Thank you!
 

Yes, please send any info my way. I just like to know options and it is very hazy when you are not actually in the bubble when looking at Golf Carts. The stores don't disclose all of their pricing.

There are several mobile service providers that come to your house. I have used Todd Casey for 21 years.

Golf Crs
 

Could you also send me the same information you found out and what you decided on? Sounds very helpful!

Maybe an air bag, too?

Crash bars?

Off site Golf cart stores give better service than the Villages, they come to your house, you don't have to drop off and get a loaner. Gas vs Electric is now sort of a stupid discussion since Lithium carts are up to 60 or more miles on a charge. Believe me, that's a LOT of time in a golf cart. We have one of each, a Yamaha gas cart we bought from Carts and Clubs in Ocala, and an Evolution D5 Lithium we got from Hidden Creek Golf Carts right outside the Villages. I doubt we will get another gas cart as the lithium is quieter, doesn't smell, and requires less maintenance. Personally, I think buying from The Villages Golf carts is a total rip off, their prices are crazy high, and you get nothing extra for it.

Add Wholesale Golf Carts to your research list.
I have purchased two carts from them (gas and electric). Buying a "reconditioned" cart will save you a ton, and being able to pick all of you customization down to thousands of paint color choices is a fun process.
I think the main benefit is that you spent a whole lot less while you figure out what it is that you truly want in a cart, then when you finally do you can trade your cart to get exactly what you want.
They do their own service - pick it up and drop it off at your house - which is also a lot more convenient then getting it up to a store and having to wait or worry about how to get home.
The Villages Golf Cars is now also selling their own reconditioned carts from old Lifestyle houses in a similar manner so you can compare pricing.

I purchased my cart from Discount Carts. The price was very good. I chose electric. No gas, oil changes and its quiet. It had 180AH battery so it should be fine for 50+ miles when fully charged. Gas carts don't have mileage restrictions as long as you get gas. Some people don't care for the exhaust fumes. I joined a "AAA" type service for golf carts, they will come and help you, fix flats etc. It was around $50.00 for a whole year

Southern Cartworks
 

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I have used Southern Cartworks (formerly Willies) at 352-391-2047 on our TWO carts for the last 4 years (getting serviced yearly). They come to the house on YOUR schedule. They recently replaced the drive belts on both carts. I have recommended to others and they have been pleased. TV golf cart service is expensive and it's hard to schedule. I bought there originally and sorry I did. Paid a premium for no reason that I can see.

The concern with a smelly gas cart is a thing of the past now with the newest technology of fuel injected Yamaha quiet carts. Any gas cart you may smell now is an older carbureted cart. Even in the tunnels you do not smell anything now days.

My experience is that TV’s both work on and sell parts for Yamaha golf carts not sold by TV dealers.

However they only have 10w30 oil. They DO NOT HAVE 10w40 as recommended in THE MANUAL for the high temperature in TV.

Plan for an ELECTRIC golf cart because the internal combustion engine is the reason for all the HEAT in the US and worldwide. Heat makes the hurricanes stronger.

We just went through this process and I would advise you to NOT consider suppliers first, but rather the golf cart make and model you want - then find the best supplier. For us the process was:
1a. Gas vs. EV
1b. Manufacturer / Make

2. Model - 4 fwd? 2+2?

3. Supplier / Dealer

For 1a and 1b: If gas, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better manufacturer than Yamaha, maybe EZ-Go. Along with Club Car - not very present here in TV - these three brands have dominated the golf course market in the US and have established presence, service, and part. EVs are newer but are the future and I would recommend them only if getting a larger batter (200+ mAh) for which you will need to upgrade. If EV, then Yamaha are out (they don't make them). EZ-Go have the Liberty Elite and the other "big name" (i.e. TVGC sells them) you'll see are Star. There are LOADS of other EVs on the market, the biggest one being the Evolution D5-Ranger but brands like Atomic, Denago, Tomberlin, etc., etc., etc. will be all over the place.

Two concerns for us with most of these carts (Yamaha sources from Japan) being either completely fabricated and assembled in China - and something you should at least be aware of - was (a) quality and dependability and (b) parts/service, noting the two active federal investigations at the urging of the Big 3 (Club Car, Yamaha and Textron / EZ-Go) into Chinese "dumping." And third concern was size - both height (TV golf cart tunnels up north don't accommodate some newer models) and length (our golf cart garage in a brand new home barely fit a 4 Forward model we were considering; we literally would have had to turn off the car and walk it in to make it fit before closing the door as there was less than an inch clearance).

That's not to say you can't but a 4 Forward Evolution D5-Ranger for thousands less than, say, a EZ-Go Liberty Elite, but know you are taking a risk on quality/dependability (some of these brands are < 3 years old), service, and parts (lawsuits). We also heard from two dealers outside TV who INDEPENDENTLY suggested a company like Evolution would be out of business if the penalties the government imposed were steep enough, despite the fact they introduced their new D5-Max (i.e. refrigerator-on-wheels).

One other point: NONE of the warranties are transferable. If you're considering buying a used cart, you can totally disregard the "6 years left on the battery warranty" and the manufacturers - both gas and electric - only warranty to the original buyer and, to my knowledge, NONE of them are transferable on resale.

So, best of luck, but I would strongly suggest this framework: start with type (gas vs. electric) and manufacturer/make (brand reputation). Once you know that, it's pretty simple to narrow down the model (i.e. 2+2, 4 Forward, etc.) and from there the supplier. Of course, you should do your research by visiting suppliers/dealers, test driving carts, etc. and some things suggested to select first might influenced by items later (e.g. if you REALLY want a 4 Forward only certain manufacturers make them). By going to a supplier, hearing their sales pitch and/or looking at the carts themselves without a framework first, you're risking a big investment.

And of course there will be some who are comfortable with "my 4 Forward electric WooZang cart only cost me $10k and I got all this crap with it vs. the $20k+ I would pay for a more established brand" --- but I would gladly pay double for the peace of mind in knowing my cart isn't going to crap out in 1-2 years, leaving me with no recourse.

We have an Electric, Lithium Battery Powered Cart from Villages Discount Golf. The cart runs great and they come out to the house if service is needed. We have the 210ah battery and travelled as far as 86 miles in one day, testing the range. You can go anywhere in TV and return home without fear of running out of juice.

I been living in Florida going on 10 years and never had any interest in buying or owning
a golf cart.
I hated traveling in those dingy buggy's traveling 5-6 feet from traffic going 40-50mph.
Just something else to maintain, store, and insure.

I also got my 2015 SUV sitting in my garage and paid for, why would I need a golf cart??
I can go anywhere in air conditioning, complete silence, bring home more grocery items, all taking along 6 more people.

Your Welcome! :gc:

The government sanctions go into effect August 7th. All the Chinese carts are going to be about 3+ times as expensive as they are now. That will put all of them out of business. Getting parts for these carts after that is going to be virtually impossible.