[GB-335xiCoupe]

I'll still keep my 335xi, but - I'm gonna get on the reservation list for this:
www.eliomotors.com

Check this:
http://on.aol.com/video/translogic-1...tors-518316285

At $6,800 it's like buying a disposable razor.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by GB-335xiCoupe

I'll still keep my 335xi, but - I'm gonna get on the reservation list for this:
www.eliomotors.com

Check this:
http://on.aol.com/video/translogic-1...tors-518316285

At $6,800 it's like buying a disposable razor.

So if you pay for one now when will you get receive it?

[GB-335xiCoupe]

Depending on how much you put down (anywhere from $100 to $1,000), determines your place in line. They are going to start production in the 3rd quarter of 2015.

Right now they are having a 50% bonus. So if you put $500 down, it ends up down-paying the purchase $750. If you do $1,000, it down-pays $1,500.

[Patrick303]

I'm not trying to bash your decision, but I just don't understand the purpose of a vehicle like this. First off, I could never drive something like that daily. I enjoy driving vehicles that exhibit performance and luxury. Most people spend a lot of time in their cars, so I think it's worth the money to own a vehicle you enjoy driving.

The Elio seems very much to be a warm weather car too. Definitely no off-roading or tracking fun, and I wouldn't want to be out in inclement weather either.

So GB, what is your motivation for buying one?

[MrPig]

Originally Posted by Patrick719

I'm not trying to bash your decision, but I just don't understand the purpose of a vehicle like this. First off, I could never drive something like that daily. I enjoy driving vehicles that exhibit performance and luxury. Most people spend a lot of time in their cars, so I think it's worth the money to own a vehicle you enjoy driving.

The Elio seems very much to be a warm weather car too. Definitely no off-roading or tracking fun, and I wouldn't want to be out in inclement weather either.

So GB, what is your motivation for buying one?

It strikes me as a good urban vehicle. Small, nimble, cheap to buy, cheap to run, (possibly) cheap to maintain.

As far as performance, can't comment on the Elio, but unorthodox vehicles can be incredibly fun; look up Top Gear's review of the Carver

[GB-335xiCoupe]

Originally Posted by Patrick719

I'm not trying to bash your decision, but I just don't understand the purpose of a vehicle like this. First off, I could never drive something like that daily. I enjoy driving vehicles that exhibit performance and luxury. Most people spend a lot of time in their cars, so I think it's worth the money to own a vehicle you enjoy driving.

The Elio seems very much to be a warm weather car too. Definitely no off-roading or tracking fun, and I wouldn't want to be out in inclement weather either.

So GB, what is your motivation for buying one?

I drive approximately 38k miles a year, and about 70% of that is on business. At $0.65/mi reimbursement, it pays for itself in 10,460 miles of business driving (not including insurance, and gas). Gas would be 131 gallons. At $3.65, that's only about $480. That's what I put in my Bimmer every month! Depreciation is a moot point when the starting value is only $6800.

In inclimate weather, I'll take the BMW. The Bimmer has 90k miles on it. It will be driven, don't get me wrong. But when it's just me in the car 90% of the time, why lug all that steel with me?

[GB-335xiCoupe]

Originally Posted by MrPig

It strikes me as a good urban vehicle. Small, nimble, cheap to buy, cheap to run, (possibly) cheap to maintain.

As far as performance, can't comment on the Elio, but unorthodox vehicles can be incredibly fun; look up Top Gear's review of the Carver

The Carver was 30,000 euro. Three times the price of the Elio.

[MrPig]

Originally Posted by GB-335xiCoupe

The Carver was 30,000 euro. Three times the price of the Elio.

I was merely using it an example of a fun, unorthodox vehicle. Using the Reliant Robin instead would not have been productive towards my argument

[GB-335xiCoupe]

Originally Posted by MrPig

I was merely using it an example of a fun, unorthodox vehicle. Using the Reliant Robin instead would not have been productive towards my argument

LOL, I see your point. That Carver is cool though. But I can't imagine repairing that auto-tilting/balancing mechanism. ugh.

[MrPig]

That system is probably why it cost 30,000 Euro. And went out of business.

a $6,800 city car that requires minimal maintenance and is (hopefully) reliable is a great idea; I hope they succeed.

[BMWUltimateDriv3r]

That thing doesn't look safe.

[bender rodriguez]

Originally Posted by BMWUltimateDriv3r

That thing doesn't look safe.

5 star crash rating and airbags.. How is it not safe...

[HouseN54]

Buy one and k20 swap it!

[bender rodriguez]

Originally Posted by GB-335xiCoupe

I drive approximately 38k miles a year, and about 70% of that is on business. At $0.65/mi reimbursement, it pays for itself in 10,460 miles of business driving (not including insurance, and gas). Gas would be 131 gallons. At $3.65, that's only about $480. That's what I put in my Bimmer every month! Depreciation is a moot point when the starting value is only $6800.

In inclimate weather, I'll take the BMW. The Bimmer has 90k miles on it. It will be driven, don't get me wrong. But when it's just me in the car 90% of the time, why lug all that steel with me?

I like the car but I am guessing it has no AC?

[BMWUltimateDriv3r]

Originally Posted by bender rodriguez

5 star crash rating and airbags.. How is it not safe...

5 star only means it's safe for its size

[GB-335xiCoupe]

Originally Posted by bender rodriguez

I like the car but I am guessing it has no AC?

It does have AC, and power doors, power windows, 3 airbags, options for nav, bluetooth, leather, etc.

[bender rodriguez]

Originally Posted by GB-335xiCoupe

It does have AC, and power doors, power windows, 3 airbags, options for nav, bluetooth, leather, etc.

awesome..

[ef11]

Originally Posted by bender rodriguez

I like the car but I am guessing it has no AC?

On the site it says it has Heat/AC

[bad karma]

Originally Posted by BMWUltimateDriv3r

That thing doesn't look safe.

That's because it isn't safe. There's a reason that it uses three wheels and not four, and it has fuck all do to with aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

Elio’s “cars” aren’t cars. Not as far as the DOT or your local DMV is concerned, anyway. See, tipping the scales at less than 1500 lbs. and with only 3 wheels underneath them, Elio Motors’ three-wheelers are, in legal terms, motorcycles. That’s why vaporware specialists like Elio build three-wheelers in the first place: they don’t have to meet the same stringent, hyper-expensive safety and emissions standards as cars, and aren’t subject to the same rigorous tests. In addition, motorcycle manufacturers aren’t held to the same level of legal responsibility that car companies are, even in hyper-litigious countries like the good-’ol US-of-A.

In other words, have fun wearing your legally required motorcycle helmet.

Not to mention that the company has pushed back its release date multiple times, has dubious (at best) financials, and a distribution system that doesn't exist.

If Elio is having trouble raising $7.5 million to purchase the plant where is the $200 million going to come from that is actually needed to [begin production]?

Strange how most of the people defending the "company" and its product are those who have a bunch of money tied up in deposits. As much as I'd love to see a totally innovative, hyper fuel efficient commuter vehicle come to market, Elio isn't that product. And I really, really hate scams like this.

You'd be better served taking your $6800 and buying a used 2-door Civic hatchback if you want a reliable, fuel efficient, DD.

Sources:

http://cleantechnica.com/2013/05/15/...ler-wont-sell/

http://gas2.org/2013/08/16/financial...-gonna-happen/

[bender rodriguez]

Originally Posted by bad karma

That's because it isn't safe. There's a reason that it uses three wheels and not four, and it has fuck all do to with aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.



In other words, have fun wearing your legally required motorcycle helmet.

Not to mention that the company has pushed back its release date multiple times, has dubious (at best) financials, and a distribution system that doesn't exist.



Strange how most of the people defending the "company" and its product are those who have a bunch of money tied up in deposits. As much as I'd love to see a totally innovative, hyper fuel efficient commuter vehicle come to market, Elio isn't that product. And I really, really hate scams like this.

You'd be better served taking your $6800 and buying a used 2-door Civic hatchback if you want a reliable, fuel efficient, DD.

Sources:

http://cleantechnica.com/2013/05/15/...ler-wont-sell/

http://gas2.org/2013/08/16/financial...-gonna-happen/

Those sources are old and are shit.

[bad karma]

How are they shit? Editorialized, sure. But is any of the information factually inaccurate? Last I checked, the thing didn't magically grow a fourth wheel. So it's still a motorcycle, you're still required to wear a helmet in it (where applicable), and unless they can overturn state helmet law (which they are trying to do), and that's going to be a huge turn off to most buyers.

Here is a local source from like a month ago (new enough for you?) that talks about how they almost lost their production plant and had to shift production back nine months. This isn't the first time production has been shifted, either.

http://www.ktbs.com/story/25697775/e...ports-gm-plant

[upstatedoc]

Originally Posted by bad karma

In other words, have fun wearing your legally required motorcycle helmet.

It'll be interesting to see how that pans out.