Joined
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968 Posts
Hello TCL,
I have been following the Rivian thread since late 2019 but didn't want to preorder because I didn't want the vehicle too soon (HA). I preordered in October 2020, expecting a mid/late 2021 vehicle. Then supply chain happened. I had been driving a 2012 Mercedes E350 4matic that was my dads hand me down, with 120k on when I got it, and 151 when it rolled away today. That car had >20k work done on it during my dads ownership but mercifully it only cost me $26 to transfer and 2 dealer services and an afternoon to replace a vinyl seat cover that tore. The Rivian kept getting delayed and delayed. They'd been taking orders since 11/2018 so I was almost 2 years ahead of some people. I watched and waited. I stayed through the price hike, 3 delays (2021, July-sept 2022, then 1st half 2023). I changed my configuration from the bright blue with the gray/white interior (which had trouble) for the exclusive Launch Green. I paired it with Forest Edge interior and the 22" bright sport wheels, giving it a range rover vibe. The Launch Green color, which is no cost is a green gray and not a drab olive army color as it looked on the configurator. And the green interior is not the green velour of my grandfathers 1977 Oldsmobile Delta 88. The Forest Edge interior features amazing real brown wood accents that have grain and are worth the price of entry.
Overall the experience once matched to a vehicle was amazing. You get a guide who reaches out. You fill out 8 steps for the purchase. And then a vehicle shows up at the house. I paid cash which obviously made it easier but I'd estimate I spent 10 minutes buying the car and most of it was trade in info (for the record I got within $100 KBB trade in value, then obviously the sales tax advantage). Signed 4 papers in the house (its disgusting outside, 35 and drizzly) and the guy set up the vehicle with me, going through menus and pairing, then took my MB on the flatbed he brought down. Just wonderful
The SUV itself is a feat of physics. Perfectly sized, comfy, quiet. As good a ride as the Mercedes. And the power is phenomenal. This thing is perfect for what I want in a vehicle - distinguished, capable, fast, flys under the radar. Yes they don't have AA/CP and service will be iffy (4.5 hours away until the new center gets built 15 min from me) but that's the chance you take when supporting an American startup.
Showing how dynamic the Launch Green color is:
![Wheel Automotive parking light Automotive side marker light Tire Vehicle]()
![Wheel Automotive parking light Tire Car Vehicle]()
in the lowest setting for transport mode
![Wheel Tire Automotive side marker light Car Land vehicle]()
notice the caption
![Wheel Automotive parking light Automotive side marker light Tire Car]()
trying to capture in and out
![Vehicle Motor vehicle Car Automotive design Automotive tire]()
vehicle delivery is great
![Car Automotive parking light Wheel Tire Land vehicle]()
I have been following the Rivian thread since late 2019 but didn't want to preorder because I didn't want the vehicle too soon (HA). I preordered in October 2020, expecting a mid/late 2021 vehicle. Then supply chain happened. I had been driving a 2012 Mercedes E350 4matic that was my dads hand me down, with 120k on when I got it, and 151 when it rolled away today. That car had >20k work done on it during my dads ownership but mercifully it only cost me $26 to transfer and 2 dealer services and an afternoon to replace a vinyl seat cover that tore. The Rivian kept getting delayed and delayed. They'd been taking orders since 11/2018 so I was almost 2 years ahead of some people. I watched and waited. I stayed through the price hike, 3 delays (2021, July-sept 2022, then 1st half 2023). I changed my configuration from the bright blue with the gray/white interior (which had trouble) for the exclusive Launch Green. I paired it with Forest Edge interior and the 22" bright sport wheels, giving it a range rover vibe. The Launch Green color, which is no cost is a green gray and not a drab olive army color as it looked on the configurator. And the green interior is not the green velour of my grandfathers 1977 Oldsmobile Delta 88. The Forest Edge interior features amazing real brown wood accents that have grain and are worth the price of entry.
Overall the experience once matched to a vehicle was amazing. You get a guide who reaches out. You fill out 8 steps for the purchase. And then a vehicle shows up at the house. I paid cash which obviously made it easier but I'd estimate I spent 10 minutes buying the car and most of it was trade in info (for the record I got within $100 KBB trade in value, then obviously the sales tax advantage). Signed 4 papers in the house (its disgusting outside, 35 and drizzly) and the guy set up the vehicle with me, going through menus and pairing, then took my MB on the flatbed he brought down. Just wonderful
The SUV itself is a feat of physics. Perfectly sized, comfy, quiet. As good a ride as the Mercedes. And the power is phenomenal. This thing is perfect for what I want in a vehicle - distinguished, capable, fast, flys under the radar. Yes they don't have AA/CP and service will be iffy (4.5 hours away until the new center gets built 15 min from me) but that's the chance you take when supporting an American startup.
Showing how dynamic the Launch Green color is:
in the lowest setting for transport mode
notice the caption
trying to capture in and out
vehicle delivery is great
