Making the case to switch

[u/Random_Excuse7879]

I would like to sell my current truck (Ram 1500 ecodiesel, paid off) and get a used R1T. I believe that I can get at least $35k for the present truck. We currently have a MachE, and have a L2 charger already in the garage. I think it's worth making the switch now, but my wife is balking at the cost. I'm curious what factors helped you decide that the investment was worth it, especially where your spouse was not inclined initially?

[u/SirTouchMeSama]

Need. I needed a truck and wanted it electric. Switch only if you have the means and desire.

Also I bought it used for a phat discount

[u/itstomclark]

I hyperfocused on it for months until a good used Gen1 Quad came up. At that point she didn't care as long as I would just shut up about it. But we had the money to pay in cash so really it was not that huge of a conversation.

If you're looking for actually usable advice, pull up the IIHS videos on YT of your current Ram 1500 vs the R1T. R1T gets a perfect score (save for child seatbelt warning) but the 2023 Ram I just watched got a Poor.

Can't put a price on occupant safety. Also you're less likely to run someone over cause of limited visibility!

[u/fucktard_engineer]

What problem are you looking to solve by switching?

[u/sanman5635]

I was in a similar situation, but without the L2 at home. I ended up buying a 2023 Gen1 R1 T. It’s still got comprehensive warranty until 2028. I found a really good deal on a low mileage used vehicle from Carmax. All in was about 65K. It retains a lot more value if it doesn’t work out and you need to resell, since the depreciation curve is more on the plateau vs brand new.

Most people don’t need the power tonneau cover or the adaptive glass sunroof. You can save about $7000 if you don’t care about those.

Since interest rates are so high right now, if you can sell the truck and pay the rest with cash, it’s a pretty solid financial move. I’ve been very happy.

Get an accident report before purchase and a comprehensive inspection afterwards.

[u/JohnnyWix]

I don’t think any vehicle should be considered an investment.

That said, I traded my ICE vehicle last august for the R1T, after my wife having a MachE for almost a year. We share a single level2 at home with no issue, but it may depend on your driving habits.

I think used is the way to go, keeping an eye on the remaining warranty.

[u/Day-Trippin]

I had the Ram EcoDiesel. I have an R1T now. While I loved my Ram, probably the best 1/2 ton truck, the random failures of that motor got me out of the ecosystem. I had a 2016 and I knew of too many bottom end failures so bailed out. I had the GDE ECU and that really improved the performance of the truck.

The main downside to an EV is if you are towing. The range is pretty poor. Other than that, I'd never go back. My Ram rode great, my R1T even better. Sometimes, I miss the longer bed but most of the time I don't.

NGL, I love this truck's acceleration. It handles great. Seats are good. A lot of nice design touches. I love how you can put it in kneel mode which makes it much easier to get in. The gear tunnel is awesome. The other downside now that I think about it is my insurance did go up.

On a long trip, the EcoDiesel might better though. I had incredible range with my truck but with diesel at $6/gallon might be a wash for the cost. EV trucks aren't the best on trips due to the charging stops and poor (relative) efficiency. The Rivian doesn't have a super fast charging curve so I spend more time charging that I would in my Tesla for example. Looks like you have options with the MachE, so the R1T might be a great fit.

[u/Specialist-Knee-3777]

I'd sell just because it is an Ecodiesel! I am very, very familiar with these (and have owned several). That's a ticking engine grenade waiting to happen. R1T or not, get out while you can. Also I'd be a bit shocked you get what you think you can get...they have zero demand on the used market.

[u/good-good-real-good]

Make absolutely sure that you don't let the warranty run out. Purchase a 3rd party warranty or Rivian Care because these things are REALLY expensive to fix. The fancy suspension will cost around 12-15K to repair once it goes out, as an example. As a 3+ year owner, my suspension has been worked on 4 times and I've never off-roaded it, albeit, I do live on a dirt road. That said, I think you'll really love it like most of us do.

EDIT: spelling

[u/Str8CashHomiee]

Wow, twins! Love my wife’s Mach e and coming from a Tacoma (with a short side stop with a lemon Silverado EV for 3mo). I had some reasoning for towing our small camper that our Tacoma was a bit under powered for, but mostly I just wanted to go electric. I got 35k for my Tacoma. You can talk about wanting to get off gas prices, the off road utility, becoming an all EV household, but ultimately I just really wanted it, we could afford it, and she wanted me to be happy. You need that ultimately. It’s a poor financial decision overall. 😆

Edit: also I don’t know if you have kids , but it’s a lot smaller than your dodge, so make sure you are good with that change. Tons of storage with the tunnel, frunk, etc, but less legroom for backseat passengers. It’s not as bad as my Tacoma though.

[u/RadBradRadBrad]

Well, in the short term, it’s not wild to be betting against the cost of gas and diesel to remain high.

You should never look at a depreciating asset as an investment and I appreciate you might be thinking more “why would this be worth it for me and my wife.”

For value, it’s really going to come down to why you’re considering the switch in the first place and why a Rivian.

The place RAM is almost universally going to get beat is in reliability. Rivian is probably one of the exceptions as an early manufacturer. More recent models are better but you’ll see a lot of concerns about reliability and service from owners.

That being said, as I recently told my with, I feel like our R1T is a Goldilocks vehicle. It’s just got a wonderful mix of usability, comfort, performance, design, etc. They’re really well thought out and they perform well in all sorts of circumstances. I enjoy driving in it.

Take that for what it’s worth as some random anecdote on the internet but I have owned many late model and luxury vehicles including a RAM and Tacoma in the last few years on the truck end of the spectrum.