Why Are Elio Owners In Interested In Elio?

[Rickb]

I think that's certainly valid. I'm looking forward to a efficient commuter vehicle that can double as a fun ride on the weekends. OK, it won't haul three baskets of groceries, or take the family on a weekend getaway; that's still going to require a regular vehicle, but that in itself produces a whole slew of advantages.

That full-sized car, minivan, or SUV will probably get about one tank of gas per month (average), even with moderate use as the "second" car. If I buy used, selecting a brand that will retain a good deal of its purchase value, I can save a LOT of money on gas, insurance, repair, and turnover price. Why buy a new car to pound it into the pavement 40-50 miles six days a week? We can buy a nice car for the wife, use it sparingly, and keep the overall investment low. The Elio will save enough money on gas alone to pay out in under three years, so it becomes essentially free. I'm assuming the savings on insurance here will cover maintenance and repair costs. The net result is to have a nice used car in the driveway that collects minimal mileage per year, enjoys that low-mileage insurance discount, and will recover a good portion of the investment at trade-in.

So, it's more than an "and" car, the Elio reconstructs the family budget. Now my wife is thinking she wants an Elio of her own . . . I'm for it; she can't BUY as much when she can't carry it home.

Yeh, right! Now there will be an added delivery fee for everthing she can't cram into the Elio. lol

 

[Lil4X]

You're right, unless she buys enough to qualify for free delivery . . . . oh boy, I hadn't thought of that!

 

[pistonboy]

Very creative. I would add one more detail. It moves over the headlight.......over the coil shocks.......over the tail light, over the instrument cluster up close.............and moves back to reveal the entire vehicle with custom Harley two-tone paint, open Indian Fenders, and custom wheels.

I thought of the instrument cluster too, but then had second thoughts.

 

[Rickb]

You're right, unless she buys enough to qualify for free delivery . . . . oh boy, I hadn't thought of that!

Cheer up! Think of all the money you'll save by driving Elio's......a win win!

 

[RUCRAYZE]

You're right, unless she buys enough to qualify for free delivery . . . . oh boy, I hadn't thought of that!

Amazon (prime-$99.00/ yr) 2 day delivery, good return policy, no sales tax if vendor has no "store" in your state- I usually buy between 20-40 items/yr. some for just a few bucks,i.e. fish food, guitar picks, and others that might weigh-in at a few 100lbs (I was looking for a jet bandsaw, and with free delivery (and no tax) price was very competitive (read best)- I buy on ebay when I want something used or collectible.

 

[Spyche Chaos]

1) I believe in fairies and unicorns, so what the heck.

2) 'Murica.

 

[Folks]

Amazon (prime-$99.00/ yr) 2 day delivery, good return policy, no sales tax if vendor has no "store" in your state- I usually buy between 20-40 items/yr. some for just a few bucks,i.e. fish food, guitar picks, and others that might weigh-in at a few 100lbs (I was looking for a jet bandsaw, and with free delivery (and no tax) price was very competitive (read best)- I buy on ebay when I want something used or collectible.

Did you ever get the BandSaw? I must protest in favor of the Delta 14". Most

 

[NSTG8R]

Did you ever get the BandSaw? I must protest in favor of the Delta 14". Most

+1 on the Delta's. Our new ones here at work are Jets. They work well enough I suppose, but the old Delta's [probably as old or older than me] are made to last, and easier to work on.

 

[AriLea]

I've sat on this subject for a bit, wanting to give other people a fair chance. I like the Elio because it breaks the mold, and creates a new aspect to our world.

For my graduate project, BS degree in 1984, I took a long look at what would be the best high mileage vehicle. The degree was working with high mileage street legal cars, pretty much in a sociable 2 seat layout. As an example, the Avion(google it) was born in that place and time by my school mates. These max out around 110mpg in competition and informal testing, but is that the best we could do?

So I re-designed from the ground up. It turned out to be a reverse trike with single or tandem seating. Best lightness, aerodynamics and cost.

So what was this good for? Commuting. Doing so at freeway speeds and an hour drive seemed a requirement. Later, I concluded that front wheel drive, a full cabin, comfortable seating, defroster and other safety features were also absolutes.

So how many production vehicles in the past and present meet that criteria, I mean at 65mph in all weather conditions? Pretty close to Zero, AFAIK.

Something like the Messerschmitt doesn't have the top speed, and the BlackJack or TriHawk are too expensive and no full cabin. The California Commuter Car has no defroster and seating that is discouraging to say the least. The TRex? Give me a break! OK the Sparrow? at $15-27K and narrow short wheelbase, rear wheel drive, nope let's not go there. The Aptera!? $35K each? Lordy. (the CG is a little high too). The 'Freeway'? Not efficient or reliable enough and forget 65mph in traffic.(but a good first effort), the IndyCycle? Not good in ice or snow.

Only around 2005 did I prove (to myself) one important idea, the full meal deal could be built for under $10K DIY, and certainly as a production vehicle. Why was that so important? At that price point, for many people, the car pays for itself in fuel savings alone. Which in itself qualifies as interesting to the general public at large. Which then gives high enough volume to lower the price. Self fulfilling prophecy?

So how many people in the world knew or believed these things before 2005? Pretty close to Zero, afaik. Chicken and Egg problem, it can be done, but nobody I knew of, with the means to do so, knows that. And if anyone tried, the general public didn't either, plus the public had the misperception that all trikes are a risky ride.

So then the Elio as an endeavor, arrived. Not more than 5miles from where I work no less! When this car gets produced, it will be the first of it's kind, meeting all the requirements for an optimal commuter car(as defined by the USA driving environment) including a low enough price to make it attractive to a wide audience. When it's spotted in the diamond lane, do you think they'll believe?

So Elio Motors, now with 42k reservations, converted a 'Build it and they will come' situation into a 'Hurry damn it, we can't wait' situation. To my view, step one is well done.

 

[ecdriver711]

Well said Arilea.