> $100 is not a serious indicator that they were serious about doing it

OK, but I think it is. So can we agree to disagree, is that ok with you that I have a differing opinion?

You are fully entitled to your opinion but the data shows very little overlap between the groups of people who buy new cars and the groups of people for which $100 is a significant amount of money.

If you want to hold reserve a damn Toyota the dealer is going to ask you to show up in person, put down $500-1000 and fill out a credit app.

Tesla knew the $100 reservation was too low to show serious commitment, and this was intentional for two reasons:

1. to float an interest free loan

2. to manipulate investors