2017 Production A Long Shot...

[Sethodine]

I think anybody who buys a "new" car is a fool, regardless of the sticker price.

Okay, maybe that is a bit harsh. But certainly the people who buy new cars either can't do math, or have enough money not to worry about the math. I think the Elio is probably the one exception to that rule; not because it is cheap, but because I believe they will not depreciate as dramatically as other new cars. Even the truely affordable Nissan Versa (base model) at just over $12,000, is much more affordable if you get one just a few years old (around $7-8000 for a 2013 model with over 35k miles, or about the price of a new Elio).

I respect your opinion Seth, I get what you're saying , but I'll make a bet with you for an adult beverage: in 2020, if there is a glut of long-range 3+ yr-old EVs hitting the market, they won't be affordable. Not to the point where people are buying them because the price is low. I just don't see the basic supply/demand principle taking affect in that situation.

I'll take that bet I admit I'm basing my assessment on my own purchase experience. When the 2012 Nissan Leaf came out, it was about $35,000 before tax incentives. When we bought ours in May of 2015, it was only $14,000. And this exemplifies a strange phenomenon with EVs: sold new, you pay for the premium price of the batteries, but sold used the market treats them like any other equivilant car. Thus they depreciate at a much greater rate than ICE cars.

 

[TCBronson]

I am afraid that Elio will follow the market demand and eventually offer an all electric or at least a hybrid. I just hope they do the Elio Sport model with the turbo before, so I can get one.

 

[Elio Amazed]

Did it ever occur to you that EM's pursue of the 5 star rating is in preparation for the "4wheel" ELIO version in the future???

Nope. Never did. Still Doesn't.

 

[Ty]

Well, you certainly don't get rich buying new cars but I disagree about your " cant do math, or have enough money not to worry about the math" comment there. I agree from a financial perspective, you are absolutely correct. However, some of us like the newness of a new car. I like that when I buy my wife's next car that when I'm gone, I don't have to worry about the car too much. Older means a higher likelihood of needing unexpected and potentially expensive maintenance (ever had to pay for a Honda Odyssee electric door motor replacement? or a $14,000 diesel engine replacement? twice?). Yup, there's a case for new. There are cars that I'd buy used, of course. When it comes to the Elio, the payment would be so low that if you financed it for 3 years (length of the warranty), you COULD look at the car payment as simply insurance. $175 a month and you won't have to do any maintenance on it. The worst you'd do is lose $7,000 if you had to give it away at the end of your 3 years.

I like the premise of an EV but haven't seen one that "fluffed my skirt" yet that I can afford. My daughter has a Prius but it doesn't really impress me. (It DID get about 60MPG while she followed me and my big trailer from Albuquerque to Omaha though. That slipstream is something).

You are exactly right about public perception. "200 miles isn't enough for me." seems to be a common thing for naysayers but really, how many people drive 200 miles every day? If you do, EVs aren't for you... yet. For the rest of us, they really make sense.

 

[Elio Amazed]

PART 1-Well, ELIO or ARCIMOTO to me is a dream that probably won't happen. Both are blowing smoke, as a good carnival barker, PT Barnum would be proud of..Might as well of reserved a flying car. It would be great if it does. And mind you - I have an all in reservation number that is less than 1/2 of all of the reservations today...I've got 10 grandsons under 13. I figured I'd buy one, order the next, then let the boys get the older one, as soon as I got the next one... But I don't see it happening. My feeling is a 2-3 year old used one would be perfect for a college bound guy. My thinking- Grandpa isn't going to pay for college but I'll provide transportation to get my grandsons to a job to work their way through college. Akin to the VW Bug in the 1960's- Basic transportation, nothing more.. Lot's of college students drove them, delivering pizza to rich kids at the college.

PART 2- If I was ELIO or supreme ruler of the Universe.. That FIRST 100 WOULD NOT GO TO SOME SECRET PREDETERMINED FLEET USE... BUT----
Kind of Like Willie Wonka's Golden Ticket.. By totally random LOTTERY to everyone that was all in prior to build date. If they declined purchase, the unit would go to a reserve lottery pick. Think of the publicity!! Think of the additional reservations!! Willie Wonka at his finest....

BTW- isn't that how it was kind of supposed to work from the beginning?? I don't remember when I made my all in reservation there was a - First 100 exemption..

So who changed the rules and why am I the only one calling them out on it???

That was not part of the contract we agreed to. The basis of getting a reservation was to be put in line. so they would be doled out as built. -- Hello lawyers reading this.......Aren't we all 100 further back in line because someone is taking cuts?

They will make excuses- pre-production testing..Brovo Sierra - 100 is a production. (why not keep going?) GM-FORD-CHRYSLER-et al doesn't have pre-production runs. They get them to market and fix problems after.. its called a RECALL! No ELIO sold someone- 100 and part of the deal was to move them to the front of the line. Wonder what they paid?($6800 each and move to the front of the line) Call it whatever. I call it smoke.. Why not test in the real world with real people... The rich kid moves to the front of the line.. it's called cutting...Who'd they sell -- The Post Office? FEDEX?, FTD?, PIZZA HUT? That will say a lot when we find out. Inquiring minds would like to know. My BET- Post Office- that's where the first SAGWAYS went.


PART 3- I feel like I'm sailing with Christopher Columbus. I can see past the deck, and am not seeing the end of the earth, But I'm seeing the same thing I saw yesterday and the day before..I'm also wondering if I'm not seeing the end of the earth or the new world because we're not moving either. Are we really moving forward? Don't tell me there is wind in our sails, we may be anchored, and you're not telling us. Looking Forward looks just like looking back..At this point all we can do is ride, but we'll be pissed if we don't see the new world soon. In 1492 that would mean you were strung up or had your throat slit A Day later, Columbus might not been noteworthy in history..I recalled a bird landed on the ship giving hope of land near and saved his butt...I also think I'm not the only one thinking..

You're raising a stink about a measly 100 vehicles? Really?

 

[Elio Amazed]

And really, Elio "Addict"? How are you addicted to something that doesn't exist? LOL

Ah...
Will...
"Elio Addict" is a one of varius titles this website gives it's members according to how many posts they've made.

 

[Elio Amazed]

Yes, I am patiently waiting for them to announce that production will be


I did no such thing, you just interpreted it that way.

gin in 2018...

Seemed pretty clear to me.
I'm one of the more thick skinned here, and I'm offended. (LOL yourself.)

 

[Elio Amazed]

That settles it: the license plate on my Elio is going to be "UNICRN"

Naw, I'm sure "TROLL" is still available in a few states for some of these people.

 

[WilliamH]

I think anybody who buys a "new" car is a fool, regardless of the sticker price.

Okay, maybe that is a bit harsh. But certainly the people who buy new cars either can't do math, or have enough money not to worry about the math. I think the Elio is probably the one exception to that rule; not because it is cheap, but because I believe they will not depreciate as dramatically as other new cars. Even the truely affordable Nissan Versa (base model) at just over $12,000, is much more affordable if you get one just a few years old (around $7-8000 for a 2013 model with over 35k miles, or about the price of a new Elio).



I'll take that bet I admit I'm basing my assessment on my own purchase experience. When the 2012 Nissan Leaf came out, it was about $35,000 before tax incentives. When we bought ours in May of 2015, it was only $14,000. And this exemplifies a strange phenomenon with EVs: sold new, you pay for the premium price of the batteries, but sold used the market treats them like any other equivilant car. Thus they depreciate at a much greater rate than ICE cars.

If you buy a used 4x4 in most parts of Texas you are asking for trouble.
And, when you can buy a new 4x4, $0 down and 0% interest for 5 years, like I did in '11, you'd be a fool to buy someone elses troubles.

 

[Rickb]

I am afraid that Elio will follow the market demand and eventually offer an all electric or at least a hybrid. I just hope they do the Elio Sport model with the turbo before, so I can get one.

My Elio Sport Model Electric will beat your Elio Sport Model Turbo in an off the line 0-60 mph and the quarter mile. You may win the cross country race.