I'm starting to lose faith in this company. After being told a price, went through the hassle of opening a Morgan Stanley account, all the endless account verifications necessary and so forth, now, the day before, they jack up the price around 25%.
Tesla was incredible when they started. Then they grew and grew and grew and now, as a company, their heads have grown too big. Customer service is horrible, their attitude sucks. But, for now at least, they're still selling more cars than they can build, so nothing will change. Rivian has very much shown that they're following Tesla's blueprints, yet trying to do so as an advanced company several years into the process rather than a startup.
Their interface in the truck is effectively a carbon copy of Tesla's, yet a dated version of it. They're trying to open at over an $80 billion dollar valuation without having sold more than 50,000 vehicles or delivered more than 200 vehicles. They're not willing to communicate. I've owned Tesla's for 9 years and loved the first 5 years of the company. The last 4 years or so, can't stand the company. Had hoped Rivian start out like Tesla did and would get 5 years of them catering to their customers and that white glove service. But, appears they're jumping ahead to about the point where Tesla was when they changed. I decided last year, I was done with Tesla after my current car. About the pull the plug on Rivian too. It's just all too familiar and not willing to travel the same road again.
Tesla kept me in their cars the last 4 years because they were still in a market by themselves. Rivian clearly has the best EV truck available at this time, but starting to feel like that won't be enough for me this time around. The signs just keep popping up that this is Tesla all over again, when do I take the hints and see the writing on the wall?
Being that I have zero clue when I will receive my truck and will effectively be taking multiple steps backwards with their interface as compared to Tesla's much improved interface that I've grown accustomed to, very close to pulling the plug and cancelling the order. And, at $57 to $62, it was already on the high-side for a startup company, but was wiling to take the gamble and invest. Now, almost 100% certain I won't be funding the Morgan Stanley account tomorrow to make the purchase at $72-$74.
Being that they've stated their focus is going to be on Amazon vans rather than satisfying customer orders, can only assume many of the 50,000 reservations will vanish as well since not everyone can wait years to get a vehicle. Such high hopes. Should've known better. High hopes always lead to disappointments.
Was fun to get excited about something new. But after having seen the truck at the auto show in what, 2016 I think it was, the look is already starting to feel dated. Add to that, likely waiting another 2 years until I would actually get one and it will be a 7 year dated vehicle already. Had a Model 3 for a short time and hated it, primarily because everything had to be controlled through the main screen. Got quite annoying. Went back to the Model S just a couple of months later as it was still more driver friendly. The new Model S doubled down on the Model 3 concept and is even worse. Rivian, appears to be what the Model 3 originally was. Have been trying to overlook that for the other benefits, but just keep realizing I'll be going back in time with that interface. The truck capabilities are incredible, but operating it is just as important for my personal use and needs. I wish them the best and hope they succeed. But, will do so with at least one less customer.
Even hearing the Rivian faithful guys that make constant videos about Rivian lose their excitement over the vehicle and company. That, in addition to many customer complaints already. Rivian is getting too big for themselves before even getting started.
