Newbie question re: Golf Carts

[majcap]

Bought a home in Village of Bonita and are coming end of this month. Trying to decide on 2 vs. 4 seater golf cart. Does anyone know pros and cons re: convenience, cost etc.? We are not golfers, so extra seats would be for grands, visitors or whomever? Thank you!!

[LuvtheVillages]

Bought a home in Village of Bonita and are coming end of this month. Trying to decide on 2 vs. 4 seater golf cart. Does anyone know pros and cons re: convenience, cost etc.? We are not golfers, so extra seats would be for grands, visitors or whomever? Thank you!!

We decided on a 2 seater. When we have visitors, our neighbors lend their cart to us. We reciprocate. Most of the time we only need 2 seats.

A 2 seat cart is easier to drive and to park. Along the roads in the squares, 2seaters can park head-in. A 4seater is too long. It sticks into the traffic and is a hazard. So you have to parallel park or go into the parking lot.

I have heard that 4 seaters are heavier in back and not as stable as a 2 seater.

You can always rent a 4 seater if you absolutely need it. Or you can rent an additional 2 seater and let your visitors have the fun of driving a golf cart in The Villages.

Unless you expect visitors nearly every week, I recommend a 2 seater.

[dewilson58]

An Opinion:
Can NOT ALWAYS rent a four seater.
2 & 4 seaters are the same to drive.
Parking a 4 seater is not more difficult.

We have both and are glad we have both.
We purchased the four seater first.
Make sure you get seatbelts.

Some four seaters do not have a raised rear roof........recommend.
Would not recommend the flip-up four seater.

Good Luck.

[villagetinker]

We have a 2 seater with a fold down rear facing seat for 2 additional passengers. We use this maybe 10 times a year. This works very well for us, the golf cart is only 2 inches longer than a standard golf cart. We can shop or golf with the seat up. The only word of caution, rear seat passengers MUST wear seat belts or no ride!

[dewilson58]

Make sure to have the beef'd up suspension if you get the 4 seater.

[Garywt]

We have a 4 seater (rear seat faces back) and a 2 seater. We us both depending what we are doing or both when we have company so they can drive as well.

[jojo]

We love having the convertible back seat for 4. Folds down in seconds. Cart is normal length so no problem parking.

[tophcfa]

Make sure to have the beef'd up suspension if you get the 4 seater.

That will help when 4 passengers are in the cart, but it will stiffen up the ride with only 2.

[dnobles]

I agree dewilson58. We have both. We just ordered a new cart delivery is not until 9/20

[GrumpyOldMan]

That will help when 4 passengers are in the cart, but it will stiffen up the ride with only 2.

Are adjustable air shocks available for carts? That would solve this problem.

[Rwirish]

Major difference is one has two seats and the other four.

[StateRobinbird]

Bought a home in Village of Bonita and are coming end of this month. Trying to decide on 2 vs. 4 seater golf cart. Does anyone know pros and cons re: convenience, cost etc.? We are not golfers, so extra seats would be for grands, visitors or whomever? Thank you!!
We have one of each. My husband has a 2 seater which he prefers for golf. I LOVE my 4 seater. I have a trunk organizer strapped onto the backseat where I can put packages & keep my reusable shopping bags. I put a cooler on the back step for grocery shopping. Lastly, it’s really nice to have when visitors come!

[westernrider75]

We have a 4 seater and we love it. You can park it in any of the same spots a 2 seater can including head in spots on the squares and it give us additional room if we need to carry something larger as it folds down flat.

[Windguy]

Your passengers will not be as well protected from the elements if they are in the rear-facing seats.

Although you say you are not golfers, I had no intention of taking up golf when I got here, but I play three days a week now. Two of my golf buddies have carts with rear-facing seats and it’s a major pain getting my golf bag into their carts when I ride with them.

[dewilson58]

That will help when 4 passengers are in the cart, but it will stiffen up the ride with only 2.

Not really...............I've had a lot of fat peep's in the back and now it rides smooooooooth with 2 or 4 or 6 or 1. :ho:

The reason for the beefed up suspension................some places install the flip-up rear seat and never touch the suspension. Big Mistake.

[mydavid]

Bought a home in Village of Bonita and are coming end of this month. Trying to decide on 2 vs. 4 seater golf cart. Does anyone know pros and cons re: convenience, cost etc.? We are not golfers, so extra seats would be for grands, visitors or whomever? Thank you!! I have a new 2 seater, but they have a 4 seater that completely folds away when not in use, an extra $1700.

[MandoMan]

We have a 2 seater with a fold down rear facing seat for 2 additional passengers. We use this maybe 10 times a year. This works very well for us, the golf cart is only 2 inches longer than a standard golf cart. We can shop or golf with the seat up. The only word of caution, rear seat passengers MUST wear seat belts or no ride!

In my cart EVERYONE wears seatbelts unless playing golf. There were several serious cart accidents in the past month where the injuries would have been far less traumatic if the people in the cart had been wearing seatbelts. Same as in my car: Seatbelt or walk.

What would you say is the ratio of two seater carts (or two seater with folding rumble seats) to carts with four forward-facing seats? 100 to 1? Higher? I hardly ever see the four seaters, and when I do, most of them don’t have four people riding in them. When I moved here, I anticipated having lots of friends who would want to go riding with me, but things people wrote here on Talk of the Villages convinced me to go with two seats, and now I’m glad I did. Of course, my children rarely visit, and I have no grandchildren. That could make a difference. The friends from an hour away who said they were definitely coming to hang out or play golf only showed up a couple times, and no golf cart was needed.

[moret5107]

Who makes the four-seat with foldaway?

[Tmarkwald]

Biggest disadvantge is the ride on a 4 seater not made for seating 4 - the additional seat requires a much stiffer suspension..

The coolest ride made for 4 people? Something like this...

[Tmarkwald]

In my cart EVERYONE wears seatbelts unless playing golf. There were several serious cart accidents in the past month where the injuries would have been far less traumatic if the people in the cart had been wearing seatbelts. Same as in my car: Seatbelt or walk.

What would you say is the ratio of two seater carts (or two seater with folding rumble seats) to carts with four forward-facing seats? 100 to 1? Higher? I hardly ever see the four seaters, and when I do, most of them don’t have four people riding in them. When I moved here, I anticipated having lots of friends who would want to go riding with me, but things people wrote here on Talk of the Villages convinced me to go with two seats, and now I’m glad I did. Of course, my children rarely visit, and I have no grandchildren. That could make a difference. The friends from an hour away who said they were definitely coming to hang out or play golf only showed up a couple times, and no golf cart was needed.

And it is pretty simple to rent a 4 seater should you need one for shorter periods anyway!

[kcrazorbackfan]

No matter what you buy, get it from Carts and Clubs in Ocala; more standard equipment and better built for less money. 352-351-2278.

[Billy1]

You will need to make the decision based on your lifestyle. Been here 3 years and still not certain I need a four seater.

[SeaCros]

It would all end up being personal preference. You may want to drive one of each for a while. I agree that having the extra seats would be good for guest but would really depend on how often you will have visitors. My wife and I dont golf much either but we would prefer two seats as they seem to navigate better than the ones with 4 seats

[pgettinger01]

Start with the basics. There are two types of four seater golf cars. A two seat with a fold down seat facing backwards or a four seat with the second row facing forward. The difference is the length. A fold down seat facing backwards can be added to a two seat golf car for about $1,000. This includes an aftermarket kit and some heavy duty springs. This is a less expensive alternative.

[Larchap49]

Bought a home in Village of Bonita and are coming end of this month. Trying to decide on 2 vs. 4 seater golf cart. Does anyone know pros and cons re: convenience, cost etc.? We are not golfers, so extra seats would be for grands, visitors or whomever? Thank you!!

If you're buying new the extra seat and heavier suspension is approximately 1700.00 give or take. You lose the cooler and basket behind the seat. We like the rear seat, I also have access to a friends cart but I don't like to be a borrower so paidtge extra. I shopped for a used one but surprisingly there are not alot of them for sale.

[JMintzer]

And it is pretty simple to rent a 4 seater should you need one for shorter periods anyway!

Depends on the time of year...

[Retpohio]

This is all good stuff to digest. We just purchased in St. Catherine’s. I think I will have to go used on the golf cart , they’re so expensive.

[Villagesgal]

I have a 4 seater, with the 2 in back facing backwards. I love it. Have seatbelts all around. I put a large box on back when not using it for seating so I have a place to put purchases. I have no problem putting my golf bag in as some have said. I like that when we have company all can ride together. Try out a 4 seater and a 2 seater before you buy. You'll love it here. Enjoy.

[richs631]

Bought a home in Village of Bonita and are coming end of this month. Trying to decide on 2 vs. 4 seater golf cart. Does anyone know pros and cons re: convenience, cost etc.? We are not golfers, so extra seats would be for grands, visitors or whomever? Thank you!!

You will surely become a taxi driver if you get a 4 seater. Get a 2 seater, second choice is a 2 seater

[DAVES]

Bought a home in Village of Bonita and are coming end of this month. Trying to decide on 2 vs. 4 seater golf cart. Does anyone know pros and cons re: convenience, cost etc.? We are not golfers, so extra seats would be for grands, visitors or whomever? Thank you!!

We cannot answer your question for you as we do not know you. In terms of a four seater golf cart there are two different types. One is a normal two seater golf cart that you add another seat on the back of it. First of all due to the extra passenger weight they add stronger springs. They do not ride as smoothly. The rear seat is not very comfortable to ride in.

The other, which is more expensive has all four seats facing forward and is longer.
It takes more room in your garage and with head in parking in some places it will stick out into the road.

My view for most everything it is far easier, and less expensive to make the right decision the first time rather than needing to do it over and over and over again.

[rjm1cc]

I use mine for haling stuff. Fold seat down. I build a "fence" around it that I can put on an off.

[Pdesensi]

PRO. 4 seaters are ok if you have a lot of company
CON. After about a year your company will be fewer and fewer except in the winter
CON. Your friends will ask you to drive them places so they don’t have to drive. We had a big car and we always had to haul people around when going out with a couple so they didn’t have to drive. Gets old after awhile.

[Sherrilee]

I live in Bonita — welcome !! We have 3 areas. Upper Bonita- Bonita lake and Bonita depending where you live. I’m upper Bonita ... baisley trail area

[xkeowner]

No matter what you buy, get it from Carts and Clubs in Ocala; more standard equipment and better built for less money. 352-351-2278.

When we were buying our second (replacement) four-seater a year ago Carts and Clubs were not really interested in selling them claiming safety issues. We have had/driven a four-seat cart for 11 years without safety concerns, use the back seat regularly, have not had any parking issues and use it for golf multiple times per week. Agree with the seat belt recommendations.

[Markers333]

Who makes the four-seat with foldaway?
Club Car Onward, lithium battery 2 seater with fold down back seat. It’s perfect all around.

[Spalumbos62]

When we were buying our second (replacement) four-seater a year ago Carts and Clubs were not really interested in selling them claiming safety issues. We have had/driven a four-seat cart for 11 years without safety concerns, use the back seat regularly, have not had any parking issues and use it for golf multiple times per week. Agree with the seat belt recommendations.

In addition...having the seat belts lowers your insurance on it, as well as unique key.

[Villages Kahuna]

Consider how often you’ll actually use the four seats. The weight of the extra four seat structure will slow the top speed of your cart by about 2 mph, enough to get you passed by virtually every other golf cart you encounter while driving around TV.

When you really need the four seater, for the visit of family or grandchildren, four-seaters are readily available to rent at any of The Villages Golf Cart stores.

[dewilson58]

The weight of the extra four seat structure will slow the top speed of your cart by about 2 mph, enough to get you passed by virtually every other golf cart you encounter while driving around TV.

Silly.
Just turn it up if that is a concern of yours.

:ohdear:

[BaileyMom]

When we moved here we went to the golf cart store with the intentions of buying a 4-seater. The salesman talked us out of it stating you can rent a lot of 4-seaters for the extra cost to buy one. So we bought a two-seater which is great most of the time. I still which we bought a 4 forward...and we might as a 2nd cart. The 4 seaters with two seats facing backwards don't feel as stable especially if you have 4 adults riding.

[Hifred]

I wish I would have bought a 4 seater. When purchasing I was in the same position you are. The sales person told me to buy the 4 and then rent when people come to visit. I thought that what he said makes sense. The only problem is my family comes throughout the winter to visit. There are no golf carts for rent during snow bird season. Now I have a problem. I have guests that want to ride in a golf cart and I can't get a short term rental. In TV during snowbird season rentals are expensive and they do not do day rentals unless a cart happens to be in. So you have to show up first thing in the morning to see if any were brought back. I did this day after day this winter and one day out of the 12 or 13 I tried we got a 4 person cart and it ran very poorly. It was loud and the breaks didn't work well they were very soft. If I could do it over I would have paid extra and bought the 4 person cart to begin with.

[snbrafford]

I've ridden in a 4 seater in the back. I don't like facing rearward - I feel a little ill plus I feel like I'm falling off the seat when the cart goes up hill. I would buy/rent one where the seats all face forward. In addition to what has already been said, some of the 4 seaters can be quite long and head in parking may leave the back end out in traffic.
we have two carts. So far, one would have been plenty, but this may be due to the pandemic. We had originally thought my wife and I would be going to different places.

[graciegirl]

An Opinion:
Can NOT ALWAYS rent a four seater.
2 & 4 seaters are the same to drive.
Parking a 4 seater is not more difficult.

We have both and are glad we have both.
We purchased the four seater first.
Make sure you get seatbelts.

Some four seaters do not have a raised rear roof........recommend.
Would not recommend the flip-up four seater.

Good Luck.

Same here. We have one of each. Ditto the longer body on four seater. Front facing is better. We got our four seater first, used. It is a 2003 model gas Yamaha.

[majcap]

Thank you to everyone that has so kindly replied to my post!!

[Dennys37Packard]

I think LuvtheVillages was referring to a forward facing 4 seaters which are longer than regular carts. Most of them stick out too far to be parked head on. They are more enjoyable for the extra visitors, but it all depends on your particular needs. If the occasional visitor will only be a couple , then a 4 seater is fine, but think of your needs. Will it be grandchildren also and if so you’ll need more than just a four seater anyway. Each of our kids have 2 kids so a four seater still wouldn’t work. You would have to borrow or rent. We have two, a 2 seater and an older 4 seater for company, but it’s the kind with rear facing fold down seats. In its stock version, it does get a little squirrelly with two extra adults on the back and brake a little more going down into a tunnel. Takes a bit more to stop. If you go with that kind, get the extended roof to keep guests out of the elements. Best of luck.

[Becca9800]

An Opinion:
Can NOT ALWAYS rent a four seater.
2 & 4 seaters are the same to drive.
Parking a 4 seater is not more difficult.

We have both and are glad we have both.
We purchased the four seater first.
Make sure you get seatbelts.

Some four seaters do not have a raised rear roof........recommend.
Would not recommend the flip-up four seater.

Good Luck.

Yes, but if you can only have one, which would you choose? We deliberated this too when we bought. I wanted a 4-seater so when the kids came we could ride together. Hubby said, "and just how often will kids come? We can't live our lives on the "might". He won, his argument was more reasonable. We bought a 2-seater and rent another when the kids come. They love driving their own cart.

[vinnyfla]

Bought a home in Village of Bonita and are coming end of this month. Trying to decide on 2 vs. 4 seater golf cart. Does anyone know pros and cons re: convenience, cost etc.? We are not golfers, so extra seats would be for grands, visitors or whomever? Thank you!!
Your kidding , RIGHT

[ProfZ]

We started with a 4 seater because our grand kids were young and spent a great deal of time with us. Now, they are older, and we don't see them as often because they are at college or working. We now have a 2 seater with a lot of upgrades, and love it. Bill Z. at the Brownwood Golf Cart Store is a dream to work with. He can answer all your questions. Good luck!

[stebooo]

At first you expect grams to come but after maybe a visit you don't seem around. The four is a long cart and it sticks out very dangerously when you're parking in the square. I suggest you buy a two-seater and rent a four-seater when the grants come, everything is better