About to get into buying a golf cart

[The Mountaineer]

Since Paula has purchased a home on Bonita Drive, I plan to buy a golf cart when I come down in January. I've tried checking around to get a feel for price, best type to buy (electric or gas) and the lady who would customize my golf cart so it has "WV" and the Mountaineer on it.

Any suggestions for me for when I come down? I'll be playing golf about 4 days a week, and a golf cart would mean Paula and I would need only one car and use the golf cart as the second "car."

I know I can use my car to get to the golf course and walk or use a pull-cart, which I'm physically able to do, but I liked driving the golf cart when we rented in January through March this year, off #2 fairway of Silver Lake course. I gathered up golf balls every night after the last group played on Silver Lake, so I have 47 free golf balls to hit into the water!

Paula purchased her home across the street from #4 green at Silver Lake, so it should be easy to slip over to that golf course, with or without a cart. But I also like El Diablo, and drove the 6 miles in each direction to get there in the rental's golf cart. I liked the feel of doing that, and being accompanied by so many golf carts that I felt like I was in The Land of the Pod People. :D

[JoMar]

There are a ton of threads on golf carts on here, do a search and your questions will be answered, then answered again and again.

[Barefoot]

Buy electric, no noise and not smelly.

[rubicon]

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[jnieman]

Since Paula has purchased a home on Bonita Drive, I plan to buy a golf cart when I come down in January. I've tried checking around to get a feel for price, best type to buy (electric or gas) and the lady who would customize my golf cart so it has "WV" and the Mountaineer on it.

Any suggestions for me for when I come down? I'll be playing golf about 4 days a week, and a golf cart would mean Paula and I would need only one car and use the golf cart as the second "car."

I know I can use my car to get to the golf course and walk or use a pull-cart, which I'm physically able to do, but I liked driving the golf cart when we rented in January through March this year, off #2 fairway of Silver Lake course. I gathered up golf balls every night after the last group played on Silver Lake, so I have 47 free golf balls to hit into the water!

Paula purchased her home across the street from #4 green at Silver Lake, so it should be easy to slip over to that golf course, with or without a cart. But I also like El Diablo, and drove the 6 miles in each direction to get there in the rental's golf cart. I liked the feel of doing that, and being accompanied by so many golf carts that I felt like I was in The Land of the Pod People. :D

Next time I buy a golf cart it will have curtis cab sliding doors. A friend has those and I'm always jealous. Also I will pick a bright, fun color. We couldn't agree on a color and picked brown so we have a classic look but next time it will be a bright color. The biggest thing I am glad we got are our Suite Seats. These are luxury golf cart seats and give you lots of lumbar support. I have back issues and the regular seats just don't cut it for me. They are pricey, but if you plan to keep your cart for years they are worth it. As far as gas or electric, we have gas just for the convenience of not having to worry about plugging it in and keeping water in the batteries. I do like the quietness of the electric cart but like the speed up hill that I get from the gas so it's a toss-up for that. All I can say is that you'll be spending a lot of time in the cart (we have a 2010 with 16,000 miles on it) so get something that fits your body and splurge on the seats. You won't be sorry.

[bagboy]

I suggest shopping at The Villages golf cart store and Carts and Clubs in Ocala. Make a list of questions regarding new vs used, gas vs electric etc. If you have questions about reliability and maintenance, contact one or more independent cart mechanics and at least one if not all will be happy to answer a question or two. Both above mentioned stores have good service departments though The Villages stores are more convenient and they will service your cart regardless of where it was purchased. We purchased a gas Yamaha cart from Carts and Clubs, that choice has worked for us. Good luck!

[village dreamer]

club car from cart world,and get a [gold] rebuilt cart from club car.

[Justus]

I suggest shopping at The Villages golf cart store and Carts and Clubs in Ocala. Make a list of questions regarding new vs used, gas vs electric etc. If you have questions about reliability and maintenance, contact one or more independent cart mechanics and at least one if not all will be happy to answer a question or two. Both above mentioned stores have good service departments though The Villages stores are more convenient and they will service your cart regardless of where it was purchased. We purchased a gas Yamaha cart from Carts and Clubs, that choice has worked for us. Good luck!

Another vote for Carts and Clubs. We bought ours there, and every year they come to our home and service it at a very reasonable price. We bought a new gas Yamaha and would do it again in a heartbeat. Not smelly at all, reliable and fuel-efficient.

[tuccillo]

Another vote for Carts and Clubs. We have been happy with the cart and they are nice folks to deal with.

Another vote for Carts and Clubs. We bought ours there, and every year they come to our home and service it at a very reasonable price. We bought a new gas Yamaha and would do it again in a heartbeat. Not smelly at all, reliable and fuel-efficient.

[OldManTime]

Your first cart should be used, make sure batteries are less than 2 years old, drive it for a few months until you buy an expensive one, that is if you are of "The Rich and Famous" :-)

[JoMar]

We all have our opinions....do your research and avoid getting your information from those that sell carts, they have a vested interest which is getting your money. Avoid listening to people since they will never tell you they bought the wrong thing. They will tell you where to buy your cart because that's where they bought theirs and therefore that company is the best company that ever sold a golf cart. If you want new the net will give you everything you need to know, warranties, Corp history and financial stability, time in business, breadth of their products, etc. Then when you narrow it down get your list and call the manufacturer and let them tell you why their cart is better than the competition plus they can answer specific questions. If you are buying used, buyer beware.

[kcrazorbackfan]

We bought a 2011 Yamaha refurbished gas cart from Village Discount Golf Carts back in March and really like it; our new 2015 Yamaha gas cart from Cart & Clubs in Ocala was delivered last week and we really, really like it. Both places were real great to deal with and got more for your money from those two places than the places in the Village.

[ureout]

i had a gas yamaha for 8yrs. then went to par car electric for 5 years and now just last month went back to yamaha gas....if you will be a hi-end traveler like me (avg. 20/25 miles a day) and about 7500/8000 miles a year I suggest buying gas....those that say they get 4 to 5 yrs on a set of batteries must not travel much..... and when batteries become a couple yrs old your distance between charges is cut almost in half

[Justus]

We all have our opinions....do your research and avoid getting your information from those that sell carts, they have a vested interest which is getting your money. Avoid listening to people since they will never tell you they bought the wrong thing. They will tell you where to buy your cart because that's where they bought theirs and therefore that company is the best company that ever sold a golf cart. If you want new the net will give you everything you need to know, warranties, Corp history and financial stability, time in business, breadth of their products, etc. Then when you narrow it down get your list and call the manufacturer and let them tell you why their cart is better than the competition plus they can answer specific questions. If you are buying used, buyer beware.

:( I doubt anyone was trying to instruct the OP as to where to buy his/her cart. We were all simply offering our personal experiences in an attempt to be of some assistance. It's unlikely any of us would have endorsed a business at which we'd had a bad experience. As for your advice, sounds wound little tight.

[WhoDat]

I too recommend doing your research. Look at fuel injected gas compared to carburetor. I've driven both and find the fuel injected smoother.

[JoMar]

:( I doubt anyone was trying to instruct the OP as to where to buy his/her cart. We were all simply offering our personal experiences in an attempt to be of some assistance. It's unlikely any of us would have endorsed a business at which we'd had a bad experience. As for your advice, sounds wound little tight.

Not sure what wound tight means and I disagree with your presumption. What I was saying was that doing your own research is critical to making the right decision. Your personal experience might have been great but doesn't mean his will be because we don't know his expectations. You can read a bunch of posts on here and one person recommends a business and another will tell you how bad that same company is. Peoples personal experience should be considered but weighed less heavily that one's own research.....again my opinion and my experience.

[The Mountaineer]

Thanks, everyone. Gives me something to chew on. I may only be down there for 4 months a year, Paula for longer, so I checked cart rentals. Yikes! For two winters of rental I can buy my own cart. I'm kind of leaning toward gas cart just so I don't have to remember to plug it in every night and deal with the recharger. A friend who lives there has a gas cart and he says he gets TWO MONTHS before he has to fill up again. Can that be right? If so, the mileage must be stupendous. See you after Christmas! I'll stay till the first day the temperature hits 100, then I'm back to Ohio and my 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren with 20 miles of my Tallmadge, Ohio home.

[JoMar]

i had a gas yamaha for 8yrs. then went to par car electric for 5 years and now just last month went back to yamaha gas....if you will be a hi-end traveler like me (avg. 20/25 miles a day) and about 7500/8000 miles a year I suggest buying gas....those that say they get 4 to 5 yrs on a set of batteries must not travel much..... and when batteries become a couple yrs old your distance between charges is cut almost in half

Might be valid but I have an electric cart, can easily do 55 miles on one charge, batteries are guaranteed for 5 years and after the second year are prorated to the 5 years. If the distance drops to 50% it's not a big deal, would still be 20 - 25 miles a day. Now that does require that you put a plug into a socket at night and once or twice a month spend a couple minutes filling the batteries with an auto fill system. For that you get no smell and no noise and in my case, a very happy wife.....which is why we have two electric's. Her's a Par Car that never sees a golf course and mine, a Star that spends 80% of it's time going to and on golf courses. It still goes to personal choice so get what you are comfortable driving.

[JoMar]

I too recommend doing your research. Look at fuel injected gas compared to carburetor. I've driven both and find the fuel injected smoother.

And, as I understand it, there is less odor when it sits in the garage.

[mgcsooner]

I'd get a cheap one for now since it'll be a while b4 your here full time. That'll give you some time to find out what's right for you.

[Topspinmo]

I've had both, for running around the local area electric IMO can't be beat. But, I live way up north and that limited my use of the older electric cart. Sold it dirt cheap and got Fuel-injected cart. Now I can go about 200 miles before I have to worry about filling up. As far as the smell I rarely notice it. So, you are pretty centerly located. Electric might just fit you needs. As far as where to buy it's you choice. If i was going to buy used it would be from private owner (beings I am mechanically full of it) I could tell if it was in good condition. IMO rebuilt or reconditioned means it was worn out and IMO my not be good deal vs price, but to each his own.

[ureout]

Might be valid but I have an electric cart, can easily do 55 miles on one charge, batteries are guaranteed for 5 years and after the second year are prorated to the 5 years. If the distance drops to 50% it's not a big deal, would still be 20 - 25 miles a day. Now that does require that you put a plug into a socket at night and once or twice a month spend a couple minutes filling the batteries with an auto fill system. For that you get no smell and no noise and in my case, a very happy wife.....which is why we have two electric's. Her's a Par Car that never sees a golf course and mine, a Star that spends 80% of it's time going to and on golf courses. It still goes to personal choice so get what you are comfortable driving.

JoMar....where did you find a "5" year warranty the best i've ever seen is 18 months believe me i had my par car 5yrs and batteries were shot after about 15 months and did the warranty thing 3 times for new ones....again i drove about 7500miles a year and was street legal also so speeds of about 27mph put a greater strain on batteries

[champion6]

<snip> A friend who lives there has a gas cart and he says he gets TWO MONTHS before he has to fill up again. Can that be right? If so, the mileage must be stupendous. <snip>I get 40-42 mpg with my 2009 gas Yamaha - carburetor, not EFI.

[JoMar]

JoMar....where did you find a "5" year warranty the best i've ever seen is 18 months believe me i had my par car 5yrs and batteries were shot after about 15 months and did the warranty thing 3 times for new ones....again i drove about 7500miles a year and was street legal also so speeds of about 27mph put a greater strain on batteries

Star offers the 5 year warranty program. ParCar 18 months but most ParCar owners I talked to are getting 4 years with mileage deteriorating to approx 25 miles on a charge. I talked to 15 ParCar owners and the manufacturer before we bought my wife's cart. I also talked to two commercial users though that was by accident. I talked to 8 Star Owners and the VP of operations at the factory before I bought the Star. Those conversations began in March of 2014 and the carts were purchased in Sept of 2014 and Nov of 2014 so they are relatively new and time will tell but I'm pretty confident .

[The Mountaineer]

Thanks for all the tips. I saved the best for when we come back this winter. I plan to stay till the temperature hits 100, then it's back to Ohio for my golfing. But since Bonita house is across the street from #4 green at Silver Lake, I think that may be my "home" course although I like Hill Top, too, which isn't that far. El Diablo is my favorite, but I only played 7 executive courses during our January-March stay, so I have many more courses to check out. But only the executive courses. At 82, that's more my speed. My spring training in Florida has helped with the Ohio seniors golf leagues.

[Justus]

Not sure what wound tight means and I disagree with your presumption. What I was saying was that doing your own research is critical to making the right decision. Your personal experience might have been great but doesn't mean his will be because we don't know his expectations. You can read a bunch of posts on here and one person recommends a business and another will tell you how bad that same company is. Peoples personal experience should be considered but weighed less heavily that one's own research.....again my opinion and my experience.

I may have misunderstood you as being dismissive when you advised the OP, "Avoid listening to people since they will never tell you they bought the wrong thing. They will tell you where to buy your cart because that's where they bought theirs and therefore that company is the best company that ever sold a golf cart." I believe the OP is gathering experiential data, which can be helpful, otherwise he wouldn't have asked.

[Fraugoofy]

We all have our opinions....do your research and avoid getting your information from those that sell carts, they have a vested interest which is getting your money. Avoid listening to people since they will never tell you they bought the wrong thing. They will tell you where to buy your cart because that's where they bought theirs and therefore that company is the best company that ever sold a golf cart. If you want new the net will give you everything you need to know, warranties, Corp history and financial stability, time in business, breadth of their products, etc. Then when you narrow it down get your list and call the manufacturer and let them tell you why their cart is better than the competition plus they can answer specific questions. If you are buying used, buyer beware.
I don't sell golf carts and I still strongly recommend Carts and Clubs. I bought a used 2012 gas cart from someone on TOTV and it was still under warranty so we've been dealing with C&C for 3 years. We think they do a great job and their cart is quieter and faster than most!!

[tuccillo]

Our Yamaha Electronic Fuel Injected (EFI) cart gets around 50 miles per gallon. Your mileage may vary depending on usage.

Thanks, everyone. Gives me something to chew on. I may only be down there for 4 months a year, Paula for longer, so I checked cart rentals. Yikes! For two winters of rental I can buy my own cart. I'm kind of leaning toward gas cart just so I don't have to remember to plug it in every night and deal with the recharger. A friend who lives there has a gas cart and he says he gets TWO MONTHS before he has to fill up again. Can that be right? If so, the mileage must be stupendous. See you after Christmas! I'll stay till the first day the temperature hits 100, then I'm back to Ohio and my 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren with 20 miles of my Tallmadge, Ohio home.

[Bay Kid]

I get 40-42 mpg with my 2009 gas Yamaha - carburetor, not EFI.

I always get 50 mpg. EFI Yamaha.

[photo1902]

Given the size of The Villages, which is still growing, I would recommend a gas cart over electric. The new Yamaha's, which you can get either fuel injected(FI) or carbureted, are much quieter and less polluting than previous gas models. We bought a new 2014 FI Yamaha from The Villages dealer at Lake Sumter Landing, and have had no problems with it.

[ureout]

Star offers the 5 year warranty program. ParCar 18 months but most ParCar owners I talked to are getting 4 years with mileage deteriorating to approx 25 miles on a charge. I talked to 15 ParCar owners and the manufacturer before we bought my wife's cart. I also talked to two commercial users though that was by accident. I talked to 8 Star Owners and the VP of operations at the factory before I bought the Star. Those conversations began in March of 2014 and the carts were purchased in Sept of 2014 and Nov of 2014 so they are relatively new and time will tell but I'm pretty confident .

WOW....so you are giving all this advice on battery life on 2 carts that are about 9 months old......i wish you luck....and would like to re-visit this discussion when your batteries are closer to 2 yrs old and you can only go your 25 miles and then wait about 14/16 hrs for a full charge.....

[nancymenn]

Another vote for Clubs & Carts (or is it Carts & Clubs?). Got a Yahama, gas, fuel injection, 2014 model, great gas mileage, noise/fumes don't bother me, and such friendly folks to deal with during shopping and service. We shopped around, though, so do that for for yourself.

Our cart additions were (and I'm happy we did get these): upgraded plusher seats, arm rests, seat belts, and an overhead tray. Use them ALL the time and no regrets. They put our names on the front for "free."

Good luck. Tell C&C I sent you...a little referral system going on there. :) However, they did send us an unexpected gift card for dinner out after our purchase. Nice touch.

[I B Papa]

Hi Mountaineer. My name is Marty and I am a Villager. We bought two new carts when we got here - one for me, and one for my wife's 93 year old dad so he could haul his visiting great grandkids down to Baskin & Robbins. Six months later, he quit driving altogether. My e-mail address is martybzmail@yahoo.com. Send me your e-mail address & I'll send you some pictures to consider. Thanks. Marty

[Barefoot]

Star offers the 5 year warranty program. ParCar 18 months but most ParCar owners I talked to are getting 4 years with mileage deteriorating to approx 25 miles on a charge. I talked to 15 ParCar owners and the manufacturer before we bought my wife's cart. I also talked to two commercial users though that was by accident. I talked to 8 Star Owners and the VP of operations at the factory before I bought the Star. Those conversations began in March of 2014 and the carts were purchased in Sept of 2014 and Nov of 2014 so they are relatively new and time will tell but I'm pretty confident .

We purchased a Columbia Par Car in 2007.
Columbia Par Cars have on-board chargers, but we've never run out of charge.
Reliable. Comfortable. Quiet. No smell. Fabulous range.

[philnpat]

We purchased a Columbia Par Car in 2007.
Columbia Par Cars have on-board chargers, but we've never run out of charge.
Reliable. Comfortable. Quiet. No smell. Fabulous range.

In the eight years that you've owned your Par Car, how many sets of batteries have you replaced? Your post sounds like you're still on the originals and have never run out of charge.

[Count'n the days]

Dear Mountaineer,

After you get your cart, you can buy decal stickers to display your Mountaineer pride. I'm sure you can get custom jobs, but the ones you buy off the rack do a pretty good job. They used to sell them at Market Night at the square and if I recall they did carry WVU sets. We didn't have names added to our cartes so I can't give you any advice on that.

Best of luck deciding on which kind of cart best fits your needs. Both have pros and cons. You can always get Cart Aid so if you get stranded they will come to your rescue.

Enjoy your summer and the cooler weather in Ohio and being close to "Almost Heaven West Virginia."

[Spectreron]

If you want to deal with a rude, obnoxious owner buy from Carts and Clubs.

[tuccillo]

I met the owner and spoke with him for about 10 minutes. I didn't have problems with him - seemed like a nice enough guy.

If you want to deal with a rude, obnoxious owner buy from Carts and Clubs.

[kcrazorbackfan]

If you want to deal with a rude, obnoxious owner buy from Carts and Clubs.

Must be your entitled attitude; we just bought a new 2015 Yamaha EFI there and Ted, the owner, gave us a new style $80 dash tray. We dealt with David, Paul and Ted and all 3 were great.

[Barefoot]

In the eight years that you've owned your Par Car, how many sets of batteries have you replaced? Your post sounds like you're still on the originals and have never run out of charge.

We've replaced the batteries only once.
But we are seasonal residents, not full time.

[JoMar]

WOW....so you are giving all this advice on battery life on 2 carts that are about 9 months old......i wish you luck....and would like to re-visit this discussion when your batteries are closer to 2 yrs old and you can only go your 25 miles and then wait about 14/16 hrs for a full charge.....

My advice on battery life came from those that purchased electric carts before we arrived. I play golf with several that have had carts for 5+ years and just replaced their batteries last year. I would never make that investment without doing the research and the best place to do that is anywhere you see an electric cart....you just have to ask the questions. When we rented here the last couple winters we rented or had a gas cart provided. That was additional input into our decision. Since I expect to be here in two years we can revisit. Also, 25 miles wouldn't really be an issue since that gets me from here to Glenview, 18 holes and return. The carts get plugged in every night so 14/16 hour charge is not an issue. If the are going to sit while we are traveling the battery minder is always connected and they are auto filled twice a month in the summer and once a month in the winter. Kids and grand kids were here for 10 days, rented a gas cart, reinforced that we will never own a gas cart. I understand that there are those that will never own electric and if that works for them great. But I think that's changing, watch when you drive how many you pass. Also, two years ago The Villages Golf Carts always gave you a million reasons why not to buy electric, now they have them on the showroom floor and people buy them. Wonder what they now know?

[obxgal]

My advice on battery life came from those that purchased electric carts before we arrived. I play golf with several that have had carts for 5+ years and just replaced their batteries last year. I would never make that investment without doing the research and the best place to do that is anywhere you see an electric cart....you just have to ask the questions. When we rented here the last couple winters we rented or had a gas cart provided. That was additional input into our decision. Since I expect to be here in two years we can revisit. Also, 25 miles wouldn't really be an issue since that gets me from here to Glenview, 18 holes and return. The carts get plugged in every night so 14/16 hour charge is not an issue. If the are going to sit while we are traveling the battery minder is always connected and they are auto filled twice a month in the summer and once a month in the winter. Kids and grand kids were here for 10 days, rented a gas cart, reinforced that we will never own a gas cart. I understand that there are those that will never own electric and if that works for them great. But I think that's changing, watch when you drive how many you pass. Also, two years ago The Villages Golf Carts always gave you a million reasons why not to buy electric, now they have them on the showroom floor and people buy them. Wonder what they now know?

To me you sound like you do not drive your cart on a day to day basis, because you are not a full time resident?? If this is true I would expect your batteries to last much longer than someone here full time.

Bare also states her batteries last longer, but knowing she is a snowbird I would expect that.

My question is how can you give an honest answer if your only here part of the year??? Plus I would assume that if your here over the winter months, you do not use your cart on daily basis, so you batteries would last a lot longer than a full time resident.

[Barefoot]

Overthinking ...

[tuccillo]

Chances are, whatever you buy will meet your needs. I would not over think this.

I certainly had no intention of giving a dishonest answer. Why would I?
It's true that my preference is electric, but I could care less what kind of golf cart people buy.
I stated a fact - that we have replaced our Par Car batteries once since 2007.
We are seasonal residents, spending six months every year in TV.
If anyone found my comment dishonest, I apologize.
And I think possibly that seasonal residents may use their carts even more than full time residents - so much golf to catch up on.

[JoMar]

To me you sound like you do not drive your cart on a day to day basis, because you are not a full time resident?? If this is true I would expect your batteries to last much longer than someone here full time.

Bare also states her batteries last longer, but knowing she is a snowbird I would expect that.

My question is how can you give an honest answer if your only here part of the year??? Plus I would assume that if your here over the winter months, you do not use your cart on daily basis, so you batteries would last a lot longer than a full time resident.

We are full time residents.....we rented for the winters prior to purchasing and moving here. Not sure where I gave the impression I was part time but if that is what you understood I apologize.

[JoMar]

To me you sound like you do not drive your cart on a day to day basis, because you are not a full time resident?? If this is true I would expect your batteries to last much longer than someone here full time.

Bare also states her batteries last longer, but knowing she is a snowbird I would expect that.

My question is how can you give an honest answer if your only here part of the year??? Plus I would assume that if your here over the winter months, you do not use your cart on daily basis, so you batteries would last a lot longer than a full time resident.

Also want to add that we also sold one of our cars.....if it's 466 and south we always use the carts. The car is used when we leave The Villages to explore Florida or we need to go to 441

[obxgal]

JoMar when you said "Since I expect to be here in two years we can revisit." I assumed you were not a full time villager, for which I sincerely apologize.

And Bare I was only pointing out that battery usage is different from someone using it 6 months out of the year verses 12 months. Many here on the board may not realize you are a snowbird. I apologize to you if I offended you also. I was only pointing out 6 months verses 12 months.

[The Mountaineer]

I'm leaning toward a gas cart so I don't have to worry about remembering to check the distilled water in the batteries, which kept my mind occupied when we rented in January-March 2015 along #2 fairway of Silver Lake golf course. But I'm still spitballing and accepting suggestions. Everyone in The Villages seems to be so friendly and helpful that I'm wondering if you guys keep the brouches chained in the cellar somewhere.

[The Mountaineer]

I'm leaning toward a gas cart, but still spitballing and listening. Everyone I've met in The Villages has been so friendly that I'm wondering where you keep the grouches chained up in the basement. :-)

[The Mountaineer]

Hi Mountaineer. My name is Marty and I am a Villager. We bought two new carts when we got here - one for me, and one for my wife's 93 year old dad so he could haul his visiting great grandkids down to Baskin & Robbins. Six months later, he quit driving altogether. My e-mail address is martybzmail@yahoo.com. Send me your e-mail address & I'll send you some pictures to consider. Thanks. Marty

I'm not ready to buy till I come down in January because I don't want the cart to just sit for seven months, but I'd like to see what I can get and for what amount. My email address is jo4wvu@neo.rr.com Yes, I'm a WVU graduate and WVU sports nut! Thanks.

[The Mountaineer]

Dear Mountaineer,

After you get your cart, you can buy decal stickers to display your Mountaineer pride. I'm sure you can get custom jobs, but the ones you buy off the rack do a pretty good job. They used to sell them at Market Night at the square and if I recall they did carry WVU sets. We didn't have names added to our cartes so I can't give you any advice on that.

Best of luck deciding on which kind of cart best fits your needs. Both have pros and cons. You can always get Cart Aid so if you get stranded they will come to your rescue.

Enjoy your summer and the cooler weather in Ohio and being close to "Almost Heaven West Virginia."

While we were there in January through March I stopped a cart with a WV on it (I do that all the time) and they did just what you said. They bought a blue and yellow cart and slapped a WV on it. Looked fine.

[PaPaLarry]

For what it's worth, I purchased a brand new club car (2006 Battery) in April 2006 and gone through two sets of Trojan Batteries since 2010. Original batteries lasted till March 2010 (and they were warranted for 4 years, so got replacements from Club Car Dealership in Lady lake, but not Trojans) In Jan 2011 I needed good batteries so got Trojans, and just replaced with another set of Trojans, Jan 2015. Still very happy but I think I would purchase gas cart next time. If you like quiet, then get battery, but if you like better climb on hills, get gas. My cart goes about 18 miles per hour and I'm happy. I do like Club Car Precedent

[graciegirl]

We have two used golf carts, purchased from original owners, one who was leaving to live in Scotland to take care of her mother, and the other whose mother in law passed and they no longer needed a four seater.

One is gas. One is electric. They are getting old, just like us, but Sweetie takes very good care of them and they are still going strong.

One is a Par car, the other is a forward facing four seater Yamaha. We use them simultaneously a LOT.

I ordered the Ohio State sticker from the internet and Sweetie put in on.

Go Bucks.

[mgcsooner]

Still see some (few) 2 car folks here, but most likely only where one party is still working. Otherwise, 2 cars = way overkill. Living on S end, we use car for SS/Lopez/outside Villages trips or when spouse gets the cart first. It's not hard to envision 1 car, 2 carts though.

We went electric (ParCar), and have massive range. As for batteries and replacements, I'm planning to bet a battery minder, reduced electrical use from .97 day to less than .60 if I remember right, but more importantly the slower charge rate drives less heat and makes the batteries last much longer. If you do go electric--make sure you get the water filling system,saves lots of time. Seat upgrades are also avery good idea.

What ever decision, there are sales on/off all year long, and if buying new July/Aug/Sept seems to have best sales as the new models are in then. FWIW I here people complain both ways--have gas-want electric or the reverse. Much of that seems to be related to their most recent repair/upgrade costs etc.

[tomwed]

For what it's worth, I purchased a brand new club car (2006 Battery) in April 2006 and gone through two sets of Trojen Batteries since since 2010. Original batteries lasted till March 2010 (and they were warranted for 4 years, so got replacements from Club Car Dealership in Lady lake, but not Trojans) In Jan 2011 I needed good batteries so got Trojans, and just replaced with another set of Trojans, Jan 2015. Still very happy but I think I would purchase gas cart next time. If you like quiet, then get battery, but if you like better climb on hills, get gas. My cart goes about 18 miles per hour and I'm happy. I do like Club Car Precedent
Is it fair to say that Trojen Batteries last around 4 years if you use the cart every day and charge it every night? That seems to be the consensus.
What I find interesting is that your cart goes 18 mph. I wonder if the batteries last 4 years at 18 mph and less than 4 years at 22 mph, maybe 3 years. Or speed has nothing to do with longevity, only distance you can travel on a charge.

[PaPaLarry]

Is it fair to say that Trojen Batteries last around 4 years if you use the cart every day and charge it every night? That seems to be the consensus.
What I find interesting is that your cart goes 18 mph. I wonder if the batteries last 4 years at 18 mph and less than 4 years at 22 mph, maybe 3 years. Or speed has nothing to do with longevity, only distance you can travel on a charge.
Yes Trojan Batteries are the best, and do cost more then others. I'm not too sure, but I wouldn't think speed has much to do with the usage of batteries, but I'm no mechanic. We need someone with expertise on that question, Hopefully someone out there, can answer that question? Driving to and from I would think uses more battery, then when playing golf, where it is stop and go etc.

[ureout]

Is it fair to say that Trojen Batteries last around 4 years if you use the cart every day and charge it every night? That seems to be the consensus.
What I find interesting is that your cart goes 18 mph. I wonder if the batteries last 4 years at 18 mph and less than 4 years at 22 mph, maybe 3 years. Or speed has nothing to do with longevity, only distance you can travel on a charge.

YES DEFINITELY speed does have an effect on distance and longevity of the batteries....i had a street legal par car that had a top speed of 28 mph (Iknow that is considered speeding) i had it for 5 yrs and averaged 7500 miles a year....i noticed a HUGE difference in my battery life when i drove the cart paths and averaged about 20 mph...i easily would use about 30% less energy in my daily travels.... no matter what speed you drive at distance is also a huge part of battery life....the further you drive the more you discharge your batteries....those that get 4 to 5 yrs on batteries probably only drive about 10 miles a day and not every day

[tomwed]

Yes Trojan Batteries are the best, and do cost more then others. I'm not too sure, but I wouldn't think speed has much to do with the usage of batteries, but I'm no mechanic. We need someone with expertise on that question, Hopefully someone out there, can answer that question? Driving to and from I would think uses more battery, then when playing golf, where it is stop and go etc.

This much I do know. The steady starting and stopping in a game of golf discharges the batteries much more than when you are shopping or take a long trip. I wonder just how many times you start and stop on an 18 hole course if you and your partner shoot 100? There are so many variables.
I don't use or want a cart for golf. But you have me thinking that if I do get an older electric slow cart just for the pool or going to the square the batteries should last me a long time. hmmmmmmmmm

[tuccillo]

Essentially, the power required to overcome the drag of air goes as the cube of the velocity. As you go faster and faster, the power required goes up very sharply. The different between 20 and 28 mph is about 2.7x more power. Rough approximation, there are other factors involved. As you observed, drive at a slower pace and your range will be greater. The same applies for gas carts.

YES DEFINITELY speed does have an effect on distance and longevity of the batteries....i had a street legal par car that had a top speed of 28 mph (Iknow that is considered speeding) i had it for 5 yrs and averaged 7500 miles a year....i noticed a HUGE difference in my battery life when i drove the cart paths and averaged about 20 mph...i easily would use about 30% less energy in my daily travels.... no matter what speed you drive at distance is also a huge part of battery life....the further you drive the more you discharge your batteries....those that get 4 to 5 yrs on batteries probably only drive about 10 miles a day and not every day

[Jerry&Karyl]

Testing... New to the site and having password and user name issues... Transfered out out enhanced mode and need some feedback if this thing is working,,,, sorry for the inconvenience....

[Jerry&Karyl]

Testing... New to the site and having password and user name issues... Transfered out out enhanced mode and need some feedback if this thing is working,,,, sorry for the inconvenience....

[Fraugoofy]

Testing... New to the site and having password and user name issues... Transfered out out enhanced mode and need some feedback if this thing is working,,,, sorry for the inconvenience....
It's working!

[The Mountaineer]

My gosh, I didn't expect this much help on my search for a golf cart when I come back down after Christmas. I'm leaning toward gas right now. Batteries wear out. I know so do gas engines. But that's more in line with me and my automobile in my mind. But I have saved the comments about where to go, what to look for and the advantages and disadvantages of both. Whatever I do, look for one more "WV" golf cart in The Villages. I don't come down earlier because of Mountaineer football. I have had season tickets for decades. Again, my thanks and gratitude to everyone for the comments.

And, remember, do NOT use Flower Delivery Express for your sweetheart. Buy local.