Purchasing a new golf cart

[WLAN56]

Can anyone give me info on purchasing a new golf cart? Any ideas on which are good and which to stay away from? How about dealers? Good/bad? I'm leaning towards a gas model but still open minded on it.

[SteveFromNY]

Have you thought about how much you want to spend? How many people will be in the cart (2 or 4 seater)? Do you want a "regular" cart (Yamaha, Club Car, E-Z-Go) or something special (Streed Rod or Yesteryear or Berline as examples)?
Personally I think you should give these things some thought and then figure out where to get it.

[WLAN56]

Guess I should have been a little more specific. Requirements: 2 people, 4 seater (wife would like 4 facing forward but is open to discussion), gas/electric?, price $6000 - 7000, reliability is very important, range is important, open to brands but if there are bad ones out there, I'd like to know what to avoid. Am considering a street legal but not interested in a GEM. Hope this helps. I've talked to some people already who have either gas or electric and it pretty much supports what they bought although one or two have said that they will switch on their next buy. I know a lot of people don't like gas carts but you can't always please everyone. I've heard that Ez-Go has a new one that is a lot quieter but I think the occasional smell is just the nature of the beast.

[SteveFromNY]

Guess I should have been a little more specific. Requirements: 2 people, 4 seater (wife would like 4 facing forward but is open to discussion), gas/electric?, price $6000 - 7000, reliability is very important, range is important, open to brands but if there are bad ones out there, I'd like to know what to avoid. Am considering a street legal but not interested in a GEM. Hope this helps. I've talked to some people already who have either gas or electric and it pretty much supports what they bought although one or two have said that they will switch on their next buy. I know a lot of people don't like gas carts but you can't always please everyone. I've heard that Ez-Go has a new one that is a lot quieter but I think the occasional smell is just the nature of the beast.


That's a little more to go on.....

The price range for a new 4 seater is probably low, even with rear facing seats. The Villages Golf carts has 2004 refurbs that are around $7000 to $8000. Golf Cart Connection has refurbed Club Cars as well for similar prices. I saw a 4 forward facing seats cart in StreetRods up on 466 that was magnificent - looked like a limo! - for $22K!
I spoke to someone who bought his cart in Ocala at Carts & Golf who said he bought a new Yamaha 2008 Drive (gas) will all sorts of accessories (Sunbrella cover, sweater storage overhead, air-conditioner (yes, A/C), map pocket, speedometer, dash cover) all for the same price as the same cart stripped down at TVGC.
I'd stay away from street-legal as a result of the tipping issues. A cart at 20 mph could easily flip in a turn if you aren't careful (well it feels like it could anyway). I'd imagine the same design at closer to 30 mph would really be a risk. They aren't designed any different (at least nothing obvious), they don't have any increased passenger protection, and if I need to go faster than my cart I'll take the car. But that's me I guess.
I have a 2008 Yamaha Drive that I bought recently from TVGC. I know I could have found it cheaper, but I liked the idea that service was close and they gave me a 5 year warranty. I wanted gas (I have battery issues), and I'm really happy with this one as it drives well and it isn't anywhere near as noisy as you'd think. It has 4 seats (2 rear facing seats), and honestly, the folks riding in back haven't been all that comfortable if we drive anywhere far. Combination of the seat itself having less padding than the front, and the fact they are facing backwards. I might have gone 2-seater if I did it over again.

[WLAN56]

Thanks for the reply and info. This is the type of information that I'm looking for. I figured that if I were to shop further out from TV's I might get better pricing but will I be able to get local service afterwards? Guess it would depend if there were any local dealers. Tipping at higher speeds is not good and something to be considered. Has anyone out there had a problem with this? I've been in to see the Street Rods and the price :o is a little more then I'd like to pay. For 22K, I'll just get a another car, only smaller. Have you compared the noise level of your Yamaha to the new Ez-Go gas cart? I've been told that the new gas Ez-Go is pretty quiet.

[SteveFromNY]

I didn't do any side by side comparisons. Probably stupid of me I guess.
I was leaning toward Yamaha because of their reputation and the convenience of the dealer being local. You should check their web site and their (probably biased) comparison of the different gas carts. They compare a number of points including fuel economy.
Once you go to yamaha.com you have to look for the motor company then the golf carts.

[GatorFan]

Be careful with the speed of the golf cart. My Florida law a golf cart is only allowed to have a speed of up to 20 mph. Golf Cart insurance is very inexpensive. Around 60.00 year

Street legal by Florida law can go up to 25 mph and must be registered, insured ( same as auto ) and have a tag.

There are many golf cart dealers around The Villages. Club Car and Par Car are located in Lady Lake. EZ GO is on Hwy 441 just North of The Villages. Yamaha's are sold at The Villages Golf Carts, located at Lake Sumter Landing and also on Hwy 441 in the Publix/Winn Dixie Shopping Plaza. Golf Cart Connection at Spruce Creek Plaza across from Wal-Mart sells Star. All of the above dealers also sell resales.

Good Luck and Have Fun.

[ronsgc]

If you are looking for a street legal electric cart, Tomberlin is opening there new store in the Wildoaks plaza on 301 soon, they have a temporary place in the warehouses just behind there. The Tomberlin E-Merge is a street legal cart that can be tagged and driven on the cart paths or on any street that is marked 35 mph or less. If you are looking for a gas cart Yamaha is the best on the market bar none, but they are not street legal. Good Luck.

[ladybugm76]

If you are looking for a street legal electric cart, Tomberlin is opening there new store in the Wildoaks plaza on 301 soon, they have a temporary place in the warehouses just behind there. The Tomberlin E-Merge is a street legal cart that can be tagged and driven on the cart paths or on any street that is marked 35 mph or less. If you are looking for a gas cart Yamaha is the best on the market bar none, but they are not street legal. Good Luck.

[Chazz]

Guess I should have been a little more specific. Requirements: 2 people, 4 seater (wife would like 4 facing forward but is open to discussion), gas/electric?, price $6000 - 7000, reliability is very important, range is important, open to brands but if there are bad ones out there, I'd like to know what to avoid. Am considering a street legal but not interested in a GEM. Hope this helps. I've talked to some people already who have either gas or electric and it pretty much supports what they bought although one or two have said that they will switch on their next buy. I know a lot of people don't like gas carts but you can't always please everyone. I've heard that Ez-Go has a new one that is a lot quieter but I think the occasional smell is just the nature of the beast.


The wife and I just ordered a street legal, or LSV (low speed vehicle), Gem Car after much research. This will be our 2nd cart/car, and will supplement our 2003 gas Yamaha. I did test drive the 2008 gas and electric versions of the EZ-Go RXV, and was very impressed, but not so much as the Gem. We decided to go with an LSV. There are several LSVs out there in addition to Gem (which I see you don't like), that you might look at (Tomberlin, Par Car, Th!nk and its Chinese knock-offs, etc.). As far as I know, all LSVs are electric. Not to say that there aren't many gas carts out there capable of 25 mph, just that they are not street legal. As expensive as they are, I don't believe the Street Rods are street legal LSVs, either.

Good luck with your shopping!

[frmcst]

when looking at a used cart how can you determine the year? EZ Go puts a code on the plate under the seat but how can you read?

[gemorc]

If you are looking for a street legal electric cart, Tomberlin is opening there new store in the Wildoaks plaza on 301 soon, they have a temporary place in the warehouses just behind there. The Tomberlin E-Merge is a street legal cart that can be tagged and driven on the cart paths or on any street that is marked 35 mph or less. If you are looking for a gas cart Yamaha is the best on the market bar none, but they are not street legal. Good Luck.

I have seen two of these Tomberlins in TV in the last week. I talked to one of the owners, and he was so proud of it, he let me take it for a spin. I was very impressed with the fit and feel of these carts. The one I drove was a four seater, all facing foreward. What I liked the best was the 4 wheel braking system and the suspension, independent 4 wheel. I didn't ask about price, but I am sure it has to be competitivewith the area.

[WLAN56]

Well we've look at the Par Car, the Ez-go and the Club Car. Wasn't impressed by the Club Car. Par Car is pretty nice and the Ez-Go has some nice features. The Ez-go (gas) was noisier then I thought it would be. As far as Street Legal, I'm leaning toward the Par Car at this time. They were the first to tell me that you can't get a Street Legal in Gas. That sure surprised me. Par Car did have a harder ride then Ez-go but the Ez-Go area was too small to really get a good feel for the cart. Par Car is not cheap but a lot is included in the base price. Par Car was pretty straight forward on price, Ez-Go gave me a package of paper and essentially said figure it out for yourself :dontknow:. Will do Yamaha and Tomberlin next. Did see a Par Car with 4 people facing forward at Publix's but Par Car rep said that it would not be good going thru tunnels, wide turning and should only be used on the streets north of 466. South of 466 shouldn't have as much problems as we have more room down here ::). This is getting to be an adventure and the money is getting to be more then I initially planned. But that is the joy of living in TV's.

[Lucko]

Go back a few months or search older threads and you will find a couple hundred items discussing brands, price, dealers, gas/electric, reliability and service -- lots of info, too much to repeat -- Lucko

[F16 1UB]

Interesting results of your findings. Please keep us informed of any future findings - especially test drives.

Thanks

F16

[handieman]

when looking at a used cart how can you determine the year? EZ Go puts a code on the plate under the seat but how can you read?

http://www.buggiesunlimited.com/SerialNumberLocator.asp
Follow the instructions and you can determine the year of your cart
Handie :joke:

[WLAN56]

Wife and I visited TVGC today and we test drove 2008 Gas and Elect (new 48V package). The ride on both is about the same. The noise on the gas becomes less noticeable as you drive it. We drove our friends for about 1 year before they moved here FT. The Elect now claims same distance as the ParCar. With what I can determine from the data I've collected (off internet) they should do about the same so no real conflict of claims there. The ParCar has "Suite Seats" which can be slide forward/back in the front and bench style in the back (rear facing). Both are very comfortable. The Yamaha seats are OK in front, but the rear bench is like sitting on a rock. Wife who will normally be in back in a 4sum said no way to riding back there. TVGC said they can most likely get us Suite Seats (bench style back and front) at an additional price ($500 per). ParCar didn't have a gas on the lot and now under direct questioning, indicated that they most likely will not get one and they have only sold one in the last year or so. Most people are now buying the Elect with the extended range. My feeling after test driving Yamaha gas/elect, is that the elect does tend to load down a little on the hills (Stillwell leading up to Odell) and that was with only 2 people in the cart. The gas did a little better with the 2 of us and I think would out do the elect in a 4 person comparison.

Price wise, the Yamaha gas/elect and the ParCar are all within $1,000+/- having similar packages. Decisions - decisions - what is a person to do?

[railroader12]

We also have been shopping, went to ez-go, I agree they left me hanging on my own. Went to par car, I like it, she didn't but tunnels could be a problem with the 13" wheel, might hit the roof. Also not sure if their tires are good on the Champion courses. Check out TVGC like the new ones, by the way we are leaning toward gas. Being so far away from the Town Square, in Hemingway, not sure about the electric. What is Tomberline and where is it located again.

[ronsgc]

We also have been shopping, went to ez-go, I agree they left me hanging on my own. Went to par car, I like it, she didn't but tunnels could be a problem with the 13" wheel, might hit the roof. Also not sure if their tires are good on the Champion courses. Check out TVGC like the new ones, by the way we are leaning toward gas. Being so far away from the Town Square, in Hemingway, not sure about the electric. What is Tomberline and where is it located again.


Tomberlin is opening there new store in the new Wildoaks plaza on 301 soon, they have a temporary place in the warehouses just behind there. Tomberlin is an LSV similar to the Par Car but not with big tires. The car comes as a golf car or an LSV which must be tagged. I will try to get you the phone number if anyone is interested.

[railroader12]

Thanks Ronsga, I don't think that one is for me. Not intrested in some thing that needs tags. Just want to get around TV and golf.

[WLAN56]

If you can provide the phone number for Tomberlin I'd appreciate it. I've been looking at both street legal and non. Don't really want to drive on major roads, but being able to hop across a road vice chasing a couple of miles to find a tunnel (466A or Canal to Sumter Landing) would be nice. I think Tomberlin's website indicated that they would not have a 4 passenger until next year but someone said that they have seen 1 or 2 around town. Website may be out dated?

[784caroline]

HIghly suggest you visit Golf Cart Connection and ask for TIM the manager. You can go on-line and see the Mt Dora facility where they remanufacturer the carts...this is no fly-by-night operation and you can order one to your specifications.

I bought my remanufactured Club Car here in November and have been very pleased with the looks and the cart itself. I had one problem after sale and it was resolved by talking to the mechanic on the telephone. The get-up-and-go with these carts is amazing ..much better than any NEW Club Car Precedent....especially going up hills such as Stillwater to Odell Cir. In my opinion, there is no need to buy an new golf cart when remanufactured carts look as good if not suuperior and perform better than the new ones!

[graciegirl]

Wednesday evening we purchased a used golf cart and left early Thursday morning for our other northern home,only getting to ride it up to the square and right back home because of a threatening storm.

It isn't the first golf cart we have owned ever, but it is the first one in the villages and it is the longest we have owned and the first gas cart. It has two front facing seats with something like white poofy "lambs wool" seat covers. Little too much for me, but people say that you can easily burn your fanny on an unclothed seat.It is going to have to be clothed in something else as soon as we get back down there. It has a zip on pet carrier across the dash board, (no kidding, but I think our feline guys, Mikey and Hershey aren't going to want to go to the square and watch the dancing.) It has a ball washer. (NO JOKES PLEASE) It has an ice chest, and a little canopy in front.It has turn signals that make a sound like an earthmover does when it is backing up. :dontknow: It is red and has a red and white striped canopy and it kinda looks like I should play Calliope music and run around and sell cold lemonade. We are going to tone it down a bit, but it gets you where you are going pretty rapidly. I drove the car home after the purchase north of 466 and Sweetie and Helene followed me in the cart and arrived about a minute after I did in Hadley. We need more than just one seat because of Helene being with us and hopefully a LOT of company, but I think we will have to get another one for Sweetie to ride around on the golf course. It kind of looks like the family car. He doesn't care, but I do. It was a good deal and we can now drive about like villagers!!!

[Rozzie]

Congrats Grace on the new ride! It sounds cute, and I want pics if the kitties are going to start line dancing at LSL. ;D (they do it on YouTube, it must be possible!!)

[ripwho]

My big Golf Cart concern/decision will still be - gas or electric... I've read thru TOTV numerous threads, pros and cons on each... havent found the tiebreaker yet ! - ripwho

[gfmucci]

Let's see if this helps:

My reasons for electric...

Quieter
No fumes
Easier, less expensive maintenance
No need to mess with gasoline $$$
Charging is easy
Battery maintenance takes 10 minutes a month.
Annual tuneups cost less
Range is not an issue - who wants to travel more than 40 to 60 miles per day in ANY golf cart - can you imagine going to Ocala and back in a golf cart - 40 miles round trip?
Yes - $650 in battery replacement in 4 to 5 years - a wash compared to $3.50 gasoline.

[l2ridehd]

My reasons for gas:

Quieter ----- added a muffler extension which quiets it down
No fumes -------Muffler extension also moves fumes behind you
Easier, less expensive maintenance -----Havent done it yet, but was told total maintenance was less with gas when you add cost of batteries.
No need to mess with gasoline* $$$ -------No need to plug in cost per mile is very close
Charging is easy -----so is adding gas, been doing it for 50 years
Battery maintenance takes 10 minutes a month. -------Only add gas once a month so far
Annual tuneups cost less-----Total maintenance for gas is less. (add cost of battery replacement)
Range is not an issue - who wants to travel more than 40 to 60 miles per day in ANY golf cart - can you imagine going to Ocala and back in a golf cart - 40 miles round trip? Agree
Yes - $650 in battery replacement in 4 to 5 years - a wash compared to $3.50 gasoline
------Not a wash.*When you look at total cost, electricity for charger, cost of gas, difference in annual tune up, and batteries, TOTAL cost per mile in gas is the same or just a little less.* And I never worry about range

[garyroberts]

looks to me that there are many similar costs, and its strictly personal choice. Has anyone tried the STAR from golf cart connections?

[WLAN56]

12ridehd, I have to agree with you on maintenance cost. I figure over a 4 year period that it is 6 of one or 6 or the other when you figure cost of gas and cost of new batteries. I came up with less then a couple hundred dollars difference. I'm now to the point that I'm about to flip a coin. I think it is going to come down to who will give me what I want and who is the easiest to deal with. ParCart seems to be winning out but it is not set in concrete yet.

[Peachie]

Purchasing your new golf cart will come down to gathering as much info as you can and choosing the features that are most important to you. There were many things we liked about the electric carts but at the end of the day we opted for a Yamaha gas cart with the special "drive" feature. We had an excellent experience with Ted Dunlap, owner of Carts & Clubs, Inc. in Ocala, (352-351-2278), for our purchase. He attaches the weather enclosure option to the cart in a great way with well placed snaps and zippers that prevents any rain from blowing in by the lower edge of the windshield. Ted is also in The Villages very often. Our decision to go with the Yahama gas cart was based on Mr. Peachie's affinity for lots of golf and our location in the lovely Duval area. We know the cart will be on the go for long stretches of time and LSL and the future Brownwood are not located out our back door. Mr. Peachie is very happy with our cart decision. We have no experience with the other dealers in the area so this info is just from our perspective.

*By the way, Graciegirl, your "new to you" golf cart sounds great and per your request... no comment on some of the extra equipment! You had me laughing out loud with your description. Sounds like it's a speedy cart so don't let them catch you cruisin' above the limit and I'm sure when it's tweaked to your tastes, you will love your new ride. I'm looking forward to meeting you, someday perhaps coffee on the lanai or Crispers....

[gfmucci]

My reasons for gas:

Quieter ----- added a muffler extension which quiets it down
No fumes -------Muffler extension also moves fumes behind you


I have listened to hundreds of gas and electric golf carts. I have not heard one gas cart that is quieter than an electric. And fumes? You gotta be kidding. Mufflers do not reduce fumes. Oh, that's right - an extension - forget about the folks following behind you.

[ronsgc]

If you can provide the phone number for Tomberlin I'd appreciate it. I've been looking at both street legal and non. Don't really want to drive on major roads, but being able to hop across a road vice chasing a couple of miles to find a tunnel (466A or Canal to Sumter Landing) would be nice. I think Tomberlin's website indicated that they would not have a 4 passenger until next year but someone said that they have seen 1 or 2 around town. Website may be out dated?


I found the number for the newTomberlin store it is suppose to be 352-330-0359. Hope this helps.

[l2ridehd]

gfmucci

I never said it's quieter then an electric, just that it makes it quieter then it was before the extension. And by the time the fumes reach the person behind me, I believe they are significantly more dissipated. If not then your following to close and we should eliminate your gas car as well.

But that's why they make both kinds. Gas for some and electric for some. Both have there pros and cons. You shared why you picked electric and I shared why I selected gas. And we probably selected a different color.

[SteveFromNY]

But that's why they make both kinds. Gas for some and electric for some. Both have there pros and cons.



I couldn't agree more.

Seems though that some folks believe their choice is the only right one.

[WLAN56]

Thanks for the number for Tomberlin, will check them out before making a decision. My brother lives here also and has advised me to buy "gas" but then he is a golf nut (hope I didn't just step on some toes) and likes to travel from one end of TV to the other just to play. But most of his friends still own the older electric's that don't get much on a charge and they enjoy riding around the course with him so that they can get home after the game (or match or whatever you call it in golf). I think you can tell by now that I'm not really into golf. He also told me that a new cart from The Villages would only cost me $5-6K. I'm going to try the guy in Ocala and see what kind of a deal I can get from him on gas or electric's. Will let you'all know.