[Ooper]

I have an electric and I have had my batteries for four years now and they don't show any sign of deterioration at all. I did replace one of the batteries after the first year because it went bad. The new battery worked fine with the older ones and it is still in there. I think you can get lead acid batteries in the $50 range and the newer gel filled about $15-$20 more. I think your estimate of $600 for a battery change out is a bit high. I've thought about getting a gas cart because of the size of TV but I can still get to any course, play 18 holes and have enough juice to get back home. As far as maintenance, I have mine lubed about once a year, do it myself in about 5 minutes... get in and drive it... period. In my opinion, and likeJohnN said, everybody will have one, gas carts stink if you follow them, and they are noisy. On the other hand, they tend to be faster and it is no big deal if you do run out of gas. If I do anything, I may get an old used gas cart for a spare along with my electric. But I will always have an electric. There are other threads on this subject if you search "golf carts".