Golf Cart Confusion seeks clarity
 

Relocating to TV and need a Golf Car/Cart. I went to a dealership in TV and looked at EV and gas. I read the forums and found guidance to include:
1. Buy in GA and have it shipped. (One suggestion, rent a uHaul and bring it)
2. Buy in TV from a dealer.
3. Buy outside TV - "Fast Eddie's" may not be a finalist.
4. Buy used - have on-site repair person or mechanic evaluate.
5. Buy Yamaha Gas - proven reliability
6. Buy EV lithium - Quiet, low maintenance, postpone TV from becoming "ocean front".

The internal battle is between "frugality, not over-spending, being taken advantage of" and "convenience". I can come up with a rationalization for each.

I am leaning towards Used, but need a recommendation on a mechanic or on-site service company to do the evaluation.

Thoughts on thinking or approaches welcome.

If you think you are confused now, wait until you see the responses you get here.

Bought a new gas Yamaha last January from Country Village Power in Webster, FL and am very happy with the decision.

Everyone likes a quieter cart so when we moved here almost 20 years ago, we got a Club 4 battery electric. It was wonderful until the batteries got a couple years on them and then the range dropped off some. With the new lithium batteries there seems to be many positives as they are supposed to last longer and give much better range. However, the jury is really out on these lithium electric carts because they do not have a long track record.
The only cart out there right now with over 2 decades plus of track record is the Yamaha gas.
With the best ride and handling and steering of all carts and the indestructible Yamaha motor, it is the safe bet. By the way, the Yamaha gas is now almost as quiet as an electric cart.

Love this response! So true. 55 responses. 55 opinions.

Be careful what you ask for…

You're over thinking it. Buy whatever decent used cart you find, use it for a while, then decide. They're cheap to buy and easy to sell.

Personally we found that buying a used cart was the least stressful route. We bought a low mileage 7 year old cart with several expensive add-ons included for less than 1/3rd the price of a new one.

If something happens with our cart, we'll just buy a newer used one and we'll still be ahead.

Outside of snowbird season, you can see a flood of not very old used carts coming on the market between spring and fall.

I agree with above, do not jump immediately into a new cart. Get a nice used one, get to know the villages which is now around 70 square miles, and over 20 miles North to South. Electric GC have some range limitations you may need to consider, and time required to recharge, gas typically can go 200 to 250 miles on a full tank and few minutes to "recharge". The newest Yamaha quietech are actually very nice, we have one and we can hold a conversation at normal voice levels and any speed. Yes, all of the gas golf carts have some odor, which you will typically never smell unless you are backing up, you will smell OTHER gas carts.
My point, get a gas cart use it for a few weeks or months to get an idea of what you actually Need/want, then either keep the cart you picked up or going with something different.

Thoughts on what shouldn’t buy?

Gas cart with carburetor

Electric cart with old lead acid batteries.

Lithium batteries are expensive to buy then real expensive to replace, which I’ve heard up to $4000 for the higher capacity version, which you will have to replace every 5-8 years. People have posted that the older the batteries get, the mileage range per charge starts to shrink.
Get the newest Yamaha drive2 gas golf cart you can afford. The newer Yamahas have better features, quieter, etc than just a couple of yeas old model. If you buy used, get the 24/7 cart breakdown insurance, and then every year after get it renewed. A new cart usually comes with that kind of insurance, ours did

Gas or Electric, IMHO, I love that I can hit the gas station about once every 7-10 days. My 2016 Yamaha gets 50+/- MPG but some swear by batteries. If you get gas, the Yamaha quite tech 2 is the top of the line. When they say quiet tech, they mean it and the ride is much more comfortable. My only regret is I did not get a QT2. I saw some of these for <10k while looking for a friend… depending on number of seats, hours on the engine, etc. I live up north near the Savannah Center and have driven to Southern Oaks to play golf about an hour down, 4 hours on the course and an hour back and never thought twice about batteries dying.

Yamahas are a great cart the quiet motor (gas) great ride , just ancient styling , a new body is waaaay past needed.

This is the best and truest response. After you’ve been here awhile and settled into life, you’ll know what you want and need in a golf cart.

Be careful buying used gas if it isn’t a Yamaha QT2 - the older gas carts are quite noxious - never back it in lest you pollute the entire garage and even the house. The people you pass will hate you too.

You're over thinking all this. You have me exhausted now.

Yes, I paid a little over $4K to replace my lead-acid batteries with three lithium ones. They are good for 13 miles each (totaling 39 miles). BUT, they are warranted for 10 years and any problems will be fixed for no charge, so please quit quoting the 5-8 years to scare people away from electric.

Country Village Power Equipment is ABSOLUTELY the BEST place to go to purchase a new or used golf cart. Better pricing, better service. You will not regret going outside of the villages for your purchase. They offer to service your carts at your home location.

We bought a NEW 2 seat Yamaha quiet Tec and a year later bought another. (4 seater to use when guests visit)

I am curious, the lithium battery is warranted for 10 years? If it has to be replaced within that 10 year period, do they replace the battery free of charge, or do they prorate the replacement cost?

There is no right or wrong for everyone as we all have different opinions. I feel that what goes into getting the resources for electric batteries make them just as bad or worse for the environment. For my own personal use, I bought a couple year old used Yamaha gas golf cart and have been absolutely thrilled with it. I can judge easily when I need gas and there are gas stations everywhere. It seems like I run forever before I have to fill up again. So far after three years of owning, I have never had one problem.

It's all about personal preference on electric or gas. I considered both too and have friends that have electric. I prefer the Yamaha gas, and newer than 2018. If you don't buy from the Villages then they will not work on your cart. But, if you buy used anyway I have found Todd Casey to be fair, honest and comes to your house for service or repair. He has multiple trucks and mechanics these days. You can also use him to add LED lighting if you want to personalize your cart. Good luck.

Willie’s.

Go EV
 

The price of a new Yamaha is beyond ridiculous when compared to an automobile and the engineering/design is tailored to a vehicle for driving 18 holes in a day, not 10-15 at 20+ mph.
The Gas carts do have a history, one of noise and smell. In addition, the gas carts require yearly maintenance while the EV do not. They are quieter, smoother and handle just as well. The operating cost of the EV is less also. While the Gas carts can go 2x-miles on a tank, the EV’s can’t make half of that, but then you don’t have to visit the gas station with the EV. Just plug it in when you return home and you’re full by morning at a cost of $0.60 or $0.01 per mile.

I have never heard of a course or village that requires participants to use gas carts, but know of many that require electric.
Having said all that, do NOT buy an EV that uses lead-acid batteries. Only lithium.
The above is my opinion and there are plenty of dissenters. Enjoy your time in The Villages.

I bought a used 2016 Yamaha EFI with only 60 hours when we first bought here in November 2021 as you could not get a new one for 9 months. It's been a great cart with no issues. We now have added a 2023 Yamaha Quietech which is a great cart as well.

The Quietech is quieter than the EFI as they added sound insulation to the engine compartment. The new cart has a little slower acceleration than the old cart. I believe that is due to Yamaha dropping the horsepower from 11hp with the EFI to 9hp with the Quietech. That being said, the biggest difference between the two is the ride quality in the Quietech is superior to the EFI. They added independent suspension which makes the ride much more comfortable. I've rode in a lot of different carts since we've been here and I don't think you will find a smoother ride.

We bought new in 2021 because we wanted to - Yamaha gas quiet tech from The Villages Golf Cars. We like the convenience of their service and have been pleased (I know not everyone will agree). When a friend bought a house here this spring and wanted a golf cart, but a used one, he bought from the Villages Golf Cars as well. It was refurbished with things added like seat belts, self cancelling turn signals, extra running lights in front and back - safety features he wanted as he is renting his home for a couple of years. Also all the “replaceable” maintenance things were replaced. One year limited warranty. Not the cheapest but a solid value and then easy for him (and renters) if service is needed. TVGC only sells a small number of used carts that are traded in for new ones.

Does the 10-year warranty cover normal wear and tear or just manufacturer defects? I suspect the latter and not the former, but since I do not have the warranty in front of me to read, I'd like to hear the answer.

The villages golf car store will be the most expensive. By far. They are the only store within TV. You are paying for convenience. When service is needed, they offer free loaner. Stores are accessible by cart.
Many people love them, others hate them (for very valid reasons, not money).
They will not service anything you did not buy from them. Nor will they sell you parts.

There are many other dealers all around the area. They carry every imaginable mfg. Keep in mind future repairs and parts availability.

If electric, only consider lithium. There are different battery capacity batteries. 48v most common. 105ah will be cheaper than 210ah, but you might not have the range needed to get around to far extents. Remember the stated "range" is under ideal conditions. Remember you need to get back home. TV is expanding miles to the south, making a trip from end to end quite long (distance and time) including getting across the turnpike (1 cart bridge today, 2nd for carts soon). Look at district.gov for maps and lots of info.

Nothing here is a straight line. In fact, TV goes out of their way to make curvy roads. At night, car headlights will point directly at carts in many spots. If you have eye issues, that could impact your intended nighttime use.

There are services that will help if cart dies (like AAA does for autos). Either make a simple fix, bring gas if you run out, or flatbed tow it where you want. Signup for peace of mind. Cost somewhere near $50

Highly recommended is liability insurance at around $100/yr.

If you don't bring one with you, give time to settle in here. Absolutely NO NEED to get a cart right away.
Look around, test drive, evaluate models. Think about features/options like self cancelling turn signals, audio system (quality, volume, bass, and bluetooth), 2 or 4 seats (overall length, parking), speedometer, LED lights (headlights, underbody, side strips), lifted (but still can fit under tunnels), enclosure (none, soft side panels, rigid doors).

If any cart is not as 100% factory new, pop open a cover and look at wiring. Are accessories wired in cleanly, or hacked in. Wiring and devices secured neatly or are things loose to bounce around?

Ask about top speed. Many come at 20mph max. You will be passed by 90% of other carts going 24mph +/- (many will chime in about legalities, that's a whole separate topic)

New to TV?? ... Make sure you understand there are deed restrictions that might make plans you have not allowable.

Absolutely untrue. There is not a single Village, or golf course within The Villages, that requires folks to use an electric cart.

They certainly seem super expensive for what they are. Having said that, if I were to buy today, I'd go lithium. Or maybe look into a used electric and retrofit lithium. Smooth, silent power.....just so nice :)

oe

Buying a golf cart
 

I bought a refurbished golf cart from The Villages Golf Cart store in Brownwood in 2015. I still have it.

Wait to you arrive and test carts at the Championship Courses. Make a the decision you want. It will be what you ride every day.

The warranty for my electric cart mentions replacing the battery if it fails. It does not mention any cost or proration for the replacement.

The 10-year warranty is for the battery. There is no "normal wear and tear" for a battery.

We bought one from Carts & Clubs in Ocala and because the wait was 7 months at the time we bought a second new one in Alabama and rented a U-Haul - saved $4k. Both are great!

Make it Simple
 

You're making the decision way too complicated.

Follow the advice of one of the early responders and take a pleasant drive to Webster and buy a new Yamaha from Country Power.

You'll get the best price in the area, a bullet-proof cart, and great service.

The majority of carts here are Yahama gas. That should tell you something.

Yamaha gas - The Villages Golf Cars. It's a long term purchase,

Your overthinking it. Just go to Villages golf cart. they have a warranty and they will service it.

I sold new and used golf cars in MN and I can tell you that 95% percent of my sales were for the Yamaha Gas powered models(that tells you something)plus we serviced cars and guess what took up all the repair stalls(electric cars)

Golf Carts
 

I purchased a new golf cart two years ago from carts and clubs in Ocala. They were recommended to me by some friends. I did a spread sheet of items in the golf cart and found the same cart at the villages cost significantly more. Over a $1500 more for the same cart with options. I went with gas as I did not want to worry about battery life if driving long distances. At the time my cart cost me $15k. Recently I looked at golf carts outside the villages store in Brownwood and new carts were running over $20k It’s all in knowing your budget. Carts and clubs services your golf cart at your home. Good luck with your purchase.

Probably one of the only places in the universe that still allows gas carts, but you're right ... The Villages doesn't prohibit gasoline carts, anywhere.

I own two, a 2019 Yamaha gas and a 2022 (or is it 23?) EZGo electric. I bought the 2019 at Villages Discount and the 2022 at The Villages. I am happy with both. Neither has needed any warranty work so far.

When it comes time to purchase another several years from now I will most likely buy electric. Both my carts run well but the electric is simpler to maintain.

- Every week or so I need to fill the gas tank
- Every month I need to make a trip to the gas station to fill the 5 gallon can
- Every year I need to change the oil, clean and grease the clutch, check the two belts, and clean or replace the air filter
- Every few years I will need to change the drive belt

For the electric cart, I need to plug it in most nights.

The gas cart has about four times the range of the electric cart for a single day but habits don't take me that far and my backside would/did protest if I tried.