The point being, why would anybody put money down on any car really, when it's a rather significant monetary investment not to be delivered for quite a while.
It's $1,000. I think a lot of people in the tech community can afford to part with $1,000 for a while. It's fully refundable until you actually convert your reservation into a concrete order, so you can change your mind later.
I'm thinking about getting a second car for my family. I don't need it immediately. A Model 3 sounds like it would be perfect for the job. I put $1,000 down to reserve one just in case. If I decide I don't want it, I'll get my money back. I'll miss out on maybe $15 of interest on that money in the intervening time, big deal.
I know not at the same volumes, but almost all supercars follow that model as well. People will put down their deposits before it's even announced, wait several months for the launch, and then have a build window potentially in the year+ timeframe. Although a small number of units, there's an even higher monetary investment and commitment.
We've not seen it to this extent in the "affordable" scene, but even if you flip it, there's probably enough market demand to be able to wipe your face on the deal if you did want to chase the new shiny thing announced in the meantime (which may or may not have extended build times too).
That being said, I'm with a lot of people here that aren't new car buyers - I know you need new car buyers to have a used car market, but I'm not tuned into the mentality of it all.
The difference is that generally the supercar is an investment on account of status and strictly limited availability. For example Veyron production ended after 450 cars and if you want one now it's a seller's market.
Mass-market cars on the other hand depreciate as soon as the key is turned. So not only dp depositors lose interest on that $1000 but they also lose in depreciation.
Because you want to be first in line when it does become available. And anyway it's not that big of an 'investment' ($1000) and you can get your money back at any time if you need it or change your mind about the car.
The point being, why would anybody put money down on any car really, when it's a rather significant monetary investment not to be delivered for quite a while.