Elio Gauge Cluster - Lord Elgin? - Other Options?

[Rickb]

If those that responded accurately represent the purchasers as a whole, then this poll indicates about two thirds will be unhappy with at least this part of the car.

How unhappy will also vary substantially from being a deal breaker, to modifying their car to just wishing it were different rather than doing anything about it. I'll probably fall into the latter category.

To insure my happiness, I have to see, touch, and test drive the Elio to be sure of fit and finish, comfort, performance, and handling before I even make the purchase. The dash design is insignificant providing it functions and is readable. To purchase an Elio and not like the dash is one thing..........to purchase an Elio and discover the only thing I like is the dash would be a $6800 disappointment.

 

[Mel]

I suspect there will be no year models, but a return to the initial way ford did it. Model A, Model T, etc. which does not correlate to the calendar.

Texas requires a "year model" to title a vehicle. It's the second thing listed on the title.

 

[Marshall]

Texas requires a "year model" to title a vehicle. It's the second thing listed on the title.

The model is there. Is it Year model or Year/model? I think they could justify either if the vehicle doesn't change substantially. Anyway, all could be called 2017 and produced for ten years if need be. If they can produce cars labeled 2017 in 2016, why not 2017 in 2018?

 

[Frim]

I am always willing to listen to a well reasoned argument.
Please explain how 9% of a group represents a reasonable sample.
Always remembering that famous old statement popularized by Mark Twain .......
"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics"
Incidentally, I plan to install an OBD II sourced HUD in my Elio.

When I was just a pup, I drew a 2# sample of peanuts from a 10 ton trailer and checked the peanuts for moisture content after drying. The farmer was paid for a net weight based upon that 2# sample. It certainly wasn't a 9% sample. Neither I nor the farmer knew anything about statistical sampling. FYI

 

[bunchathrees]

As expected, some low level flunky blew me off. Gotta protect PE's feelings.

Anyway, time to find an alternate solution.

 

[slinches]

The problem with self selected online polls is that there is know way to know how representative of a sample is presented in the data. There may be 3000 members on this site, but we don't know how many viewed it and we can't even rule out people voting multiple times. On top of of that, this forum is not a random sample and there are a huge number of confounding variables that could grossly skew the results (look at the age distribution for one example). The only thing that this poll says is that "yes" was clicked 72 times and 196 for "no".

 

[Rob Croson]

If those that responded accurately represent the purchasers as a whole

This poll does not, in any way, provide any meaningful sampling. It's a self-selected subset of the most rabid fans. Most of us have a penchant for customizing our vehicles, and have strong opinions for what we do and do not like. We already know that most of us are older men eligible for AARP membership. We can, by no stretch of the imagination, be considered "typical" customers. This is so far from a statically significant, representative sampling that you'd be laughed out the door if you tried to present it as such. In fact, you could almost represent this poll as a deliberate attempt to sample only those already known to be biased *against* it.

In order to claim statistical significance, sample selection is critical. Random sampling of a significant portion of the population is the only reliable method. A poll on this website can't claim that.

When I was just a pup, I drew a 2# sample of peanuts from a 10 ton trailer and checked the peanuts for moisture content after drying. The farmer was paid for a net weight based upon that 2# sample. It certainly wasn't a 9% sample. Neither I nor the farmer knew anything about statistical sampling. FYI

That two pounds can be a valid sample, so long as it is a randomly selected sample, that could reasonably assumed to be representative of the load as a whole. If, on the other hand, you grabbed a bunch that were next to an access hatch with a leaky seal, that's a bad sample.

You can achieve accurate results with smaller sample sizes, assuming your sampling methodology is sound. You just have to be aware that the smaller your sample size the greater the level of uncertainty, and the lower the confidence level.

 

[AriLea]

The problem with self selected online polls is that there is know way to know how representative of a sample is presented in the data. There may be 3000 members on this site, but we don't know how many viewed it and we can't even rule out people voting multiple times. On top of of that, this forum is not a random sample and there are a huge number of confounding variables that could grossly skew the results (look at the age distribution for one example). The only thing that this poll says is that "yes" was clicked 72 times and 196 for "no".

The bottom line here is, enough people don't like it that someone can profit from addressing their issue. I think an option or after market item will suffice nicely.
For me, I'm going to get my Elio then deal with the issue depending on how I am able to adjust to it. I'm screw-driver enabled so it's not too big of a deal for me. I'm also electronics enabled, I might even become one of those who profit. And surely, what ever I do, if it's different than the majority, I'll post it on this forum.

 

[slinches]

I agree with your opinion that Elio modifications of nearly all types (including gauge cluster replacements) will have a viable market. It's just that this poll does not provide any solid evidence to support or refute that conclusion.

 

[Marshall]

This poll does not, in any way, provide any meaningful sampling. It's a self-selected subset of the most rabid fans. Most of us have a penchant for customizing our vehicles, and have strong opinions for what we do and do not like. We already know that most of us are older men eligible for AARP membership. We can, by no stretch of the imagination, be considered "typical" customers. This is so far from a statically significant, representative sampling that you'd be laughed out the door if you tried to present it as such. In fact, you could almost represent this poll as a deliberate attempt to sample only those already known to be biased *against* it.

In order to claim statistical significance, sample selection is critical. Random sampling of a significant portion of the population is the only reliable method. A poll on this website can't claim that.


That two pounds can be a valid sample, so long as it is a randomly selected sample, that could reasonably assumed to be representative of the load as a whole. If, on the other hand, you grabbed a bunch that were next to an access hatch with a leaky seal, that's a bad sample.

You can achieve accurate results with smaller sample sizes, assuming your sampling methodology is sound. You just have to be aware that the smaller your sample size the greater the level of uncertainty, and the lower the confidence level.

Valid points.

But I was responding to the notion that this represented a sample skewed towards persons who do not like the cluster. As you pointed out, it was not a scientifically selected sample, but it by no means indicates it represents an intentiaonally disproportionate selection biased toward either response. That would take more effort than was given. The presumption that it would be skewed either direction itself biased. We simply do not know how skewed it is or isn't.

For all we know, the dissatisfaction could be worse.

It is well known that those who voice an opinion usually represent a much larger group which shares the concern, but won't take the time or effort to complain.

I'll deal with it, but it is a problem. My personal opinion is that an electronic cluster would let the customers customize their display to their own taste and increase overall satisfaction. The inputs are the same regardless of how they are displayed.