Originally Posted by Coop63 (Post 2298167)

Trying to understand whether it makes sense to start out my village journey with a new or used Golf cart, electric or gas? My sense tells me to buy used until I have a better sense of what I will need it for, other than golf and the occasional leisurely rides to the town squares. I am not retired yet so will probably drive to stores if it’s faster. It seems like electric carts would depreciate faster given the steady decline of the battery.

If I go with a gas cart, how many miles do these things run on average before repairs become more frequent? Would like a general idea of when to buy and sell, to minimize depreciation and breakdowns. Looking for the proverbial Goldilocks zone.

Based on my recent visit, Yamaha seems like the most popular gas power cart in the Villages??

I am interested in all opinions. I have no basis for making a decision yet. Thanks in advanced.

Originally Posted by Michael G. (Post 2298682)

My son did on his "Star" brand cart and because of the extra weight experienced a slower drive speed.
There's more modification than just replacing the lead acid batteries with lithium.

Jury is still out on tire wear.

Originally Posted by BrianL99 (Post 2298511)

Same reason we see so many gasoline powered carts, gussied up to be reminiscent of the 1930's. How many Villagers were even around in the 30's?

... or the seeming need of every band that shows up at the squares, to play Mustang Sally.

Originally Posted by tophcfa (Post 2304232)

Mustang Sally? I prefer golf cart Sally, all you want to do is ride along Sally, ride along Sally ride.

Originally Posted by Normal (Post 2304323)

Basic economics, you WILL need to replace your batteries once in a while, you may need to replace your engine. There isn’t an absolute unless you purchase the electric cart. Gas therefore would be a better return on investment.

Originally Posted by KenLee100 (Post 2298389)

I was told that the Yamaha gas cart was designed to play 36 holes of golf per day, 7 days a week, for 20 years without a major repair. I bought one for me and one for my wife. No regrets. We drive them almost 10,000 miles per year.

Originally Posted by Normal (Post 2298521)

It’s about 1300 dollars to put a new engine in your Yamaha quiet tech. 750 if you are so inclined to do it yourself. You may never have to do that though. The engines are quite dependable. I’ve never heard of someone’s going bad.

Also, remember you are protecting the environment by not adding large amounts of lithium waste from multiple battery replacements to the toxic landfills.

We like that you are never tethered to the life of ,”Did I plug the cart in?” “I wonder if the batteries are still good?”…….

Originally Posted by BrianL99 (Post 2298712)

That's a good trick, considering Lithium batteries weigh significantly less than comparable Lead-Acid batteries.

The Complete Guide to Lithium vs Lead Acid Batteries - Power Sonic

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Originally Posted by Lottoguy (Post 2298824)

Buy a Yamaha gas years 2017-2019. Think about a four seater since you'll have visitors. These carts are easy to maintain and easy to repair when needed. Get the 10 inch tires too.

Originally Posted by kkingston57 (Post 2304499)

Personally, I would not ride in a rear facing golf cart and would not expect anyone else to sit in those seats. So happy I did not buy one

Originally Posted by tophcfa (Post 2298181)

The most dependable , maintenance free, bulletproof carts you can get hands down are the mid 2013 through 2016 gas Yamaha EFI carts. The carburetor Yamaha’s before then are good, but not as maintenance free. In 2017, Yamaha introduced the Quiet Tech, which has the rear independent suspension and is quieter, but has proven to be less dependable. Older electric carts that aren’t lithium don’t hold their value well at all, and for good reason. The jury is still out on how well the newer lithium electric carts will hold their value. We use a very good golf cart mechanic, who works on carts all day long six days per week, who told me to never sell our ultra dependable 2014 Yamaha EFI.

Originally Posted by PoolBrews (Post 2304954)

Of course your mechanic would tell you to never sell your older gas cart. That's how he makes his living. I had a Yamaha Drive 2 for 5 years. Every year there was something getting worked on or replaced. I now have an Evolution D5 lithium cart. Not much to do on these carts other than grease the wheel bearings once a year.