Car/Golf cart needs at TV

[glgene]

Moving to TV soon, Kathy and I keep wondering about our car/ golf cart needs at TV. We've always had 2 cars, and we just wonder if we could comfortably get by with just 1 car and 1 golf cart. That would seem to be the efficient way to go -- if that combo would really suit our transportation needs.

We'll be living in Sanibel, just south of 466A, near Morse Blvd.

We have read some previous posts on this related topic, but I would like to get some fresh perspectives on this topic -- especially from folks south of 466A.
Our 3 options:

1) 1 car and 1 golf cart
2) 1 car and 2 golf carts
3) 2 cars and 1 golf cart

We're both golfers, but not everyday golfers. We're leaning toward starting with Option 1 above, but that would mean selling one of our cars before the move, but if that would backfire, it would necessitate us buying a 2nd car at TV (which, on surface, seems foolish since we already own 2 cars). Decisions, decisions.

Any info, or opinions, would be appreciated. We're mighty anxious about our upcoming move to TV.

Gene & Kathy, OH

[2 Oldcrabs]

Start with 2 cars and a cart. You can always sell a decent used car. We are in Sanibel and planned on 1 car & 2 carts. I was going to sell my pickup. Still have truck & car. Don't see a need for the 2nd cart. Try not to rush into changes until you get a feel for your needs here. It will cost about $500 to register each car in FL.:welcome:

[glgene]

Start with 2 cars and a cart. You can always sell a decent used car. We are in Sanibel and planned on 1 car & 2 carts. I was going to sell my pickup. Still have truck & car. Don't see a need for the 2nd cart. Try not to rush into changes until you get a feel for your needs here. It will cost about $500 to register each car in FL.:welcome:

Thanks, neighbor!

Are FL car registrations required right away, or could we keep OH plates on the one car (for a brief while) until we decide about whether to keep or sell our 2nd car?

Gene

[mulligan]

FL. law says 30 days, but you can roll the dice on that, and probably go longer. The real issue is insurance. Can't get florida ins without fl registration and title.

[2 Oldcrabs]

You might be able to leave both vehicles in Ohio if you have an address there. We kept our out of state tags & Drivers lic for 5 months. Used my sisters address. Our reason, renting & waiting for house to be built. We had sold our house & "moved" here but did not want the hassle of changing address here twice. I think you would need an Ins policy in each state if you choose seperate states. Keep in mind if you are seeking "Homestead Exemption" you will need to apply before March 1st and need FL tags & license.:ohdear:

[Scoops]

We moved into the Village of Charlotte 3 months ago with 2 cars and 1 golf cart. Since my husband and I are both retired, my car only left the garage twice in the last three months. We just made the move to 1 car and 1 cart but I can see us buying the second cart shortly. The need for the carts are not just for golf. We use our carts to go to the squares, dine, doctor appt., shopping, etc. We have found that we enjoy TV because we use our cart alot. It is just down right 'fun' and so much easier to find a parking spot in season.

My suggestion would be to spend a little time here to see how much you will embrace the golf cart lifestyle before you make your decision. Whatever you do, it will be all good because you will be here...home at last!

[buggyone]

We had downsized to one car when we lived in Maryland. After retiring, we could pretty well plan the days when my wife would need to use the car and when I would need it. No problem at all.

Here in The Villages, we have one car and one golf cart. Works perfect for us.

I would not play any of those "games" with one car registered in Florida and one car registered in another state. It can always bite you in the butt if you would get stopped by a policeman for speeding - and they are very strict on speeding in Florida.

[Bosoxfan]

We started out with one car and one golf cart. Then we got busy and we were always juggling who could take the cart. We both golf, but not always together, plus I play softball and she is out and about. So last year we got our second golf cart and life is very very good. It does depend on your lifestyle, some folks prefer a car to the golf cart. We just happen to use the golf carts all the time unless we are leaving the compound.

[perrjojo]

We have been here one year and one car and one cart works great for us. You might decide later that you need a second cart. It will all depend on your activities.

[jnieman]

We were both working for the first 3 years and needed two cars and a cart. Once we both retired we sold one car and get along great with one car and a cart. We both play golf, but it just works out because if the other has the cart, we just ride with someone else to golf.

[Mikitv]

There are three of us in our house, one truck and one golf cart. I have had my golf cart for 2 1/2 years and have 6500 miles on it. We have managed quite well with only one car and are considering a second golf cart. Certainly cheaper to fill up the golf cart with about 44 miles per gallon.

[keithwand]

We had 2 cars when we moved here.
Our 2005 Thunderbird only had 3,400 miles in 7 years.
When our golf cart reached 500 miles in a matter of miles and the car was just sitting AGAIN we sold it to a CA dealer.
Now 1 car and 1 golf cart and its all we need.
You won't miss the 2nd car unless you plan on working when you get here.

[l2ridehd]

Start with two cars and one cart. My guess is you will end up with one car and two carts at some point, but let it take you there over time. For the first 6 to 12 months you will be going to lots of places where you can't get to with a cart. Home depot, Costco or Sams, airport, and other shopping. So having two cars for the first year is good. Once you become more settled into the Villages routine you will want two carts. However living there you can take your time and find a good deal on that second cart and take your time to sell your second car. Yes you will initially spend an extra $500 on car registration, but by having it for the initial living challenges and being able to selectively decide when to make the second cart purchase, you will save more then that. I would also recommend one gas and one electric cart for the long term, so what you buy first doesn't really matter.

[graciegirl]

Start with two cars and one cart. My guess is you will end up with one car and two carts at some point, but let it take you there over time. For the first 6 to 12 months you will be going to lots of places where you can't get to with a cart. Home depot, Costco or Sams, airport, and other shopping. So having two cars for the first year is good. Once you become more settled into the Villages routine you will want two carts. However living there you can take your time and find a good deal on that second cart and take your time to sell your second car. Yes you will initially spend an extra $500 on car registration, but by having it for the initial living challenges and being able to selectively decide when to make the second cart purchase, you will save more then that. I would also recommend one gas and one electric cart for the long term, so what you buy first doesn't really matter.


As usual, I agree with EVERY word Chris says.

[glgene]

Start with two cars and one cart. My guess is you will end up with one car and two carts at some point, but let it take you there over time. For the first 6 to 12 months you will be going to lots of places where you can't get to with a cart. Home depot, Costco or Sams, airport, and other shopping. So having two cars for the first year is good. Once you become more settled into the Villages routine you will want two carts. However living there you can take your time and find a good deal on that second cart and take your time to sell your second car. Yes you will initially spend an extra $500 on car registration, but by having it for the initial living challenges and being able to selectively decide when to make the second cart purchase, you will save more then that. I would also recommend one gas and one electric cart for the long term, so what you buy first doesn't really matter.

Thanks, Chris ... and all others who replied, incl. Mayor Gracie.

Your logic makes a LOT of sense, Chris.

Gene

[mollypeanut]

We have been here for 6 months and have one car and one golf cart.. Back in NY I had a demo for 14 years so when I left the company I turned it in.. so far it has not been a problem there is nothing that I want to do that I cant get to with my golf cart.. I would just suggest that you get a gas cart.. That is what we did.. the golf cart is just so much more fun..