The Talk Me Into Taking The Plunge Thread

[OCS12]

I'm all in but only for 100.00 I think your right about how long it takes to build an assembly line for either drive trains or body/frame but being a classic British sports car person (1957 MGA) all these cars were built without the robots, machinery, and all the needed bells and whistles. I just think it can be done the old way assuming all the parts are made and ready for assembly which of course they are not.

It certainly could be done that way, but it won't. Seeing Comau listed as one of the suppliers on Elio's website tells us that. They are a huge player in automated assembly lines in Detroit.

 

[grampi]

Just to be clear, I'm all in, so you know what I'm hoping for, but I'm a realist. The Elio will probably happen, but it's going to take probably at least a year longer than what they're telling us, cost more, and those first year production numbers are pie in the sky dreaming.

All I have to base my opinion on is that I design and build engine assembly lines for a living at a company with a far bigger budget than Elio. These things take time to get done right.

I'm not a naysayer, just realistic. Go Elio!

That's another concern of mine. How do they know for sure it's going to achieve 84 MPG, and a top speed over 100 MPH? Do they have a prototype they've actually tested to get these figures, or are they just estimates? Also, does putting down a deposit lock them in at the selling price of $6800, or can they raise that. I understand the price could go up for those who don't put down a deposit, just curious if paying a deposit locks in that price. If so, that alone may make the risk of putting down a deposit worth doing. If these things take off in popularity like I think they will, the price may go up on them pretty quickly...high demand can do funny things to selling prices, and fairly quickly too...

 

[Charlie G]

Regarding economics, I don't discount the possibility that if the Elio falls under CAFE standards, they could sell energy credits to the larger companies.

 

[eddie66]

That's another concern of mine. How do they know for sure it's going to achieve 84 MPG, and a top speed over 100 MPH? Do they have a prototype they've actually tested to get these figures, or are they just estimates? Also, does putting down a deposit lock them in at the selling price of $6800, or can they raise that. I understand the price could go up for those who don't put down a deposit, just curious if paying a deposit locks in that price. If so, that alone may make the risk of putting down a deposit worth doing. If these things take off in popularity like I think they will, the price may go up on them pretty quickly...high demand can do funny things to selling prices, and fairly quickly too...

I bet a thousand dollars they can, and will.

 

[Jeff Porter]

That's another concern of mine. How do they know for sure it's going to achieve 84 MPG, and a top speed over 100 MPH? Do they have a prototype they've actually tested to get these figures, or are they just estimates? Also, does putting down a deposit lock them in at the selling price of $6800, or can they raise that. I understand the price could go up for those who don't put down a deposit, just curious if paying a deposit locks in that price. If so, that alone may make the risk of putting down a deposit worth doing. If these things take off in popularity like I think they will, the price may go up on them pretty quickly...high demand can do funny things to selling prices, and fairly quickly too...

Computer software is used to simulate and estimate things like MPG and MPH. The $6800 is not locked in for reservations, the price could be different at purchase time. Agreed, in general terms, demand does increase price. EM has stated that there is a nice profit margin in the vehicle at $6800, but they've also said they continue to work on shaving costs here and there because they are around the $7100 mark.

 

[outsydthebox]

That's another concern of mine. How do they know for sure it's going to achieve 84 MPG, and a top speed over 100 MPH? Do they have a prototype they've actually tested to get these figures, or are they just estimates? Also, does putting down a deposit lock them in at the selling price of $6800, or can they raise that. I understand the price could go up for those who don't put down a deposit, just curious if paying a deposit locks in that price. If so, that alone may make the risk of putting down a deposit worth doing. If these things take off in popularity like I think they will, the price may go up on them pretty quickly...high demand can do funny things to selling prices, and fairly quickly too...

Yes they do have a prototype. It is the P4 (Orange Creamsicle) that is on tour. This is their 4th prototype (thus the designation "P4") IIRC, with the 30 year old Geo Metro 1liter, 81mpg has been achieved. With the proposed aerodynamic improvements (shape op nose and grill opening) added to the "greatly improved" new engine, I am pretty confident that 3mpg improvement can and will be realized.
I agree that the price (once people start to see them on the road) will probably go up drastically. Altho there is no guarantee that the $6800 "target price" won't go up, even for those with reservations, I think EM will honor that price.I have been really impressed with Paul's determination to try and keep it there. I remember one of our members here, "ekh" said that, while talking to one of the EM "reps," ekh said (something like) "...you know you could easily sell these at 10K..." The reply was, "Yes, but Paul knows we (the people) NEED this as affordable as possible..." So, (IMO) EM will raise the price, only IF they NEED to...NOT just because the want to.
The way I look at it, a thousand dollars "down" gets me $500 off so, IF the price goes up by $500 or less, I still get it for the target price. Also, the proposed fuel savings will put money back in my pocket month after month!
It is a calculated risk. Only you can decide if it's worth it.

 

[LockMD]

I bet a thousand dollars they can, and will.

I bet TWO thousand they can and will

 

[Rickb]

The $6800 is the target price...........and Elio is partnering with an actively involved group of parts suppliers. They know the exact cost of the vehicle which is currently at $7300........and are trying to whittle it down. They are working with actual supplier costs not estimated costs. I also don't believe for a minute that Elio will suddenly change their fair & affordable business model........with price gouging just because the Elio is high demand.........that would be BIG Auto's philosophy. Eliomania is in the making.

 

[zelio]

That's another concern of mine. How do they know for sure it's going to achieve 84 MPG, and a top speed over 100 MPH? Do they have a prototype they've actually tested to get these figures, or are they just estimates? Also, does putting down a deposit lock them in at the selling price of $6800, or can they raise that. Snip

If you read all the information from EM and on here you will learn that EM has currently reached 81 mpg, if I remember correctly, and I believe the prototypes have reached over 100 mph (not that I care because I would never drive that fast). However, they are very clear when you make your reservation that there are NO guarantees. Just like there is no guarantee that when you walk out of the door today, you will survive to walk back in. I, for one, made my reservation based on a commitment to the idea and my trust in EM's commitment to producing it and meeting every one of those goals. But I also accept that there is no guarantee that it will happen. If for some off the wall reason the Elio does not happen, I will still have had the experience of a life time simply being part of the journey to Elio production. This is truly the most amazing trip of my life and I am enjoying every minute of it. Z

 

[karl]

You don't have to put up a dime to watch how things turn out. There are a number of people that did put up some cash and then got second thoughts about the entire enterprise. I have about the same money it costs me to take my sweetie out to dinner invested so far. I will buy mine as soon as I can and am looking forward with much anticipation to the day this (my Elio of course) rolls down my driveway.

Do what is comfortable for you.