[biker1]

As I recall, you don’t own a golf cart. How is it that you are so tuned in to these alleged practices? Regarding top speeds, in the case of Yamahas, I suspect 35 MPH is attainable if you have the high speed gear in the differential. I doubt the engine can reach the RPMs necessary to reach 50 MPH so I am calling BS on that claim until such time as you can provide proof. FYI, I believe well over half of the carts in The Villages can speeds over 20 MPH. I see many people typically driving 22-24 MPH.

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

Anyone buying a USED golf cart should be aware of a popular practice here in Village-Land........that is "jacking up" the accelerator limiter to increase the speed from the legal limit of 20 mph to 30, 40, even 50 mph. The drivers that do that are former hot rod teenagers that NEVER grew up. They beat up their golf cart and take turns at excessive speeds that is both dangerous to them (flipping) and hard on the vehicles rear end bearings. The engine probably smokes and needs a new ring job. But they put the speed advance control back to a normal 20 mph and put heavier oil in the engine. THEY THEY UNLOAD their beaten up LEMON golf cart,
--------So my warning is BUYER BEWARE. Make sure by talking to friends that the owner selling a used golf cart was never seen driving it over 20 MPH. Like I said -----BUYER BEWARE !!!!

[melpetezrinski]

Originally Posted by Will.S

Will be looking for a used GAS CART in September.
I'd like to budget about $ 9,000. What mileage can I expect (or how many hours) should I expect a used cart in this budget to have ?

Thank. you.

Anywhere from 50-1000 hours or 750-15000 miles. Why the huge difference, because there are different brand carts, different versions, accessories and/or features. I would personally suggest buying a used Yamaha PTV with upgraded seats. In this case, you would be looking at a 2017-2019 cart with 750 hours.

If you can afford another $1000, you can get a brand new Yamaha. However, it's the FLEET version, which I personally would not buy. This 2024 was just listed on Nextdoor yesterday.

[Snakster66]

Originally Posted by melpetezrinski

Anywhere from 50-1000 hours or 750-15000 miles. Why the huge difference, because there are different brand carts, different versions, accessories and/or features. I would personally suggest buying a used Yamaha PTV with upgraded seats. In this case, you would be looking at a 2017-2019 cart with 750 hours.

If you can afford another $1000, you can get a brand new Yamaha. However, it's the FLEET version, which I personally would not buy. This 2024 was just listed on Nextdoor yesterday.

As I will soon be in the same boat (cart?), judging from your post, a generally safe conversion for hours to miles is a multiple of 15?

[Normal]

Originally Posted by Snakster66

As I will soon be in the same boat (cart?), judging from your post, a generally safe conversion for hours to miles is a multiple of 15?

That sounds like a good mean for your metric or calculus. When you get here, just sit down at an outdoor venue of a restaurant or two and observe the different cart types driving by. The Yamaha’s are certainly the most popular, but some of those have gone through some serious abuse.

Their governors are cranked back for the 25 mph speed, but you can almost hear the valves slamming their valve covers into a slow impending engine death. The engines are louder and some even do blow smoke from ring problems.

The beauty of newer models is they can’t quite be as abused because they only do 21-22 mph with their governor’s maxed out and they are quieter. The newer model may be the better condition when you buy.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Blueblaze

You will likely never know. The vast majority of used carts sold in the Villages started life as a fleet cart, and they don't come with an hours meter. In fact, if you are looking at a cart that has one, that's a good way to know it's always been a "personal transportation vehicle", and the mileage is low, regardless of what the meter says.

When I realized I could buy a new Yamaha "PTV" outside the bubble for the same price as a 2-year-old converted fleet cart inside, I gave up looking for a used one. But you won't find one of either of those for $9K anywhere. For a couple of years, until I replaced my Ford Edge, my Yamaha was the most valuable car I owned. It's unbelievable the price they get for these stupid little go-carts.

It’s the add ons seat may add out 3K to cart, side curtains, lights with turn signals, larger tires and cast rims. Carts new villages ready runs around 18K and up last time I was on showroom floor. And course labor not free doing the up grades.

Bottom line on used cart there now way knowing how many hours/miles you can only look at the condition and evaluate the mechanical components by pulling dipsticks looking for leaks, tire wear, I personally don’t like QTs cause of excess heat buildup and makes harder to do routine maintenance, plus the engine compartment get dirty. I’m clean freak.

[melpetezrinski]

Originally Posted by Normal

That sounds like a good mean for your metric or calculus. When you get here, just sit down at an outdoor venue of a restaurant or two and observe the different cart types driving by. The Yamaha’s are certainly the most popular, but some of those have gone through some serious abuse.

Their governors are cranked back for the 25 mph speed, but you can almost hear the valves slamming their valve covers into a slow impending engine death. The engines are louder and some even do blow smoke from ring problems.

The beauty of newer models is they can’t quite be as abused because they only do 21-22 mph with their governor’s maxed out and they are quieter. The newer model may be the better condition when you buy.

The "newer models" go 19 mph stock and tightening the nut on the govenor until the end of the bolt threads will yield 25-26 mph. A lift with bigger tires, upgraded spring in the secondary clutch and performance air filter and drive belt will allow you to easily exceed 30 mph.

[Snakster66]

Originally Posted by melpetezrinski

The "newer models" go 19 mph stock and tightening the nut on the govenor until the end of the bolt threads will yield 25-26 mph. A lift with bigger tires, upgraded spring in the secondary clutch and performance air filter and drive belt will allow you to easily exceed 30 mph.

Would it be safe to assume that the best way to annoy people who jack up their speed is to keep yours stock, and drive in front of them? If so, this kind of brings a smile to my face.

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Snakster66

Would it be safe to assume that the best way to annoy people who jack up their speed is to keep yours stock, and drive in front of them? If so, this kind of brings a smile to my face.

Your goal is to "annoy people"? How neighborly...

[Snakster66]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

Your goal is to "annoy people"? How neighborly...

My goal is to do the speed limit and follow rules in a closed community. If that annoys people who don’t feel it’s necessary to follow rules, indeed go through efforts to consciously break them, then I’m ok with that.

[Bay Kid]

Carting is a great pastime in TVs. Cruise and enjoy the beautiful views. 2020 or newer carts are what I would look for.

[VAtoFLA]

I have a related question. Two carts, the same model year, one with about 600 hours but adjustable bucket seats, the other just over 200 with armrest bench seat.

I'm thinking the difference in seat exceeds the difference in usage, but I'm also thinking I could be wrong.

Would love the opinions of this group.

[melpetezrinski]

Originally Posted by VAtoFLA

I have a related question. Two carts, the same model year, one with about 600 hours but adjustable bucket seats, the other just over 200 with armrest bench seat.

I'm thinking the difference in seat exceeds the difference in usage, but I'm also thinking I could be wrong.

Would love the opinions of this group.

Are you asking which cart provides a better value? If so, I would DEFINITELY buy the 200 hour cart. 400 more hours on a used cart can bring up a lot of issues if not properly driven and maintained. However, I would need more specifics on the seats. Even if you had stock seats and compared it to Backspin's Elegante seats, I would still buy the 200 hour cart.

[VAtoFLA]

Originally Posted by melpetezrinski

Are you asking which cart provides a better value? If so, I would DEFINITELY buy the 200 hour cart. 400 more hours on a used cart can bring up a lot of issues if not properly driven and maintained. However, I would need more specifics on the seats. Even if you had stock seats and compared it to Backspin's Elegante seats, I would still buy the 200 hour cart.

Thank you, that is very helpful. I really appreciate your insights.

[TravelswithD&K]

Our neighbor is moving and is selling his 2019 Yamaha Gas Golf Cart for $7500. Let me know if you want their contact info.

[Will.S]

"under 500 hours could be a good buy". THANK YOU !!!!

Originally Posted by DrHitch

Good to know as most carts have a 5 gallon gas tank. BUT the OP was using the term "mileage" in reference to odometer for "hours of usage" in buying a used cart. A early 2000s cart with under 500 hours could be a good buy!