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View Full Version : Star cart reviews please


Spectreron
10-15-2013, 10:25 AM
Any opinions on the Star brand. Their carts look good and have nice features, but your experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Dr Winston O Boogie jr
10-15-2013, 10:32 AM
I really don't understand the interest in Star Cars and all the other marginal brands. Club Car is by far the number one selling golf cart in the United States and Yamaha makes the best gas cart on the Market. EZ Go was at one time #1 and still has some fans and some good points. I don't see why anyone would look at anything other then these three brands. Are the Star Cars and Tomberlins et al that much less money? I'm actually surprised that they sell any golf carts at all.
Can someone explain why a person would look at these minor brands when they have the best three brands available?

Rango
10-15-2013, 10:43 AM
I really don't understand the interest in Star Cars and all the other marginal brands. Club Car is by far the number one selling golf cart in the United States and Yamaha makes the best gas cart on the Market. EZ Go was at one time #1 and still has some fans and some good points. I don't see why anyone would look at anything other then these three brands. Are the Star Cars and Tomberlins et al that much less money? I'm actually surprised that they sell any golf carts at all.
Can someone explain why a person would look at these minor brands when they have the best three brands available?

I assume they are less expensive. If you do a search there are a lot of threads on Star Carts

BarryRX
10-15-2013, 11:20 AM
I have had my Star cart for over 2 years now and have been very happy with its performance and with the service I receive from them. I get over 40 miles easily on a charge, and I love the fold down rear seat for when the kids and grandkids visit. It also has a two locking glove boxes and a sand bottle and an automatic water fill system. All that for just 7K when I purchased it a little over 2 years ago. If you want to take a ride, just pm me.

NJblue
10-15-2013, 11:21 AM
I have had a Star Car for almost 4 years and have had no problems. My neighbor on one side has also had no problems with his in over 4 years. Contrast that to my other neighbor who had a one-year old EZ Go die on him and had to be towed home. This is not to say that EZ Go is bad and Star Car is good, but to say that EZ Go is a better brand just because there are more of them is not necessarily true. I have also had good dealings with the Star Car dealership and have been treated fairly by them.

floridanative17
10-15-2013, 11:54 AM
Except for the fact that the Star Car is manufactured and assembled in China, and the EZGo is manufactured and Assembled in Georgia (except for the Kawasaki engine in the Gas models), there is no indication that the EZGo is a better brand. The slave labor conditions in their assembly plants help keep the Star Car costs low.

Spectreron
10-15-2013, 12:03 PM
The Star cart is assembled in one of the Carolinas and at least 60% is made in America. The carts are in the GSA Catalog meaning at least 60% is American made.

floridanative17
10-15-2013, 12:04 PM
Correction, the Star EV is manufactured in China, imported for assembley in South Carolina.

jnieman
10-15-2013, 12:30 PM
We had a brand new Star Cart new in 2008. Our biggest complaint was trying to get the dealer to service it. Once they kept it for 7 weeks because they didn't want to replace the batteries under the warranty. I realize the the dealerships have changed hands over the past couple of years but we had just had enough and in 2010 we sold it and bought a Yamaha from the Villages Golf Cart store in Colony. The service has been fantastic mostly getting the cart back same day for the very few warranty issues we have had with it. I guess what I'm trying to say is get some reviews on how the place where you buy it from deals with warranty and repair issues. To me that is just as important as the type of cart you buy.

Sleeper
10-15-2013, 01:10 PM
Club Car #1??? I'm curious where this official information comes from? Do you mean sold to golf courses or management companies? Club car is most popular for personal use carts?? I haven't been able to find that fact.
Thanks

floridanative17
10-15-2013, 03:26 PM
The Star cart is assembled in one of the Carolinas and at least 60% is made in America. The carts are in the GSA Catalog meaning at least 60% is American made.

Funny, I am currently looking at the 2014 GSA Global Supply Catalog and the Star EV's are nowhere to be found.

Shimpy
10-15-2013, 03:38 PM
I really don't understand the interest in Star Cars and all the other marginal brands. Club Car is by far the number one selling golf cart in the United States

Maybe so, but I'd bet Yamaha is the #1 selling cart in TV. Most likely because it makes the best gas cart and in TV as big as it's getting, gas is the way to go. Also that's what The Villages Carts sell.
Many carts sold here never see a golf course such as mine and are transportation and the gas makes sense.

gustavo
10-15-2013, 03:48 PM
I really don't understand the interest in Star Cars and all the other marginal brands. Club Car is by far the number one selling golf cart in the United States and Yamaha makes the best gas cart on the Market. EZ Go was at one time #1 and still has some fans and some good points. I don't see why anyone would look at anything other then these three brands. Are the Star Cars and Tomberlins et al that much less money? I'm actually surprised that they sell any golf carts at all.
Can someone explain why a person would look at these minor brands when they have the best three brands available?

Because I was able to purchase one for $4200 brand new in 2010. 8-6 volt batteries, conversion seat that accommodates 4 passengers and a 40 mile + range.

rubicon
10-15-2013, 03:59 PM
Let's face it there has always been Chevy guys and Ford guys, and so there will always be club cart guys and Yamaha guys

I am a club cart guy

Spectreron
10-15-2013, 05:09 PM
Floridanative17 , we need another correction....just googled GSA and Star EV is there.

Dr Winston O Boogie jr
10-15-2013, 09:38 PM
Club Car #1??? I'm curious where this official information comes from? Do you mean sold to golf courses or management companies? Club car is most popular for personal use carts?? I haven't been able to find that fact.
Thanks
If you live in the Villages your view point is skewed because there are so many Yamaha gas carts here. You have to consider that there is a Yamaha dealership named The Villages Golf Carts and they have three locations.

Club Car is the number one selling brand nationwide by a wide margin. That includes golf cart fleets and personal use carts. I don't have the breakdown. People who own or manage golf courses buy them because they are the most efficient dependable and least expensive to operate of all the electric carts.
People in The Villages buy a lot of Yamaha Gas carts because they promoted very well here. Many Villagers feel that they need a gas cart to get the rage that the need.

Like I said, I believe that Yamaha makes the best gas cart so if you want gas, that's the way to go.

Golf courses have moved away from gas cart over the past thirty years, not only because of the sound and smell, but also because Club Car came up with the 48 volt system that gives them up to three rounds per charge and the lower maintenance and operating costs of electric carts versus gas.

Like I say, this is very important when operating a fleet of carts and maybe less so when owning one or two carts for personal use.

floridanative17
10-15-2013, 10:31 PM
If you live in the Villages your view point is skewed because there are so many Yamaha gas carts here. You have to consider that there is a Yamaha dealership named The Villages Golf Carts and they have three locations.

Club Car is the number one selling brand nationwide by a wide margin. That includes golf cart fleets and personal use carts. I don't have the breakdown. People who own or manage golf courses buy them because they are the most efficient dependable and least expensive to operate of all the electric carts.
People in The Villages buy a lot of Yamaha Gas carts because they promoted very well here. Many Villagers feel that they need a gas cart to get the rage that the need.

Like I said, I believe that Yamaha makes the best gas cart so if you want gas, that's the way to go.

Golf courses have moved away from gas cart over the past thirty years, not only because of the sound and smell, but also because Club Car came up with the 48 volt system that gives them up to three rounds per charge and the lower maintenance and operating costs of electric carts versus gas.

Like I say, this is very important when operating a fleet of carts and maybe less so when owning one or two carts for personal use.

The Villages Golf Cars has 4 locations. Market Square, Spanish Springs, Colony Plaza, and Brownwood. Yamaha sells Electric Vehicles as well as gas, both receive high reviews as well as Clubs and EZGo's.

floridanative17
10-15-2013, 10:35 PM
Floridanative17 , we need another correction....just googled GSA and Star EV is there.

Spectreron, no correction necessary, I am retired military as well as DOD, the GSA I receive is the real deal. No Googling necessary. Trust me, Star EV is Chinese junk.

marie1977
10-17-2013, 10:23 AM
We purchased a Star EV Golf Cars 2014 SS model and the cart has been like a dream!!!! they are now a manfacture owned store.. There car is more than 60% american made and is assembled in South Carolina.. Everyone is entitled to there own opinion. I love my Star Car

justjim
10-17-2013, 10:38 AM
There was a previous Thread on the Star Car. Without being redundant, Star has the best fold down back seat that I've seen. They are assembled in South Carolina. I would take a look if I was in the market for an electric.

Spectreron
10-17-2013, 11:20 AM
Star also is available with 8 six volt batteries. I believe that is the best way to go, any opinions.

Microcodeboy
10-17-2013, 12:17 PM
The Star cart is assembled in one of the Carolinas and at least 60% is made in America. The carts are in the GSA Catalog meaning at least 60% is American made.

Excellent homework!!

poromo
10-17-2013, 01:18 PM
Clicking on the link should take you to the supplier who has the GSA contract.
Click on gsaadvantage.com

star ev - GSA.gov Search Results (http://search.gsa.gov/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&affiliate=gsa.gov&query=star+ev&commit=Search)

Hacker1
01-17-2014, 10:37 PM
Any opinions on the Star brand. Their carts look good and have nice features, but your experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I purchased my new Star cart a little over 3 years ago after I noticed that almost everyone who said bad things about them had never owned one, and just about everyone who owned them recommended them highly. We are very happy with our Star Cart, and still notice that their owners seem to like them, and those who knock them don't mention that they've ever had any actual experience with them. The claim that they're made in China is a bunch of hooey. Yamaha isn't exactly an American name, and I seriously doubt whether any of the "major" brands have 100% American-made parts.

tommy steam
01-17-2014, 11:23 PM
Because I was able to purchase one for $4200 brand new in 2010. 8-6 volt batteries, conversion seat that accommodates 4 passengers and a 40 mile + range.

Wow, that sure beats spending upwards of 10 k and even more on the others.

gigim112
01-19-2014, 04:06 PM
The only problem that i do not like about my 2007 Star Cart is the headlight that is in the middle..it's very hard to see at night time..i wonder if this could be changed to having 2 headlights instead of the one big light in the middle???? I'm thinking it might cost alot of money to have it changed.

jojo
01-19-2014, 05:19 PM
I think I've posted on other threads that we are delighted with our 2008 Star cart. It has two headlights so we don't have the problem noted by gigm112. We have had annual service and have never had a problem in the five years we have had the cart. It is peppy and has good range - have the 8 battery configuration and the filler system. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

mgman
01-20-2014, 10:41 AM
Sounds like owners are sold on them. Let me just add that the Dealer on 301, American Carts which is an authorized dealer, bid me $1000 less than the Star factory store on 466 just past Rolling Acres. Identical carts.

His price is $2100 less than an EZ-GO set up exactly the same. :gc:

msdale
01-23-2014, 02:08 PM
We've had our Star for 4 years now and have been very happy with it. It fits comfortably in a 1-1/2 car garage unlike the large four seaters! We bought it specifically for the fold up back seat which stays out of the way until you need it.
Don't hesitate.

Doctommft
01-23-2014, 10:31 PM
I checked my top speed of my 2012 Star on a level off-road path at a speed indicator. I was doing 18 mph. Perfect for TV. I am routinely passed by gas carts.

DAN48
02-20-2014, 11:05 AM
Any opinions on the Star brand. Their carts look good and have nice features, but your experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Ny wife has owned a 2011 Star SS for 3 years. I also own a 2014 Yamaha Electric, which I purchased largely due to more leg room.
In the 3 years we have owned the Star, it has never required any dealer service. My only problem has been squeaking brakes which was solved by disassembly and a thorough cleaning (by me).
As compared to the Yamaha, the Star has a little less leg room and the overall integrity of the body is not quite as good (a few more squeaks and rattles). The ride on the Star is not as good due to the low profile tires-could be improved by ordering 10" tires. The Star probably depreciates more and is harder to trade.

On the plus side, it has more power and torque and the difference is noticeable on acceleration and on long grades. The range on the Star is also longer-just overall better performance. It has a lower initial cost and more standard equipment. My wife also likes the flip down rear seat.

Cannot comment on the dealer as we have never needed anything.

The Star gets a bad rap, largely from people who are not informed. Every brand has its' plusses and minuses, but the Star has worked out well for my wife. She would buy another one.

kchadwick
03-21-2014, 03:30 PM
We have had our street legal, star cart for 4 years. We just replaced the batteries which is a big ticket item. We did it with an independent supplier and are happy with them. We did have some trouble with the cart (more in the beginning) under the original dealer/owner but have had better service in the last 2 years. TV is very crazy in March so it is easier to deal with them other months. We would buy another.

DAN48
03-25-2014, 05:53 AM
Any opinions on the Star brand. Their carts look good and have nice features, but your experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
We've owned a Star SS for three years with no significant problems. The Star easily goes 30 miles on a 50% discharge and has good acceleration and torque. My only suggestion is to avoid the 12 inch wheels with low profile tires. They give a rougher ride.
We've never need any service so no experience with the dealer.

DAN48
03-25-2014, 05:56 AM
See earlier post.

justjim
03-25-2014, 06:57 AM
Except for the fact that the Star Car is manufactured and assembled in China, and the EZGo is manufactured and Assembled in Georgia (except for the Kawasaki engine in the Gas models), there is no indication that the EZGo is a better brand. The slave labor conditions in their assembly plants help keep the Star Car costs low.

The Star Cart is assembled in South Carolina. It is probably more "American" than some of the others. People I know that own Star really like them and the service. The back seat arrangement they have is the best in the business.

travelguy
03-25-2014, 08:07 PM
we are down to making a decision sometime this week. it is between
Star and ParCar. Warranties are important, and so is the range when you are using electric. ezgo and club car just do not compare in either department. pricing on most are so similar; features and dependability are what is going to make the difference. yamaha seems to only have an electric option because they have to; club and ezgo are bettersuited to slow speeds and short distances....(golf courses). we need a golf car to use as transportation.

frankpisani
03-27-2014, 02:04 AM
We have 4 (four) Star golf cars on my block. We all think they are great and the service from the New Management Team is excellent.

Hacker1
03-28-2014, 11:21 AM
we are down to making a decision sometime this week. it is between
Star and ParCar. Warranties are important, and so is the range when you are using electric. ezgo and club car just do not compare in either department. pricing on most are so similar; features and dependability are what is going to make the difference. yamaha seems to only have an electric option because they have to; club and ezgo are bettersuited to slow speeds and short distances....(golf courses). we need a golf car to use as transportation.

You won't go wrong with either choice. We love our Star Cart, but you won't go wrong with a Par Car either. Both great vehicles, imho. I'd be interested in learning which one you choose, and your reasons.

Hacker1
03-28-2014, 03:51 PM
You won't go wrong with either choice. We love our Star Cart, but you won't go wrong with a Par Car either. Both great vehicles, imho. I'd be interested in learning which one you choose, and your reasons.
I meant to add that we chose the Star over the Par Car primarily for 2 reasons: We were able to buy a new Star (in Nov, 2010) for a couple of thousand $ less than a Par Car; and my wife felt that the Star was easier to steer. We have never regretted our choice.