The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Used Rivian R1S

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Rivian’s 2023 R1S SUV combines a practical squared-off shape with a bold design. It’s a luxury vehicle with seven seats and impressive off-road capability.

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It can sprint to 60mph in about 3 seconds and has an EPA-rated driving range of 316 miles. That’s enough to silence EV naysayers.

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Where to Buy

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The Rivian R1S is one of the most talked about electric vehicles on the market. This SUV, which entered production in 2022 along with the Rivian R1T pickup truck, has managed to silence EV naysayers with its 316-mile driving range, impressive off-road capabilities, and premium interior. Its Quad-Motor powertrain can propel the vehicle to 0-60 in just 3.1 seconds and easily tackle rocky trails.

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However, the R1S’s starting price is eye-watering for many buyers. Fortunately, used versions of the SUV are available for half that amount. A Reddit member who wants to know where to buy a used Rivian R1S has studied the subject extensively, searching auction websites for Rivian R1Ses sold recently.

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The data demonstrate that some flippers got away with charging substantially more than MSRP, but those costs have since decreased. Some auction prices have dipped below the average Rivian R1S official price. Purchasing a used R1S from an authorized dealer is still the best way to get the most bang for your buck.

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Unlike traditional dealerships, Rivian skips the retail model and lets consumers order the exact configuration they want on the company’s website. Then, they’re paired with a guide who will connect with them throughout the process and remain with them throughout the delivery and service period. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and eager to answer questions.

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Some used Rivian R1Ses can be found at other automotive dealers, but most are listed on the company’s website. In addition, Rivian has several hubs where buyers can view a Rivian in person and even take one for a spin (known as a “drive experience”). The company also partners with various auto shows nationwide to display its vehicles.

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Regardless of where you purchase a Rivian, shopping around for car insurance will be essential. Because of its luxury label, this SUV will probably increase your rates. If you’re looking for a competitive rate, consider using a car insurance broker to compare affordable quotes from various providers.

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What to Look For

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Looking ahead to the future of personal transportation, the 2023 Rivian R1S is a midsize electric SUV that offers luxury and convenience with seating for up to seven passengers and an impressive maximum driving range of 321 miles. The Rivian’s starting price of $78,000 may seem steep, but critics are comparing it to ultra-luxury brands and have named it the “Best New SUV.”

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It’s not just about the numbers; the R1S delivers impressive performance that silences EV naysayers and thrills seasoned drivers alike. The Rivian can hit 60 mph in three seconds flat, and its quad-motor powertrain enables torque vectoring that constantly adjusts how much thrust each wheel gets. The R1S also has independent air suspension and off-road capabilities that can match any competitor, allowing it to climb over rocks and bash through snowbanks without breaking a sweat.

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In addition to its powerful engine, the R1S also offers a suite of driver-assistance features that are standard on all models. These include adaptive cruise control with steering assist, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring, among other convenience and safety features. The cabin is well-insulated, and the ride height is low to reduce aerodynamic drag at highway speeds.

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Getting behind the wheel of the R1S is easy, with demo drives available at most Rivian spaces and service centers. During the drive, a Rivian specialist will give you a comprehensive walk-around and answer all your questions. The company will also help you take home your new Rivian, whether delivered from a storefront or picked up from a service center.

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Since its launch, Rivian has improved the R1S, adding a Dual-Motor variant that boosts power and range. There are also various driving modes for optimum performance in bad weather. These include snow and sand for traction; pet comfort to keep the interior at a preset temperature if Fido gets left inside; camp mode levels the suspension if you’re parking on a slope to sleep in it; and kneel and roomy modes adjust ride heights and steering wheel/driver’s seat positions for easier entry and exit.

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Financing

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The Rivian R1S SUV gives California-based startup Rivian a three-row vehicle to sell, which should appeal to a broader audience than the company’s first model, the R1T pickup truck. Still, the vehicle is aimed at a narrow slice of the new-vehicle market: consumers who want a fully electric SUV are affluent enough to spend $78,000 on an R1S and are not deterred by its nontraditional ordering and delivery process.

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Rivian uses a direct-sales approach for its vehicles, ditching the traditional dealership model and connecting shoppers with Rivian guides, who stay with them throughout the ordering and delivery process. The company’s website allows shoppers to configure the R1S online, an excellent way to understand their potential cost. However, with the company still building out production and a waitlist that can last more than a year, shoppers may buy a used Rivian instead.

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When the Rivian was first released, many people bought the SUV at auction for 20-30% above MSRP to bypass the waitlist and avoid waiting. However, as the vehicle becomes more available and depreciation slows, flippers find it harder to sell their R1Ses at a profit. Auction data shows that most Rivian R1Ses are sold below MSRP.

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According to the data, the average price of a Rivian R1S is currently about $70,000. However, that number will decline as more Rivian SUVs come off leases or are sold directly from the manufacturer, causing the average price to fall even further.

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Despite the lower average sale price, there is still time to get an accurate read on how much car insurance for a used Rivian might be. However, since the R1S is a luxury vehicle, its label will likely cause it to have higher-than-average rates.

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Warranty

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The startup Rivian has one of the most impressive warranties on the market for electric vehicles. The R1S’s battery and powertrain are covered for eight years or 175,000 miles, while the vehicle’s aluminum body has a warranty that lasts five years and unlimited mileage. That’s far longer than what rival Tesla offers and even covers much of the driving Rivian SUV owners will do.

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The R1S has many features that help it tackle different elements, and it has multiple driving modes to help drivers adapt to changing conditions. The SUV can creep along at slow speeds in a single-pedal mode, capable of wading through three feet of water. It can also handle towing and sport driving. It can also adjust throttle pedal response to match engine output to what’s needed, and the battery is protected from overcharging.

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Rivian’s direct-to-consumer sales model allows it to cut out dealership markups and offer a lower price than its competitors. The company’s two models, the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV have four motors, seating for seven passengers, and a premium interior.

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If you’re interested in purchasing a used Rivian, visiting its website to see how the process works is worth visiting. You’ll be able to get technical details about the R1T and R1S, as well as information on financing and federal and state purchase incentives.

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The site also lets you visualize your Rivian, and you can select the color, trim level, options, and accessories you want before making a final decision. Traditionally, when ordering a new car, you can choose your options before the final price is determined, but Rivian asks buyers to plunk down a refundable deposit before doing that. You can then get in touch to make your final selections closer to the delivery date.

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