That is one heck of a coincidence!
You just made me think of something. How many people here have heard of Grassroots Racing? The concept is something like: build up a $2000 car (total cost), then race it against everyone else who entered the contest.
Maybe we need to have a Cheap EV Build-Off competition. Like $1500 US max expenditure, cars judged on top speed, range, creativity, safety, aesthetics...
Anyway - best of luck to you, too. I say forget the house and start on your Metro. What's the saying... You can't drive your house, but you can live in your car.