Must Have Accessories for a First Time Buyer
 

Fellow Villagers,

Looking for informed advice from veteran golf cart owners.

So I’m pretty much sold on a late model Yamaha gas cart. And leaning towards buying from The Villages Golf Cars.

Please discuss accessories which you consider “must haves” - ones that really make the golf cart experience more comfortable or practical or safer.

Thanks in advance,
Doug

Self-canceling turn signals.

Upgraded seats

There are the standard accessories: curtains, self-canceling turn signals, and some form of spedometer/odometer.
Some people won't buy a cart without seat belts - we have one with and one without.
If you are like us you will be spending a lot of time in the cart so splurge for a nicer seat.
The only other accessory from the dealer that we have is a shelf in the front above the rear-view mirror. It cannot hold much weight but is very convenient for holding mail, an umbrella, or sunglasses.

After the cart was delivered we purchased a bag for groceries that attaches in the back and a JBL Flip 6. The Flip 6 is a bluetooth speaker that fits nicely in a cup holder.

I agree whole-heartedly that self-canceling turn signals and comfortable, upgraded seats are two essential upgrades.

IMHO,
Seat Belts
Self-canceling turn signals
Depending on your physical size, alternate seats
Additional side lights are nice for visibility
Additional front turn signal lights (the factory ones and are very weak and hard to see)
If you get the optional fold down rear facing seat, get additional brake/turn signals as the normal ones are blocked when the floor is raised. Also consider the extended roof for the rear passengers.
A GPS based speedometer with odometer function is very nice.
A fuel gauge is also very nice.
Side curtains (an enclosure) is needed for foul weather and colder temperatures.

There are other items, but these can easily be added later.

Not sure why you're leaning toward Villages Golf Cars when you could buy a lightly used one much cheaper from an individual. With the money you save, you could add a myriad of extras. Plus, you'll probably find one that has everything you need.

Get the additional side light strips.

The list above is pretty good.

Villages Golf Carts has all the additions you need.
I’ve searched online and all over amazon for things to add - not much left to add.

Seat upgrade, seat belts, clear folding windshield, led headlights, roll up rain enclosure with soft touch snaps, overhead storage, blinker indicator lights/beeper, and good rear view mirrors.

Gas cart...a really bad decision but the service people will love you because of all those parts to maintain and replace compared to almost none on electric carts. I have seen countless gas carts broken down along the MMPs but never an electric one. Smelly, noisy, polluting, having to go to a service station for gas...ugh! I can run all day as far as I want in my electric cart, simply plug it in at night and its ready for the next day. No oil to check, fuel tank to top off, no belts, hoses & filters to replace, no finicky injectors or exhaust system..and with my lightweight Lithium batteries my cart weighs half as much as a gas cart. Gas engines are going the way of the dinosaur & the sooner the better.

I'd pick a sunbrella, seat belts, a removable lumbar pillow (because I'm too short to press on the gas without one and those pedal extenders are HORRIBLE).

Side mirrors on the inside of the side walls instead of the outside of them (outside ones create blind spots - I almost hit some lady walking her dog across the golf cart path at the dog park because the mirror obscured her completely)
A device thing on top of the steering wheel that shows the gas level, battery usage, mileage, speed, time, and whatever else those things do.
A mesh bag for the back (I don't play golf but I do go grocery shopping).

I don't need self-cancelling turn signals because I got in the habit of shutting them off manually when I turn. I now also do that in my car, even though it is self-cancelling.

You forgot to mention that it is also quieter and has faster acceleration especially coming up the hills from the tunnels. Our
Star EV cart also has much more headroom and being taller that is also a welcome advantage.

The newer Yamaha quiet drive 2 carts don’t smell, are not loud, are not expensive to work on. All carts have brakes, tires, suspensions, etc that will need to be worked on. Gas cart owners will not need to buy a set of lithium batteries every 5-8 years at an expense of up to $4000, plus disposal fee of toxic waste of the old battery. There are many gas stations in around the villages so if a gas golf cart is running low, he can top off at any 1 of them. Where are there charging stations for golf carts in case you driven to far or forgot to plug it in the night before. Also, if you didn’t get the extended range lithium battery option, you couldn’t go from fenney to Buena Vista and 466 to play golf and then drive back home. My gas cart, I could do this multiple times on 1 tank of gas.
Accessories:
Better seats
Shelf above windshield, this holds speakers, towels, blankets, etc
Grocery bag
Cooler
Computer on steering wheel
Led light package
If you play golf, the sand bottle
Tinted front windshield
And finally the best accessory: a screen so bugs don’t hit you in the face. Get 1 at any of the week night markets at a square

if gas.....fuel gauge monitor, seat belts, self cancelling turn signals, upgraded seats ( with arm rests). I went to the villages discount golf carts on 466 ( next to Birdies Golf) NOT the villages golf carts. Some of the other items mentioned are not necessarily must haves in my opinion. But, I was given a sand bottle, cooler chest, screen for the windshield with my purchase. I also got a speedometer, odometer also included, rear view mirror and big side mirrors. I was offered the above the windshield shelf, but declined because it is a very tight fit. My fingers could hardly get in it to retrieve anything. I bought a stick on digital clock from Walmart.

I’m 6’5” and my have plenty of room in my Yamaha gas cart.

[QUOTE=dhdallas;2271690]Gas cart...a really bad decision but the service people will love you because of all those parts to maintain and replace compared to almost none on electric carts. I have seen countless gas carts broken down along the MMPs but never an electric one. Smelly, noisy, polluting, having to go to a service station for gas...ugh! I can run all day as far as I want in my electric cart, simply plug it in at night and its ready for the next day. No oil to check, fuel tank to top off, no belts, hoses & filters to replace, no finicky injectors or exhaust system..and with my lightweight Lithium batteries my cart weighs half as much as a gas cart. Gas engines are going the way of the dinosaur & the sooner the better.

Let me guess you plug it into a tree every night

I love the shelf up front.
Don’t have self-canceling blinkers, but mine make a nice audible beeping until I turn them off, which is fine..
Speedometer and gas gauge.
I don’t think much of the upgraded seats cause it’s not like I’m going to spend hours driving it cross country.
Cigarette lighter plug in and/or USB plug in for plugging in phone chargers, fans, and warming blanket.

you should look around and see if you can find a cart with either a Sleekline or Curtis cab - much easier than rolling curtains up and down - think rolling down the curtains in an unexpected T-Storm and you kinda have a choice of how much wind blows thru the cart

We ordered ours new, but I’m sure these accessories can be installed on a used cart. Seatbelts are a must! As a bit of a luxury item, we had JBL speakers installed that Bluetooth to our phone, it’s awesome!

For all the Replyers to this thread
 

Really appreciate the advice. Now I’ll be a more informed shopper. ;-) :-)

Exactly …. ROOKIE MOVE to buy from Village golf carts… Many Private Mint carts out there, and on the outskirts of The Villages… another blank check moves to town…

The list was fairly complete - I would add a screen for when you fold your windshield down.

An upgraded cooler, 13 qt that is much better insulated and a shopping bag. I bought both of those later. Cooler from village discount golf carts and the shopping bag on Amazon.

Where can I get self cancelling turn signal

Speedo and seat belts are must haves. An additional light for the front besides the two headlights if you are going to drive in the dark at all. Makes a huge difference.

Don't forget multi colored LED lights on the under carriage! :smiley:

I have a bench seat, I think a bucket seat might be better, but look to those that have them. Overhead shelf is great as the rear basket has its limits especially when playing golf. keep cloths, battery operated speaker up there along with the all important birdie juice cups.

Everyone write their congressperson and ask them to make the change.

Buy from the Villages golf cart. The service alone is worth it. What you save by going somewhere else is not worth the savings.

I don’t want to see anyone in The Villages in a Speedo.

Big ol' cooler to hold more beer and a mesh 'laundry' bag where the clubs go to hold more 12 packs!

Please dont get a “monster bright” light on front of cart. Very challenging to oncoming drivers while driving at night and especially rainy night.

:laugh:

If you are planning to use your cart for short trips (as most people do) you might consider buying an Electric cart, which gives you certain advantages - quieter, no need to fill the tank with gas, greater reliability as electric motors are just about indestructible, lower center of gravity (so you don't roll over on a hill or curve), better acceleration, and better deceleration.
.......If you HAVE to get a noisy, smelly, gas burner, then the newer Yamaha is the best. If you buy from a dealer outside of The Villages, then you will get a better deal. The dealers INSIDE The Villages know that they have a SOMEWHAT captive audience.

Seat belts and a fuel gauge.

Curtis Cabs look and feel so cheap and rickety. When it's windy, if they're open, they kinda smack around against the back of the cart. Also because they open away from the cart, going over the golf cart bridges can be perilous. Especially if someone else with an open curtis cab is passing you from the other direction. Adding one to a "new build" would set a buyer back around $5000. On top of what they're already paying for the golf cart.

Sleekline look and feel more secure but meh. It's not a must have. It'll also cost a couple thousand bucks.

A Sunbrella is a common cover, track-style slides into tracks on the roof and snaps at the base of the cart's sides. It rolls up when not in use, and has zippers inside and out so you can secure it when you drive, and "open the door" to get out, and then zip it back up once you're out to keep the rain out. They're under $1000 but keeping them clean is a little more tricky and you have to make sure the snaps aren't too tight or it'll eventually rip.

I'm reading this thread with interest as I'm looking for golf cart accessories for my cart. I 'inherited' a late model Yamaha Drive 2 (came with the house), clean and low mileage, but it's a stripped down version. It has no side view mirrors, no zipper enclosure, no glove box doors or lockable storage, and a tear in the front seat upholstery, all of which I'd like to add on or fix. It's been a chore in itself trying to find a golf cart service provider who charges a reasonable price to fit me into their schedule! So yes, I'd recommend negotiating your accessories with the original purchase rather than adding on after market.

Meanwhile, any recommendations for mobile golf cart service?

Also, electric carts have a lower center of gravity so they roll over less. That also helps acceleration and braking. And it is good to AGAIN mention that E-vehicles pollute much less than gas so when enough people buy E-vehicles we will BEGIN to reverse Global Warming and the bad effects on Florida such as bigger hurricanes and dying coral reefs.

Scott at Titan Golf Cart South - 352 348-7381

Self-cancelling turn signals, seats belts, dual beam headlights, LED light package, shelf above windshield, windshield screen, gas gauge, speedometer, charger for cell phone, bluetooth speaker, grocery bag, side enclosures, and the all-important custom seats.

Check out the Tomberlin electric golf cart. It is a bit more expensive but has some great features. I would not buy a used electric because you cannot be sure about the batteries and they are costly. A gas golf cart with good maintenance can be viable for 15-20 years.

My wife is much shorter so we have dual bucket seats with separate independent adjustment forward-back, lumbar, reclining and arm rests. Unfortunately, the company went out of business. If you search though, you can find some that are close to the same. Be prepared, mine were $2500, 7 years ago.

Also, seat belts should be mandatory. Don't let anybody convince you that you can leap from the cart. I was hit by a car and it happened so fast that I didn't have time to think about jumping. Also, the car hit on the driver's side and I would have had to slide across to get out. The police investigators were convinced that the seat belts saved my life. There are vendors who come to your house to install seat belts.