Star EV Warranty and Villages Exclusives: Worth the ~$9K Surcharge?

[idlewild]

We're looking at buying a 2025 Star Sirius and have spoken with a few suppliers including TV Golf Carts and a couple outside the bubble.

While they don't nearly have as much inventory or options (e.g. colors) the non-bubble vendors had quoted prices roughly ~$9K higher. We've found the basic cart + battery pricing and Sunbrella enclosure consistent, but the seats are drastically different types and price. Additionally some of the other "addons" like LED White Amber strip lights, additional tail light / turn indicators, and windscreen are all similar within a few hundred for what we would want, total.

All things equal, we find that The Villages' prices are nearly $10K more for the same cart but they tout their service/maintenance plan (loaners), their VIP towing service (which I understand you can but separately for like $100/year), separate parking break, color options, and - of course - their excellent 8 YEAR non-prorated (i.e. full replacement) warranty.

To me, only the warranty really matters and what I see outside the bubble is the standard Star warranty of 2 years - bumper-to-bumper - and 6 years on the battery, with only the first 3 full replacement and the next 3 prorated to (I think) only 20% coverage in the final year. While that might seem big, wouldn't it make sense if you had a defective battery to discover that within the first 3 years - and likely the first year (i.e. under full warranty)? If so, why not save the $10K?

Anyone consider this too? If so, who did you go with in the end: TVGC or outside?

[CarlR33]

the non-bubble vendors had quoted prices roughly ~$9K higher.

All things equal, we find that The Villages' prices are nearly $10K more for the same cart but they tout their service/maintenance plan (loaners), their VIP towing service (which I understand you can but separately for like $100/year), separate parking break, color options, and - of course - their excellent 8 YEAR non-prorated (i.e. full replacement) warranty.
Non Bubble 9K higher vs. The Villages 10K more? BTW, you can get towing on your insurance for similar price.

[BrianL99]

We're looking at buying a 2025 Star Sirius and have spoken with a few suppliers including TV Golf Carts and a couple outside the bubble.

While they don't nearly have as much inventory or options (e.g. colors) the non-bubble vendors had quoted prices roughly ~$9K higher. We've found the basic cart + battery pricing and Sunbrella enclosure consistent, but the seats are drastically different types and price. Additionally some of the other "addons" like LED White Amber strip lights, additional tail light / turn indicators, and windscreen are all similar within a few hundred for what we would want, total.

All things equal, we find that The Villages' prices are nearly $10K more for the same cart but they tout their service/maintenance plan (loaners), their VIP towing service (which I understand you can but separately for like $100/year), separate parking break, color options, and - of course - their excellent 8 YEAR non-prorated (i.e. full replacement) warranty.

To me, only the warranty really matters and what I see outside the bubble is the standard Star warranty of 2 years - bumper-to-bumper - and 6 years on the battery, with only the first 3 full replacement and the next 3 prorated to (I think) only 20% coverage in the final year. While that might seem big, wouldn't it make sense if you had a defective battery to discover that within the first 3 years - and likely the first year (i.e. under full warranty)? If so, why not save the $10K?

Anyone consider this too? If so, who did you go with in the end: TVGC or outside?

If this was an automobile dealer, trying to charge you $10,000 more for essentially the same car, everyone would be saying he's a crook. Somehow, it's different with a golf cart?

I bought my Sirius from Sunshine in Ocala. It was $9000 less than TV wanted for the same cart ... 4 years ago. If I need service, they come pick it up. If I really need a loaner, they'll give me one.

I have yet to hear of anyone with a Star Sirius, who's had a battery problem. My Yearly "towing service" bill is $40.

I've never see a "separate parking brake" on a Sirius, unless it's a straight 4 Passenger. I'm guessing if they're telling you the 2 passenger comes with one, they're rigging it up at Villages Carts ... I don't think it comes from Star.

I seldom use the Emergency Brake on my Star. If I stop my cart, it stops and doesn't move unless I turn the key off.

[Normal]

You could buy an extra golf cart for the 9-10 k you save. The Villages Golf Cart store is the largest rip off enterprise in the area. I would go elsewhere, unless you like their emblem on your cart? It is shiny plastic.

[Papa_lecki]

We've found the basic cart + battery pricing and Sunbrella enclosure consistent, but the seats are drastically different types and price.

The seats are the most important upgrade on a golf cart. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. And they could be priced a few thousand different.

i think you pay a premium for the Villages golf, but not 40-50%. Make sure you REALLY look at the details.

[idlewild]

The seats are the most important upgrade on a golf cart. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. And they could be priced a few thousand different.

i think you pay a premium for the Villages golf, but not 40-50%. Make sure you REALLY look at the details.

Fair play, but you also need to put a price on what TV can offer that others can't (e.g. many different colors, an 8 year warranty, etc.). To me, I think that's not work the 40% - and it is about that much when you add it all up - markup on them as, for example, the Star Sirius have very good Premium Plus (with armrest) seats although TV will convince you that you need the El Tigre.

[idlewild]

If I bought my Sirius from Sunshine in Ocala. It was $9000 less than TV wanted for the same cart ... 4 years ago. If I need service, they come pick it up. If I really need a loaner, they'll give me one.

I have yet to hear of anyone with a Star Sirius, who's had a battery problem. My Yearly "towing service" bill is $40.

I seldom use the Emergency Brake on my Star. If I stop my cart, it stops and doesn't move unless I turn the key off.

We're speaking with Sunshine State too. If you don't mind, please check your messages. I'll send you a DM about them now - thanks!