I’m Replacing My 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid With a 2022 Rivian R1T Adventure, But I Bought It Without Seeing It In Person and I’m Worried I Made a Mistake

Most people wouldn’t dream of booking a hotel without scrolling through photos, reviews, and the fine print nowadays. So what happens when someone drops nearly six figures on an electric truck they’ve never seen in person? That’s the question Eric Muniz found himself facing. This morning, I found his post in the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” group on Facebook, where he shared that he’s trading in his 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid for a used 2022 Rivian R1T Adventure with the powered tonneau cover. This is all the while never having seen the car in person. And while he’s undeniably excited, Eric is also facing the uneasy reality that comes with any sight-unseen purchase. The closer delivery day gets, the more he finds himself thinking about the possibility of scratches, worn tires, or other issues that might not have shown up in the listing photos. With just a 7-day return policy, that uncertainty is hard to ignore. Here's how he described his concern:

“I am trading in my 2021 model S PLAID in for a 2022 R1T Adventure Series with a powered tonneau from Rivian. I have been watching tons of online video content and very excited for the change all the while knowing I will have a lot to get used to from being in a Tesla for the past 4 years. I wanted to post and see if anyone had any advice when taking delivery of a used Rivian. I am so worried about buying a vehicle sight unseen. What if this truck has scratches, dinks, or other slight cosmetic issues. What if the tires are on their way out with very uneven wear? Has anyone else that has bought used from Rivian’s site have issues like this? I know I have a 7 day return policy but I am just wondering if they will address issues from buying a vehicle sight unseen.”

Why The Concern Is Understandable

Eric’s concerns echo a broader uncertainty many buyers feel when navigating the used EV market, especially with brands like Rivian that are still earning their reputation. Trading in a high-performance Tesla Model S Plaid for a pickup from a newer automaker is a significant move, and doing it without physically inspecting the truck only adds to the complexity. Whether or not there’s real cause for worry, the emotional weight of that kind of transaction is something many EV owners can relate to.

As more buyers explore Rivian’s certified pre-owned offerings, stories like this one where a Rivian owner said even their loaner vehicle failed serve as a reminder that reliability and transparency are still evolving for the brand. For Eric, the 7-day return policy offers some comfort, but the lingering question remains: What happens if the truck arrives with issues Rivian doesn’t categorize as serious enough to fix—or worse, if those problems don’t show up until after the return window closes?

Learning From Other Rivian Owners

Thankfully, Eric isn’t alone in this transition. Several Rivian owners who’ve made the leap from Tesla chimed in with their own perspectives offering reassurance, caution, and insights that could help more people navigate this exact situation.

Ron Abramson responded to Eric’s post with calm confidence: “I traded a Model 3 Long Range for a used R1T in March and the transition has been nearly seamless. Happier with the Rivian than I could have imagined.” That kind of testimonial matters from someone who made a similarly bold trade and came out with a happy ending. It’s proof that for some, the adjustment isn’t nearly as steep as feared.

Jennifer Mager also had deep roots in the Tesla ecosystem, having owned two Model Xs over a decade: “As someone who had been in the Tesla ecosphere for 10 years, I thought that it would be something to get used to. I can tell you that the Rivian is so intuitive and thoughtfully designed that you won’t have any issues adapting. You’ll find that it is a better experience overall.”

Her comment touches on a key point many new owners overlook that while Tesla has long led the pack in software and user experience, Rivian is quietly earning praise for thoughtful design from its physical interface to digital dashboard. It’s not just about a comparable experience as it might even be better in many owner's opinions.

Elizabeth CB Malayter brought a more practical reminder: “Look it over really well. Don’t leave until you're satisfied with the answers to all of your questions. I think Rivian will really try to take care of you.” Her advice is crucial. Even with a strong return policy in place, the burden is still on the buyer to inspect everything thoroughly during delivery.

Patrick Herlihy added a burst of enthusiasm that speaks to the emotional side of Rivian ownership: “It’s going to be so awesome. You don’t even know yet.”

What These Stories Are Really Telling Us

This optimism isn’t isolated. In a recent story about a driver who said they would never buy an EV until the Rivian R1T changed their mind, the recurring theme was that the R1T isn’t just another electric vehicle, it’s a gateway into a new kind of driving experience. There’s excitement in the unknown, especially when the product delivers more than expected.

These types of comments reflect a growing movement of drivers making the switch. Some of them are even expressing hesitation at first but ultimately deciding to go for it. As covered in this story about a Tesla owner hesitant to switch after reading horror stories, the EV community is filled with both doubts and rewards depending on how each situation plays out.

Buying Sight Unseen: A New Normal?

Eric’s situation also taps into a broader shift in how people buy vehicles today. Online sales and direct-to-consumer delivery models are becoming more common, but that doesn’t make the experience any less nerve-wracking for buyers spending serious cash. Rivian’s used program, while still young, has to balance the efficiency of online transactions with the expectations buyers have for physical quality, accuracy, and support.

One question many people ask though is whether Rivian inspects these vehicles as carefully as they should. That’s something you can’t verify until the truck is in front of you of course. And while the brand has shown it can wow customers with how intuitive and refined its vehicles have become, there’s still room to improve how it communicates the true condition of used vehicles on its site.

And even when the condition is as promised, it’s easy to underestimate just how different a Rivian feels. The ride height, weight, and overall driving dynamics of the R1T are a sharp departure from a Model S Plaid. While some may feel that difference as a downgrade, others experience it as a refreshing shift, especially when the vehicle is meant for adventure and not track times.

Watching more drivers branch out from Tesla to brands like Rivian feels like witnessing a new chapter in the EV story. It's one where exploration and identity matter just as much as acceleration and range. There’s something symbolic about a Model S Plaid owner, which is arguably some of the most performance-focused EV drivers, moving toward a vehicle built for dirt, snow, and off-grid utility. It says a lot about how priorities are shifting for many.

What I think this story highlights more than anything is the tension between excitement and uncertainty. Eric isn’t just buying a truck as he’s redefining what kind of EV driver he wants to be. And even though buying sight unseen might feel like a gamble, sometimes that’s exactly what change requires.

Key Takeaways for Buyers Considering a Used Rivian

• Use the 7-day return window wisely. Be thorough. Check for cosmetic flaws, tire wear, panel gaps, and software issues.
• Document everything. If you see something you’re unsure about, take photos and reach out to Rivian immediately.
• Ask questions early. Don’t wait until after delivery to raise concerns. If something seems vague in the listing, clarify before you sign.
• Remember the “why.” Many drivers report they’re happier after the switch. Just like this one who test drove a $112K Rivian R1S and was blown away, sometimes the risk leads to a surprising reward.

What Do You Think?

Have you ever bought a vehicle, particularly an EV, without seeing it in person first? If so, how did it go and what would you do differently?

And if you’ve switched from Tesla to Rivian or vice versa, what surprised you most about the transition? Do you think it was worth it?

I'd love to hear your stories in the comments section below.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Rivian Gallery and the "RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion" public Facebook group.