[TomW]

Here I sit in Indiana contemplating the home buyer credit and thinking this may finally move us to purchase a home in The Villages sometime soon. We've visited several times and have friends there. Obviously we need a golf cart soon after we arrive. In looking over the forum, there is a diverse group of opinions but I need some basic facts to help select a golf cart as follows: Note that LSV in this context = street legal golf cart in TV. I would like the thing to have as much range as possible but I do not understand all the trade-offs implicit in that wish. I don't wish to pull a cart full of batteries behind me to be able to drive 200 miles on one charge for instance
1. Someone said there are four manufacturers that qualify for the LSV credit, which ones are they?
2. Can one still purchase a LSV now and get the credit? Today is 11/12.
3. Does the program end on 12/31/09 or continue into 2010? I know there is a number of units sold provision after which the credit isn't available, has that number been reached?
4. Can I buy now and take actual delivery several months later within the rules for the credit? Maybe even pre-buy a 2010 model if I won't get killed on price?
Thanks for any info you may care to share!

[JohnN]

I'll tell you what I know, or think I know, I've researched a bit....
1) Tomerblin, Fairplay, Club Car has a new LSV version (Villages 2+2) GEM, and STAR (Club car is just announced, so now there are 5. I think most of these are Chinese made, fyi. Club Car is not, and I'm not sure about GEM.
2) yes
3) ends on 12/31, the number of units is 250K per manufacturer and none expects to top out.
4) No, there must be a VIN number available for the credit by 12/31, which means you have to be taking possession.

Anyone correct me if I'm wrong, I've gleaned most of this from the web and chitchatting with others online. Best wishes.

[TomW]

John,
thanks for the info. I have a Par Car on "hold" until tomorrow. Have to decide quickly as a couple of dealers in TV I contacted this evening had very low inventory. I hate to do this over the phone but I don't want to miss the opportunity for the savings.

[l2ridehd]

There are several threads here on this subject. I spent a lot of time looking at this and made the decision that for the Villages it was not worth it. A street legal cart requires several things that a standard cart don't. They must be registered as a vehicle with the state of Florida. They must be insured as a car. They require inspections. Once these additional costs are added to the cart the tax credit is quickly gone. There really is no good reason to get a street legal cart and many reasons not to. Do your own research to make sure the decision is made for your specific reasons. It did not make sense for me.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

Don't forget that it also comes with seatbelts that you must use or get a ticket!
OK................I know some people like the idea of seatbelts.
I do.....in a car, not on my cart.

[TomW]

I2: I think there is much value in what you say. The lure of the tax credit is powerful but as you infer, a bargain on something you don't need isn't really a bargain. Frankly the purchasing experience is turning in to a real hassle, with conflicting information, telephone tag, etc, to the extent that I am questioning value of the entire proposition. I also agree that life would be simpler and less expensive with a regular cart. Thanks for the input and any additional thoughts you may have will be appreciated. I should add that we also have scooters (Burgman 650, Honda Metro) for fair weather low speed trips to the store, etc,. Many an NEV is overkill in TV.

[JohnN]

Hi Tom,
While I've looked at street legal, all I really want is a regular golf cart.
I don't want registration, insurance stuff, etc,, all I want is a simple golf cart.
So I've decided cash flow, incentives, etc aside, .. that's what I'll get when I'm ready.

[NJblue]

Originally Posted by JohnN

I'll tell you what I know, or think I know, I've researched a bit....
1) Tomerblin, Fairplay, Club Car has a new LSV version (Villages 2+2) GEM, and STAR (Club car is just announced, so now there are 5. I think most of these are Chinese made, fyi. Club Car is not, and I'm not sure about GEM.
2) yes
3) ends on 12/31, the number of units is 250K per manufacturer and none expects to top out.
4) No, there must be a VIN number available for the credit by 12/31, which means you have to be taking possession.

Anyone correct me if I'm wrong, I've gleaned most of this from the web and chitchatting with others online. Best wishes.

I have not heard of a Club Car LSV. Do you have any information on it? Also, your list does not include the Par Car.

Edit: Nevermind - I just found it

[chuckinca]

Originally Posted by TomW

I2: I think there is much value in what you say. The lure of the tax credit is powerful but as you infer, a bargain on something you don't need isn't really a bargain. Frankly the purchasing experience is turning in to a real hassle, with conflicting information, telephone tag, etc, to the extent that I am questioning value of the entire proposition. I also agree that life would be simpler and less expensive with a regular cart. Thanks for the input and any additional thoughts you may have will be appreciated. I should add that we also have scooters (Burgman 650, Honda Metro) for fair weather low speed trips to the store, etc,. Many an NEV is overkill in TV.

Doesn't a Bergman 650 do close to 100 MPH? Talk about slow trips to the store!

.

[golfnut]

JohnN, Regular golf carts should also be insured....GN

[JohnN]

Golfnut, yes, regular golf carts s/b insured too, but it's cheaper.

NJBLue, the Club Car Villager 2+2 was just introduced this month

http://www.clubcar.com/commercialbus...ger2+2LSV.aspx

[Fourpar]

A couple of thoughts to throw into the mix:
How much time (miles) do you actually want to spend in a cart? I mean they are comfortable for a while, but spending hours on end driving isn't the real goal. Getting to & from in a reasonable amount of time is. So why pay for 60 mile range, if you will never come close to using it?
Do you really want to be driving around on the roadways with autos? LSVs are no match compared to cars. With the drivers here in TV, it should a consideration. Car v Cart is a no-brainer. Why put yourself in that position, particularly at this point in life?
The "multi modal" trails are engineered for golf cart speeds, not LSCs. Anything traveling over 20MPH (and there are many that do) is putting themselves and others at risk. Why?
Most electric carts will do the job well at 18-20MPH and will have sufficient range fo about 30 Miles. That is with 6 X 8 Volt Batts. Range of up to 60 Miles is claimed by some manufacturers with 8 X 6 Volt Batts. Had I known about that, I would have gone for the 8 X 6 Volt option. That would be a good combination.
As mentioned by others, the rebate issue is probably a non-issue in the long run.
Just my opinion.............Good luck!

[randy luck]

I've researched the LVS and this what is needed to qualify for the tax credit:
Speed up to but not exceed 25mph, must be defined as a motor vehicle(i.e.headlights, rearview mirrors, turn signals, auto glass, wipers, backup lights, seat belts, basically having the same features as most golf carts in The villages) The mfg must have certification fr the IRS that it is an LVS. Cart must have a vin# and registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. I've talked with two insurance co.'s Progressive and Allstate. Progressive is redesigning their policy for LVS and will not be avail. until early 2010. Allstate has a policy for LVS at $175 annually provided they have a turf switch which limits there speed to 19.8mph. The cost of registration in FL is $500 when purchased and $50 annually after that. The LVS has to be placed in service before 12/31/09 and I was told paid by that time.

[randy luck]

Some of the mfg for LVS:
1)Cruise Car Classic 2028KSZ-X4 $9600 Tax Credit $5836 w/T145 batteries @ villages golf cartman
2)Club Car LSV Villager 2+2 $8900 Tax Credit $4168
3)Gem e4 LSV $10295 Tax Credit $ ?
4)Star 48-4Sf-NEV/LSV $8500 Tax Credit $5335 Golf Cart Connection (I believe the star and cruise classic are the same)
5)Tomberlin E-Merge E4 $9500 Tax Credit $5477 their web site indicates no stock by year-end
6)Ruff & Tuff NEV $7,000 Tax Credit $4235 found no FL dealer

[randy luck]

I done much research about the credit:
Speed attaiable to 20mph but not exceed 25 mph
Must be defined as a motor vehicle (i.e. headlights, rearview mirrors,turn signals,wipers,auto glass,seatbelts,backups lights)
Mfg certification from the IRS that it is an LVS
Placed in service by 12/31/09, I've been told by a dealer also paid by that date
Must have a vin# and registered with the Depart. Motor Vehicles.

I've talk with two insurance co. Progressive which is redefining it's policy and won't be available until early 2010 and Allstate which is $175 annually provided the LSV has a turf switch which limits its speed to 19.8mph.The cost of registration in FL is $500 when purchased and $50 annually after that.

I plan to purchase an LSV because of the credit but don't know much about the dealers in the area.