# What to look for when buying a used GEM? Specifically VIN issues

**URL:** <https://community.electricforum.com/t/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-gem-specifically-vin-issues/13359>\
**Category:** GEM Forum\
**Created:** [February 21, 2018, 2:36pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-gem-specifically-vin-issues/13359 "2018-02-21T14:36:11Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![diymatt](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/diymatt/32/1822_2.png) [@diymatt](https://community.electricforum.com/u/diymatt)\
**Post date:** [February 21, 2018, 2:36pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-gem-specifically-vin-issues/13359/1 "2018-02-21T14:36:11Z")

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I’ve been shopping for a used GEM here as many of my recent posts have made clear. As I get closer and closer to pulling the trigger, what are some warning signs of a bad GEM to buy?  
Specifically, VIN wise since I will be registering it. Is VIN swapping a thing with these and I need to be afraid of it? If the person says they have a title then I am good to go? Should I ask for the VIN and do a CarFax before committing?

I don’t mind doing mechanical work on the one I buy, I plan on doing loads of tweaks, but I am afraid of dropping a few grand on a GEM that I can’t title for one reason or another.

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**Author:** ![grantwest](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/grantwest/32/15_2.png) [@grantwest](https://community.electricforum.com/u/grantwest)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2018, 4:44pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-gem-specifically-vin-issues/13359/2 "2018-03-05T16:44:17Z")

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Here in Ca you can cal the DMV and they can tell you how much in Fees are due on a specific vin number so you will have a heads up.

I have even been to a website where you can enter the vin number and it will give you a $ amount for Fees.

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**Author:** ![BeachguyPVB](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/beachguypvb/32/2556_2.png) [@BeachguyPVB](https://community.electricforum.com/u/BeachguyPVB)\
**Post date:** [February 12, 2019, 11:32pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-gem-specifically-vin-issues/13359/3 "2019-02-12T23:32:00Z")

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It is good to check the title info very carefully on any vehicle and especially the older GEMs. If you don’t have a legitimate title you will never get it licensed in any state. No title = no insurance = no license plate = no value = no use.

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**Author:** ![MikeKC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MikeKC](https://community.electricforum.com/u/MikeKC)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2020, 10:06pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-gem-specifically-vin-issues/13359/5 "2020-08-24T22:06:55Z")

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> [@BeachguyPVB](#):
>
> It is good to check the title info very carefully on any vehicle and especially the older GEMs. If you don’t have a legitimate title you will never get it licensed in any state. No title = no insurance = no license plate = no value = no use.

This is only if you intend on registering it as an LSV, if you just plan to use it as a golf cart or in a golf cart friendly town you will likely just have to show insurance. Many states do not title golf carts at all, even new.