Pre-Purchase Inspection

Comprehensive pre-purchase inspection of a 2025 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van to assess overall condition, identify potential issues, and verify proper operation of all major systems.

Warnings

Tools required

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle is on level ground in a well-lit area with adequate ventilation
2. Verify vehicle is powered off and in Park mode
3. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
4. Charge personal devices and prepare inspection documentation forms or digital checklist
5. Review vehicle history report if available to identify known issues or accident history
6. Perform initial walk-around to note obvious body damage, panel gaps, or paint inconsistencies

Procedure

1. 1

   Exterior inspection and body condition assessment
   Inspect all body panels for damage, rust, or poor repair work. Check panel gaps for consistency indicating proper assembly or accident damage. Use paint thickness gauge on multiple points of each panel to detect previous bodywork. Inspect all glass for cracks or chips. Check condition of all lights, mirrors, charging port door operation, and rear cargo door operation. Inspect door seals and weatherstripping for damage or wear.
2. 2

   Tire and wheel inspection
   Measure tread depth on all four tires at multiple points across the tread face. Note any uneven wear patterns indicating alignment or suspension issues. Check tire sidewalls for cuts, bulges, or damage. Verify tire age from DOT code. Inspect wheels for curb damage, bends, or cracks. Check tire pressures and compare to door placard specification.
3. 3

   Interior inspection and functionality check
   Inspect all interior surfaces for damage, wear, stains, or odors. Test all seats for proper operation and adjustment. Check condition of driver seat bolster and pedal pads for wear indicating mileage consistency. Test all interior lights, HVAC controls at all settings, infotainment system functionality, and connectivity features. Verify operation of all switches, buttons, and controls. Check cargo area for damage and proper tie-down function.
4. 4

   High voltage system diagnostic scan
   Connect OBD-II scanner with EV capability to diagnostic port. Retrieve and document all diagnostic trouble codes from all modules. Check for high voltage battery system faults, insulation resistance faults, or component errors. Review battery state of health (SOH) percentage if available through diagnostics. Check battery capacity degradation and cell balance status. Document number of charge cycles if available. Review thermal management system status and history of any overtemperature events.
5. 5

   12V auxiliary battery test
   Locate 12V auxiliary battery (typically in front compartment). Inspect battery terminals for corrosion and verify secure connections. Test battery voltage with multimeter (should read 12.4-12.8V when vehicle is off). Perform load test if equipment available. Check battery manufacture date and assess remaining service life. The 12V system is critical for high voltage system contactors and vehicle operation.
6. 6

   Charging system and port inspection
   Inspect AC charging port for damage, bent pins, or signs of arcing/heat damage. Check DC fast charge port if equipped for same issues. Verify charging port door opens and closes smoothly with proper latch operation. If possible with owner permission, connect to AC charger and verify vehicle begins charging cycle properly. Check onboard charger status through diagnostics for any faults.
7. 7

   Brake system inspection
   Check brake fluid level in reservoir and inspect fluid condition. Use brake fluid test strips to check moisture content if available. Inspect brake fluid for proper DOT 4 specification and clarity. Test brake pedal feel for firmness and proper resistance. During test drive, evaluate regenerative braking function and transition to friction brakes. Check for brake warning lights or ABS faults in diagnostic scan.
8. 8

   Suspension and steering inspection
   Safely raise vehicle using appropriate lift points for Rivian EDV. Support on jack stands rated for weight. Inspect all suspension components for leaks, damage, or excessive wear. Check ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings for play. Inspect CV axle boots for tears or grease leakage. Check steering components for looseness. Rock wheels to check for bearing play. Electric power steering requires no fluid but check for diagnostic faults related to steering system.
9. 9

   Undercarriage and drivetrain inspection
   With vehicle raised, inspect entire undercarriage for impact damage, particularly to battery pack protective skid plates. Look for any signs of battery pack damage, leakage, or deformation. Inspect front and rear differential housings for leaks or damage. Check transfer case if equipped for leaks. Inspect motor housings for any signs of coolant or lubricant leakage. Check all accessible fasteners for proper torque and condition. Inspect exhaust system if auxiliary heater equipped.
10. 10

    Cooling system inspection
    Locate EV battery and motor coolant reservoirs. Check fluid levels and inspect coolant condition through reservoir. Coolant should be proper EV-specific formulation, typically orange or pink in color, not conventional green automotive coolant. Check for signs of leakage around reservoir, hoses, and connections. Inspect cooling system hoses for cracks, soft spots, or deterioration. Review cooling system performance through diagnostic data for any overtemperature events or pump faults.
11. 11

    Differential and drivetrain fluid check
    Locate front differential fill plug and verify accessibility. Check for any signs of leakage around seals or gaskets. Repeat for rear differential. If accessible without significant disassembly, verify fluid level at fill plug (fluid should be at bottom of fill hole). Check transfer case if equipped. Note that checking levels may require removal of fill plugs; assess whether this is appropriate for pre-purchase inspection based on seller agreement.
12. 12

    Road test and performance evaluation
    Perform comprehensive road test if seller permits. Verify smooth acceleration with no unusual noises, vibrations, or hesitation. Test both normal and maximum acceleration. Evaluate regenerative braking at various levels. Test friction brakes for even pull and adequate stopping power. Drive at highway speeds to check for vibrations or handling issues. Verify all-wheel-drive system engages properly if diagnostic mode allows verification. Listen for motor whine, gear noise, or suspension sounds. Test ADAS features if equipped including lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
13. 13

    Final diagnostic review and range test
    After road test, perform final diagnostic scan to check for any new fault codes generated during driving. Review energy consumption data and estimated range. Compare displayed range to EPA estimates considering battery state of charge and degradation. Check for any thermal warnings or battery temperature anomalies after driving. Document final battery state of charge and estimated range remaining.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle from jack stands if raised and remove wheel chocks
2. Ensure all inspected components are returned to original condition
3. Verify all panels, covers, and access points are properly secured
4. Clear any diagnostic mode settings and return vehicle to normal operation

Verification

• Compile comprehensive inspection report documenting all findings, diagnostic codes, and condition assessments
• Document battery state of health percentage and any degradation noted
• List all diagnostic trouble codes found and their severity
• Note any fluid leaks, worn components, or required maintenance items
• Provide cost estimate for any needed repairs or service items identified
• Compare vehicle condition to expected condition based on mileage and age
• Verify all systems return to normal operation after inspection
• Recommend whether vehicle is suitable for purchase based on findings

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