Who Makes The Best Street Legal Golf Cart

[Barefoot]

Any golf cart experts out there? I'm wondering who makes the best street legal golf cart. Tomberlin, GEM, Columbia Par Car, EZ Go 2Five ?? :confused:

[Redtail]

ive had my tomberlin 2 years and all ive did so far is drive it. it has a 2 year warranty but i didnt need it. i cant say enough about this machine. the only negative i can come up with is it wont go faster than 23mph. i get passed by gas golf carts every day! it also has a golf cart mode which keeps it at 19 mph. but other than that it is very safe. also all my neighbors think its CUTE!

[mrdills]

I have a Tomberlin and I think is wonderful................

[redwitch]

I've driven a Tomberlin, Columbia and Gem. Of those three, I think the Columbia Par Car is the best choice. I definitely found it the most comfortable but feel the steering is pretty stiff. I don't like the Gem at all -- takes up an entire parking space, doesn't hold as much if you go shopping in it, feels too closed in for my taste. A plus to the Tomberlin is that it is manufactured in Tampa and they are very responsive about questions and issues. Given that EZ-Go has had battery issues with their regular carts, I'd be hesitant to get it. Know absolutely nothing about the 2Five.

[Barefoot]

I looked today at an E Z Go 2Five (I think that is the name of their new street legal cart). The salesman told me you could go about 25 miles on a charge. Now I have a Par Car and it goes forever on a charge. Quite a difference.

Two votes for Tomberlin? That impresses me. I think I'll check Tomberlin out tomorrow .. there is a dealer very close to me on 301.

[Barefoot]

Given that EZ-Go has had battery issues with their regular carts, I'd be hesitant to get it. Know absolutely nothing about the 2Five.

Red, the 2Five is the new EZ-Go Street Legal Cart. I looked at them today. What are the battery issues with regular EZ-Go carts?

[redwitch]

Here's a TOTV link to some previous problems with the EZ-Go: https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32979&highlight=batteries I've heard from non-TOTV EZ-Go owners of similar issues with batteries, chargers, the promised warranty and just a general dislike of the way things are handled by the dealers and manufacturer.

[gongoozler]

Tomberlin has 4 wheel disc breaks (hydralic and not mechanical) . . . that alone should seal the deal if you are going to be out on the road. Tomberlin also is heavier and more stable than the other street legals . . . certainly a plus if someone hits you in the side. Go up to any cart and push them from the side roof at the drivers side and compare how they feel and you will only go on the road in a Tomberlin.

My Tomberlin only did about 22-23 on the streets and I had the dealer pick it up for a yearly check and now the thing is 2-3 MPH faster . . . did 28 yesterday for the first time on a slight decline and only for a short distance and I certainly would never want to go any faster than that. I've often put 25-35 mile on the cart w/o recharging so I'm also happy with the range.

No matter what brand you get go with an automatic water fill system (Gem car batteries are sealed and do not need water . . . that is a plus for them).

ps . . if it is street legal then you are covered under AAA for tows and flats!

[BlueHeronFan]

Tomberlin for me. It's the standard equipment that sold me. Plus the safety.

Company manufactured in Georgia, not Tampa, unless they relocated, and don't believe they have.

Check this out.

http://www.youtube.com/user/TomberlinGroup#p/u/10/e1rJGdosWxU

[BBQMan]

Another Tomberlin fan here. I've had Club Car and Yamaha carts, but enjoy the Tomberlin much more than those. I got the upgraded seats and find it very comfortable. Go try one or PM one of the owners on the boars and take a ride in one.

[aaffmom]

Since LSV's are automobiles by law, I understand thet have to be registered, tagged and have automobile insurance. I was wondering what the annual cost would be and what the advantage over a regular golf cart?

[LittleDog]

I've driven a Tomberlin, Columbia and Gem. Of those three, I think the Columbia Par Car is the best choice. I definitely found it the most comfortable but feel the steering is pretty stiff. I don't like the Gem at all -- takes up an entire parking space, doesn't hold as much if you go shopping in it, feels too closed in for my taste. A plus to the Tomberlin is that it is manufactured in Tampa and they are very responsive about questions and issues. Given that EZ-Go has had battery issues with their regular carts, I'd be hesitant to get it. Know absolutely nothing about the 2Five.

I don't think the Tomberlin is made in Tampa. I have a friend with a Tomberlin and he was told that the cart was US made by the Tomberlin dealer. However, there is a plate under the dash that says the cart is made in China with 30% US parts. I like the Tomberlin and that wouldn't stop me from buying it if I were in the market.

John

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Tomberlin's world HQ is in Augusta, GA. Manufacturing/assembly facilities in both North America and Asia.

http://www.tomberlin.net/#/about-tomberlin

Bill

[redwitch]

Guess it's some kind of outlet/small factory that works on the Tomberlin's in Tampa. I thought they were made there. Oh, well, thanks for the info. Either way, I've found them to be pretty good and reliable, but my first vote is still for the Columbia Par Car and there is no way I would even consider a Gem (just don't like the way they look).

[villagerjack]

I have a 1998 EZGO that we have driven for almost 13 years with absolutely no problems at all. With new gears, we can do the legal limit with ease.

[gongoozler]

I have a 1998 EZGO that we have driven for almost 13 years with absolutely no problems at all. With new gears, we can do the legal limit with ease.

Think the original question was who makes the best street legal and as far as I know EZGO is not making street legals yet.

[ajbrown]

Think the original question was who makes the best street legal and as far as I know EZGO is not making street legals yet.

I know nothing about any of the LSVs, but as mentioned previosuly EZGO now has the 2Five. That either means 25MPH or 25 miles before you hit creep mode <sorry> :throwtomatoes:

http://www.ezgo.com/2five/explore/gallery.php

[jebartle]

but same adorable dog..... Lafayette is street legal, has storage to lock 2 sets of golf clubs (med.) which is a good thing if you lunch after golf...Can be bought at Village Cart Man on historic side for approx. $9000...Would still have cart but spouse liked Gem...

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae278/jebartle1/Mosesingolfcart004-1.jpg

[Barefoot]

I've now visited both the Columbia Par Car Dealership in Fruitland Park and Tomberlin in Wildwood. Both dealerships offer a fine street legal cart. Both are very impressive and offer different advantages. IMHO, the Tomberlin is better constructed. But I like some details about the Par Car, especially the fold down rear seat which would allow me to easily transport my 70lb dog to the Dog Park on CR 101. And I have a Par Car now (not legal) and I've loved it, especially the range and comfortable drive.

I also visited EZ Go and looked at the 2Five, but wasn't impressed.

I figure that the street-legal insurance will cost $500-$600 per year, and the registration over $300 for the first year. (I've been offered less expensive insurance, but I'd rather go with a name that I recognize like Allstate).

[EdV]

Of all the LSVs I test drove, the Par Car Summit had the most comfortable and quietest ride. But with the usual accessories it was pushing 13 grand. So I settled on the Tomberlin E-Merge E2 for a lot less money and I’m quite satisfied.

Also, Tomberlin does have a rear facing seat option that can be ordered. There are some photos of it here (http://www.adventuregolfcars.com/StreetLegal.htm).

[Barefoot]

Apparently there is a company in Ocala (and perhaps other places?) that converts existing carts to street-legal carts. Does anyone have any information on that company? I realize it is an expensive change to make, but I'd like to get more information on costs, etc. :gc:

[frannieb]

Hi Barefoot, any idea why all the rentals have electric rather than gas golf carts. My husband wants a gas cart b/c he says electric is only good on the golf course not for the streets.
I want to come down to TV for the winter next year but have to try to get hubby on board. He had a good time in 2008 but couldn't connect with anyone much for golf in 2009.
It's freezing up here!!! We live in London Ont. I DON'T want to spend another winter up here...LOL.
Thanks

[redwitch]

frannie, I know that Jim Followell rents mainly gas carts, although he does have a couple of electric for those insistent on them. Grandma & Grandpa has gas carts. The Villages only has gas carts.

[frannieb]

Thanks redwitch...I meant homes for rent only seem to have electric.

[jgbama]

Of all the LSVs I test drove, the Par Car Summit had the most comfortable and quietest ride. But with the usual accessories it was pushing 13 grand. So I settled on the Tomberlin E-Merge E2 for a lot less money and I’m quite satisfied.

Also, Tomberlin does have a rear facing seat option that can be ordered. There are some photos of it here (http://www.adventuregolfcars.com/StreetLegal.htm).

Pardon my ignorance about these new LSVs, but are they street use only or can they tote some golf clubs to the course?

Thanks for the pixs. Those are some sweet looking rides!!

[redwitch]

jg, the street legal carts look like regular golf cart and can be used on the golf course if they have the correct tires and a low speed setting. I think you're thinking of the YesterYear and StreetRod carts. They are not street legal. The Gem Car is but not sure if they can be used on the courses.

[eweissenbach]

Where in TV are you able to go in a street legal cart that you cannot in a standard golf cart? For the extra price, and the extra cost of insurance and registration, not to mention the considerably lower battery range, there would have to be a rather tangible advantage in accessability for me.

[jgbama]

Where in TV are you able to go in a street legal cart that you cannot in a standard golf cart? For the extra price, and the extra cost of insurance and registration, not to mention the considerably lower battery range, there would have to be a rather tangible advantage in accessability for me.

Since we are not there permanently yet, and have only visited for a week at the time, I guess the novelty of using a golf cart, rather than a car, to cover the growing area makes it seem you can get there quicker in a street legal version. Probably won't go the extra expense when it comes right down to it. But as anxious as we are to be there, it is just fun weighing all the options and sharing all the wisdom "y'all" share on these forums.

P.S. "Y'all" is Southern for "youse guys" from New England! :smiley:

[Barefoot]

Where in TV are you able to go in a street legal cart that you cannot in a standard golf cart? For the extra price, and the extra cost of insurance and registration, not to mention the considerably lower battery range, there would have to be a rather tangible advantage in accessability for me.

Where would I go in a street legal cart? On CR 101 to the private dog park. Some people drive them on Bueva Vista to go 26 mph, rather than 19 on the multi modal paths.

The battery range for a Par Car is 60 miles .. There is no "considerably lower battery range" with a street legal.

A street legal is definitely more expensive. But so is a Yesteryear Cart or Street Rod. Each to his own!

[jebartle]

Yes Gems can be used on course and your right about correct tires and low speed setting.



jg, the street legal carts look like regular golf cart and can be used on the golf course if they have the correct tires and a low speed setting. I think you're thinking of the YesterYear and StreetRod carts. They are not street legal. The Gem Car is but not sure if they can be used on the courses.

[red tail]

Where would I go in a street legal cart? On CR 101 to the private dog park. Some people drive them on Bueva Vista to go 26 mph, rather than 19 on the multi modal paths.

The battery range for a Par Car is 60 miles .. There is no "considerably lower battery range" with a street legal.

A street legal is definitely more expensive. But so is a Yesteryear Cart or Street Rod. Each to his own!

what makes you think a tomberlin is more expensive? you can get a brand new 2010 model for $7500.