Trade-ins at Rivian
Trading In Your Vehicle
How do trade-ins work?
Your trade-in becomes a credit toward your new Rivian. You can get an estimate any time — before you order or during the digital purchase experience.
We accept most makes and models, though some may need manual review, and we can only accept one trade-in per customer.
We calculate your offer using the details you provide, current market value, and your vehicle's history, and we'll collect the trade-in on delivery day.
Can I trade in more than one vehicle?
At this time, we can only accept one trade-in per Rivian purchase. We appreciate your understanding, and we're excited to help you put that trade-in toward your new vehicle!
Can I sell my vehicle to Rivian without buying a Rivian?
Currently, trade-ins are accepted only when purchasing a Rivian. Vehicles aren't purchased outright from customers who aren't taking delivery of a new or pre-owned Rivian.
Does Rivian accept vehicles with aftermarket modifications?
We base trade-in values on standard factory configurations. We'll still accept a vehicle with aftermarket modifications, but those additions generally won't increase your offer — and in some cases could lower it, if they affect safety, emissions, or drivability.
Do I need to renew my registration before trading in my vehicle?
Yes — your trade-in needs an active, valid registration at the time of delivery.
How long do I need to keep my insurance active?
Keep your insurance active on your trade-in right up until the day you take delivery of your new Rivian and hand over the keys.
How do I correct an incorrect payoff quote?
Contact your Rivian Advisor and they'll help you update the financial details, so everything's accurate on delivery day.
How does negative equity affect my trade-in?
If you have negative equity — meaning you owe more than your trade-in is worth — that balance needs to be settled with us at delivery, or it can be rolled into your new financing agreement, subject to lender approval and limits.
How and when will I receive the difference if I have positive equity?
If your trade-in is worth more than your new Rivian's purchase price, we'll refund you the difference. We'll mail you a check after your delivery is complete. Note that if you're leasing, specific limits on cap cost reductions may apply.
Can I update my trade-in vehicle's details?
Just reach out to your Rivian Advisor if you need to update details like mileage or condition. Keep in mind that material changes may mean we need to re-evaluate your offer.
Are there any fees for trading in my vehicle?
None - no hidden fees or appraisal charges. The offer you receive is exactly what gets applied toward your purchase, minus any outstanding loan balance or negative equity.
What can I expect from the trade-in process on delivery day?
We accept most makes and models as trade-ins, though some may need a manual review from our team. Just a reminder that we can only accept one trade-in per customer.
Your trade-in should be able to run under its own power, start without special attention, and be safe to drive.
What should I bring on delivery day to trade in my vehicle?
To make delivery day go smoothly, bring the following:
All keys and key fobs for your trade-in
All factory-included accessories
The physical title (if you own the vehicle outright with no active loan)
Active, valid registration
Your valid driver's license or state-issued ID
We'd also recommend doing one last sweep for personal belongings, garage door openers, and toll tags before you hand over the keys.
Do I need to include the charging cable when trading in an EV?
Yes, please — include all original factory accessories, like charging cables and adapters. It helps keep the vehicle's value intact for its next owner.
Can I drop off my trade-in before my scheduled delivery date?
To keep things simple, trade-ins are collected at the same time you take delivery of your new Rivian. Drop-offs ahead of your scheduled appointment aren't available.
What happens to my trade-in if I return my Rivian?
We'll keep the trade-in even if you return the Rivian you purchased from us (this applies to Rivian Pre-Owned purchases only). We'll treat your trade-in as a completed sale at the purchase price stated in your contract.
If your trade-in had a loan on it, we'll use the purchase amount to pay that off first, then send you any money left over. If you owed more on the loan than the purchase price — in other words, you had negative equity — you'll need to pay us the difference.
Trade-In Offers and Valuations
Will Rivian accept my boat or motorcycle as a trade-in?
At this time, Rivian accepts passenger vehicles like cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans as trade-ins. Boats, motorcycles, ATVs, and RVs aren't eligible, and the same goes for gray market vehicles.*
*A gray market vehicle (or gray market import) is one that was originally manufactured and sold for a foreign market, then imported through channels outside the manufacturer's official distribution network.
Will Rivian accept any condition trade-in? What if my trade does not turn on, or there is a mechanical issue?
Your trade-in needs to start, power on, and drive under its own power without special attention, and it should be safe to drive on local roads and highways up to 65 mph without any faults.
If a mechanical issue, accident, or other condition change comes up before delivery, here's how it's handled:
Before your quote is approved: Any existing damage or mechanical issues will lower your calculated offer once we review it and validate your photos.
After you have a quote: Let your Rivian Advisor know about any accident or material change right away — we'll need to re-evaluate your offer.
How does Rivian price trade-in vehicles?
We calculate trade-in values using the details you provide, real-time market data, and your vehicle's history — all to get you a fair, competitive offer.
How long does it take to receive a trade-in quote?
Most trade-in estimates show up instantly online. If your vehicle needs a manual review, we'll typically get you a quote within 1 to 2 business days.
Why is the trade-in quote not displaying or generating online?
If your quote isn't showing up, it may just need a manual review from our team based on your vehicle's make, model, or history. Try refreshing the page first, and double-check that all the required details and photos have been submitted.
What is the difference between reserving, placing a deposit, and ordering a Rivian? How does each stage affect the trade-in offer?
Reserving secures your place in line, placing a deposit confirms your configuration, and ordering kicks off the purchase process.
You can get a trade-in estimate at any point along the way. If you already have a valid quote, just transfer it to your account during the purchase process. If not, enter your trade-in details there to receive a locked-in offer valid for 14 days or 1,000 miles, whichever comes first.
When is the trade-in offer locked in?
Your offer locks in once you've submitted your trade-in details and photos and we've validated them during the purchase process. From there, it's valid for 14 days or 1,000 miles, whichever comes first.
If you already have an active quote, transfer it to your account during checkout. We'll ask for a few photos to validate the vehicle's condition, and once those are approved, your offer is officially locked in.
Does my trade-in offer expire?
Yes — your quote is valid for 14 days or 1,000 miles from the date we make the offer, whichever comes first.
Can we extend or honor an expired trade-in quote?
Your trade-in quote is valid for 14 days or 1,000 miles, whichever comes first. Once it expires, a new evaluation is needed since market values shift over time, so an expired quote can't be extended or honored.
Can we negotiate, match or compare against a competitor's offer?
Rivian doesn't price match or negotiate trade-in offers against competitors. The number provided reflects our best offer based on current market conditions.
I think the trade-in quote given is missing a feature that's not priced in. Can we increase/bump/boost the trade-in offer?
Trade-in offers reflect a comprehensive market evaluation that already accounts for your vehicle's factory options, features, history, and condition, so individual features aren't priced in or adjusted separately.
How does vehicle damage, windshield cracks, or a recent accident impact trade-in value?
Your trade-in value is based on the condition you select for your vehicle. Significant damage, a cracked windshield, or a recent accident will lower that value. During the purchase process, we'll ask you to upload photos so we can validate the condition.
What happens if there is an accident before my Rivian delivery date?
If your trade-in is involved in an accident before your delivery date, contact your Rivian Advisor right away. Since your offer is based on the vehicle's condition at the time of the quote, any new damage or major change means we'll need to re-evaluate it.
Dropping Off Your Trade-In and Documents
Can I trade-in a vehicle that I’m still making payments on?
Yes. Once we acquire your vehicle, we'll pay off your outstanding loan balance. Any positive equity gets applied to your purchase, and any negative equity is settled with us at delivery.
We can also work with some leased vehicles as trade-ins — this varies by manufacturer and leasing agreement.
Can I trade in a vehicle if the title is not in my name, or if it's co-signed?
Everyone listed on the title needs to be present on delivery day to sign the transfer paperwork — for a co-owned vehicle, that means both parties. A trade-in can only be accepted from someone listed as an owner on the title.
What happens if I have lost the physical title to my vehicle?
If you own your vehicle outright, we'll need the physical title to complete the trade-in, so you'll want to request a duplicate from your state's DMV before delivery if it's been lost. If your vehicle is financed and your lender holds the title, we'll handle the payoff and title transfer directly with them.
Can I trade in a vehicle that is registered in a different state than my delivery location?
Yes — just make sure the registration is active and valid at the time of trade-in. Let your Advisor know so we can have the right out-of-state transfer paperwork ready for delivery day.
How do we handle title, DMV registration, lease buyout, NRL, or account transfer assistance?
We'll take care of the paperwork for title transfers and DMV registration on your trade-in. If you're leasing, we may be able to support that too, depending on the manufacturer, finance partner, and agreement. After the trade-in, it is your responsibility to submit a Notice of Sale and Release of Liability (NRL) to your local DMV.
Do I get a tax benefit for trading in my car?
It depends on your state's laws. In many states, trading in your vehicle earns you a sales tax credit, so you'd only pay tax on the difference between your new Rivian's price and your trade-in's value.
We'd recommend checking your state's tax regulations to confirm how this works where you live.
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