Here are a couple of my observations about your post.
Gas carts aren't necessarily faster than electrics. I know of some electrics that will do 27 mph.
The fuel injected carts (EFI) really don't smell. I believe it is the older carburetor carts that are more of an issue. Pretty much all new carts are EFI.
The newer Yamaha QuietTec carts are pretty quiet. The previous generation Yamaha carts from Carts and Clubs in Ocala are also pretty quiet since they install sound deadening material. My Yamaha is significantly quieter than carts of the same generation from the The Villages Cart Store.
We don't buy gas every week and we put 3600 miles per year on the cart. I would say every 2-3 weeks is more typical. Since the Yamahas get 50+ mpg, they are pretty thrifty. It costs us about 5 cents per mile for fuel. The cost of electricity for an electric cart should be about 2 cents per mile but you do have to replace the batteries.
Oil changes and other maintenance on a gas cart is probably not much different than watering the batteries on an electric. I do my own maintenance and probably average about 1-2 hours per year but I am pretty picky. If you are having someone else do your maintenance it is not an issue with a gas cart. If you have an electric you are most likely having to water the batteries yourself. Regardless, I don't see maintenance as an issue.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MangiaMangia
We own a battery golf cart.
Used a friend's gas cart for the weekend.
Here's my pros and cons of each.
Gas - More reliable - if I run out of gas, call a friend bring a jug.
Electric - loss of charge - now what?
Gas - Goes faster by a few MPH.
Battery - Stays right around 20/21. Yes, I know, 20 is the limit in the Villages.
AFTER THOSE 2 OBSERVATIONS ELECTRIC WINS THE REST OF THE DEBATE
Electric - Doesn't smell! We hate driving behind gas carts.
Electric - What? Can't hear you. Couldn't hear our phone music or talk to each other in the gas cart.
If the quiet gas carts are truly quiet then this won't be an issue.
Electric - buy batteries ($900+) every 3 to 4 years.
Gas - buy gas every week or so (that adds up too over the years)
Gas - oil changes and other engine maintenance.
As others have already said too : we go EVERYWHERE in our electric golf cart. Never an issue about loss of power.
When we get home we always plug it in ready for the next adventure out.
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