[NoMoSno]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

For what it’s worth, here are my two cents of advice. First and most importantly, you already have done the most important thing by identifying what you want. I applaud your decision as you selected both the best manufacturer and power source available.

As far as Yamaha EFI carts go, they started making EFI carts in 2014. From 2014 to 2016 the EFI carts are NOT quiet techs. From 2017 to now, all EFI’s are quiet techs. I own a 2014 EFI and it’s a great cart, but that being said the EFI quiet techs are way better. Contrary to popular belief, the quiet techs aren’t far superior because they run almost as quiet as an electric cart (that’s a bonus), but because they have rear independent suspension. That is an absolutely great feature, since every bump you hit doesn’t feel like it’s going up your spine. The comfort of the quiet techs ride is industry leading.

There is currently a supply shortage for new Yamaha EFI quiet techs (typically long wait times), so the demand for used Yamaha EFI’s is very high. IMHO that has resulted in used cart prices that are not a good value. At your stated price cap, I would suspect you would be limiting yourself to a 2016 or older EFI, so you wouldn’t get the independent rear suspension.

I had an order in at a Yamaha dealer up north for a stripped down new EFI quiet tech PTV, which I planned to trick out myself and trailer down to the Villages. Unfortunately, they told me not to expect the cart to be available until next summer. Lucky for me, because of a post I read on TOTV, I called Outdoor Villages Power in Webster, FL and inquired about buying a new EFI quiet tech PTV from them. They had three or four carts available in inventory and one of them was in a color I was hoping for. I jumped on it and gave them a deposit to hold the cart for me. Before taxes I was able to get the brand new cart for $10.5K. The cart is fairly basic, but the PTV model has the high speed gears necessary for the Villages and the price includes upgrading to the ultra premium light package with LED head and tail lights, turn signals, a horn, as well as side view mirrors with blinkers on the outside and turn signal indicators for the driver to see on the mirrors. The price of the cart included a 2% discount for paying with either cash or a bank check and includes free delivery of the cart and a free oil change and full going over of the cart (they will come to our house to do the service) after thirty hours of operation. So I got a brand new EFI quiet tech with the rear independent suspension, before taxes, for only $500 above your price cap. Over time I will be sinking much more money into the cart by adding multiple accessories myself from online places like buggies unlimited, but will still save lots of money. The two biggest expenses in front of me will be quality aftermarket bucket seats and a soft sided roll up enclosure. The first things I will be getting for the cart will be a non tinted folding windshield (much easier to see at night), seat belts, a sand bottle kit, a floor mat, and a kill switch (the cart comes with a unique personalized ignition/keys). Later on I will add stuff like a cooler, overhead and dash storage, a hardwired gps speedometer/odometer, an overhead led dome light, and a water bottle cage for my Bluetooth speaker.

Just remember, like it or not, electric is getting jammed down our throats and going forward it’s going to become increasingly difficult to get a new EFI powered cart, and used EFI carts will be at a premium. That’s why I decided to get a brand new one now. I plan to take good care of it, change the oil frequently, use only ethanol free gas, and not let guests use it (my old EFI will be for that). I now have the best cart available, brand new, which should easily last 15 - 20 years, at which point I will be a friggin dinosaur. Can’t wait to take delivery of the new cart when we get to the Villages after Christmas. : )

Hope that helps and good luck!

Good advice. Except Yamaha started making EFI carts in the 2012.5 models. Offered as an option until 2014, when it became standard.