Sondors Electric Car

[Sailor Dog]

One thing that would concern me regarding buying these small-production cars is the availability of replacement parts. Having had personal experience with the difficulty of getting replacement parts for a new model vehicle from a major auto manufacturer, how likely is it going to be possible to get replacement parts for something like a "Model SONDORS" that is contract built in China? When that inevitable fender-bender happens and those body panels, or some other custom-designed part, can't be repaired, how available are the replacement parts going to be? It sure would suck for your new vehicle to be sidelined for months, or more(!) because some part couldn't be found.

Just kidding you Guys, I would not trade her for all the cars in China!

All the cars in China but without the T&A (sorry parts & bumpers)! Don't forget to come home with the or
nuggets Doug, or no tonight!

 

[Rickb]

One thing that would concern me regarding buying these small-production cars is the availability of replacement parts. Having had personal experience with the difficulty of getting replacement parts for a new model vehicle from a major auto manufacturer, how likely is it going to be possible to get replacement parts for something like a "Model SONDORS" that is contract built in China? When that inevitable fender-bender happens and those body panels, or some other custom-designed part, can't be repaired, how available are the replacement parts going to be? It sure would suck for your new vehicle to be sidelined for months, or more(!) because some part couldn't be found.

If there is a supply of parts to build the vehicle, there will be a supply of replacement parts. Arcimoto recently hit the start button on their new BFL (big fun laser) and are starting to manufacture their own parts for the FUV.

 

[raptor213]

Received this email from Sondors...

 

[Rickb]

I'm SONDORS Amazed! Amazed by the concept, the quality fit and finish of the $1 Million prototype build in <year, and the one man show behind it with no high salaried Marketing BOD and or employees at the time of the build.

 

[Rob Croson]

If there is a supply of parts to build the vehicle, there will be a supply of replacement parts.

Personal experience shows otherwise. Just because the factory has parts doesn't mean they will be made available for spares, at least in a timely manner. Who do you think is going to get higher priority on parts shipments, the factory or Joe's Bumper Repair? Delays of weeks are possible, even for vehicles assembled in the US. When the vehicle and all parts are manufactured overseas, the delay could be worse. Now granted, extremely few people would ever be in a position to be affected by this. But when it bites you, it really sucks.

 

[Elio Amazed]

Personal experience shows otherwise.

For an exaggerated example of what Rob's talking about, look at the gun industry.
People wait a year to get a gun back from warranty work.
And after they quit making a gun...
No parts anywhere.

It's been said that the big auto makers will often come close to just breaking even on a vehicle.
Because they know the real money is in selling parts. So they're usually eager to maintain a surplus.

It all depends on the resources, management and intent of these small starter companies.
I'm not saying shortages will happen, but I'm saying the possibility is there for every one of them.

I got the email too. My deposit is now six days old.
5000 in 24 hours is impressive. Even for a $100 deductible.

 

[Rickb]

Personal experience shows otherwise. Just because the factory has parts doesn't mean they will be made available for spares, at least in a timely manner. Who do you think is going to get higher priority on parts shipments, the factory or Joe's Bumper Repair? Delays of weeks are possible, even for vehicles assembled in the US. When the vehicle and all parts are manufactured overseas, the delay could be worse. Now granted, extremely few people would ever be in a position to be affected by this. But when it bites you, it really sucks.

I agree, pending the startups business model regarding sales, parts, service, and customer relations. I ass.u.me Arcimoto will have their ducks in a row or I wouldn't buy their product......high hopes Those new customer issues are all important to keep me as a customer while building a successful business. The good thing is the three wheelers coming to market are considered supplements to the family car.

Note: What I like about the Lexus business model is they provide me with a complimentary loaner Lexus during the time frame it takes to service or repair my vehicle. The best customer service experience I've had in 55 years of vehicle ownership.

 

[Rickb]

Experience tells me to wait and order my FRONT OR AWD SONDORs until after a test drive.

 

[Rickb]

View attachment 22336
Received this email from Sondors...

I'm thinking typo error and more likely either 50 or 500 SONDORs reservations in a 24 hour period. 5000 seems impossible without a major media advertising blitz.

 

[Elio Amazed]

I'm thinking typo error and more likely either 50 or 500 SONDORs reservations in a 24 hour period. 5000 seems impossible without a major media advertising blitz.

And I'm thinking that these people are far too savvy to overlook such a blatant and potentially damaging error.
16,264 people follow Sondors FB page. Combine that with the LA Auto show, the CES, CNET and Car and Driver exposure...

I'm confident that all of his investors and e-bike customers were notified as well.
And considering the fact that it's only a $100 deposit that you can get back any time you'd like...