Dealer visit checklist
2023 Rivian R1T checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2023 Rivian R1T problems to check
- Exterior panel gaps and paint quality inconsistencies reported by a notable share of early owners
- Software update bugs causing infotainment freezes, phantom range estimates, and occasional loss of driver-assist features
- Charging port and charge management issues, including slow AC charging speeds and intermittent charge session failures
- Frunk and tailgate latch mechanism problems, including failure to seal properly in cold weather
- Air suspension compressor failures and ride-height error warnings, with some cases requiring dealer service
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM: Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1T and R1S vehicles.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS: Rivian Automotive, LLC.
- AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS: Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2024 R1T and R1S vehicles.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Rivian Automotive, LLC.
- SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE: Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1T and R1S vehicles.
- SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS: Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1S and R1T vehicles that previously had service performed.
- SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS: Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1T and 2022-2026 R1S vehicles.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE: Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2027 R1S, 2022-2026 R1T, and 2027 R2 vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $73,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away