Based on the numerous impaired and distracted drivers, definitely an important consideration . . video example.
Based on the numerous impaired and distracted drivers, definitely an important consideration . . video example.rear end it
Based on the numerous impaired and distracted drivers, definitely an important consideration . . video example.
I still can't believe a dozen years later this car is unavailable
http://www.supercars.net/cars/1802.html
Specs of the vehicle (from Jerome Vassallo, VP of Elio):
3 cylinders, 1 liter size, 70 hp engine, can go up to 107 mph, 0-60 in the low 9 seconds, 84 MPG on the highway, 5 star crash rating.
Power windows, lock, AC, AM/FM stereo radio. All of that for $6,800 (for now, subject to change).
In 2009, Paul Elio tried to sell his idea to Michigan but the state and local folks turned him down. We will see if he will make this work or Louisiana would waste all of their money (over 100 million dollars so far) down the drain.
If any of you want this, you can put a deposit on this car, from $100 to $1,000 dollars. Come on, AT high rollers.
will i be able to split lanes with that? :biggrin:
Nope. CA Law specifically prohibits lane splitting with any 3 wheeler.
Only really realistic as a replacement for an existing car. Gas prices aren't high enough yet to really justify such a special purpose car, and I doubt many would be happy with it as an only car. The worst thing to me is that its not physically that small for its strange configuration. Its almost as long as a compact and still fairly wide. That means there isn't really any huge parking advantage for urban use. If they had done no back seat to limit the length it really would be a better vehicle.
I dunno, I think they could be good in certain circumstances. Like, my Uncle has a Leaf as a lease from his company, and normally the Leaf wouldn't be worth it cost-wise, but they have free charging at his workplace and he only pays around $100 a month for the lease, so overall it's cheaper than driving his own normal car.
I think this might be the same deal, if someone would subsidise the car for you and you drive a lot (i.e. you'd get a lot out of the fuel efficiency) then it would be worth it.
Andrew C. - 05/05 at 10:07 am – “I realize that the credit card form of payment may still be in development. Will it be possible to choose that payment method and put money down, such as 3 or 4 thousand and then pay the balance on the card as proposed by fueling up? Also, if someone chose the credit card option, can they make progress payments at any time on the card to pay off faster? Thanks.”
Thanks Andrew and the other folks that left similar comments. We anticipate having many different financing options available for our Elio customers. The process should be very similar to buying a car today (except much easier and more pleasant). You choose your vehicle and go to “check out.” There you will have options available to finance your vehicle from paying cash to financing. We will work with our banks and partners to find the best solution for you. The other option that we have talked about is the credit card program. The details have not been finalized yet (minimums, interest rates, terms etc.) but the concept is still viable. Elio is the only one that can pull this off because of our economics. Here is how it works: You come get your Elio and a Elio credit card. Then, you go buy gas and let’s say it costs $20. You will see a charge of $60 on your credit card on the monthly statement. Of that $60, $20 goes to pay the gas company and the other $40 goes toward your loan amount. So, if you drive enough miles, you can pay off your Elio without feeling it in your pocket because you are already accustomed to paying $60 or more every time you fill up. Plus with Elio you will fill up less to drive more! Simple and brilliant! Stay tuned for details.
IF the 5 star crash rateing is legit (doubt it. though possible). for $7k it would be a great vehicle. I would really consider it actually.
Consumers should remember that the Spark, while offering more small overlap protection than other minicars, weighs less than 2,500 pounds and doesn't protect as well as a larger and heavier vehicle with a comparable rating. Frontal crash test results can't be compared across weight classes.
In addition, neither the Spark nor the other minicars in the test group offer front crash prevention, an increasingly common safety feature that can prevent or mitigate some kinds of frontal crashes. For 2014, vehicles must be available with front crash prevention to qualify for the highest safety award from IIHS, TOP SAFETY PICK+.
http://gas2.org/2013/05/13/elio-motors-still-thinks-it-can-sell-a-3-wheeler-why-it-cant/
Article has a pretty important point that may keep me from buying one.
The Elio will be classified as a motorcycle. Unless CA passes a "5 star crash rated fully enclosed motorcycle" law, I'm going to need to wear a helmet inside the enclosed cabin. I'm not sure how I'll feel about that during an hour commute. Would that be comfortable?
The Elio team said that it's actually less safe to wear a helmet in the car than it is to simply utilize the full suite of safety measures (airbags, 3-point seatbelt, rollcage, etc.) to keep your noggin' from bouncing around.
Which is why racing drivers with a full suite of safety measures are required to wear a helmet.
Wearing a helmet is not "less safe" and any company that claims otherwise is advertising their idiocy. It's one thing to say that a helmet in a street-driven car with those other safety measures is of such small benefit that it's not necessary, but to claim that it's "less safe" is just absurd.
ZV
Come on people, this is never going to materialize. How many red flags do there have to be? Incredible too-good-to-be-true promises and price tag, fly by night website, no reportable progress a year later, a pay-us-now preorder scheme, etc.
Stop discussing this like it's a legitimate thing, it's a pump-and-dump scam.