2 has better cameras and better ADAS. The Gen One quad you're looking at will be quicker than the Gen Two you're looking at buying.

One thing you're not saying is how much of a stretch it is for you to lease the new one. If money is an issue, I'd go with the cheaper option. If you're concerned about the new one's affordability, it seems like a no-brainer to opt for the used one.

 

[KRIV_ian]

I was in a similar situation to you earlier this year but with the R1T. Ended up going for the used 2023 although mine's a January build so still has the dual 12V batteries. Saved $30K and have been enjoying driving it rather than an extra year of anticipation! We did test drive a new truck and the only thing I thought was better for me was the new cameras, which wasn't enough of a reason to buy a new truck.

 

[rogersmj]

The closest service center to me is 3.5 hours away, and I've had a Rivian since '22. So, for me, waiting for a close service center isn't much of a concern. The Gen 2 has better cameras and better ADAS. The Gen One quad you're looking at will be quicker than the Gen Two you're looking at buying.

One thing you're not saying is how much of a stretch it is for you to lease the new one. If money is an issue, I'd go with the cheaper option. If you're concerned about the new one's affordability, it seems like a no-brainer to opt for the used one.

Money's not an issue, I just don't want to throw a bunch of money away on depreciation. I am sensitive to value, not the cost.

Better ADAS is not a strong motivator for us (so, point in gen1 favor, or at least not a detriment). Speed is fun but absolutely not a priority, my other two vehicles will still be more fun (point in gen2 dual's favor).

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Buying used, someone else has already taken the depreciation hit. 12V failure doesn’t happen to every single car. It can happen to other EV and ICE. Like any car, deal with problems as they come. Stop doom scrolling. Moot to look to others for affirmation. This is a personal decision involving personal finance. Only you have the answer. If not having a SC nearby is a big worry, then don’t do it and have nothing to worry about. If you’re going to do it, then do it with both eyes open and accept consequences when problems arise. Even if strangers tell you “everything will be ok”, it’s meaningless. They don’t pay your bills or walk in your shoes.

 

[COdogman]

I am also paranoid about the 12v, mostly because my 23 R1T is my only vehicle.

I have not had any issues but I asked the Denver SC to check it for me during the 22k mile service visit since I still have my original 12v and I know they have been proactively replacing some. Mine checked out just fine

It sounds like the used S you are looking at would be a great buy if that is what you want to do. The original owner took that hit on the value so you can just enjoy it.

 

[Ilovejunebugs]

Buying used, someone else has already taken the depreciation hit. 12V failure doesn’t happen to every single car. It can happen to other EV and ICE. Like any car, deal with problems as they come. Stop doom scrolling. Moot to look to others for affirmation. This is a personal decision involving personal finance. Only you have the answer. If not having a SC nearby is a big worry, then don’t do it and have nothing to worry about. If you’re going to do it, then do it with both eyes open and accept consequences when problems arise. Even if strangers tell you “everything will be ok”, it’s meaningless. They don’t pay your bills or walk in your shoes.

Well said.

I bought a pre-owned 22 le r1t, vin 4xxx. It has needed a few things (new hvac, subframe to name a few) but has never left me stranded or not worked. I was able to get it for a great price and Rivian has been great to work with.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Well said.

I bought a pre-owned 22 le r1t, vin 4xxx. It has needed a few things (new hvac, subframe to name a few) but has never left me stranded or not worked. I was able to get it for a great price and Rivian has been great to work with.

And just because some people haven’t experienced problems doesn’t mean one’s experience or luck would be identical. Only Rivian knows the odds of any system/component failing, if they are even tracking (and it’s a statistic no OEM would share with the public).

What’s more relevant is if each prospective owner have the fortitude to face problems. And that’s a question they need to ask themselves.

 

[slillie]

I have been wanting a Rivian for a long time, but there's no service center near me....but it's getting harder to resist. I would be inclined to lease a new one now with all the incentives, but leasing is not offered in my state. And while there's no service center either, 3 months ago Rivian submitted permits (which were approved) to build one less than 4 miles from my house(!!). Supposedly it will open next year, I'm guessing in time for R2, at which time (also supposedly) leasing might become available here.

Anyway, my current dilemma: a mint 2023 R1S Quad (March 2023 build) in my preferred colors is available locally for like $63k-ish. As far as I can tell it's perfect — there are no rattles, everything works, etc. It's in really nice shape.

One of the things that gives me the most anxiety with these trucks is the 12v system and the possibility of suddenly having a dead vehicle — I'm sure everyone's well aware. This is a car we would take on road trips sometimes, and the thought of getting stranded is very unpleasant. I found out that Rivian switched from the early-build dual 12v battery to the single 12v battery starting with March 2023 builds...exactly the one I'm looking at. So I'm guessing it has a single 12v battery, which (according to my research) is more prone to failure, because of the additional load on the one battery. There's also often no warning before it fails, it seems. Is my understanding accurate/up to date? Has Rivian come up with a way to mitigate this, Is there any long-term resolution for this?

So...I can get this great-looking 2023 for like $63k, with a warranty until 2028 (although I'll be without a local service center for close to a year), or I could wait until next year and (probably) lease a 2026 gen2. My preferred gen2 spec (Dual Max with some options) is going to be > $90k. I'm not sure if that's worth a $30k+ premium compared to this gen1.

Obviously this is a personal decision but would really appreciate the community's thoughts on any pros/cons I might not be thinking about.

In case it's relevant: we would have two other vehicles, one of which is a Tesla Model Y Performance the other is a Miata. The Rivian would replace a Telluride.

"If you're afraid, don't do it; if you're doing it, don't be afraid". Genghis Khan

 

[Eeyore]

Buy it.
Is mobile service an option?

 

[Gurule92]

I have a couple videos about my used purchase, I don't regret it at all, I got a 22 quad.

I think if you want adas then comma AI + gen 1 may be your route but totally up to you. Posting the vids here

 

[iansriv]

Get the used one. Life is short-ride with a grin! I have the '23 with a single battery. Yes, it died on me luckily in my garage but Rivian replaced it the next day. You should check if that battery has already been replaced. As far as being concerned about getting stuck-that can happen in any car. One of my friends drove his new BMW 7 from the dealership and it caught fire. All the best!

 

[ndmiller]

I have been wanting a Rivian for a long time, but there's no service center near me...

Don't do it. Wait for a Service Center 4 miles away to be built next year.

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