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Help a prospective buyer pull the trigger (or not)

slippingsloth

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Riverside CA
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2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L, 2007 Accord
Hey Everyone,
Cards on table I have been driving a Honda accord for 17 years and it has started showing signs of problems. So I have been test driving cars but need to pick sooner rather than too much later. Loved the bullet proof reliability of my car but am in a different place financially in life and putting thousands into a blue book car of 1k seems silly.

Cross shopping a very wide list because I have not had to buy a new vehicle in years.

Only restrictions
- I would like to go EV
- Wife still has a 2015 V8 grand Cherokee summit so I dont need another suv.
- No kids.
- Commute is 12miles each way 4-5 days per week. Tesla would be the common sense choice but I tend to vote with my wallet on big purchases / I am not a fan where Musk is taking things.
- Have a house. No problem placing charger in garage.
- Budget (worth the money although I artificially placed a 150k ish budget on myself)
- Ideally I wouldnt have a billion repairs

Vehicles test driven so far.
Taycan
Rivian R1t
Macan EV
Audi q6 ev
Tesla 3 and Y, couldn’t see myself in the dumpster looking Cybertruck
EV6
Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 5 N
Prologue
Lexus 450h
Lexus GX 550 (did this with father in law who was looking for a long distance tow vehicle). Was a change of pace given it was so much louder than everything else

Truth is the 2people I know love their G1 Rivian R1T quads

Weirdly my list has narrowed to
R1T Vs Ioniq 5. And yes I know one costs 2 x the other.
The R1 was the only one where I could feel the value in spending 30-50K more. Ioniq would be a competent commuter and felt good enough if all I am doing is that. The R1 felt special in a way the Porsche/audi etc did not.

So questions for those of you with G2 R1Ts.
1) Has the heat pump been really loud or vibration inducing in hot weather? I have seen multiple videos of the heat pump noise and that seems objectionably/veto worthy loud. These were mainly in cold weather climates it seems.
2) Any regrets about buying R1T gen 2 in hot weather due to the roof or weakness of the A/C? Does the photochromatic roof really stop the heat from hitting you.

I live in the desert so Temps are lows of 35? in winter but highs 115-120 in summer. I test drove the R1T in Pasadena CA on a 75degree day and didnt notice noise and of course it was comfortable in the cabin. But I am much more curious about how heat pump handles real desert heat 3-4 months of the year my car will be sitting in 110+ afternoon heat + Lake Havasu so just asking those R1T Folks who live with it in desert areas (So Cal, AZ, Tex etc). Occasional towing some sand toys/jet boats that are kept out at the river.
3) Any other recommended vehicles you would test drive if someone clawed the rivian out of your hands? This car would be my daily to / from work commuter + occasional road tripper to the desert assuming it outperforms the Jeep for that task
4) If I were to go R1T is the sweet spot the dual with large pack? I did like the ascend interior of the TriMax, but of course the incentives (low apr etc) seem to be focused on the dual performance with max battery, are those 12k upgrades worth it? Reviews like out of spec make it seem like the max battery in itself for range is really not warranted. If you are going dual performance/max you are pushing close to tri cost. Even the dual without perf upgrade seemed like more than enough power for this sod coming from a 200hp 20 year old car.

Been devouring this forum, and Reddit/Youtube on these topics for a couple months but figured I would come out of the shadows. Would say this forum has been pleasant to read/civil.
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andyboo

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Sacramento
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Rivian R1S
Clubs
 
If you don’t actually need a truck, it sounds like the Ioniq 5 is the logical choice. If you see a use case for a pickup but have reservations about the price difference between your two contenders, maybe look for a used Gen 1 R1T.
 

PaythePiper

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Phx AZ
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Model Y, R1S on order
Our R1S does fine in the heat (Phx). The hvac is loud Af but it works. If 17 yr Honda reliability is important to you, Rivian might not be the way to go. These things have a lot that crop up. And how does 4 month out service appts sound? And Havasu? Where’s your nearest service center? Phx? F that dude.
 

Fmc

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Louisiana
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2010 wrangler, 2023 R1S
I have a gen 1 R1S but I held on to my 15 year old wrangler. I was prepared that leading edge would also mean bleeding edge so not everything would be perfect but so far I have had the hvac/floorboard issue and a new 12v that was changed my mobile service.
if you have a use for a pickup truck or just want to enjoy not going to a gas station get the R1T you will enjoy it.
 

beatle

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Springfield, VA
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'23 R1T PDM Max, '97 Miata, '19 Monkey
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IT
Clubs
 
If you don’t actually need a truck, it sounds like the Ioniq 5 is the logical choice. If you see a use case for a pickup but have reservations about the price difference between your two contenders, maybe look for a used Gen 1 R1T.
Seconded. I enjoy driving my R1T, but if I didn't really need a truck (motorcycle hauling, home improvements) I would probably have the 5N, another Model S, or an Integra Type S / 2nd Miata I could take to the track.
 

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SparkyR1t

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If you don’t actually need a truck, it sounds like the Ioniq 5 is the logical choice. If you see a use case for a pickup but have reservations about the price difference between your two contenders, maybe look for a used Gen 1 R1T.
I would agree with this suggestion. The Ionic is a smaller vehicle that is more like your standard small suv. The Rivian was designed for off road driving and does well anywhere but it would be a significant change from what you currently drive and the cost is significant
 

Donald Stanfield

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As everyone said, the Rivian might be excessive coming from a Honda. It doesn't sound like you need the capability the Rivian offers. Reliability isn't guaranteed, especially initially. It sounds like the R2 would be closer to what you want.
 

Tucker74

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I’m just going to say that since I got my G1 R1T, I just don’t want to drive anything else. And this is coming from someone with multiple very cool options in the garage, it’s just that great to own & drive. The Rivian & Tesla are head & shoulders over other options on software, and that’s what really matters in an EV. The R1T is a fantastic truck with great storage, you have to answer if you need a truck. Another one that should be on your list at that budget is the Lucid …

Good luck!
 

Tecumseh

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Rivian R1S
You should beware of the Rivian if you expect timely service. And woe be to you if you have an accident and need body work. Rivian has serious supply chain issues and you won’t see your car again for months. You should go IONIQ.
 

TexasBob

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It sounds like you need an R2. So....

IMO I would go Ioniq 5 or next Gen Y (definitely not current generation Model Y). I love my R1T, it is literally my favorite of the many, many vehicles I have owned, but if you don't use the truck functionality, it is not worth it.
 

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Kward

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Northern VA
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R1s
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Hey Everyone,
Cards on table I have been driving a Honda accord for 17 years and it has started showing signs of problems. So I have been test driving cars but need to pick sooner rather than too much later. Loved the bullet proof reliability of my car but am in a different place financially in life and putting thousands into a blue book car of 1k seems silly.

Cross shopping a very wide list because I have not had to buy a new vehicle in years.

Only restrictions
- I would like to go EV
- Wife still has a 2015 V8 grand Cherokee summit so I dont need another suv.
- No kids.
- Commute is 12miles each way 4-5 days per week. Tesla would be the common sense choice but I tend to vote with my wallet on big purchases / I am not a fan where Musk is taking things.
- Have a house. No problem placing charger in garage.
- Budget (worth the money although I artificially placed a 150k ish budget on myself)
- Ideally I wouldnt have a billion repairs

Vehicles test driven so far.
Taycan
Rivian R1t
Macan EV
Audi q6 ev
Tesla 3 and Y, couldn’t see myself in the dumpster looking Cybertruck
EV6
Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 5 N
Prologue
Lexus 450h
Lexus GX 550 (did this with father in law who was looking for a long distance tow vehicle). Was a change of pace given it was so much louder than everything else

Truth is the 2people I know love their G1 Rivian R1T quads

Weirdly my list has narrowed to
R1T Vs Ioniq 5. And yes I know one costs 2 x the other.
The R1 was the only one where I could feel the value in spending 30-50K more. Ioniq would be a competent commuter and felt good enough if all I am doing is that. The R1 felt special in a way the Porsche/audi etc did not.

So questions for those of you with G2 R1Ts.
1) Has the heat pump been really loud or vibration inducing in hot weather? I have seen multiple videos of the heat pump noise and that seems objectionably/veto worthy loud. These were mainly in cold weather climates it seems.
2) Any regrets about buying R1T gen 2 in hot weather due to the roof or weakness of the A/C? Does the photochromatic roof really stop the heat from hitting you.

I live in the desert so Temps are lows of 35? in winter but highs 115-120 in summer. I test drove the R1T in Pasadena CA on a 75degree day and didnt notice noise and of course it was comfortable in the cabin. But I am much more curious about how heat pump handles real desert heat 3-4 months of the year my car will be sitting in 110+ afternoon heat + Lake Havasu so just asking those R1T Folks who live with it in desert areas (So Cal, AZ, Tex etc). Occasional towing some sand toys/jet boats that are kept out at the river.
3) Any other recommended vehicles you would test drive if someone clawed the rivian out of your hands? This car would be my daily to / from work commuter + occasional road tripper to the desert assuming it outperforms the Jeep for that task
4) If I were to go R1T is the sweet spot the dual with large pack? I did like the ascend interior of the TriMax, but of course the incentives (low apr etc) seem to be focused on the dual performance with max battery, are those 12k upgrades worth it? Reviews like out of spec make it seem like the max battery in itself for range is really not warranted. If you are going dual performance/max you are pushing close to tri cost. Even the dual without perf upgrade seemed like more than enough power for this sod coming from a 200hp 20 year old car.

Been devouring this forum, and Reddit/Youtube on these topics for a couple months but figured I would come out of the shadows. Would say this forum has been pleasant to read/civil.
 

lightsgoblack

Well-Known Member
First Name
C
Joined
Jun 1, 2024
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75
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Location
California
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Rivian R1S, Tesla Model Y, Ford F-150
Here’s my alt/expanded response:

Do you want a decent EV that will slightly improve your quality of life and you’ll move on and in a few weeks you won’t think about it? Get the Ioniq.

Do you want a vehicle you’ll be excited about for months/years, start conversations, GO VERY FAST, and genuinely make you stoked every time you see/hear/feel/experience it? GET THE RIVIAN.
 

malditofman

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First Name
David
Joined
Aug 14, 2024
Threads
4
Messages
432
Reaction score
504
Location
Rancho Cucamonga
Vehicles
R1T R2
Hey Everyone,
Cards on table I have been driving a Honda accord for 17 years and it has started showing signs of problems. So I have been test driving cars but need to pick sooner rather than too much later. Loved the bullet proof reliability of my car but am in a different place financially in life and putting thousands into a blue book car of 1k seems silly.

Cross shopping a very wide list because I have not had to buy a new vehicle in years.

Only restrictions
- I would like to go EV
- Wife still has a 2015 V8 grand Cherokee summit so I dont need another suv.
- No kids.
- Commute is 12miles each way 4-5 days per week. Tesla would be the common sense choice but I tend to vote with my wallet on big purchases / I am not a fan where Musk is taking things.
- Have a house. No problem placing charger in garage.
- Budget (worth the money although I artificially placed a 150k ish budget on myself)
- Ideally I wouldnt have a billion repairs

Vehicles test driven so far.
Taycan
Rivian R1t
Macan EV
Audi q6 ev
Tesla 3 and Y, couldn’t see myself in the dumpster looking Cybertruck
EV6
Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 5 N
Prologue
Lexus 450h
Lexus GX 550 (did this with father in law who was looking for a long distance tow vehicle). Was a change of pace given it was so much louder than everything else

Truth is the 2people I know love their G1 Rivian R1T quads

Weirdly my list has narrowed to
R1T Vs Ioniq 5. And yes I know one costs 2 x the other.
The R1 was the only one where I could feel the value in spending 30-50K more. Ioniq would be a competent commuter and felt good enough if all I am doing is that. The R1 felt special in a way the Porsche/audi etc did not.

So questions for those of you with G2 R1Ts.
1) Has the heat pump been really loud or vibration inducing in hot weather? I have seen multiple videos of the heat pump noise and that seems objectionably/veto worthy loud. These were mainly in cold weather climates it seems.
2) Any regrets about buying R1T gen 2 in hot weather due to the roof or weakness of the A/C? Does the photochromatic roof really stop the heat from hitting you.

I live in the desert so Temps are lows of 35? in winter but highs 115-120 in summer. I test drove the R1T in Pasadena CA on a 75degree day and didnt notice noise and of course it was comfortable in the cabin. But I am much more curious about how heat pump handles real desert heat 3-4 months of the year my car will be sitting in 110+ afternoon heat + Lake Havasu so just asking those R1T Folks who live with it in desert areas (So Cal, AZ, Tex etc). Occasional towing some sand toys/jet boats that are kept out at the river.
3) Any other recommended vehicles you would test drive if someone clawed the rivian out of your hands? This car would be my daily to / from work commuter + occasional road tripper to the desert assuming it outperforms the Jeep for that task
4) If I were to go R1T is the sweet spot the dual with large pack? I did like the ascend interior of the TriMax, but of course the incentives (low apr etc) seem to be focused on the dual performance with max battery, are those 12k upgrades worth it? Reviews like out of spec make it seem like the max battery in itself for range is really not warranted. If you are going dual performance/max you are pushing close to tri cost. Even the dual without perf upgrade seemed like more than enough power for this sod coming from a 200hp 20 year old car.

Been devouring this forum, and Reddit/Youtube on these topics for a couple months but figured I would come out of the shadows. Would say this forum has been pleasant to read/civil.
You are waaay overthinking your next vehicle purchase. My R1T Tri is by far the best premium vehicle I have ever owned. The Iconic 5 is a good value choice. I can easily recommend the R1T Tri for anyone looking for a premium multifunctional EV. Drive well.
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