I’ve never owned a GEM. Owner has done some updates. Brakes, rebuilt motor. Batteries are 2 years old. New controller.
It’s a drive (3-4 hours) to get there. I want to be prepared.
Thanks for any helpful insight
Are you looking for honest opinion? Be prepared. You may not like the answer.
Of course. That’s why I asked. I don’t wand to jump in and have to spend $5k rebuilding the car. I can do it myself but looking for helpful insight. I’m sure I’ll be told to run.
The price seems reasonable. I’m sure I’ll need to do updates. I just don’t want to chase demons and hate the vehicle
All pre-2005 have issues that make it a poor choice. You will be much better off paying $5k more for a newer model.
The exception might be if it’s very low price, and you have no intention of sticking money into it. Drive it like you stole it and dump it when you run into something or it dies.
IMHO! 
Don’t do it. You will learn to hate it.
On the other hand. Tell us more about it. I don’t mind being wrong!
I don’t know much else. It looks clean. Price is half of other 4 seaters. Guy says he doesn’t know mileage. He says the older ones don’t show mileage only a speedo. However I’ve already read the miles can be found. Not sure exactly but will try to figure that out
I may be slow replying today. College football has started. At the UofL game today
The mileage will flash on the speedometer when you first turn the key on.
Do you own a bulldozer, guns or have acres to rocket fuel?
Thanks. I figured it had to keep track of the mileage.
No I just have access to two of the 3
Things that come to mind. Some can be fixed with large piles of cash, some cannot be fixed.
Very poor brakes and armstrong steering.
Rides like a dump truck.
Possible fire hazard electronics, if not updated. Get a picture under dash. If updated to delta-q yellow charger, it’s an oven.
No room for long motor upgrade, as it’s centered on front dif.
Some have spent over $5k and still haven’t risen to level of a $5k 2006 model Gem.
Mileage not a big issue. They were not much better when new.
Repairs are straight forward and not expensive, and there will be plenty needed. Imo
2005 is a transition model, ask if you find one.
List your location and members can help search. Tnx for asking before you buy. We would rather spend our time finding you a good car than waste time helping trouble shoot a lemon.
Don’t take the forum clown too seriously. Yet he has experienced all the joys of 2002.
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AWESOMSAUCE!
i have a patented 4 step program for breaking oneself of additction to 99-04 gems. I call it the Gemmy Craig program.
Ask me about it.
Thanks dad.
Somewhere i have a photo of the final disposition of my 2002 gem truck. I cut it up into pieces in my driveway rather than let anyone experience the horror of ownership…
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Appreciate all the great info. I’ll head another route and look for a 2006 or newer.
I’m in Louisville. I’ve been looking on FB Marketplace. Would love to learn more options to fine a good GEM
Gemmy Craig! LOL Mine is a 2002… of course it no longer look anything like a GEM of any year.. but it works! ha ha..
Craig.
Heck of a build! Nice work
Thank you, it was fun to do.
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Yes!!! Do this!!
You will be much further along in the game.
It is real easy to spend 5K fixing up a car that is only worth 3k.
Some of the early hot rods easily got closer to 10k.
With the 05~13 cars you already get:
06 and up features the following improvements.
- Better motor controller → T4
- Better suspension/Ride quality
- Front Disc Brakes (better stopping)
- Bigger wheel studs
- Better wiring/ fuse panel
- Easier steering
- Better charger
- Neat little color LCD Dash Display
- Controller and charger moved up front so they can get some cooling air flow
- More ideal Battery layout (easier to upgrade to Lithium pack where the real fun begins!)
- Offset gearbox (so you can get bigger/better motor options)
- Optional factory aluminum wheels
- Optional factory hard doors
- Gen 1 gears typically 10.33, Gen 2 - 12.44 option. later might be 10.33/12.44/14.76 depending on model
(I’m sure I am forgetting a few other things)
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All great info! Much appreciate your help and knowledge. I’ll start looking
So I found a local 2014 e4s with rear truck bed. Soft doors. Was a university vehicle. 2000 miles. The guy has all maintenance records
3 of the batteries are new. He might take $3k.
Thinks to look for?
Things to ask about?
Thanks ahead for helpful insight
Any pics?
how far away?
Dies it work at all? It just needs to drive down the block and up on a trailer. (the battery pack us usually a wash) Plan on replacing. (especially if they replace in a hodgepodge plan.
If you bring a jack, you can lift the front/back and check for bad wheel bearings.
Does it come with papers? Documents are important if you want to properly run it on the street. (check your local laws)