Buying a new car is often as exciting as a new relationship, but unlike love, car ownership can quickly sour. For one Rivian R1S owner, the honeymoon phase ended abruptly after just four months. Despite its electric prowess and innovative design, the SUV was sold for a significant loss, highlighting the challenges of going through the growing electric vehicle market.
Electric vehicles are making steady inroads in the US, but their adoption rate still lags behind Europe and China. While factors like improved charging infrastructure and lower prices are driving interest, not everyone is thrilled with their new electric ride.
Some buyers, drawn by the promise of lower operating costs, have found that electric vehicles don’t suit their lifestyles. Unlike online shopping, returning a car is not as simple. This can lead to financial losses and regret, similar to a failed marriage.
The Rivian R1S owner, who parted ways with their MY2025 SUV, likely experienced a mix of disappointment and financial strain. The base configuration, with dual motor AWD and a Standard battery pack, offered a range of 258 miles. Despite a selling price of $67,313, significantly lower than the original MSRP of $75,900, the owner was unable to recoup their initial investment.
The recent sale of a barely used Rivian R1S on Cars&Bids, with a substantial loss, raises questions about the owner’s reasons for parting with the vehicle. Despite the extensive modifications, including EV Sportline running boards, 3M window tint, and various vinyl wraps, the R1S was well cared for. However, something must have soured the owner’s experience.
A spotless Carfax report, indicating no accidents or mileage discrepancies, suggests that the issue might lie in the service history. Indeed, the records reveal that the steering column and steering column control module were replaced in September at a low mileage.
This incident could have been a significant factor in the owner’s decision to sell the SUV before it depreciated further. It’s common knowledge that new vehicles lose a considerable amount of value in their first two years, making “almost new” options more appealing to some buyers.
