Sad, but I think I’m out

[NY_Rob]

Yes - that’s my point. It’s an OPTION you are buying. If the problems come out and the residual is way above expected market value then you can return the lease at lease-end and buy an identical used vehicle for below residual value. That’s the option value in leasing for a tech forward product.

And it’s not really theoretical - people like me who bought a Tesla or Mach-E during the pandemic pricing, a Taycan before the generation change, etc. have seen this play out.

I've also seen it play out real-time in dramatic terms regarding the Jeep 4xe residuals. Now that Stellantis has outright canceled the 4xe project, resale values have tanked and the lease residuals from 3 years ago are completely unrealistic. Many owners like myself have never experienced even a single issue with their 4xe and would love to buy out the vehicle that they've had since new.. but Stellantis is (so far) unwilling to work with lease holders to reduce the residuals to reflect the drastic drop in market value which occurred after the 4xe program cancellation.

I purchased my Jeep outright, but given the state of it's resale value, I have ho plans to sell it or trade it in.

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[morph860]

Many owners like myself have never experienced even a single issue with their 4xe

You are lucky. Both of our 4xe's have had problems. Just went through NCDS arbitration on our Grand Cherokee because it's been out of service for almost 6 months now. They can't figure out how to fix it. HV and 12V batteries just drain on their own after charging. Started happening after the 68C recall software patch was applied. We did win the case for a buyback, but it was a process. Just waiting on the paperwork and check so we can hand it over. 8-9 months left on the Wrangler lease. That was also out of service quite a bit of times. New battery, etc. Not enough to qualify for a buyback. It's already had all kinds of safety/fire recalls on it and they keep coming. Glad we leased them because as you said, the values plummeted after they discontinued the line. The residuals on the leases are double what they are currently worth. Long time Jeep owner. Excited to try something new.

 

[mmbmca]

I test drove one today, coming from R1T & R1S, it's a big step down feels like a cheap car inside. Should have been priced at $40K.
The steering cluster feels cramped.

 

[Badk22]

Looking at the lease rates and using Travis’s calculator, these numbers are not adding up.
list reasons why you might cancel.

RJ has said this launch is make or break for Rivian. If that's true, they almost certainly have to roll out better lease incentives once the initial wave of orders clears. Typically, OEMs heavily subsidize EV leases to move inventory, but Rivian is doing the opposite right now. I believe they are banking on die-hard fans paying a massive premium to be first. If demand drops off and they don't lower these rates to stay competitive, I'm selling my stock because they won't survive.

 

[tivoboy]

I test drove one today, coming from R1T & R1S, it's a big step down feels like a cheap car inside. Should have been priced at $40K.
The steering cluster feels cramped.

It shouldn't really or couldn’t be priced at $40k, but that said the R1S and possibly R1T definitely feel and ARE more premium inside.

 

[mrose]

I have not gotten my email yet but I plan on buying the R2 ASAP. We will replace a 6 year old Tesla M3 with it. Being retired means just pay cash like we did for R1S and not fret on money factors or interest rates. We will replace the R1S when there is a new R1S with lidar some day and keep the R2 until the R3X comes out.

 

[Zathras]

Everybody has their own reasons. I'm on social security. But I also have essentially no debt, no rent, no mortgage, I live in a nice house in Southern California.. Who is anyone to tell me what I can and cannot afford? (I'm not quoting because what's the point?)

 

[Zathras]

I test drove one today, coming from R1T & R1S, it's a big step down feels like a cheap car inside. Should have been priced at $40K.
The steering cluster feels cramped.

That's certainly an opinion.

Who could imagine it isn't quite like a $110,000 car? Frankly, nearly all the reviews seem to differ. And not one is close to being so dismissive.

 

[mmbmca]

@Zathras you're right it's nota $110K car, but compare to a Toyota Rav4 or Honda CRV it doesn't feel well made either. Also, for a new car out still had the whole plastic body roll noise as if something was not put together right. I test drove both the 21 and 20 inch wheel versions.

 

[Apprunner]

@Zathras you're right it's nota $110K car, but compare to a Toyota Rav4 or Honda CRV it doesn't feel well made either. Also, for a new car out still had the whole plastic body roll noise as if something was not put together right. I test drove both the 21 and 20 inch wheel versions.

I have a 3 year old Rav 4 and compared to my test drive of the R2, its garbage. My Rav 4 is significantly worse than my 2 year old Tesla.

 

[jprev]

On the fence these days myself. I'm spoiled by ridiculously low monthly payments ($368) on my '24 R1S quad, because I had a lot of equity built up in my trade-in (Toyota 4Runner). A Launch edition R2 will likely cost me $500 MORE per month than my R1, even after putting down like $8k at signing. With my oldest going away to a very expensive, top tier, private university around the same time my R1S lease is up this fall, It doesn't make practical sense to start making premium payments for Rivian's "mid level" vehicle. I know I can't go back to gas, but a cheap used model Y or Audi e-tron S Sportback in the 28-38k range is pretty tempting right now to keep costs down. I can't stomach buying a new EV with the depreciation how it is.
I think the real sweet spot for R2 will be in about two years when short leases get turned back in and Launch Editions start becoming available used. If current trends continue, I'd expect low milage, used launch edition (loaded) R2's will be a great deal in 2028 (in the $45-52k range), making them a compelling alternative to a brand new base level R2. Of course there will be more options and alternatives coming to market by then as well like R3, Scout, and the still unannounced Tesla SUV offering. Hmmmm

I purchased a 22 Audi e-tron Chronos edition 2 years ago for 32k, a substantial discount from its 87k new car sticker. 12,000 miles, all options. It's a wonderful car, much nicer than a Model Y.

 

[mmbmca]

That's a sweet deal where did you score it?

 

[mkhuffman]

 

[electromage]

I test drove one today, coming from R1T & R1S, it's a big step down feels like a cheap car inside. Should have been priced at $40K.
The steering cluster feels cramped.

You think it should be cheaper than a Chevy Equinox?

 

[Great Gatsby]

@Zathras you're right it's nota $110K car, but compare to a Toyota Rav4 or Honda CRV it doesn't feel well made either. Also, for a new car out still had the whole plastic body roll noise as if something was not put together right. I test drove both the 21 and 20 inch wheel versions.

I can't tell if you're trolling. Have you been in a CRV or Rav4 lately? Which can go up to the $40k range mind you and I doubt fit anyone's description of nice. Heck, compare it to a base Land Cruiser - the R2 is certainly better built and higher quality inside at the same price. Add tech and performance and I'm not sure this conversation is worth entertaining longer than this.

Is it luxury car nice? No, but is also sub $60k. For that, it is pretty solid.

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