Ive been reading up on Gem and the forums here. I see that the sweet spot is 2013 to 2015. Is anybody a fan of the newer models? If not, why?
Im looking at four seaters. There is currently a 2013 for sale near me, great condition with new batteries and doors for 12500. Then there is a 2014 with no doors but a lot of upgrades for 16000. Im not familiar with the pricing for gem but the 2013 has been for sale for 5 months. There is also a 2019 for 11000 that appears in decent condition.
Im unsure of best path. Looking for something that is easy to get parts for if issues arise. That im able to make upgrades too as I can. I live in a golf course community but would mainly be used to take my kids to local parks. Any and all suggestions are welcome. Just trying to make a good choice and get a good deal.
He said → “parts easy to get”.
I wouldn’t know where to start.
Just googling those words will put you on 9 different watch lists. You better have those porn sites wiped out of your browser history too.
@agutzmann - Targeting a year for your project car will be bracketed by how much you want to modify your car, your skillset level, and how much you have to spend on it. Parts are available but all parts are high priced for what they are.
Your target carts in your area - 2013/14 cars (Gen4) sound a bit high in price, but it probably reflects where you are and the mods involved. The fact that one has been on the market for 5 mos tells you something right there.
The '19 car will be the nicest ride of all but the most difficult to modify electrically. The controller monitors every function of the car and gets upset when things are changed around without permission. Being a canbus car it warns you it a side marker light is out. I don’t think it has tire pressure warnings yet, but give them time.
Some of the group here is dedicated to routing around some of those nanny features and making headway but not fully perfected yet. They also run with scissors and tear tags off the occasional pillow and mattress. However, they do draw the line at eating those little packets that warn that it is not such a good idea.
2013-2015 is the best of the old style, you can find some in very good condition, but the 2016+ are better,
You can probably find a 2016+ in the mid Teens.
An approach would be to “Build a Gem” with your minimum requirements (eg, are doors required for your children) and share the PDF with us to assist you in finding a candidate (probably out of state).