Columbia Par Car vs Star EV

[JoMar]

Narrowed it down to electric carts by Columbia and Star. I'm interested in experiences with the product and dealers and opinions on both.

[Paulz]

I am a big fan and owner of a 2014 EZGO RXV and love it. The AC motor is amazing, just go over the 441 bridge, stop half way up without touching the brakes and the accelerate back up to 20+. With that said Star just introduced the Magellan with an AC motor and walk away breaks like EZGO and aluminum chassis like Club Car. The Par car are the best looking and most feature rich.

All good choices including Club, welcome to the world of electric.

[justjim]

That's a tough question. It really boils down to personal preference and the better "deal" money wise---both will more than do the job.

My only recommendation is to spend a bit more and get comfortable seats---you will be glad you did!

[mgcsooner]

Looked at both + Yamaha, EZGO, Club car. All of these were "Village ready--meaning they are set to 19 or 20 MPH. We had leased with a gas cart for a couple of months, but my wife didn't care for the noise and fumes. 2014 EFI was $1500 more than the non efi model, & both were somewhat quieter than the model we had with our villa lease--not sure if that quietness lasts or not. We decided that we'd either get a new electric or late model gas, and also a 2 seat model, since we'd rather rent one when our kids are in town anyway. Prepare your checklist as std eq is different on all--cooler, sand bottle, locking glove boxes, generic or unique keys, sumbrella or other cover, halogen or LED headlights, tail and break lights, sidelights, turn signal in-cab lights (must have I think--I can ignore that sound pretty easy, side and rearview mirrors, clear windshield pivot strip, golf bag and scorecard holders, seat belts and on and on). You need to test drive them and think about what conveniences are important to you.

Club car--didn't like the lower uni-headlight, upgrade was $500 to get the dual lights, also will only say that the salesman was highly indifferent and not too helpful. Village got cart now selling them too, so that might change things.

EZGO like'd a lot, but the base pricing is 4x12v battery config, and up charge for 8x6v (which is what you want in TV. Liked the auto breaking when you turn it off feature, and the AC motor.

Star had the most customer conveniences and normal upgrades included and a better rain cover grade, but didn't care for the steering--seemed a little lighter and less sturdy to me. Think this one may have a way to go yet, but it is promising. Looked at the Tomerlin at same time, but understand they are going through bankruptcy--seemed to chancey.

Yamaha electric--even the salesman tried to convince me to go gas, not too high on the electric model, and could't really give me any advantages over any of the other, mostly sold their dealership service. We almost flipped and got one of these--but then it does seem like everyone has these here. Also the trade in values didn't seem that good after 3 years, not to mention resale. This was determined by an unscientific matter of checking lots of classified and dealer adds.

Parcar--claimed 80MI on a charge in a recent test, but that was over VERY optimum conditions. Count on 70 as a more realistic goal when the batteries are in the first year and broken in--enough to golf 18, drive to Brownwood, then SS, visit a friend up by Nancy Lopez stop by LSL for dinner, and maybe do it all over again less the 18 holes. On the other had, it would TAKE FOREVER to do that--everybody seems to opt for car when going end-to-end. These came with a few more standard options than most, and a 19hp motor, which offered noticeably faster 0-19 times--ok we didn't clock it, but seemed to accelerate quicker.

All-in-all none of them seemed like they'd be a bad deal--probably like Pizza in Chicago or NY--if it ain't good they'll be out of business in no time.

So, after all those test drives, not to mention that I was hell-bent on getting my cart since we decided we would only have one car here, we decided on a 2014 ParCar demo that looked brand new, had low hours on it, and ended up saving about 4K. Should you go this route yourself, count on buying the Five Year service plan--only $288 prepaid, but you must remember to have it serviced inside of every six months to keep it valid. Service comes to your garage, and if they need to take it in, you'll get a loaner. The batteries are guaranteed 18 months new, and if any problems all 8 will be replaced. And definitely not all batteries are the same. Parcar uses deep cycle batteries, and the battery charger is built-in, and won;t overcharge. In fact it suggests you keep it plugged in all the time when at home for the life of the batteries, etc--variable charge go down to a trickle when not needed, and probably uses a lot left electricity to charge than cost to gas up. Five year cost of ownership very inexpensive, and the used models seem to hold their value very well.

So in summary, if you do get an electric--whichever make, GET the single point gravity waster fill system--saves time, no mess! Whichever cart you get--CHECK THE SEATS for comfort!! Base model seats not so comfortable. Also some add ons are cheaper aftermarket, and available online--Amazon. Ebay, especially for EZGO and Club Car--many many 3rd party add ons--Parcar was more limited, and really didn't check Star Car. We had the above electric models rated in this order--Parcar, EZGO, Club Car (all 3 close actually) and Star last. Hope this helps.

[Arctic Fox]

Narrowed it down to electric carts by Columbia and Star. I'm interested in experiences with the product and dealers and opinions on both.

Does either have regenerative braking?

I should expect that to add nicely to the cart's range

[mgcsooner]

Don't recall if Star car did, but the Parcar does have regenerative breaking. Another consideration for some is Parcar is made in the USA. I forgot to include in the above write-up.

[JoMar]

Thanks.....very helpful. The last couple years we rented gas and my wife also is not a fan of the noise or the fumes. I've been leaning to the ParCar but will revisit. Closed on the house on Friday and will arrive Sept 1. We are also considering going to one car but that's still in discussion......smile.

[John_W]

Club car--didn't like the lower uni-headlight, upgrade was $500 to get the dual lights, also will only say that the salesman was highly indifferent and not too helpful. Village got cart now selling them too, so that might change things.

If $500 and the uni-headlight is the only thing keeping you from buying a Club Car, then go to GrandMa & GrandPa Village Buggies on Hwy 441/27 a mile north of CR42 on the right. He sells one year old Club Cars that he gets from a golf course in Virginia where he use to work and rebuilds them here at his store. He's been in business ten years and often puts on the two headlight chrome grill front end (pictured below). You can get a fully loaded model with Ultimate Seats for $2,000 less than a fully loaded new Yamaha. Do a search here on TOTV and you'll see they have great feedback.

As for the indifferent salesman at Club Car, I found the same attitude three years ago. He didn't like that I didn't want to buy his $12,000 Ohio State Golf Cart and wanted something different. At GrandMa & GrandPa they are the nicest people and she will talk your ear off. If it wasn't for the fact I didn't want my first cart to be a used cart, I would of gone this route, instead I got the new Yamaha gas, and have no regrets.

http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-yp39j5/7zlxpiv/products/180/images/367/intuit__19132.1384235527.1280.1280.jpg?c=2

[justjim]

Grandma & Grandpa Buggies is a great place for electric and gas "retooled" Club Carts. I bought a gas club cart a couple of years ago from them. Great people and great after the sale service. Worth a bid for sure.

They are located north on 441 a mile or so north of 42.

[Vinny]

We have had a Star cart for over 4 years. Just got through upgrading it with big tires, lockable glove boxes, painted roof and custom bucket seats. We love the car and the fact that the manufacturer is right on Route 441 is a big plus. We looked at the Par car a few months ago after hearing all the ads on the radio. In the end, it is just another golf cart that costs a lot more than a Star and you have to pay for options that come standard on the Star EV. The car is not good as good looking and they do not offer a solid enclosure except a clear one that just looks plain goofy. The inside was not as good looking as the Star and they wanted extra money for a tray which came standard on my Star EV. There was not good looking either and looked like an afterthought that they fit in somehow. My Star is also 48 volts and claims the same mileage. The only big differences, which are not really big at all, are the self disengaging turn signals and extra cool looking LED lights under the carriage. For the large price difference it just was not worth it. We thought we would be seeing a cart designed for travel but it is really a golf cart that is marketed as something else with less standard features than you can find on other carts.

When we bought our Star EV, it was over $2K less than similar. Not a speck of trouble with ours and enough options to satisfy my need to make it look cooler. :) I would buy another despite the often misinformation about them. They use the same main components as the other cart companies do. The rumor of them being made in China is false but still believed even by the salesmen in other dealerships. Probably the same people who believe that the American car manufacturers make their cars in the USA. Most people have no idea of what constitutes made in America or the special trade zones in Mexico and Canada where a lot of our Detroit cars are sent be made or completed. Only ones who do 100% assembly in the US are Honda and Toyota. Bet you did not know that. :)

"Star EVs are assembled in Simpsonville, SC and distributed through a diverse retail network across the country."

[JoMar]

We drove both earlier this year which is why we narrowed it down to Star and ParCar. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I agree that the Star uses the same components as other cart companies use but not sure that is an advantage since I'm not a big fan of how most of them are built....most are designed for golf courses and the use in TV is much broader. And, that is my concern. All of your inputs have been very helpful.......tune in next month and I'll let you know what I did.

[George Bieniaszek]

The EZGO RXV's have regen-braking. We have a 2010 EZGO with 12,000 miles and it runs as well as the day it was delivered new. We have the 4/12 volt battery configuration and it provides the range for 90% of our travels. We live in Pennecamp and can go up north to play golf at Amberwood or Briarwood, stop for cocktails or something to eat at Glenview and get back home with a little over half the power consumed. Batteries are 18 months old and we have a BatteryMinder which I highly recommend to condition the batteries especially if the cart will not be used for weeks at a time.

[jonrogere]

The main difference between the Star EV and Par Cars when compared to the big three, is that these two brands are designed for golf course communities...the others are designed for golf course leases. Golf courses are 13 to 15mph environments and the golf carts designed for them have 13 to 15mph brakes, suspensions, and steering gear. The dealers speed them up to make them acceptable but they don't improve the running gear or brakes on little bit.

When you drive a Star or Par Car you have brakes to match the use here in The Villages. Both are American made products. Star is not only assembled in South Carolina, but is listed in the GSA (US Govt) catalogue as an American manufactured product, available for purchase by the US govt.

Both have similar warranties but one of them (Star) is available with a "batteries for life" program that is worth checking out. Also one of the Star dealers is offering a lease program that includes storage and maintenance....something special for the snow birds.

[leftyf]

I test drove the Tomberlin, Par Car and the Star car yesterday. By far I liked the Star car the best. I am looking for the one with the easiest steering and best ride for my wife's cart. The Tomberlin had the worst ride and hardest steering. I have a 2010 Par Car and the new ones don't steer or ride any better. The Star went over man hole covers at full speed and you couldn't even feel the bump. I do think the Par Car would ride better with smaller tires, I may try this before investing in a new cart. I just do not like the sales people at the Club Car dealership.

[lanabanana73]

This is a very informative thread. Thanks so much for everyone's input!

[Barefoot]

Narrowed it down to electric carts by Columbia and Star. I'm interested in experiences with the product and dealers and opinions on both.

We love our Columbia Par Car that we purchased in 2007. No problems whatsoever and great range.
We really like our Elite seats. My husband is a big man and fits very comfortably into the seats. I'm a foot shorter than he is, and the seats are fine for me also.
We considered a Star, drove it and found it uncomfortable, but perhaps the new ones are much better.

[DAN48]

I am a big fan and owner of a 2014 EZGO RXV and love it. The AC motor is amazing, just go over the 441 bridge, stop half way up without touching the brakes and the accelerate back up to 20+. With that said Star just introduced the Magellan with an AC motor and walk away breaks like EZGO and aluminum chassis like Club Car. The Par car are the best looking and most feature rich.

All good choices including Club, welcome to the world of electric.

Another vote for E-Z-GO. The above comments are accurate. Town and Country Golf Cars is a very good dealer and will treat you right.

[lynxville]

We have had a Star cart for over 4 years. Just got through upgrading it with big tires, lockable glove boxes, painted roof and custom bucket seats. We love the car and the fact that the manufacturer is right on Route 441 is a big plus. We looked at the Par car a few months ago after hearing all the ads on the radio. In the end, it is just another golf cart that costs a lot more than a Star and you have to pay for options that come standard on the Star EV. The car is not good as good looking and they do not offer a solid enclosure except a clear one that just looks plain goofy. The inside was not as good looking as the Star and they wanted extra money for a tray which came standard on my Star EV. There was not good looking either and looked like an afterthought that they fit in somehow. My Star is also 48 volts and claims the same mileage. The only big differences, which are not really big at all, are the self disengaging turn signals and extra cool looking LED lights under the carriage. For the large price difference it just was not worth it. We thought we would be seeing a cart designed for travel but it is really a golf cart that is marketed as something else with less standard features than you can find on other carts.

When we bought our Star EV, it was over $2K less than similar. Not a speck of trouble with ours and enough options to satisfy my need to make it look cooler. :) I would buy another despite the often misinformation about them. They use the same main components as the other cart companies do. The rumor of them being made in China is false but still believed even by the salesmen in other dealerships. Probably the same people who believe that the American car manufacturers make their cars in the USA. Most people have no idea of what constitutes made in America or the special trade zones in Mexico and Canada where a lot of our Detroit cars are sent be made or completed. Only ones who do 100% assembly in the US are Honda and Toyota. Bet you did not know that. :)

"Star EVs are assembled in Simpsonville, SC and distributed through a diverse retail network across the country."

MY Prius V is made and assembled in Japan, one exception.

[Frozen1]

If by assembled you mean the tires put on, the batteries installed and the roofs attached, yes they are assembled in SC. The come in off the boat from China in small crates, mostly pre-built with non-American labor. There's a huge difference between assembly and building. The body parts and the frames, which take the intensive time to build, are from someplace where American citizens are not being paid wages. Just because GSA says you can call it American Made, the get around is to to the mimimum assembly percentage required to make it.

I'm not anti-Star, I've worked on them and the curtis controller is a commonly available component like many other manufacturers. Body parts or chassis components get to be the issue in acquiring in a timely fashion.

From their own website: ... often travels with Jun to China to make product improvements and source new products.

[Villager Dude]

My Par Car Batteries went bad in less than 200 hours and right at 2 years. I followed all the directions on recharging and used a battery minder when required.

It would be nice to know what life people are getting with their batteries.

Thanks

[normgreg]

My 2012 Par Car has 465 hours on it and still going strong. It has the eight 6 volt battery configuration.

[Topspinmo]

We rented for month, the place came with Star EV cart around 2010 model. Rode & steered nice, had good power and pickup. Had high low switch on the dash I thought was for the head lights, Wrong! Was high low gear switch. In low it ran right at 19 MPH, hit the switch to high and it was like cart had another gear. It had regen. braking when I let off the go pedal you could here and feel the regen braking slowing down the cart. filling the batteries was easy, put the water tank on top, hook the hose up and it automatically filled each battery. Also had dash mounted battery gauge which was LED not old style needle with the green, charge area that was hard to read. Compared to my older club car elect. all features were better.

No comment on par cars except for the high center of gravity with the 12" wheels. I would be careful when going around corners with that cart. But that's me. See lots of them on the golf courses and going to and from.

[Sonny Craven]

I can testify to the quality of EZ Go. I bought mine in 2010 (after much research, and I was influenced because they are made in my hometown, Augusta, GA), EZ Go has a long history of quality since I was a teen in the sixties there. The AC motor is amazing..no slowdown on hills and inclines. My current and only set of batteries has lasted 5 years, 7 months, although I admit I don't golf or travel great distances, nor do I leave my charger plugged in 24/7. (My anecdotal experience with lead-acid batteries from extensive Army-related use of lead-acid battery-operated broadcast television equipment trained me to not overcharge (cook in the charging cradle), never allow batteries to drop below 50% capacitance level (EZ GO tech bulletin says same), and I wait an hour or more after hard use to charge when batteries are cooler (high thermal temperatures are the enemy of all electronics and batteries).

And, as someone rightly stated, the electric brakes are the best.

My EZ Go RXV still looks and runs like a showroom quality cart.

[JoMar]

Since I started this thread I probably should update it with our final decision....we purchase a Star and a Par Car. The Star is the cart I use for golf and the Par Car is the car my wife uses not playing golf....she hates the game. They are two different carts, built differently, handle differently and have a major cost difference. Both are working out great, and range has not been an issue.....today was Hillsborough Trail to Lopez back to Brownwood back to Hillsborough trail with 18 holes played in the middle. We plug it in whenever we aren't using it, the charges are smart enough to know when the batteries are full and turn off. We use a battery minder if we leave for an extended time. Time will tell......but so far no issues.