[merrymini]

I am on my second electric cart and loved both. I must admit that I would not use a golf car to drive long distances because spending an hour in the cart when I can get there in 20 minutes in an automobile seems like a waste of time to me. I bought an Atomic ion with lithium batteries because the cost of a regular cart has gotten so high, it did not make sense not to go for it. Windshield wipers, air, heat, bluetooth and it does not stink up my garage. Plug it in in the evening and ready to go in the morning. All carts use energy but this cart does not have exhaust, which is what I am looking for.

[Vermilion Villager]

Originally Posted by mrf0151

So then comes the big question: What will be the resale value of your lithium cart when it needs batteries, and you want to sell it? Might even be very hard to sell...

So then comes the follow on question: what will be the resale value of a gas cart that needs a new engine?
I'm sure you would agree droping in a new lithium battery in a cart is way easier and cheaper than a new or rebuilt engine.

[sloanst]

Remember. Electric carts will need to have their batteries replaced after 5 to 8 years. That's going to cost you around $1000 or more. Check out that cost before you buy.

[Keninches]

We have had a Club Car Gas for 18 years. Still looks good, still runs great. No problems, only oil changes.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Coop63

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.

Electric carts: Count on replacing the batteries every couple of years. That's about an $800+ expense right there. Plus, you want to drive to the North end of the Villages from the South end? At some point as your batteries age they will run down before you get home. When your batteries do run down you need to recharge them for about 12 hours before you're at full strength again.

Gas carts: My 1997 Yamaha is still going strong, gets 42 mpg giving me a range of about 200 miles. If I get low on gas I pull into a gas station and fill up and I'm good for another 200 miles. I do an annual maintenance by a local golf cart outfit for $85 and I'm good for another year.

I had electric to start with, but The Villages has outgrown electric carts.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Vermilion Villager

So then comes the follow on question: what will be the resale value of a gas cart that needs a new engine?
I'm sure you would agree droping in a new lithium battery in a cart is way easier and cheaper than a new or rebuilt engine.

I've lived in The Villages for going on 19 ears. The number of people I know who have blown a golf cart engine is...ZERO. Not that it doesn't happen, but I've never heard of one. But I did replace my electric cart's motor three times in seven years...not to mention three sets of batteries in those seven years. And if you don't keep those batteries full of water they are toast. So check that water at least once a week if not more often.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by merrymini

I am on my second electric cart and loved both. I must admit that I would not use a golf car to drive long distances because spending an hour in the cart when I can get there in 20 minutes in an automobile seems like a waste of time to me. I bought an Atomic ion with lithium batteries because the cost of a regular cart has gotten so high, it did not make sense not to go for it. Windshield wipers, air, heat, bluetooth and it does not stink up my garage. Plug it in in the evening and ready to go in the morning. All carts use energy but this cart does not have exhaust, which is what I am looking for.

But lithium batteries have been know to catch fire spontaneously. I wouldn't have a lithium battery powered vehicle--car or cart--in my garage.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Steve

I've lived in The Villages for going on 19 ears. The number of people I know who have blown a golf cart engine is...ZERO. Not that it doesn't happen, but I've never heard of one. But I did replace my electric cart's motor three times in seven years...not to mention three sets of batteries in those seven years. And if you don't keep those batteries full of water they are toast. So check that water at least once a week if not more often.

Sounds like you had a lemon for a golf cart. Very unfortunate.

I would buy lithium today rather than lead acid. Expect 10 years before replacing a lithium battery and no water to monitor.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Steve

But lithium batteries have been know to catch fire spontaneously. I wouldn't have a lithium battery powered vehicle--car or cart--in my garage.

Please post two articles about lithium golf carts spontaneously catching fire. I have seen two articles about gas carts catching fire in the Villages in just the last year. It seems like gas carts are more dangerous than lithium.

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by Steve

But lithium batteries have been know to catch fire spontaneously. I wouldn't have a lithium battery powered vehicle--car or cart--in my garage.

Are you burning the non-flammable gas in your golf cart?

Just curious.

[KenLee100]

Originally Posted by Coop63

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.

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.

[Dusty_Star]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

Please post two articles about lithium golf carts spontaneously catching fire. I have seen two articles about gas carts catching fire in the Villages in just the last year. It seems like gas carts are more dangerous than lithium.

Hiya Bill,

I'll take this one for you Steve.

Canyon Lake July 2023 The Friday Flyer | Fire Department issues golf cart lithium-ion battery warnings

Jacksonville June 2023 Business owner says lithium batteries are safe, despite fires | firstcoastnews.com

I'm not sure what you mean by 'spontaneously', in the Jacksonville article there is speculation about possible causes, & in the Canyon Lake they are pointing at charging overnight, but also throw the word 'retrofit' around & then speculate on other possible causes. ie: only use OEM equipment, carefully follow instructions, inspect battery for damage, don't charge past full, don't keep near flammable items, don't charge while sleeping, keep in an optimal temperature environment, & so on.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Dusty_Star

Hiya Bill,

I'll take this one for you Steve.

Canyon Lake July 2023 The Friday Flyer | Fire Department issues golf cart lithium-ion battery warnings

Jacksonville June 2023 Business owner says lithium batteries are safe, despite fires | firstcoastnews.com

I'm not sure what you mean by 'spontaneously', in the Jacksonville article there is speculation about possible causes, & in the Canyon Lake they are pointing at charging overnight, but also throw the word 'retrofit' around & then speculate on other possible causes. ie: only use OEM equipment, carefully follow instructions, inspect battery for damage, don't charge past full, don't keep near flammable items, don't charge while sleeping, keep in an optimal temperature environment, & so on.

Spontaneously: Steve made the assertion, I was looking for something to back that up.

These two articles are concerning. It is implied that an inappropriate charger was being used but no concrete statement to that effect. I still trust my OEM EZGO but will be careful with anything that may habe been modified.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by dhdallas

I have a 25 year old electric Club Car DS. I replaced the lead acid batteries three years ago with LFP batteries which will still be good for several more years. It will take me wherever I want to go and has never run out of juice. I just plug it in at the end of the day and it is ready to go. No gas or oil to leak in my garage like my neighbors did. No cart fires like a couple of recent gas cart fires. No exhaust fumes or noise. No myriad of filters, injectors, parts to replace. No tune ups or oil changes needed. I have seen a number of gas carts waiting on a tow but never an electric one. It's a no-brainer. Go electric. Those who still prefer gas are just resistant to change even it is good. My dad never wanted a front wheel drive car or a CVT transmission or 4-wheel drive without locking hubs but it has all been good.

When I am out in my front yard, I can SMELL the POLLUTION put out by 80% of the gas golf carts that drive by. Only a 60 year old car or truck, WITHOUT a catalytic converter, would smell of POLLUTION that badly.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by kkingston57

With the lithium batteries, this might not be correct. EZ GO is guaranteeing batteries for 8 years. Personally, do not like gas carts because of the smell/smoke

Something that people forget is that as more people buy E-vehicles of ANY kind, there will be greater motivation for industry to research better and better batteries. The electric motor is already bulletproof level reliable with almost zero regular maintenance.