Here’s a punchy way to break it down if you want to share or reflect on why spending $34,037 leasing your Rivian paid off, plus some context others might find useful:
1) No unexpected repair costs – Rivians are new tech, and early adopters risk big bills if something goes wrong outside warranty. Leasing meant you were fully covered, and you walked away worry-free.
2) EV tax credits & incentives – Depending on where you live, leasing often lets the lessor (the leasing company) pass tax credits to you as lower payments — maximizing incentives you might have missed buying outright.
3) Early EV depreciation protection – The resale value of new EVs (especially startup brands like Rivian) can be volatile. By leasing, you didn’t take the risk of your truck losing more value than expected — Rivian’s market value is still evolving.
4) Flexible upgrade path – EV tech is improving fast (battery range, charging speed, software). By leasing, you can jump to the next-gen EV without worrying about selling or trading in your old vehicle.
5) Fun factor + unique experience – Rivian’s off-road ability, quad-motor performance, and quirky features (camp kitchen, gear tunnel) made it more than just transportation — it was an adventure. That enjoyment can absolutely justify the lease spend if it fit your lifestyle.
Bottom line:
Spending ~$34k over your lease meant predictable costs, no resale headaches, and the chance to enjoy one of the coolest EV trucks on the market — while protecting yourself from potential downsides of early EV ownership.
1) No unexpected repair costs – Rivians are new tech, and early adopters risk big bills if something goes wrong outside warranty. Leasing meant you were fully covered, and you walked away worry-free. 2) EV tax credits & incentives – Depending on where you live, leasing often lets the lessor (the leasing company) pass tax credits to you as lower payments — maximizing incentives you might have missed buying outright. 3) Early EV depreciation protection – The resale value of new EVs (especially startup brands like Rivian) can be volatile. By leasing, you didn’t take the risk of your truck losing more value than expected — Rivian’s market value is still evolving. 4) Flexible upgrade path – EV tech is improving fast (battery range, charging speed, software). By leasing, you can jump to the next-gen EV without worrying about selling or trading in your old vehicle. 5) Fun factor + unique experience – Rivian’s off-road ability, quad-motor performance, and quirky features (camp kitchen, gear tunnel) made it more than just transportation — it was an adventure. That enjoyment can absolutely justify the lease spend if it fit your lifestyle. Bottom line:Spending ~$34k over your lease meant predictable costs, no resale headaches, and the chance to enjoy one of the coolest EV trucks on the market — while protecting yourself from potential downsides of early EV ownership.