I just did a check and realize my first kit experience was 50 years ago. Probably worked on 50+ kits up to a 40' boat. The education has been well worth the time and expense, as it taught me how to build robust commercially viable equipment. To my parents annoyance, when young, I always kept a few wrecked cars on the farm. These provided me parts for projects and an income when between jobs. They also provided a connection to other like minded souls and an education. It also taught me that the hull of a boat or the shell of a kit car is 10% or less of the total cost, even if you use a donor wreck for everything. I used a road grader for power and hydraulics for the 40' boat. Still, the hull was close to 10% of the finished cost, if you count your labor.
At this point, the only thing Elio has going for it, is the commitment of 40,000 dreamers. The low price is a big part of that dream. If this concept will fly, anywhere near this price, some company will surely take note and build it? Like the Elio, the Smart car is free, if you base your vehicle costs on a long commute with a gas-hog. My problem is why have Smart car sales died instead of taking off? No, they are not as attractive on any plane as an Elio, but they are here, NOW!