Struggling on my decision . . .

JS59

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Current Ride
Nissan Titan - RHO on order
Current Ride #2
C8 Corvette
I'm sure I will take a beating for this, but at least I know it's coming . . . I know we are all luke-warm on the reliability of these vehicles - some are having problem-free experiences and others are having varying degrees of headaches. I have a Wagoneer that left my wife stranded a few months ago (thermostat issue) and a good friend just bought a Wagoneer. He texted me last night and asked if I could come over and help jump his Wagoneer - it was dead in his driveway and he has owned it for about 2 weeks. FWIW, my portable jumper didn't get the job done. My order is likely a couple of months out so I have some time. But, I was concerned to begin with and my friend's situation along with some of the posts on here aren't making things better.

I know this really isn't really a comparable truck, but the other vehicle I am considering is a ZR2 with the Duramax. I saw Bonmin has about 14k off - so could get one of those for about 60-61k very well equipped. It doesn't look as good, it's not as fast and it's not as capable. But, 61k vs. 76k is not the same price point either. I do like the ZR2 (not as much as the RHO though!) and feel like I have a better chance of it being reliable. I know it's a Ram forum, so let the beating begin . . . but curious to get people's thoughts . . .
 
I'm sure I will take a beating for this, but at least I know it's coming . . . I know we are all luke-warm on the reliability of these vehicles - some are having problem-free experiences and others are having varying degrees of headaches. I have a Wagoneer that left my wife stranded a few months ago (thermostat issue) and a good friend just bought a Wagoneer. He texted me last night and asked if I could come over and help jump his Wagoneer - it was dead in his driveway and he has owned it for about 2 weeks. FWIW, my portable jumper didn't get the job done. My order is likely a couple of months out so I have some time. But, I was concerned to begin with and my friend's situation along with some of the posts on here aren't making things better.

I know this really isn't really a comparable truck, but the other vehicle I am considering is a ZR2 with the Duramax. I saw Bonmin has about 14k off - so could get one of those for about 60-61k very well equipped. It doesn't look as good, it's not as fast and it's not as capable. But, 61k vs. 76k is not the same price point either. I do like the ZR2 (not as much as the RHO though!) and feel like I have a better chance of it being reliable. I know it's a Ram forum, so let the beating begin . . . but curious to get people's thoughts . . .
Coming from a ZR2, amazing trucks but boring as hell to drive...no sport mode, total underwhelming snooze fest. Shame too because they look awesome.
 
They both get good reviews but once you start putting options on them to make them
equal, you’ll definitely be spending more on the ZR2. I don’t think you’ll go wrong with either one, it all boils down to if it will scratch that itch.

Good luck!!!

Chris
 
They both get good reviews but once you start putting options on them to make them
equal, you’ll definitely be spending more on the ZR2. I don’t think you’ll go wrong with either one, it all boils down to if it will scratch that itch.

Good luck!!!

Chris
FWIW, both trucks are pretty much optioned up at those prices. My RHO build was 87k and change less $10,500 off from Koons and the ZR2 is at 74 or 75k minus a 13 or 14k discount - which is pretty much optioned up (minus the AEV package which I'm not a fan of). So, the two trucks are very well-equipped at the prices I mentioned (76k vs. 61k). Again, I know the ZR2 is less of a truck, but quite a bit less of a price and perhaps more reliable/cost-effective in the long run . . . I dunno . . .
 
I'd say if it's a budget issue go with what you can afford, if it's reliability, well all new vehicles have their problems and yes the RHO has been racking them up but I'm confident they'll get a handle on it. I keep a jump box in the truck so I don't get stranded somewhere. I'm sure the zr2 is a very nice truck but the 1st time you park next to an RHO you'll regret your decision! If you have the chance to go drive both that would also be helpful, I've got a '24 Denali and my RHO, both dang nice truck and both have their purpose, but I'm really enjoying the RHO @ town!
 
Yeah I built one before and you can’t make them equal. Close but you lose the technology package(hands free driving, massaging seats, front and rear parking sensors) , less towing, can’t tell if it has a spray in bed liner. No skid plates, no pano roof…it’s a big difference imo

IMG_3298.webp
 
I suggest there are two types of buyers; those that are still in mid-career and building a nest egg that need to maximize value, and those that are financially secure that maximize joy. If you are the latter, get the RHO. You won’t be disappointed and you won’t wish you had the chevy. The interior in the RHO is very nice and the stance is so different than a ZR2. If you are worried about reliability, get an extended warranty. I paid 1500 for 3 additional years.
 
I suggest there are two types of buyers; those that are still in mid-career and building a nest egg that need to maximize value, and those that are financially secure that maximize joy. If you are the latter, get the RHO. You won’t be disappointed and you won’t wish you had the chevy. The interior in the RHO is very nice and the stance is so different than a ZR2. If you are worried about reliability, get an extended warranty. I paid 1500 for 3 additional years.
I think you are correct in general - but I'm maybe a bit unique! I'm well into my career (almost 51) and have done well. Unfortunately, my career is as an accountant! Someone once told me that just because you can afford to waste money doesn't mean you should - and the accountant in me keeps running the numbers. I have a fun car (C8 Corvette) but she's a bit of a garage queen. I'd like a nicer daily driver and the RHO certainly fits that bill! But the ZR2 would be an upgrade in that regard as well from my Titan.

Edit - and just noticed you have a C8 as well. The accountant in me is why I have a Z51 vs. Z06 - I can't make the math work in my mind!
 
Yup just passed that half century mark as well. Had my son young and that was my priority. Had a couple of nice cars as well but they were four doors. God, Family, Friends then toys. ;)

Chris
 
I looked at a 24 Raptor 37, a LOADED 24 Silverado ZR2 Bison, and of course, an RHO.

Raptor 37: LOVED the angular exterior styling. For me, was the most visually appealing of the three. Absolutely HATED the interior. Felt like the interior style was from 2010 vs. 2024. The fold-away shifter irked me for a reason I've never figured out.

ZR2 Bison: Super comfortable interior. Seating was very nice. Immediate dislike for the odd shifter. Exterior: 100% "Meh". I understand the aggressive "all-black" wheels theory, but these go too far, looking too "industrial-only", losing some visual appeal.

2025 RHO: Front end is super cool. Loved the thick, beefy look the grille/hood/front fenders convey. Rest of the body was an above average "nice" for me. Would have preferred a few more sharp angles/body lines, to fit my tastes, but I've been a sports car person up to 12 days ago.
The interior SOLD me. Loved the look, the flow and shape of the materials. When I sat in the LA Auto Show RHO I knew I'd made the right choice.

RHO problems: It's a giant machine made with a shit-ton of parts, built by us flawed humans. Some of us will have issues, some won't. I, blessedly haven't had any. I 100% empathize with all my RHO friends here who have had any problem with their new truck. If I could fix them all with a finger snap, I would.

Currently, Ford quality is terrible, and Chevy's isn't much better. RAM 1500s are still considered the highest quality vehicles in this class.

Whichever you choose, I hope it offers you the most happiness and joy a vehicle can.

R
 
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I looked at a 24 Raptor 37, a LOADED 24 Silverado ZR2 Bison, and of course, an RHO.

Raptor 37: LOVED the angular exterior styling. For me, was the most visually appealing of the three. Absolutely HATED the interior. Felt like the interior style was from 2010 vs. 2024. The fold-away shifter irked me for a reason I've never figured out.

ZR2 Bison: Super comfortable interior. Seating was very nice. Immediate dislike for the odd shifter. Exterior: 100% "Meh". I understand the aggressive "all-black" wheels theory, but these go too far, looking too "industrial-only", losing some visual appeal.

2025 RHO: Front end is super cool. Loved the thick, beefy look the grille/hood/front fenders convey. Rest of the body was an above average "nice" for me. Would have preferred a few more sharp angles/body lines, to fit my tastes, but I've been a sports car person up to 12 days ago.
The interior SOLD me. Loved the look, the flow and shape of the materials. When I sat in the LA Auto Show RHO I knew I'd made the right choice.

RHO problems: It's a giant machine made with a shit-ton of parts, built by us flawed humans. Some of us will have issues, some won't. I, blessedly haven't had any. I 100% empathize with all my RHO friends here who have had any problem with their new truck. If I could fix them all with a finger snap, I would.

Currently, Ford quality is terrible, and Chevy's isn't much better. RAM 1500s are still considered the highest quality vehicles in this class.

Whichever you choose, I hope it offers you the most happiness and joy a vehicle can.

R
Funny you say that about the ZR2 and the black wheels. I was just looking at the slate gray and the ones with black wheels look like they belong on a job site as a work truck! I'd go with the machined accents wheels for that exact reason. As a side note, I wish they would do the RHO in the Lunar Edition color! Loved that look on the TRX.
 
I know I’d regret my decision as soon as I parked next to the RHO. I test drove the ZR2 and it was a nice truck but it honestly felt very underpowered. It felt like a diesel before the turbo kicks in. Maybe because I’m in Colorado and we are high up in elevation and naturally aspirated engines don’t do that well up here but it was really underwhelming.

If I wanted to save money, I’d still get the RHO and just without the level one. Still a luxurious truck and a lot to offer without level 1
 
I know I’d regret my decision as soon as I parked next to the RHO. I test drove the ZR2 and it was a nice truck but it honestly felt very underpowered. It felt like a diesel before the turbo kicks in. Maybe because I’m in Colorado and we are high up in elevation and naturally aspirated engines don’t do that well up here but it was really underwhelming.

If I wanted to save money, I’d still get the RHO and just without the level one. Still a luxurious truck and a lot to offer without level 1
Appreciate all of the input. Does someone have a link to the battery issue handy? I searched here and couldn't find it. Trying to help my buddy out - and perhaps prepare for some downside risk on my end!
 
I took an hour long test drive yesterday in a new RHO. This is after a few test drives in a Raptor...I can honestly say I didn't want to bring it back..I set the massaging seats and the self drive mode and quickly forgot what it was I was driving. Other than the stereo not performing as well as in my '20 Limited, the truck was great. I will have one ordered by the end of the week.
 
I feel compelled to chime in on this one:

as someone who is young and has bought wayyyy too many vehicles in my life (started buying and flipping when I was 18), both used and new, I will say this - worrying about the unknown is the most unproductive thing you can do with your energy and time.

I don’t care if you’re buying a Rolls Royce or a Honda Civic, there is always a chance that something could go wrong with the car. It’s been this way since before the internet was a thing where people could blast their issues out to millions of eyes.

Buy the vehicle you want, or can afford, and do your due diligence. Make sure a PDI is done. Hire a third party to PDI it, have a trusted mechanic check it, doesn’t matter just do what you can. The rest if just a roll of the dice.

You could buy the ZR2 and have major issues because you ended up with a lemon. You just don’t know. So don’t worry about what you can’t control.

EDIT - Oh, and remember, statistics prove you see substantially more people complaining on the internet than you do praising. You’re probably only seeing 5% of total RHO buyers posting issues. The other 95% are happily enjoying their trucks in silence, off the internet. Don’t let that skew your brain.
 
My advice: if you don't NEED a truck right now and can wait, then do that. Wait until more data comes out on these RHO's, bug are worked out, and you're comfortable enough with your decision. Then buy an RHO.
 
I'm going for mine and confident it will be fine
 
My honest opinion, you cannot beat the value of the RHo. Its a $70-$90k supertruck, wide body, best supension desert runner. for half the price of an RHo the zr2 might be a good option but for nearly the same price i would never make this choice from a financial or fun standpoint no matter where i was in life. THe one and only place i will say the zr2 is better, is as a slow pace rock crawler you want to take on tight trails. it is WAYYYY smaller than the rho. beyond that the RHO wins in every single category.
 
If you get the ZR2, you may very well have wished you got the RHO. If you get the RHO, I doubt you're going to say "I wish I had saved that money and gotten a ZR2".

Also, I really think the "reliability" stuff is blown out of proportion. Yes, you could have an issue, but so can a ZR2. Luck of the draw IMO.
 
My honest opinion, you cannot beat the value of the RHo. Its a $70-$90k supertruck, wide body, best supension desert runner. for half the price of an RHo the zr2 might be a good option but for nearly the same price i would never make this choice from a financial or fun standpoint no matter where i was in life. THe one and only place i will say the zr2 is better, is as a slow pace rock crawler you want to take on tight trails. it is WAYYYY smaller than the rho. beyond that the RHO wins in every single category.
What's a zr2 😜
 

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