R1T Order Build -- Concerns

[USMCGRUNT]

Hello all- Brand new here, but have read quite a bit of posts. I added my deposit on an R1T build, and was told by CS since they are supplying my area that I will get a call within two weeks to start my build process. I am not going to lie, I am pretty nervous and getting cold feet as this is my first ever electric vehicle. I have a million "what if" questions...

One of my biggest concerns was the drive to Brooklyn if it needed service. However, I saw in here that Trenton may open a facility which would be HUGE coming from Philly. How often are the R1T's getting serviced or something going wrong with them? I am coming from a Tacoma and it is nice to drive 10 minutes to get whatever I need fixed. However, it is not so nice spending $120 a week in gas. Luckily, I can charge for free at work.

• How is Rivian financing through Chase? I think I may be better just using Navy Federal Credit Union.
• Insurance? State Farm told me I would go up $75 a month (I have been with them for 20+ years). I may check out USAA for that.
• Lease? I know they just released they were going to offer this. I never leased before and would be skeptical of doing so.
• PA state inspection?
• Any other concerns coming from gas to electric?

I am opting for the standard dual motor with large battery pack and the 22" wheels. This will be strictly city and suburb driving. No off roading, and snow would be my only concern.

Sorry for all of the questions, and any insight would be extremely helpful. Thank you!

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[Guy]

Hi, congratulations on your upcoming purchase. I am in the Philly suburbs and got my R1T two months ago.
Servicing has been mobile for me and the only issues were a couple of panel alignments (relatively minor). No steering/whee alignment, electrical issues etc that you sometimes hear on here.

I am getting my state inspection at a local garage on the mainline that a fellow Rivian owner on here recommended. For tire rotations etc I will be using Rivian. The registration from PA and girl came pretty quickly.

The mobile techs that service our area are based in NJ and are about an hour away (I am southern MontCo). Trenton should be open by end Q1 and then Edison sometime after that.

 

[Tampa R1T]

were

Its simple to refinance with a credit union after the purchase . I thought it was fastest and simplest to finance it initially through Chase on the Rivian checklist, then switch it.

 

[USMCGRUNT]

Hi, congratulations on your upcoming purchase. I am in the Philly suburbs and got my R1T two months ago.
Servicing has been mobile for me and the only issues were a couple of panel alignments (relatively minor). No steering/whee alignment, electrical issues etc that you sometimes hear on here.

I am getting my state inspection at a local garage on the mainline that a fellow Rivian owner on here recommended. For tire rotations etc I will be using Rivian. The registration from PA and girl came pretty quickly.

The mobile techs that service our area are based in NJ and are about an hour away (I am southern MontCo). Trenton should be open by end Q1 and then Edison sometime after that.

That is all great news, thank you!

I am not far from you, I am right on the Conshy border in Philly. I am pretty excited to purchase one, but I am a little apprehensive. I guess since my vehicle is my lifeblood, I just don't want some major issues. Realistically, that can happen with any vehicle, I am just new to this electric life...

I did not even know about the mobile techs so that elevates some concern too. I should be getting the call within a couple weeks, so we will see!

Thanks again!

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Congratulations!



Check out USSFCU as they have had the best rates for a while and are familiar with Rivian. USAA is also competitive on rates.

https://www.ussfcu.org/resources/rates/rates.html

DM is perfectly capable and the trucks aren't known for having a lot of failures. There are sometimes issues at delivery (fit and finish similar to Tesla) which need addressed after purchase at the SC. Some folks on here have had issues but the DM hasn't been around a super long time so we don't have a lot of data on them. Again I haven't seen a lot of failures. Rivian can tow it if need be to the SC and they will put you in a loaner/rental while in service.

We have Geico for insurance.

 

[USMCGRUNT]

Congratulations!



Check out USSFCU as they have had the best rates for a while and are familiar with Rivian. USAA is also competitive on rates.

https://www.ussfcu.org/resources/rates/rates.html

DM is perfectly capable and the trucks aren't known for having a lot of failures. There are sometimes issues at delivery (fit and finish similar to Tesla) which need addressed after purchase at the SC. Some folks on here have had issues but the DM hasn't been around a super long time so we don't have a lot of data on them. Again I haven't seen a lot of failures. Rivian can tow it if need be to the SC and they will put you in a loaner/rental while in service.

We have Geico for insurance.

Thank you for all of that information. It does look like USSFCU are comparable to Navy Fed at most terms, but if they are more familiar Rivian, than that may be the way to go. I will definitely keep a note of that. Praying for no more rate hikes before I secure mine.

Noted on Geico- that is one of the companies I have seen mentioned quite a bit. I hate to leave SF as a long time customer, but money talks...

Thanks!

 

[Mathme]

This is my first electric and I love it! You’ll be surprised at how quickly you quit looking at gas prices.

The electric will take more planning when road tripping, but the R1T is a mileage eating machine. I recently did 800 miles in about 17 total hours and the R1T (quad 20s) requires a charge stop every 2.5-3 hours and costs $30ish to recharge

I have 8000 miles miles on mine and it’s been back once for a refrigerant refill issue. It does have some things I need done but those are scheduled for January.

 

[solaskaze]

Hello all- Brand new here…However, it is not so nice spending $120 a week in gas. Luckily, I can charge for free at work.

• Any other concerns coming from gas to electric?

I’d have a home charging solution in addition to your currently-free work setup. Any reasonable solution will do.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Thank you for all of that information. It does look like USSFCU are comparable to Navy Fed at most terms, but if they are more familiar Rivian, than that may be the way to go. I will definitely keep a note of that. Praying for no more rate hikes before I secure mine.

Noted on Geico- that is one of the companies I have seen mentioned quite a bit. I hate to leave SF as a long time customer, but money talks...

Thanks!

Approval should be good for 60 days and lock your rate (ask them to confirm though). Insurance rates will depend on many factors.... It never hurts to shop rates once in a while.

We were with SF for 10 years but then they started raising rates. The last one was 30% for no reason (standard state increase). We switched... Geico did increase ours last year by 22% for the same reason ... But their rates are way lower than what we were paying SF for less coverage.

When we left SF they told me we could come back within three years and maintain all our discounts.... Not sure how true that is.

 

[USMCGRUNT]

This is my first electric and I love it! You’ll be surprised at how quickly you quit looking at gas prices.

The electric will take more planning when road tripping, but the R1T is a mileage eating machine. I recently did 800 miles in about 17 total hours and the R1T (quad 20s) requires a charge stop every 2.5-3 hours and costs $30ish to recharge

I have 8000 miles miles on mine and it’s been back once for a refrigerant refill issue. It does have some things I need done but those are scheduled for January.

Speaking of charging, I do not usually take long distance drives. Normally from point A to B to C. However, what is the best way to get a quick charge? Is there an aftermarket plug for allowing you to stop anywhere if needed?

I’d have a home charging solution in addition to your currently-free work setup. Any reasonable solution will do.

Absolutely! My plan is to probably have the base station at home and use the portable charger (or an aftermarket one), and plug it into the 220 at work.

Approval should be good for 60 days and lock your rate (ask them to confirm though). Insurance rates will depend on many factors.... It never hurts to shop rates once in a while.

We were with SF for 10 years but then they started raising rates. The last one was 30% for no reason (standard state increase). We switched... Geico did increase ours last year by 22% for the same reason ... But their rates are way lower than what we were paying SF for less coverage.

When we left SF they told me we could come back within three years and maintain all our discounts.... Not sure how true that is.

Good to know. Once I get the confirmation call from Rivian with my finalized price, I will get a hold of them to see how long I can lock it in for. Rivian did tell me once I speak to the guide, I am looking at (4) months or less. They did say they are delivering in my area for my configuration.

I have a feeling my local SF isn't going to want me to leave. I am going to shop around and see what rates are out there and then just be honest with them. See what they can do...if anything...

 

[COdogman]

Former West Conshohocken resident and Tacoma owner here!

It’s normal to be nervous buying an expensive vehicle from a new company even if it weren’t an EV. I was not as nervous about the EV part and I believe in Rivian enough to take the risk - I knew going into it my R1T likely won’t be as reliable as my TRD Pro was. So far mine has been absolutely perfect for 4500 miles. It is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned and it puts a smile on my face literally every time I hop in to drive somewhere.

When it finally does need service I don’t have some of the challenges here that you will in the Philly/ NJ/ NYC area, but Rivian is working on those issues by expanding mobile service and adding more service centers as fast as they can. So it will probably never be as easy as getting your Tacoma serviced, but if you are up for that adventure the truck is SO worth it.

 

[USMCGRUNT]

Former West Conshohocken resident and Tacoma owner here!

It’s normal to be nervous buying an expensive vehicle from a new company even if it weren’t an EV. I was not as nervous about the EV part and I believe in Rivian enough to take the risk - I knew going into it my R1T likely won’t be as reliable as my TRD Pro was. So far mine has been absolutely perfect for 4500 miles. It is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned and it puts a smile on my face literally every time I hop in to drive somewhere.

When it finally does need service I don’t have some of the challenges here that you will in the Philly/ NJ/ NYC area, but Rivian is working on those issues by expanding mobile service and adding more service centers as fast as they can. So it will probably never be as easy as getting your Tacoma serviced, but if you are up for that adventure the truck is SO worth it.

Nice! I was on the other side of the bridge for many years, many moons ago...Before the absolute crazy housing and business boom.

I did have some concerns with Rivian also, but I do not think Amazon would have faith in them, Tesla deal, expansion, etc if they were going anywhere. I was most concerned with the service center until I heard about the mobile techs and possibility of a Trenton CS.

I think I am ready to make the move. I love my Tacoma Pro, but I hate the gas pump twice a week. I am about 80% IN, so I do not see myself turning back on it.

Thanks for your insight!

 

[HJP1]

I'll add my 2 cents, I came from a 2019 Tesla 3 performance so I had 3 years of EV under my belt. Once you go EV you don't want to go back (unless you are a big road tripper). The R1T is a large vehicle and my first truck but driving becomes second nature after a little bit behind the wheel, the same goes for operating the touch screens which are certainty different from a traditional car/truck. One minor draw back is almost every time there is an update you have to learn new features but again not a big deal. I'd say the biggest difference in driving an EV is getting the feel of the one pedal driving which again comes easy after a few days behind the wheel. I put a 220 outlet in my garage and plug my truck in when needed, not much different than charging your phone at night. I only drive local so range is never a worry, I plan to take longer trips when the Tesla chargers become available. As far as quality, mine was built in July of 2022 and delivered in August and so far only one minor issue with the key bracelet which was fixed very quickly. I have a powered tonneau cover which still works (barely) and will be fixed or replaced when new design is ready. Fit and finish are excellent, I have one panel very slightly miss aliened and will have it fixed some day. Most important driving this vehicle is a blast, it's been a very long time since I've had a vehicle that I can't wait to go somewhere just to drive. In fact there are times I just go for a ride like back in the days when I first got my license and gas prices were never an issue. This 7000 lb truck is as fast as my Tesla performance, has tons of storage space, holds 5 people plus all their golf clubs and luggage comfortably, can out jeep a jeep off road and can handle curves like a sports car. Bottom line go for it as you will not look back!

 

[USMCGRUNT]

I'll add my 2 cents, I came from a 2019 Tesla 3 performance so I had 3 years of EV under my belt. Once you go EV you don't want to go back (unless you are a big road tripper). The R1T is a large vehicle and my first truck but driving becomes second nature after a little bit behind the wheel, the same goes for operating the touch screens which are certainty different from a traditional car/truck. One minor draw back is almost every time there is an update you have to learn new features but again not a big deal. I'd say the biggest difference in driving an EV is getting the feel of the one pedal driving which again comes easy after a few days behind the wheel. I put a 220 outlet in my garage and plug my truck in when needed, not much different than charging your phone at night. I only drive local so range is never a worry, I plan to take longer trips when the Tesla chargers become available. As far as quality, mine was built in July of 2022 and delivered in August and so far only one minor issue with the key bracelet which was fixed very quickly. I have a powered tonneau cover which still works (barely) and will be fixed or replaced when new design is ready. Fit and finish are excellent, I have one panel very slightly miss aliened and will have it fixed some day. Most important driving this vehicle is a blast, it's been a very long time since I've had a vehicle that I can't wait to go somewhere just to drive. In fact there are times I just go for a ride like back in the days when I first got my license and gas prices were never an issue. This 7000 lb truck is as fast as my Tesla performance, has tons of storage space, holds 5 people plus all their golf clubs and luggage comfortably, can out jeep a jeep off road and can handle curves like a sports car. Bottom line go for it as you will not look back!

Great info, appreciate it. I am perfectly fine with the updates, I think most of us go through this with the iPhone all the time as well. That is actually one of the features that I like; everything can be done over wireless updates.

I am also a local driver so no worries there. I have heard several stories of the misalignment issues, but it doesn't seem to be that big of deal once they are fixed. It seems like an easy fix for most. I am opting out of the tonneau cover for now. Even though I would prefer one, I have read a ton of nightmare stores.

I just saw last night that it wasn't CarPlay compatible. That was actually a little shocking but not a deal breaker for me.

Thanks again!

 

[HJP1]

Great info, appreciate it. I am perfectly fine with the updates, I think most of us go through this with the iPhone all the time as well. That is actually one of the features that I like; everything can be done over wireless updates.

I am also a local driver so no worries there. I have heard several stories of the misalignment issues, but it doesn't seem to be that big of deal once they are fixed. It seems like an easy fix for most. I am opting out of the tonneau cover for now. Even though I would prefer one, I have read a ton of nightmare stores.

I just saw last night that it wasn't CarPlay compatible. That was actually a little shocking but not a deal breaker for me.

Thanks again!

I agree car play would be nice but not a deal killer, I think that could be added at some point VIA an OTA update if Rivian decides to license it. BTW the Rivian GPS is not as good as google maps or Waze, I'm sure that will improve overtime with OTA updates. I assume by your handle you were in the Marine Corps, if so thanks for your service!

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