Should I buy a Model X or lease a Rivian R1S … Need advice on decision making

@Dru
What sources do you rely on for reliable car data, especially when considering new or untested models?

Gale said:
@Dru
What sources do you rely on for reliable car data, especially when considering new or untested models?

It’s hard to get reliable data on new models. Expect problems early on. For real-world data, it takes a few years to accumulate. I find cost of ownership data to be more telling of potential issues down the line.

Gale said:
@Dru
What sources do you rely on for reliable car data, especially when considering new or untested models?

Consumer Reports often equates software updates with recalls, which I think unfairly skews their reliability ratings.

@Gale
Consumer Reports has been harsh on Tesla, but not without reason. They praised the Model S initially but lowered its rating due to build quality and reliability issues reported by owners.

Perrin said:
@Gale
Consumer Reports has been harsh on Tesla, but not without reason. They praised the Model S initially but lowered its rating due to build quality and reliability issues reported by owners.

Exactly, the initial excitement for Tesla’s innovation was tempered by real-world performance issues. What do you mean by Tesla not playing games with Consumer Reports?

@Gale
Tesla doesn’t share owner data, which some critics like JD Power view negatively.

We test drove the Kia and found it cost-effective but not to our taste; it felt too large upfront, and storage was lacking despite its size. We enjoyed the drives with Tesla and Rivian more. We aren’t too concerned about charging networks as we don’t often drive beyond their range.

@Birch
Have you considered the resale value and buyout options for the R1S after the lease ends, especially given your interest in changing cars again in three years?

Dare said:
@Birch
Have you considered the resale value and buyout options for the R1S after the lease ends, especially given your interest in changing cars again in three years?

There’s no upfront deposit required for the R1S lease, and Rivian hasn’t disclosed buyout details yet. Based on past experiences, it’s best not to put money down on a lease. I’m leaning towards not buying it after the lease based on expected advances in EV technology.

@Birch
There might be some rough lease terms shared on the Rivian forum. It could help to check there.

Poe said:
@Birch
There might be some rough lease terms shared on the Rivian forum. It could help to check there.

You’ll find a variety of lease agreements shared by Rivian owners on the forum, which could give you a clearer idea of what to expect. Deals can vary based on the configuration and promotions like friends and family discounts.

@Birch
You can find detailed lease terms shared by people on the Rivian forum. They’re usually accurate, but remember to consider the sales tax and read all the details.

The Kia EV9 is a fantastic car and costs less than the Model X or R1S. Have you given it a thorough look?

Cameron said:
The Kia EV9 is a fantastic car and costs less than the Model X or R1S. Have you given it a thorough look?

He mentioned earlier that the EV9 didn’t meet their preferences.

I think we should consider a wider range of sources than just Consumer Reports for a balanced opinion on car reliability.

If tech and long-distance travel are important to you, consider the Model X. Some features like the self-closing and falcon wing doors might seem like gimmicks, but they could be very useful depending on your needs.

You could consider buying the Rivian at the end of the lease if it makes sense. As a current Tesla owner who switched to an R1T, I prefer Rivian for its support and build quality.