The Electric Car Pre-Order Problem

[sc_rufctr]

Very interesting and valuable information.

[Bugsinrugs]

My son is pushing me to put down a grand for a Rivian truck. I just can’t commit to a vehicle that I have not sat in and drivin..

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by Bugsinrugs

My son is pushing me to put down a grand for a Rivian truck. I just can’t commit to a vehicle that I have not sat in and drivin..

I agree. When my wife decided she wanted a new car, we looked at several brands, and test drove, and sat in different vehicles. Many were just not at all what she wanted, and had crappy interiors and lousy ergonomics.

We had seen and sat in a new Macan at Porsche Parade, and she was smitten. We wen to the local dealer, and test drove a Macan Base and a turbo, and a Cayenne (too big) and she found what she really liked. We went home, and went to the Porsche web site, and she "built her car" to fit what she wanted. That has a MSRP, but as a USAA member they have a car buying service. Tow dealers in Dallas gave us firm quotes. We went to the local dealer, and they matched that price of several grand off of sticker. 3 months later her car arrived. It has been perfect.

We only put down a small down payment, and did not pay the full price until delivery.

[Steve Carlton]

I’m sure the deposit will be refundable.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

I’m sure the deposit will be refundable.

With any interest?

[Steve Carlton]

Fisker refunds $225 of the $250 deposit.

[upsscott]

Originally Posted by Bugsinrugs

My son is pushing me to put down a grand for a Rivian truck. I just can’t commit to a vehicle that I have not sat in and drivin..

I saw one in the wild last night on the freeway in the Bay Area. I was shocked at how small it is. Nice looking though.

[Steve Carlton]

I like them too. Kind of a "Harry Potter" face on them.

[craigster59]

There's been a problem with Rivian, people waiting years for their truck. Then some are being delivered minus the accessories (floor mats, wall chargers, etc) which are backordered.

Also, like Tesla's early years, if you are involved in an accident it can be months before you can get replacement parts. And parts can only be ordered by a Rivian Repair Technician and any repairs have to be done through Rivian.

Sounds a bit like a "captive audience" when it comes to service and a fustercluck to even obtain a vehicle.

[sc_rufctr]

The Tesla Roadster info really stood out for me - 5 years later - When will they start to deliver these cars?

Think back 5 years... "Would you rather" pay $245,000 for the Roadster or buy Tesla stock?
If you chose to buy Tesla stock at the time those shares would now be worth more than $4,000,000!

[PorscheGAL]

Tesla has shown that many, not all, are okay with not sitting in the car first because they sell a lot of cars. Plus, if you bought an electric car sight unseen and didn't like it, you can usually sell it for more than you paid for it. Just look at eBay at Lucid listings. For people who don't want to wait, they will pay a little mark up.

That said:

My husband and I have purchased many cars without ever sitting in it.

Focus RS
Boss 302
Porsche 930
Audi RS 3
Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model S Plaid

How many people on here have bought classics sight unseen? I would say quite a few.