What is this all about? Elio Motors, 84 mpg, $6,800?

[RKP5637]

Believe me, this is not a promotional. I've often wondered why someone did not come out with a cheap car with high mileage, sort of a 21st century VW bug. ... for local shopping, getting groceries, going to the doctor, kind of a combo golf cart / motorcycle.

Does anyone know anything about this thing?

http://www.eliomotors.com/

[still_one]

1. There is no way I would buy a three wheeler for a car. Inherently unstable

[safeinOhio]

3. Here's one that is more stable than any 4 wheeler.

http://www.polaris.com/en-us/slingshot?gclid=CjwKEAiAjsunBRCy3LSlz_PJqCgSJACJY7yKiIsQXMF-rihkwrS1vGy9g-juRTSByIX_mIl54fDvLBoClXHw_wcB

[still_one]

7. absolutely. However, that I won't buy because I cannot afford it

[RKP5637]

12. I'm going for this one!!! Super cool!!! n/t

[tridim]

4. You're probably thinking of this... Which did suck. LOL.

[RKP5637]

8. I see the problem there!!!

No trainer wheels! LOL!

[still_one]

13. Great video. Or Volvo's collision avoidance technology

http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2010-05/07/video-volvo-accidentally-smashes-new-car-in-safety-demo

Actually a motorcycle is much more stable because of the gyroscope effect.

[RKP5637]

11. Yep, three wheelers always look problematic to me for stability! n/t

[leveymg]

17. Two in the front is a lot better, but trikes have been around for a long time.

1932 Morgan 8/80 JAP

[RKP5637]

19. Cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! n/t

[safeinOhio]

2. If they can make it so

it doesn't cost over 2 grand every time you bump the curb, I'm in.

[RKP5637]

9. Or a minor bumper bender! Costs today for what used to be minor bumper benders are

outrageous.

[HappyMe]

5. Sounds like it would be okay

if you lived in Del Boca Vista Phase 3. I don't think it's stable enough for parts of the country that have winter.

[RKP5637]

6. That was one of my first thoughts too, stability in winter areas. n/t

[sendero]

10. Probably a great little..

.... vehicle for urban use. I wouldn't get on a freeway in the thing that is for sure.

And though I'm sure "cost" is the answer, I don't see the point in doing a new take on the IC engine, since it's really an urban car only I would have gone electric with limited range and an commensurately small and cheap battery.

[RKP5637]

14. I wouldn't want to be on a freeway either! Electric seems to me to be the way to go, and

as you say, a cheap battery. An electric car to me can be made simple and reliable, and leave out all of the extra things that run the costs up.

[Auggie]

27. Urban use or commuting daily to public transportation

In parts of the S.F. Bay Area, that would be ideal for driving to BART or CalTrain, for example ... like if you lived too far from the station to walk or ride a bike. I was in that situation for many years.

[Maeve]

15. Saw one on display--comfortable, decent looks, single wheel in back more stable

Hubby wants one!

[RKP5637]

16. It's really all I need. Local shopping, getting to the drs, some local

drives. I have a couple of really nice older cars, but the maintenance gets to be a pain. I just want something more simple and cheap, but not junk. The prices on many new cars today are ridiculous.

[Ms. Toad]

18. I'm planning on getting one. I've been watching it for close to a year now.

I didn't buy an Insight, because when I needed a car it was the first year they were out - and I never buy a model in its first year. I regretted it for several years, and have now been driving a close to first year Insight for about 8 years now. Absolutely love it.

The Elio is cheap enough that I can afford a first year mistake - so my expectation is that I will buy one in the first year (although I have not signed up yet).

[RKP5637]

20. It really caught my attention, certainly the price is cheap enough. It's hard to even get a

really good used car for that.

[madokie]

21. Been reading about this for several years now

its not a new creation. I say for several years, not sure how long its been but I do know its been more than two years. I know that much.

Three wheels in this configuration is very stable unlike the one wheel in front vehicles. Morgan still make their 3 wheeled car. The morgan three wheel car is an awesome car btw

I've given some serious thought about buying one if these before.

[RKP5637]

22. Thanks! It looks interesting. I don't have as much of a need now for cars like I

used to. I have some perfectly good ones, but they are large and older. The upkeep gets to me, and I really only need one car for local shopping and all. If I need something more, like a long trip, I'll just rent something. Do you know if they have ever actually sold any of these yet. I like the idea of simple, cheap, but reliable and quality. There is a tremendous market I think for something like this. I like the idea of an electric car, but I still don't think they're there yet, mostly because of current battery technology and costs.

[yortsed snacilbuper]

23. Recent Frontal Crash Test Simulation

[RKP5637]

24. Interesting! Thanks! n/t

[yortsed snacilbuper]

25. Hear it run.

[Throd]

26. I would get one except there are a lot of large trucks in use around here.

I'd hate to see how that would fare against my old Ford F-250 in a collision.

If I lived downtown on the grid it would make perfect sense.

[RKP5637]

28. Yep, similar thoughts here too! n/t