Tough decision….but its time….

[Daragh]

Well, I didn’t think this would happen as quickly as it did, but I decided to jump ship and sell my Lightning, reasons are semi irrelevant at this point it just felt right to me at this time. It’s a pity really, the Lightning is a great truck and had a good future but for Ford pulling the plug on it (excuse the pun). Add to that Ford pivoting to the Hybrid EV (EREV), which I have zero interest in, worst of both worlds in my view, high purchase costs of EV with ICE fuel and maintenance requirements it was time for me to break up and move on.

So after several months of test driving and researching different true EV options I decided to purchase a new 2026 Rivian R1T, should be available for pickup in the next 1-2 weeks. It’s bittersweet but when it's time to move on, it's time to move on.

Appreciate all the help and banter I have had on this forum and wish you all continued enjoyment of your Lightnings.

Stay charged!

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[Administrator]

Sorry to see you go, but congrats on the new EV.

Please join the Rivian forums at Rivianforums.com.

 

[Maquis]

Did you trade or sell outright?

 

[frautumn]

Please follow up after you've had the Rivian for a few weeks to let us know how you like it compared to the Lightning.

 

[Daragh]

Did you trade or sell outright?

Traded it in with Rivian.

 

[Wattsgas]

I have really enjoyed our Rivian R1S, wife's car. Have not had any waranty issues with it, and no other issues. The Rivian gets better every month. Software changes have been regular and reliable and actually improve the vehicle, and no battery issues. Not as comfortable as the Lightning, but a better experience of ownership.

 

[Robocop]

what kind of mileage did you put on the Lightning?

 

[FloridaMan655321]

If Rivian would ever put a 240v output in their bed (or hell, frunk), I think I would follow your path very soon after.
As mentioned above, certainly do a follow up.

 

[Daragh]

what kind of mileage did you put on the Lightning?

I averaged about 2.1m/kWh over 22k miles.

 

[bmwhitetx]

Congrats. I have on occasion considered the same move - mainly for having a slightly smaller truck that fits in the garage better and much better tech. Most recently was intrigued by the LFP option they added in 2026, but then pulled it.

Please do let us know your thoughts after a month.

 

[Quibbs]

I did the opposite. I went from a Rivian R1T (Launch Edition) to the Ford Lightning.
Unfortunately my experience with the Rivian I had was not good. Honestly it was a terrible experience.
I had half shaft issues (clicks and thunks), electric issue (interior light would come on by itself repeatedly). It's the only vehicle out of several dozen I've owned in my life that stopped working, not just once, but twice, both times at a intersection.

The last straw was a hood flutter I had. Anything over 60 mph and it looked like something was trying to bust out of the frunk. Rivian sent a mobile tech, he could not fix it, then they sent it to Atlanta where they did not fix it. Last attempt they paid for it to be flatbed to Atlanta again but told me I had to come get it or pay for the flatbed back as it was considered fixed. Of course the hood flutter was not fixed. The half shafts were not fixed, the electrical was not fixed.

It was apparent at that time that service was going to be an issue, particularly with a new vehicle from a new company that had a lot of little issues. I live 4 hours away from the Atlanta service center and their shifting policies at that time were beyond frustrating as well. After all that I sold the truck (what I paid for it 78k) after only 6 months of owning it. It was the worst experience I've had with a new vehicle.

The fit and finish of the Ford was leagues better, the vehicle just felt way more solid in comparison to the R1T. Drivetrain, steering feel, wind noise, road feel were all much better in Lightning.

Keep in mind my R1T was one of the first released, I owned the first one in my state. Perhaps things have improved and I hope for the OP he has many happy years/miles in his new Rivian.

I would be curious to read how the OP experience with the R1T is.

 

[Daragh]

I did the opposite. I went from a Rivian R1T (Launch Edition) to the Ford Lightning.
Unfortunately my experience with the Rivian I had was not good. Honestly it was a terrible experience.
I had half shaft issues (clicks and thunks), electric issue (interior light would come on by itself repeatedly). It's the only vehicle out of several dozen I've owned in my life that stopped working, not just once, but twice, both times at a intersection.

The last straw was a hood flutter I had. Anything over 60 mph and it looked like something was trying to bust out of the frunk. Rivian sent a mobile tech, he could not fix it, then they sent it to Atlanta where they did not fix it. Last attempt they paid for it to be flatbed to Atlanta again but told me I had to come get it our pay for the flatbed back as it was considered fixed. Of course the hood flutter was not fixed. The half shafts were not fixed, the electrical was not fixed.

It was apparent at that time that service was going to be an issue, particularly with a new vehicle from a new company that had a lot of little issues. I live 4 hours away from the Atlanta service center and their shifting policies at that time were beyond frustrating as well. After all that I sold the truck (what I paid for it 78k) after only 6 months of owning it. It was the worst experience I've had with a new vehicle.

The fit and finish of the Ford was leagues better, the vehicle just felt way more solid in comparison to the R1T. Drivetrain, steering feel, wind noise, road feel were all much better in Lightning.

Keep in mind my R1T was one of the first released, I owned the first one in my state. Perhaps things have improved and I hope for the OP he has many happy years/miles in his new Rivian.

I would be curious to read how the OP experience with the R1T is.

Ouch!!! Thanks for sharing. Hopefully I don’t experience anything like that! I’ll pop back on here after a month or so to give an initial opinion and feedback on the quality and service.

 

[Randall Stephens]

Well, I didn’t think this would happen as quickly as it did, but I decided to jump ship and sell my Lightning, reasons are semi irrelevant at this point it just felt right to me at this time. It’s a pity really, the Lightning is a great truck and had a good future but for Ford pulling the plug on it (excuse the pun). Add to that Ford pivoting to the Hybrid EV (EREV), which I have zero interest in, worst of both worlds in my view, high purchase costs of EV with ICE fuel and maintenance requirements it was time for me to break up and move on.

So after several months of test driving and researching different true EV options I decided to purchase a new 2026 Rivian R1T, should be available for pickup in the next 1-2 weeks. It’s bittersweet but when it's time to move on, it's time to move on.

Appreciate all the help and banter I have had on this forum and wish you all continued enjoyment of your Lightnings.

Stay charged!

You’re stupid. The cybertruck is the best vehicle in the galaxy and you trading it in for a stupid R1T is the dumbest decision anyone has ever made. Crap, sorry, wrong forum.

All jokes aside, it’s a perfectly logical decision in my opinion. Would consider doing the same if the kid did t need college and food.

 

[Maquis]

Then they sent me an email telling me what they already priced out for me was now magically an extra 10 grand or so. Bait and switch bastards will never see a dime of my money for that reason alone. Got my cash back and here I am.

That’s exactly what Ford did to me with my Lightning. Not only did the price go up by $10K, but it also made it ineligible for the tax credit. I bought it anyway, and to add insult to injury, 2 months later, they lowered the price back down!

 

[Grumpy2]

Apparently, Rivian's long-term health relies on the success of the R2. They are still losing money on each unit now made. They were propped up with Saudi money, and future help may be in jeopardy due to the war. I certainly hope the R2 will carry a moderate price and sell well, we need American made EVs.

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