Golf Cart Advice

[bopat]

Moving to The Villages in a few weeks, thinking about getting a Golf Cart. We'd like something that can handle 4 people when family and friends come to visit. We like the ones where 2 seats face back and 2 face forward, that seems to be a good layout and still manageable. We heard the ones with 4 seats facing forward might be tight turning into the tunnels.

If the cart doesn't have the rear facing seats, is that something we can bolt on in the garage and just have laying around for when we need it? Or is it permanently welded?

What about other factors that would make us want or not want a particular cart? We thought about a locking glovebox but learned they're not that secure. And when we rented a cart half the time we left the keys in the ignition while we shopped and dined, and nobody took it, so apparently that's not an issue either.

[dewilson58]

Permanent.

Do not get the attachment with the floor that folds up.........no good.

Make sure the rear suspension has been beefed up.

[Papa_lecki]

Moving to The Villages in a few weeks, thinking about getting a Golf Cart. We'd like something that can handle 4 people when family and friends come to visit. We like the ones where 2 seats face back and 2 face forward, that seems to be a good layout and still manageable. We heard the ones with 4 seats facing forward might be tight turning into the tunnels.

If the cart doesn't have the rear facing seats, is that something we can bolt on in the garage and just have laying around for when we need it? Or is it permanently welded?

What about other factors that would make us want or not want a particular cart? We thought about a locking glovebox but learned they're not that secure. And when we rented a cart half the time we left the keys in the ignition while we shopped and dined, and nobody took it, so apparently that's not an issue either.

We have a 2 front 2 rear cart, we are trading it in for a 4 front cart.
I’ve never seen one where the 2 rear seats are removable.

The 2 rear facing seats are not that comfortable - even for my 20 something kids. I would not put my 60 year old sister in law in it.
The 4 front also have a lower center of gravity.

What ever you do, get the most comfortable, upgraded seats you can afford.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Ride in a rear facing seat for too long and you can feel seasick

[ThirdOfFive]

Moving to The Villages in a few weeks, thinking about getting a Golf Cart. We'd like something that can handle 4 people when family and friends come to visit. We like the ones where 2 seats face back and 2 face forward, that seems to be a good layout and still manageable. We heard the ones with 4 seats facing forward might be tight turning into the tunnels.

If the cart doesn't have the rear facing seats, is that something we can bolt on in the garage and just have laying around for when we need it? Or is it permanently welded?

What about other factors that would make us want or not want a particular cart? We thought about a locking glovebox but learned they're not that secure. And when we rented a cart half the time we left the keys in the ignition while we shopped and dined, and nobody took it, so apparently that's not an issue either.
Check the header here, "Golf Carts and Cars". Quite a few for sale and in general you'll pay less for a used cart from a private party than from a dealer.

Don't know about bolting rear seats on when you need them. My guess is that would be make-and-model dependent. A dealer could give you more info. on that.

Oh--and don't take the honesty of the people here for granted. I've had sunglasses stolen from our cart. Some months back a cart (or carts?) had the windshield stolen near Spanish Springs. And carts have been known to disappear: read not long back about a cart that was left outside overnight and was stolen from a driveway. Theft is a crime of opportunity, so don't leave too much temptation (keys in ignition, sunglasses on the dash, etc.) laying around.

Oh--and a locking glovebox? Can't hurt. As Dad always used to say, "locks are for keeping honest people honest". Sure an habitual thief could probably pry a locked glovebox open in a few seconds and abscond with what is in there, but why tempt others?

[villagetinker]

OP, we have a 2017 Yamaha golf cart with aftermarket rear facing seats. These foldup when we are golfing, and the floor folds up also. I added additional brake lights as the normal brake lights are partially blocked with the floor up. We have the upgraded suspension, however you need to be careful with weight distribution, if you put too much weight in the back, the steering can get very sloppy. This setup has worked very well, the cart is only around 4 inches longer than a standard model.
Yes the parts bolt on, but it would be several hours to unbolt and reinstall so I do not consider this an option.
Talking to your guests in the back seat can be difficult but I suspect the same would be true even in a 4 seater cart. Finally 4 seater carts are much longer than 2 seater and cannot be parked perpendicular to the curb, they need to be parked parallel to the curb like a car.

[VApeople]

Why not wait and decide if you really want a golf cart?

We have been here 7 years and do not have a golf cart. We can get anywhere we want in our cars. When we go to the Squares, there is a lot of parking in the many parking lots.

[ckcapaul]

Not to start a battery vs Gas thread (we have gas) but EZ Go makes a 4 seat (all forward) That is only 9" longer than a standard cart. Similar length as a cart with 2 forward and 2 rear facing seats. You can still park it perpendicular to the curb.

[rjm1cc]

Have cart with back seat facing back. Use rear seat infrequently for people. Keep folded down and use it for carrying stuff. Have build a wooden "fence" around it that I can lift off.
The advantage of the front facing seat is easier to have a conversation.

[bsloan1960]

One option is to get a 2 seater to use 95% of the time, then rent a 4 seater for a week for guests. Or once you become friendly with your neighbors trade your 2 seater for their 4 seater for a week

[Chi-Town]

I have a Yamaha rear facing 4 seater from The Villages Golf Cars. Rear of roof is raised for backseat headroom and has beefed up suspension. Underneath the rear seat is storage. Very happy with it.

[Villages Kahuna]

Don’t go to the expense of buying a four-seater. They’re more expensive, heavier, and about 2MPH slower than standard two-seaters.

You may find that visitors are far less frequent than you’re imagining, and for all the time they’re not here, you’re dragging all that size and weight around behind you. A much better and more economical solution is to rent them a golf cart when they’re visiting. The Villages Golf Carts has a huge fleet of rental carts parked behind their Lake Sumter store for that precise purpose.

[kidnerkim]

I would just rent one when you need it. Either 4 seater or additional cart. Guys can play pool while ladies go to pool!

[hosegooseman]

OP, we have a 2017 Yamaha golf cart with aftermarket rear facing seats. These foldup when we are golfing, and the floor folds up also. I added additional brake lights as the normal brake lights are partially blocked with the floor up. We have the upgraded suspension, however you need to be careful with weight distribution, if you put too much weight in the back, the steering can get very sloppy. This setup has worked very well, the cart is only around 4 inches longer than a standard model.
Yes the parts bolt on, but it would be several hours to unbolt and reinstall so I do not consider this an option.
Talking to your guests in the back seat can be difficult but I suspect the same would be true even in a 4 seater cart. Finally 4 seater carts are much longer than 2 seater and cannot be parked perpendicular to the curb, they need to be parked parallel to the curb like a car.

I have parked perpendicular many times a 4 seater all front facing cart next to a 4 seater 2 rear facing one. About the same length with no issues.

[hosegooseman]

Why not wait and decide if you really want a golf cart?

We have been here 7 years and do not have a golf cart. We can get anywhere we want in our cars. When we go to the Squares, there is a lot of parking in the many parking lots.

Of course you can go anywhere in your car. But driving a golf cart is much more than going from point A to B.

The open air feeling, the views and sights can’t be replicated with out a golf cart. Specially if you have driven a motorcycle.

[bowlingal]

you can buy a cart that has a flip back seat when you need it. best of both worlds

[Gsorace]

Consider upgrade of front seat, too. The bucket seats adjust forward, so a short person can drive comfortably. It also tilts & is very much more comfortable in general.

[mikeycereal]

Love my golf cart. They're very useful and fun. If you can afford one, get it. Can't help you with the 4 seaters, but as far as leaving keys in I've accidently done that in Brownwood but I wouldn't advise being that trusting because I've heard a couple golf clubs got stolen from someone's cart before. So I take out and carry my keys, garage opener and wifi speaker...stuff you don't want stolen. Brownwood and other squares may be mostly trustable areas to leave stuff in, but better safe than sorry. I'm really wondering if my 3x black hoodie got taken from my cart there one night. Can't remember how I lost it (November). If anyone sees one with Cobra Kai on the back lmk. It's custom made.

[NoMo50]

Something else to consider: a cart with the rear facing back seat will, by necessity, have a much stiffer rear suspension setup. While this is fine when you are carrying passengers, it makes for a rough ride when you travel solo or 2-up. Why suffer from a stiff ride 90% of the time? As others have mentioned, it may be better to rent a 4-seater on the occasions you need one.

[Mrfriendly]

We have a 2 front 2 rear cart, we are trading it in for a 4 front cart.
I’ve never seen one where the 2 rear seats are removable.

The 2 rear facing seats are not that comfortable - even for my 20 something kids. I would not put my 60 year old sister in law in it.
The 4 front also have a lower center of gravity.

What ever you do, get the most comfortable, upgraded seats you can afford.

I believe the two rear facing seats are known as the mother-in-law seats

[ThirdOfFive]

Agree with #12. Rental is a good option for those times when family and friends come to visit. My stepdaughter, her husband and brood of four rented a six-seater from The Villages Golf Cars and had no problems navigating the turns, tunnels, etc. During all the other times a two-seater is more than adequate.

[retiredguy123]

Why not wait and decide if you really want a golf cart?

We have been here 7 years and do not have a golf cart. We can get anywhere we want in our cars. When we go to the Squares, there is a lot of parking in the many parking lots.
I agree. I thought I wanted a golf cart until I saw that they share the roads with cars, SUVs, large trucks, and distracted drivers. I don't consider them safe. They are also slow and hot in the summer.

[toma6000]

We find that renting a 4-seater isn't necessary. We prefer to "tag team" when they come. My husband and I will split up with the guests and one of us drives the cart and one drives the car to our destination - then we switch on the way home. (Sometimes guests don't even feel comfortable riding in the golf cart!) So we each get one-on-one time with a guest, sometimes in the cart and sometimes in the car. It's hard to have conversations in the cart anyways. Plus you get a different view of The Villages in each vehicle and with a different person.

[Miboater]

We bought a used 2 seater Yamaha when we first moved down here and just took delivery of a new Yamaha. We did want his and hers carts so there is no issues with conflicting schedules. We were looking at getting the flip down back seat version (they call it a 2 plus 2) but our salesperson sort of talked us out of that model. He said the ride is rougher, it's not very comfortable in the back seats and you lose the basket behind the front seats. He told us the best option to the two forward facing seats is the best but I didn't want that all the time. So we just went with another two seater and figure if we had more than two guests they could rent another cart.

[Deckboat234]

Look at Yamaha concierge 4 gas golf carts. It has 4 forward facing seats, rides great and you have room for your golf carts on back. We bought a refurbished 2018 from the Villages and love it.

[msilagy]

Why would any person, whether it's their golf cart or not, leave keys in the ignition? Highly irresponsible!

[Bilyclub]

Just a comment about renting a true 4 seater from TV. We've done this and found them to be old and slow. Nothing like driving around on the MMP's and having a long line of carts behind you waiting to pass.

[Nana2Teddy]

Check the header here, "Golf Carts and Cars". Quite a few for sale and in general you'll pay less for a used cart from a private party than from a dealer.

Don't know about bolting rear seats on when you need them. My guess is that would be make-and-model dependent. A dealer could give you more info. on that.

Oh--and don't take the honesty of the people here for granted. I've had sunglasses stolen from our cart. Some months back a cart (or carts?) had the windshield stolen near Spanish Springs. And carts have been known to disappear: read not long back about a cart that was left outside overnight and was stolen from a driveway. Theft is a crime of opportunity, so don't leave too much temptation (keys in ignition, sunglasses on the dash, etc.) laying around.

Oh--and a locking glovebox? Can't hurt. As Dad always used to say, "locks are for keeping honest people honest". Sure an habitual thief could probably pry a locked glovebox open in a few seconds and abscond with what is in there, but why tempt others?
We were told at Villages Golf Cart store the locking glovebox is pointless because every cart has the same key. I guess it would deter thieves who have no key, but anyone in possession of a Yamaha glovebox key can access any Yamaha glovebox.

[Battlebasset]

Moving to The Villages in a few weeks, thinking about getting a Golf Cart. We'd like something that can handle 4 people when family and friends come to visit. We like the ones where 2 seats face back and 2 face forward, that seems to be a good layout and still manageable. We heard the ones with 4 seats facing forward might be tight turning into the tunnels.

If the cart doesn't have the rear facing seats, is that something we can bolt on in the garage and just have laying around for when we need it? Or is it permanently welded?

What about other factors that would make us want or not want a particular cart? We thought about a locking glovebox but learned they're not that secure. And when we rented a cart half the time we left the keys in the ignition while we shopped and dined, and nobody took it, so apparently that's not an issue either.

We bought an Evolution cart from one of the "off campus" dealers. Just the two seater. I like it well enough, I really like the fact that it doesn't smell of gas fumes, which is something to think about if you go with a four seater as those in the rear will experience. It's lithium ion, not lead cell.

What I don't like about it is:

- The ride. It's pretty stiff. I improved it a bit with some after market front shocks. It is the previous generation, so not sure if the new gen is any better.

- My dealer capped the top speed at 20 mph. That is Florida law, but you will get passed by almost every other cart.

- I had a number of issues with the power regulator. After getting it in three times, they finally gave me a new battery as well. Which brings me to my next point

- Make sure your dealer, regardless of the make of the cart, will give you a loaner when you have to get it serviced. We were without a cart more than a week at some times, as it took that long to get it fixed.

If I had to do it over again, I would have bought an electric from the Villages Golf Carts. Higher price for sure, but based on the experience of my neighbor who did exactly that, they are much more responsive and provide loaners if there is an issue.

[Papa_lecki]

We find that renting a 4-seater isn't necessary. We prefer to "tag team" when they come. My husband and I will split up with the guests and one of us drives the cart and one drives the car to our destination - then we switch on the way home. (Sometimes guests don't even feel comfortable riding in the golf cart!) So we each get one-on-one time with a guest, sometimes in the cart and sometimes in the car. It's hard to have conversations in the cart anyways. Plus you get a different view of The Villages in each vehicle and with a different person.

Also gives more opportunity to drive the golf cart.

[HORNET]

Rent a cart when needed !

[canajunfool]

I agree. Don't get a 4 seater for guests. Rent when you need one. I made this mistake. Guests come frequently at the start but after a year or so. not so frequently.

[LivinDream665]

Renting is a good idea for guests, but be aware that finding one during peak months such as March can be difficult

[tedquick]

I have a two-seater Yamaha gas cart and my wife has a four-seater (2 facing forward with 2 facing back) Star Car electric. Neither one of us would trade with the other. When we have guests we can use one cart or two. If we go someplace with 6 people we can readily accommodate that also. Both my wife and I love what we have. The bottom line is this, in the end, it is a personal choice. Best of luck with whatever decision you make. BTW, we both bought off campus and neither has ever had a problem. Our carts are 7 and 8 years old.

[kkingston57]

Moving to The Villages in a few weeks, thinking about getting a Golf Cart. We'd like something that can handle 4 people when family and friends come to visit. We like the ones where 2 seats face back and 2 face forward, that seems to be a good layout and still manageable. We heard the ones with 4 seats facing forward might be tight turning into the tunnels.

If the cart doesn't have the rear facing seats, is that something we can bolt on in the garage and just have laying around for when we need it? Or is it permanently welded?

What about other factors that would make us want or not want a particular cart? We thought about a locking glovebox but learned they're not that secure. And when we rented a cart half the time we left the keys in the ignition while we shopped and dined, and nobody took it, so apparently that's not an issue either.

Personally I would not ride in a rear facing seat. If driver had to suddenly stop or slow down, persons in back would not see what is happening. Make sure rear facing seats have seat belts. Been here 3 years and probably could have used a 4 person cart no more than 10 times. Car still can go anywhere (except a golf course) that a cart can. Most of this advise came from a Villages dealer.

[kkingston57]

I agree. I thought I wanted a golf cart until I saw that they share the roads with cars, SUVs, large trucks, and distracted drivers. I don't consider them safe. They are also slow and hot in the summer.

And cold in the winter(do not care to use the curtains)

[Jbellio]

Decide how often you will actually need 4 seats ... if it is not that often then rent a 4 person forward facing seat cart when family or friends come in.
I have a new upgraded cart with rear facing seats and it is not that comfortable to ride in the back... so I have been told, as I am always the one driving.

[Garywt]

We have a 2 and 2 and it is great and can be parked in the squares with the 2 seaters. If you have a 4 forward seating cart it is too long to park so you need to find a full spot along the street to park. You can’t leave it sticking out in the street.

The locking gloveboxes are no different than anything with a lock, keeps honest people honest.

[Deckboat234]

I have a 4 forward cart and they can be parked at the squares without sticking out. It is only about 10 inches longer than a two-seater with a rear seat.

[SIRE1]

When we first moved to TV and I bought a 2 person cart and became I convinced I HAD to add the fold down rear seat for guests. What I found after the first couple of times using it was that it was very uncomfortable for anyone other than young kids. Since the roof doesn't cover the rear seat, the rear passengers were sitting in the open under hot sun and they were riding backwards which no one liked. Also, for taller passengers they were always having to keep head bent down to avoid the back fold down curtain (which I had to take off when I used the cart for passengers). And if you have a fold down seat, you MUST have rear seat belts installed because there isn't much to keep someone from being thrown off the back. My new cart is a 2 seater and like the other recommendations, I now rent for a day or 2 when I have visitors.

[HogPilot]

One option is to get a 2 seater to use 95% of the time, then rent a 4 seater for a week for guests. Or once you become friendly with your neighbors trade your 2 seater for their 4 seater for a week

I thought about a four person cart too. The best advice I got from the salesman was to buy the two place cart and rent a four place or another two place cart for visiting guests. The four seat carts are a little longer (maybe by inches) but garage space is valuable and it sticks out when parked next to others carts.

[VApeople]

Rent a cart when needed !

That is what we do.

Of course, in our 7 years of TV living, we have never needed a golf cart, so we have never rented one.

Oh, I take that back. One time when my plantar fasciitis was acting up, I rented a cart at Gray Fox for 9 holes.

[photo1902]

Renting is a good idea for guests, but be aware that finding one during peak months such as March can be difficult

Absolutely true. The mom and pop places only rent monthly during peak season, and four seaters are extremely difficult to find at The Villages cart shops

[DAVES]

Just a comment about renting a true 4 seater from TV. We've done this and found them to be old and slow. Nothing like driving around on the MMP's and having a long line of carts behind you waiting to pass.

Endless posts o the same subject. The LEGAL speed for a golf cart is MAXIMUM of 20 miles per hour. People waiting to pass you are likely not driving a LEGAL cart.

[Battlebasset]

Endless posts o the same subject. The LEGAL speed for a golf cart is MAXIMUM of 20 miles per hour. People waiting to pass you are likely not driving a LEGAL cart.

Perhaps, but it's never enforced, so for all intents and purposes, you can go as fast as your cart is set for. I've seen them go close to 30 mph, as that is what it takes for me to pass them in my car!

[Bay Kid]

My 2013 Yamaha has a huge cooler built in under the rear seat. It is a shame they don't offer this anymore.

[Billy1]

One option is to get a 2 seater to use 95% of the time, then rent a 4 seater for a week for guests. Or once you become friendly with your neighbors trade your 2 seater for their 4 seater for a week

Yes, unless you will have a continuous flow of visitors just rent a four seater. Sitting in a rear facing seat is uncomfortable when looking into the face of the people in the following cart. I don't have a rear seat which reduces the weight of the vehicle.