A 2022 Rivian R1S with 126,000 miles at just $46,000 puts real pressure on the Rivian R1S vs Model Y debate. You get a much larger three-row adventure vehicle for the same cash as a new Model Y, yet the high-mileage reality raises serious questions about long-term ownership.
That 2022 Launch Edition quad-motor truck is already three to four years old and has racked up serious distance. At this price point it matches a brand-new Model Y, but the R1S delivers far more space, off-road capability, and power. Still, the question of used Rivian R1S reliability at these miles keeps me up at night.
I keep coming back to the mechanical unknowns. Rivian is a young company with newer tech, so suspension components, door mechanisms, lighting systems, and other wear items could fail earlier than on a more mature platform. The battery itself might be fine, but everything else that moves and connects is now at the mercy of 126k miles of real-world abuse.
The appeal of the Rivian R1S 2022 deal
The numbers are tempting. A Launch Edition R1S for less than the cost of a loaded new Model Y feels like a bargain on paper. You get instant torque, serious range when new, and the ability to seat seven or haul serious gear. For anyone who needs that extra space the R1S wins the Rivian R1S vs Model Y comparison on size alone.
Yet the high mileage changes the equation. Most buyers eyeing a buy used Rivian R1S 45k are hoping the savings outweigh future repair costs. I understand the logic, but I also know how quickly electronic gremlins and suspension wear can turn a bargain into a money pit.
Counterarguments worth considering
Plenty of owners report solid daily-driver performance even past 100k miles. Service centers have improved, parts availability is growing, and some high-mileage examples are still under remaining warranty coverage. If the vehicle history is clean and a pre-purchase inspection checks out, the risk drops.
Still, I remain cautious. Unlike Tesla’s more established supply chain, Rivian’s newer ecosystem means longer wait times and higher potential costs for certain repairs. That uncertainty is the main reason I would personally pass on this particular Rivian R1S 2022 deal.
For a deeper dive into current pricing and what to watch for, check out this analysis.
My final take
If you need the space and are willing to budget for potential repairs, a buy used Rivian R1S 45k could make sense with the right inspection. For most people, however, the combination of high mileage and a young brand makes it too risky compared with a new Model Y that comes with full warranty and proven reliability data.
I’d rather spend the same money on something with lower miles or wait for even more used inventory to arrive and drive prices down further. High-mileage Rivians are interesting, but they are not for the faint of heart.
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