A DRIVER is out thousands after he was forced to sell his brand new EV with just 800 miles on the odometer.
Just months after dropping $75,000 on the stylish Rivian with tons of add-ons, the driver had to head to the mechanic for a serious repair.
A driver is out thousands after he sold his brand new Rivian at a reduced price following a surprise visit to the mechanic (stock)[/caption]
The driver had to get steering systems replaced after putting just 500 miles on the car[/caption]
On the outside, the silver Rivian R1S looks like a dream car.
It’s fashioned with enviable features like a jet black interior, large monitor, and off-road capabilities unique to the outdoor-friendly brand, according to the listing on Cars & Bids.
Passengers can enjoy three full rows pf seats in the R1S, which is one of the few EVs to rival gas powered trucks with its expansive size.
Plus, the driver opted for extra modifications like a window tint, vinyl wrap to emphasize the chrome trim, and glossifier to make the emblems shine.
They even shelled out an extra $900 to fit the cars with running boards underneath the doors, making the massive SUV easier to enter and exit.
However, once the driver hit 578 miles in his fresh new ride, he had to take it to the shop.
According to the CarFax, the accident history is spotless, but the service history shows the Rivian got a steering column and steering column control module replaced.
Replacing parts just months after buying a new car can’t feel good, but the driver actually said it wasn’t the reason he sold.
On the listing, he wrote that the car wasn’t “suited for out family at this time.”
The issue was “mainly a usability and ergonomics thing for my wife who also isn’t comfortable driving it around due to sheer size and truck-like attributes,” he said.
“I love driving it, but alas it isn’t as great a fit for everyone as I had hoped.”
Even though the gorgeous ride was just lightly used, the driver still faced a serious value decrease.
Drivers should be warned that the second a brand new car is driven off a dealership’s lot, it drops anywhere from 5% to 15% in price.
After one year, drivers can expect their new car to be worth about 80% the original price.
This Rivian owner took a pretty significant hit, and sold the car for just $67,313 after an auction where is scored eight bids.
Why aren’t people buying EVs?
In January, many EV makers reported slow demand. Reuters said there are a few valid reasons for a slow in demand:
- High initial costs. Many automakers, like Tesla, Hyundai, and Ford have conducted “price slashes” on their flagship EVs to attract new buyers, though demand remains slow.
- Higher insurance costs. Some insurance companies cite fire risks, high costs of battery replacement, and higher vehicle weight as reasons for higher premiums.
- Charging anxiety. A large percentage of people remain fearful of being in a situation where they won’t be able to charge if they run out of battery due to a lack of infrastructure.
- Range anxiety. In many instances, EVs still don’t have the range and infrastructure of gas-powered vehicles.
- Poor performance in extreme temperatures. Reduced range in extremely hot or cold weather makes potential buyers wary.
Source: Reuters
OTHER RIVIAN NEWS
Rivian is continue to expand its presence in the US market with its latest design – the R2.
The R2’s initial prototype launch featured a trove of new specs for the upcoming EV.
Rivian expects the car to hit the US market in 2026 with a $45,000 starting price tag.
The initial prototype has a shorter wheelbase than the production R1S.
Inside, the SUV has two rows of seating for five passengers.
The R2 carries over some standard Rivian specs – extra storage in the front row, a hand-carved wooden dashboard, and the company’s famous flashlight in the door.
But the car also points the company in a slightly new direction with some distinct details.
The rear window can roll down, and the charging port can be used to plug into Tesla’s charging stations.
