You usually don’t hear stories like this in the world of car ownership. Most of the time, trading in your vehicle means waving goodbye to thousands of dollars. But for Rivian owner Sanjiv Bajpai, the experience couldn’t have been more different.
While strolling through the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” Facebook group, I came across Sanjiv’s post, and it stopped me in my tracks. After two years of driving his Gen1 R1S Quad Motor Adventure, he decided to trade it in. Not only did he walk away with a newer Gen2 R1S, but Rivian actually gave him more than what he originally paid. “Traded my Gen1 R1S Quad Adventure for a Gen2 R1S Dual Motor Max Pack Performance,” Sanjiv wrote. “I got an unbelievable deal from Rivian. My car's residual value was more than I paid originally after keeping the car for 2 years. It is just unbelievable how much Rivian held their value after 2 years.”
For any car enthusiast, or honestly, any EV owner, this kind of trade sounds too good to be true. But it happened, and it’s raising eyebrows in all the right ways.
A Trade That Breaks the Mold
We’ve all heard it: the moment you drive a car off the lot, it loses value. That’s just how the game works, at least with most vehicles. But Sanjiv’s case proves Rivian is playing by a different set of rules.
What really stands out is that he didn’t trade up to a higher trim or a more expensive version. He moved from the original Quad Motor to a Gen2 Dual Motor Performance with the Max Pack. On paper, it might even seem like a slight downgrade in terms of powertrain. But if you've been following the evolution of the platform, you know the Gen2 isn’t just a refresh, it’s a leap forward.
Rivian’s newer vehicles are built with refined architecture, greater efficiency, and better optimization across the board. Many owners of newer models, like the 2025 Rivian R1S Dual Motor, are noticing small differences that add up to a more complete driving experience.
What the Community Had to Say
Sanjiv’s post caught the attention of others in the group, who jumped in to share their own reactions and experiences. One commenter named Jim wrote: “That is good, man. Would like to see a breakdown, though, as what you are saying defies the common trend. But it is great you got a good deal, congrats.”
That curiosity is understandable. Usually, two years and tens of thousands of miles will chip away at resale value. But for Rivian, it seems the market isn’t following the usual logic.
Chris added some valuable context of his own: “I got offered the same, he's speaking the truth. I think this is a demand lever Rivian is trying to pull, and they are offering high residuals to get people they already know are great targets to drive additional sales. My numbers were basically that I would get about the same as what I functionally paid (pre-hike pricing, plus tax, less EV rebate) after 14 months and 23k miles. I’d still end up paying a few grand and downgrading to the Dual, but getting a Gen2. I didn’t think it was a trade I wanted to make.”
That insight lines up with what several other owners are seeing, Rivian is making it easier than ever to stay in the family.
The Gen2 R1S: An Evolution That Makes Sense
Let’s talk about that Gen2 upgrade for a second. Even though Sanjiv went from a Quad to a Dual Motor, there’s a strong case to be made that this was actually an improvement in daily usability.
The new R1S with the Max Pack offers phenomenal range, excellent ride comfort, and updated systems that benefit from two years of real-world feedback. And the performance? Still plenty fast. If anything, Rivian has dialed in the balance between fun and functionality even better on the new platform.
And owners who recently took delivery of a Gen2 are noticing thoughtful changes that show Rivian is listening. Sure, not every upgrade story has been flawless, one owner recently shared what happened when their R1S needed a Level 3 fast charge but took longer than expected. But most updates have been in the right direction, especially with the newer models.
Resale Confidence: A New Trend in EVs?
What Sanjiv’s story really highlights is the confidence Rivian owners are starting to develop in the brand’s long-term value. In a world where tech advances fast and depreciation is almost assumed, seeing a Rivian hold or even exceed its original value is no small thing.
Let’s be real, this isn’t just good news for Sanjiv. It’s a strong signal to anyone on the fence about buying a Rivian. These vehicles aren’t just enjoyable to drive, they’re holding their ground better than expected.
We’ve seen Rivian owners remain optimistic even in challenging situations, like when a 2025 R1S broke down after just 2,000 miles. Despite setbacks, the passion for the brand runs deep, and that community loyalty matters.
A Journalist’s View: Why This Story Stood Out to Me
As someone who follows EV trends closely, this story was a breath of fresh air. So often, I’m reading about delays, breakdowns, or questions about long-term support. But here was a Rivian owner getting rewarded just for staying within the brand.
That’s not just a business move, it’s a trust move.
In the long run, moves like this build brand confidence. They tell owners: “We value your journey with us.” It’s not just about the next sale, it’s about building a lifelong customer.
And if you're wondering whether the Gen2 is worth the switch, stories like this one might help make that decision easier. Some owners have even upgraded after having their Rivian rear-ended and going through the repair process, only to come back for more.
Lessons From the Trade
Here’s the biggest takeaway: when a company offers strong residual value, it changes how we think about long-term ownership. It adds flexibility. It gives you options. And it removes some of the risk from that big EV purchase.
Sanjiv didn’t just get a newer vehicle, he got an experience that left him feeling good about the brand. And in today’s auto market, that’s a rare and refreshing thing.
Sure, there will always be stories of unexpected issues, like the mysterious noise one Gen2 R1S started making after turns. But overwhelmingly, these vehicles are being celebrated not just for their performance, but for the ownership journey they offer.
Final Thoughts
The fact that Rivian is not only building world-class electric vehicles but also supporting them with surprisingly strong trade-in offers is something every EV fan should take note of.
Sanjiv’s story isn’t just a lucky break; it might be a preview of how this brand plans to keep people engaged for years to come.
What About You?
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Have you gotten a trade-in offer from Rivian recently that surprised you?
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Would you consider moving from a Quad to a Dual Motor Gen2 if the deal was right?
Drop your thoughts in the comments, your experience could help someone else make their next move.
Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.
Image source: Rivian Press Room
