Best Golf Cart

[flower7330@gmail.com]

We are considering moving to TV next year and I am doing some research on golf carts. When we go down to the square we see mostly Yamaha's.
What is the considered the best brand and I'm assuming gas would be the way to go?
Thanks

[ThirdOfFive]

We are considering moving to TV next year and I am doing some research on golf carts. When we go down to the square we see mostly Yamaha's.
What is the considered the best brand and I'm assuming gas would be the way to go?
Thanks
It comes down to personal taste. Many people have electric and seem to be quite happy with them.

For myself, running out of gas would invole a simple call to a number on the inside of my windshield, guy comes out with some gas and voila'! I'm back in business kicking myself as I drive to the nearest gas station for being that neglectful. But can electricity be "delivered" that easily and cheaply, should you run your batteries down miles from home? I doubt it.

[kkingston57]

We are considering moving to TV next year and I am doing some research on golf carts. When we go down to the square we see mostly Yamaha's.
What is the considered the best brand and I'm assuming gas would be the way to go?
Thanks

You will be getting a lot of varied opinions on your ?. I am tall and most important thing to me is the accessibility of getting in and out of the cart, particularly when golfing. Yamaha has the best set up for me(taller roof). If you are looking at used Yamaha carts get a Quietech(less noise cart).

A lot of people suggested gas because of the range. We live in the north end and have never driven(and never will) drive a golf cart that would run out of battery power. Electrics are quicker and go up hills better than a gas cart. The Quietech is very close in sound to the electric, but it does smell.

Seeing more and more Lithium powered carts. EZ GO has the best range but is pricey and does have the best brakes in the industry. You do not need to smash down on the brake pedal. In addion in their 2023 models they brake and accelerator pedals are more like a car than a cart.

Good luck.

[ohioshooter]

My Ford is better than your Chevy. No one perfect answer. You will get mostly Yamaha referrals, because that’s the majority here, doesn’t make it best. When we went in to change our order the SA said “good choice”.

[MrFlorida]

Yahama gas. Must be most popular for a reason.

[ohioshooter]

My Ford is better than your Chevy. No one perfect answer.

By the way, we just canceled our gas cart order and changed to a lithium electric. Drive both.

[UpNorth]

It comes down to personal taste. Many people have electric and seem to be quite happy with them.

For myself, running out of gas would invole a simple call to a number on the inside of my windshield, guy comes out with some gas and voila'! I'm back in business kicking myself as I drive to the nearest gas station for being that neglectful. But can electricity be "delivered" that easily and cheaply, should you run your batteries down miles from home? I doubt it.

The same guy that can deliver you gas can put your electric cart on a truck and take it back to your home for charging. There are a couple of these low cost, "AAA type" services for golf carts in The Villages.

[collie1228]

I agree, drive both. I have owned both, and I'm now a fan of the Yamaha gas cart. The Drive 2 Yamaha is extremely quiet, powerful enough, and only needs gas occasionally. You will love the quiet of the electric, but in my opinion, it just doesn't compare to the Yamaha gas over the long run.

[villagetinker]

Yamaha IMHO, lots of parts suppliers (if needed), easy to work on (for DIYer). I would stay away from some of the custom (but very attractive) golf carts, parts can be very hard to get, I know, I have tried to help 2 neighbors with these. The Villages is now so large that you need to consider electric carefully so you know you can there and back, and probably be very consistent with charging. Also, on gas carts, do not go overboard with additional lighting and accessories, I have seen several stop dead in their tracts when the main fuse blew.

[ohioshooter]

The great thing about a lithium battery cart is, you can plug it in after every drive and have a full charge for your next one. A 60 mile range is more than enough. I also have a Atomic Kart and I can go 40 miles on a charge with non lithium batteries, and that’s with A/C running full time.

[ThirdOfFive]

The same guy that can deliver you gas can put your electric cart on a truck and take it back to your home for charging. There are a couple of these low cost, "AAA type" services for golf carts in The Villages.
Quite likely. But isn't delivering a can of gas to a stranded cart driver a whole lot cheaper than going to the stranded electric cart, loading it up and driving it "X" number of miles to the person's home for charging?

[tophcfa]

Gas Yamaha Quiet Tech, hands down!

[JMintzer]

Quite likely. But isn't delivering a can of gas to a stranded cart driver a whole lot cheaper than going to the stranded electric cart, loading it up and driving it "X" number of miles to the person's home for charging?

Cheaper and more convenient...

[Garywt]

The same guy that can deliver you gas can put your electric cart on a truck and take it back to your home for charging. There are a couple of these low cost, "AAA type" services for golf carts in The Villages.

But the difference is the gas you can continue your day and the electric you are back home changing plans.

[Garywt]

We have 2 gas Yamaha’s. One is a quiet tech and one is not. There is a huge noise difference. Yamaha is the only one with quiet tech that I know of. Electric is quiet and are getting better in distance but you do need to replace batteries every few years to keep the distances up there. We do take long drives and can put 100 miles on in a day so the gas works best for us.

[Nucky]

Our Yamaha with a carburetor cost $9000 new in 2016. I love our cart. The only extra I got was the special paint for either $300 or $400 more. I put new tires and a battery before they went bad as a safety measure.

You really can't go wrong any way you go. Star Carts were off limits in 2016 and now I see them all over the place. Electric VS. Gas. A personal preference strictly. Both reliable and it doesn't matter which one you decide on.

[Marathon Man]

The same guy that can deliver you gas can put your electric cart on a truck and take it back to your home for charging. There are a couple of these low cost, "AAA type" services for golf carts in The Villages.

Being taken home and being able to continue on are very different.

[Marathon Man]

A few years back, one of our golf group members drove up in his electric cart and announced that he forgot to plug it in. Could he ride with someone. This is the exact reason I did not buy an electric cart.

[dewilson58]

My Ford is better than your Chevy.

No body thinks that.

:22yikes:

[UpNorth]

Quite likely. But isn't delivering a can of gas to a stranded cart driver a whole lot cheaper than going to the stranded electric cart, loading it up and driving it "X" number of miles to the person's home for charging?

Would not cost me a penny more than the guy bringing you a can of gas. If you are not capable of looking and monitoring your charge level, you probably would run out of gas as well.

[Garywt]

No body thinks that.

:22yikes:

Think again.

[Garywt]

The great thing about a lithium battery cart is, you can plug it in after every drive and have a full charge for your next one. A 60 mile range is more than enough. I also have a Atomic Kart and I can go 40 miles on a charge with non lithium batteries, and that’s with A/C running full time.

I thought they were up to 80 miles but maybe not. From my house to Fenney Grill is 26 miles so there is not much else I would be able to do if I had an electric cart. With my gas cart I can easily get 100 miles in a day. Not everyday but good to know it isn’t a problem.

[jswirs]

We are considering moving to TV next year and I am doing some research on golf carts. When we go down to the square we see mostly Yamaha's.
What is the considered the best brand and I'm assuming gas would be the way to go?
Thanks
IMHO, gas Yamaha. You can get a good deal on a factory restored one, not necessarily quiet tech.

[Freeda]

After 14 years of driving gas carts here, we bought an electric Evolution cart with a lithium battery. Couldn't be happier, and would never go back to gas. 85 mile range, very quiet, very comfortable. Love not having to get gas for it; easy plug-in whenever we bring it into the garage; no complex maintenance for the battery. We never come close to using up even half of its range.

[talonip]

Sirius EV. 80 miles on a charge. Quiet and fast. Lots of headroom. Neat trunk in the front for beer and drinks. Nice display that gives mph and charge. App on your phone connects to battery to give exact charge and battery health. I can go from the south of the villages to Lopez and play 18 and drive home and still have a third of a charge left. Nothing better. Uses the receptacle in your garage.

[Carms]

When ready to buy, go to Carts and Clubs in Ocala. Make an appointment with Peggy. Saved over $4000 on same cart with The Villages. Deliver to your home and will service at your home.
https://ocalayamaha.com/

[banjobob]

Yamaha is the most seen , I personally would look have to a more modern looking design. Yamaha has had that designed cart for probably 10 years also the lithium battery carts are really taking off, those that have them love them. Great range low maintenance.

[jimbo2012]

After 14 years of driving gas carts here, we bought an electric Evolution cart with a lithium battery. Couldn't be happier, and would never go back to gas. 85 mile range, very quiet, very comfortable. Love not having to get gas for it; easy plug-in whenever we bring it into the garage; no complex maintenance for the battery. We never come close to using up even half of its range.

10 years with elec batteries, like them a lot.

Now just bought an Evolution this cart is great under $10K (not in the villages) the thegolfcartcompany.com (delivered) comes with stereo car play has screen with mileage charge level.

Go's easy 50 miles, recharges in 2-3 hours.

Is very quick from dead stop goes 25mph

THere's even a facebook group Log into Facebook | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/715258245854749)

Features may include:

Luxury 2 Tone Seats

9-inch touchscreen with back-up camera

Decorative Strip

Colored Decorative Wheel Trim

New dashboard with colored cover cellphone/cupholders

Luxury Steering Wheel

Extended roof and flip flop rear seat kits

New plastic rear seat kit with trunk & cup holders

Rearview Mirror

Speedometer

Horn

USB Port

110AH 48v Lithium Battery

Additional

Acid Dipped, Powder Coated Steel Chassis for a longer “cart life expectancy” with a LIFETIME Warranty!

Onboard waterproof Evolution charger, preprogrammed to Evolution lithium batteries!

Clear foldable windshield

Injection mold body with impact resistance

Independent suspension with four arms

Assembled at one of our 2 – locations in the USA for proper quality control.

Bright lighting for the front and rear in order to maximize visibility in the dark and to alert other drivers on the road to be aware of your presence

[Dabatts]

I have an Evolution electric. Love the convenience of just plugging it in. No smell, no stopping at gas station. I find electric quieter. I have more than enough range about 60-70 miles. That's long enough to ride in golf cart. I find I take the cart for short trips and entertainment and I take the car when I have a purpose for a trip.

[maistocars]

When ready to buy, go to Carts and Clubs in Ocala. Make an appointment with Peggy. Saved over $4000 on same cart with The Villages. Deliver to your home and will service at your home.
Carts & Clubs | Golf Carts for Sale near Villages in Florida (https://ocalayamaha.com/)
Peggy is great - very helpful and always willing to answer any questions. Yamaha Quiettech2 for me!

[sowilts]

Have made a decision after three years on a cart to purchase. EZGO lithium 4.0. Have tested all types renting various models on the championship golf courses. Can go approximately 60 miles and I like the brakes. New models have better pedal design. Southern Oaks golf course has them if one wants to go for a test drive. All of the carts will get you where you want to go. Just try them all and chose which you enjoy.

[lpkruege1]

The great thing about a lithium battery cart is, you can plug it in after every drive and have a full charge for your next one. A 60 mile range is more than enough. I also have a Atomic Kart and I can go 40 miles on a charge with non lithium batteries, and that’s with A/C running full time.

Unless you forget to plug it in. I can run to the gas station and fill up in minutes. If I forget to plug it in, I'm taking the car.

[Altavia]

It comes down to personal taste. Many people have electric and seem to be quite happy with them.

For myself, running out of gas would invole a simple call to a number on the inside of my windshield, guy comes out with some gas and voila'! I'm back in business kicking myself as I drive to the nearest gas station for being that neglectful. But can electricity be "delivered" that easily and cheaply, should you run your batteries down miles from home? I doubt it.

Gas carts being more mechanical are more likely to break down without warning and need tow.

They need periodic maintenance, oil, belts, plugs, etc.


Lithium is virtually no maintenance.

[Catalina36]

We are considering moving to TV next year and I am doing some research on golf carts. When we go down to the square we see mostly Yamaha's.
What is the considered the best brand and I'm assuming gas would be the way to go?
Thanks
Yamaha, easy to repair and parts are easy to get.

[jnsbill]

Just my 2 cents - I have 2 yamaha gas carts both have given me no problems only thing I dont like is they dont use an oil filter like my old club car - Electrics are ok just remember that you're going to have to replace the batteries eventually ($$$) My only other advice - get one with a cab like a Sleekline way better than dealing with curtains

[TheWarriors]

The Yamaha Quiet tech is a good cart but not quiet. Just not as loud as previous versions. 98% of carts sold by Yamaha are electric. With continuing improvements in battery range, I wouldn’t expect Yamaha to even be producing gas carts in 5 years. Not enough return on investment to continue R&D and manufacturing for such a limited volume.
Many will argue, but today’s battery carts are light years ahead of 5 to 10 years ago. Make sure you test drive both for a long drive before you decide. Both are good with pros and cons but I personally think the electric now have the edge.

[jimkerr]

Yamaha gas for sure. There’s a reason why you see so many.

[Bridget Staunton]

Yamaha for sure & buy outside The Villages if you want to save money. Yamaha in Webster get a good deal

[wamley]

Back to your home when your target was somewhere else. Takes same time to deliver a couple gallons of gas that it takes to just get to your pickup spot. I can go on my way while your ride in a truck with your cart in the back returning to your original location, your home. Disruption is quite different.Lithium battery replacement is at least a couple thousand dollars.

[flower7330@gmail.com]

You will be getting a lot of varied opinions on your ?. I am tall and most important thing to me is the accessibility of getting in and out of the cart, particularly when golfing. Yamaha has the best set up for me(taller roof). If you are looking at used Yamaha carts get a Quietech(less noise cart).

A lot of people suggested gas because of the range. We live in the north end and have never driven(and never will) drive a golf cart that would run out of battery power. Electrics are quicker and go up hills better than a gas cart. The Quietech is very close in sound to the electric, but it does smell.

Seeing more and more Lithium powered carts. EZ GO has the best range but is pricey and does have the best brakes in the industry. You do not need to smash down on the brake pedal. In addion in their 2023 models they brake and accelerator pedals are more like a car than a cart.

Good luck.



I am 6"5" - 230 so this info helps. Thanks.

[LivingOurDream]

How much do the replacement batteries cost?

[wamley]

Prior to buying our house in TV, I spent several years renting here.and experienced electric & gas that were included in those rentals. At 1st I thought the electric was the way go nice and quiet, but got stuck a couple times that ended our day. Gas at the time was smelly, both by exhaust, gas odors and not to mention noisy. Electric doesn't give you much choice when the battery runs out, standard or lithium. Tow is only way to go. The cart is down for hours to recharge. The newer gas carts are quiet, exhaust vented off to the side, not under the cart, and you get a greater range with a full tank of gas than a full charge of electric.Fuel injection has done away with the gasoline odors that were common with carburetors. I am happier with the gas cart. I have only had Yamaha carts and I have driven them for many years without incident.(breakdowns) Like anything in needs care. Good luck with your choice. Just saying.

[lawgolfer]

The responses quickly turned to Lithium vs. gas. By all means, buy a lithium cart if you decide to go with battery power. Old fashioned lead-acid batteries are a real pain given the need to regularly check the acid levels in multiple batteries and the potential for acid spills on your garage floor.

However, you need to consider the cart's comfort. Yamaha is the only cart with an independent rear axle. This makes a real difference in the cart's ride. As between Yamaha and other brands of gas carts, the Yamaha is much quieter.

Last month I rented an EZ-GO from Villages Carts at Lake Sumter Landing. The cart was brand new. It was so noisy and hard riding, I considered returning it before I was out of the Barnes and Noble parking lot. When I returned it the next week, I joked with the salesman that if I was selling Yamaha carts, I'd have an EZ-GO on hand and have the customer drive it before I ever let him in a Yamaha. In response he just smiled.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Yamaha gas for sure. There’s a reason why you see so many.
yeah, because lithium hasn't been out long.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Have made a decision after three years on a cart to purchase. EZGO lithium 4.0. Have tested all types renting various models on the championship golf courses. Can go approximately 60 miles and I like the brakes. New models have better pedal design. Southern Oaks golf course has them if one wants to go for a test drive. All of the carts will get you where you want to go. Just try them all and chose which you enjoy.

Thanks for buying American

I believe Cane Garden has lithium rentals too

[DutchD]

We are considering moving to TV next year and I am doing some research on golf carts. When we go down to the square we see mostly Yamaha's.
What is the considered the best brand and I'm assuming gas would be the way to go?
Thanks

I tired of waiting for a Yamaha I placed on order last year, and looked at alternatives. Village Carts had a Star EV in stock (lithium ion battery), which I drove and liked. I found a color I liked at Spanish Springs and bought it. I have about 2400 miles on the cart now and have only praise for it. As a test, I personally got 75 miles from a charge running around in TV, and there was battery left; I'm certain 80 miles/charge is doable, but unnecessary. The battery pack is 48V, 210 Ah and well covered by warranty. Running out of "fuel" would represent a significant oversight on my part.

The cart is comfortable, very quiet, exhaust-free, and attractive. I'm very pleased with my decision.

[TideFan]

Yahama gas. Must be most popular for a reason.

Cheaper

[DaleDivine]

Yamaha GAS!!!
:smiley::smiley:

[JMintzer]

Cheaper

Cheaper than what?

[mikemalloy]

We are considering moving to TV next year and I am doing some research on golf carts. When we go down to the square we see mostly Yamaha's.
What is the considered the best brand and I'm assuming gas would be the way to go?
Thanks
Much depends on your needs. I'm a somewhat serious golfer who likes to play different courses. With my Yamaha, I know I can travel to any country club course play 9 or 18 and still have plenty of range to get home. On the other hand, if my cart was only for shopping or trips to the squares, I could be happy with an electric one. So decide what your uses will be and which type fits your use best.

[Djean1981]

Since we aren't golfers (constantly getting in and out of the cart), we got an Atomic. The price w/o uogrades is about the same as a new Yamaha QuietTech. It has radio, AC, and various safety features.

[SusanStCatherine]

I am 6"5" - 230 so this info helps. Thanks.

I love my Ezgo lithium but it is smaller (narrower and shorter) than the Yahama which is of utmost importance to you. Take a test drive and compare to Yahama. Many people I know bought yahama gas without test driving the electrics and they get in my electric cart and are amazed at how quiet and smooth the ride is. Driving it is peppier and smoother as well. There are more Yahama because they are significantly cheaper and have been around longer. I selected Ezgo over the other electrics because it's the highest rated and not Chinese parts - it has a shorter range than the other lithiums though. My battery is under warranty for 8 years but should last 10 years. Meanwhile I have no fuel cost or trips to gas station or maintenance like oil change, etc. The electrics that aren't Ezgo like Evolution and Star are larger and longer range and less expensive than the Ezgo and now that they are more popular it will be easier to get parts. Test drive and good luck!

[Travelhunter123]

I am 6"5" - 230 so this info helps. Thanks.

Check out the Atomic golf carts, much more room and comfort for tall people
Also, air conditioned, heated, windshield wipers and so much more

[Mrfriendly]

Nucky - did you replace all four tires same time or just one or two that were more worn? Also, you replace the battery because you felt it was time or did you have issues with the battery?

[mkjelenbaas]

We are considering moving to TV next year and I am doing some research on golf carts. When we go down to the square we see mostly Yamaha's.
What is the considered the best brand and I'm assuming gas would be the way to go?
Thanks
Gas is best - do not buy from The Villages - you can save thousands!!

[Manders]

Whichever you purchase, consider buying outside the villages. We went to a local dealer in TV back in January. A Yamaha quiet tech would be around 18.5K and wouldn't be delivered till mid May. Called our dealer back home in KY, had they one on the floor (it's winter in KY so not much need for a golf cart so they were willing to deal) and got a Club Car for 13.2K. So we saved $5,000 and I had a trailer so I transported it myself. I've been told a transport company will charge around $1000 for them to do it for you.

Now, If you go this route the local dealers will not service your cart (or they will put you on the bottom of a long waiting list) as "punishment" (or call it an extra incentive to ONLY buy from them). However I'm handy and can do a lot of maintenance myself and IF I ever needed servicing I can call the plethora of local companies who will come to your house.

This was my experience, your milage may vary but wanted to give you another option to consider.

[Mrs.Guy]

I tired of waiting for a Yamaha I placed on order last year, and looked at alternatives. Village Carts had a Star EV in stock (lithium ion battery), which I drove and liked. I found a color I liked at Spanish Springs and bought it. I have about 2400 miles on the cart now and have only praise for it. As a test, I personally got 75 miles from a charge running around in TV, and there was battery left; I'm certain 80 miles/charge is doable, but unnecessary. The battery pack is 48V, 210 Ah and well covered by warranty. Running out of "fuel" would represent a significant oversight on my part.

The cart is comfortable, very quiet, exhaust-free, and attractive. I'm very pleased with my decision.

:D So is Xi Jinping. ;)

[JGiles336]

Yamaha for sure & buy outside The Villages if you want to save money. Yamaha in Webster get a good deal

We bought 2 Yamaha Quietech golf carts. Best price, Best Customer Service! Ask for Nate or Melody.

Country Village Power Equipment In Webster, FL.

[W-J-H]

I would consider electric. with the new lithium batteries. long mileage, quiet, more modern features. I've had electric since 2001

[llamamama]

Love our quiet tech Yamahas.
Carts are getting expensive so start saving so you don’t have sticker shock. Get a cart from Village Golf carts(Bill, Brownwood). They will take care of you when you need it for service & a year of towing. I like local, you pay now or you pay later.

[donfey]

We are considering moving to TV next year and I am doing some research on golf carts. When we go down to the square we see mostly Yamaha's.
What is the considered the best brand and I'm assuming gas would be the way to go?
Thanks

It's one one you see right after you've bought yours.

[kkingston57]

I thought they were up to 80 miles but maybe not. From my house to Fenney Grill is 26 miles so there is not much else I would be able to do if I had an electric cart. With my gas cart I can easily get 100 miles in a day. Not everyday but good to know it isn’t a problem.

Actually could go as high as 150 miles in a day. If you drove 100 miles and averaged 15 miles an hour, would have been driving 6-7 hours. No thanks. I could get to the Florida Keys in that amount of time, with no noise and with air conditioning.

[golfnut]

We have 2 gas Yamaha’s. One is a quiet tech and one is not. There is a huge noise difference. Yamaha is the only one with quiet tech that I know of. Electric is quiet and are getting better in distance but you do need to replace batteries every few years to keep the distances up there. We do take long drives and can put 100 miles on in a day so the gas works best for us.

From Publix in Southern Trace to Codys in Brownwood it is 8 miles, hard to believe you put 100 miles on a golf cart in the villages, just sayin'

[dadspet]

Its clearly a matter of personal opinion almost like voting - which I won't get into. If you don't mind the noise, smell of fumes and chug chug of gas you can travel from one end of the Villages and back. I think - you better have a good back and rear end to do that along with a lot of time on your hands. We have had a electric cart since 2007 and never been towed so I can't really comment on the expense of being towed and we never did buy towing insurance either, seems like the gas cart owners can provide a lot more advice here. Full disclosure we recently purchased a 2nd electric cart so I might be partial to quite, smooth ride and we do hate going into the tunnels behind gas carts that claim not to leave any fumes ( Kind of like 2nd hand smoke doesn't really bother you I guess). We live by Brownwood and think twice about taking the cart to Sumter ( its a time issue for us not a range issue). I recommend you rent a gas cart and make the round trip from the North of the Villages to the South and back … Once, and then decide how often you want to do this or even 1/2 of this.