Electric cart follow up
 

Several weeks ago I posted asking about electric golf carts. We are new to the lifestyle and currently have Yamaha gas carts. Have been exploring and test driving electric options and have settled on the Star Sirius 2 seater - though have not yet pulled the trigger. For us, we only need a two seater and don't want the length of a 4 seater or the way some models angle the golf bags. We only want one with a 200+ amp Lithium battery. We want one that service will be easy to predict (available) for years to come. Wanted to ask other electric owners who have purchased a Star in the last 5 years...any regrets? They are more expensive than other models we have considered, particularly the Evolution. With their price tags higher than others in the category, is it a situation of "you get what you pay for"? Thanks in advance.

A friend of mine just got an Evolution. I drove it to see how it was. First, it only had two speeds, Low - up to 10 MPH and High - up to 26 MPH (maybe more). The tires are 14" low profile, very rough on bumps. They are made in China, but the representative says they have a large warehouse in the US full of parts. It sits higher than EZ-GO or Club or Yamaha, so you may have to take care going though some of the older tunnels. I have a old Club Car (electric) and it's "good enough" for me. Also, there is a gap between the windshield and the roof where rain could get in, as well as on the bottom.
Would I buy one, I think not, I want something that just about anyone could fix and get parts.

Thanks for the info.

The EXGO Liberty four forward is about the same length as a standard four seat golf cart with the rear facing seat.

We’ve had ours for over a year and really enjoy the power. We have traveled from Everglades rec center to SR 42 and back with plenty of juice left over. Really takes the bridges well without losing speed.

I will add my real-world practical experience. I help fellow villagers and have gotten involved with some of the AGC "similar to streetrod" golf carts. Parts are hard to get, no local dealer support, etc., my point if you are looking at an off-brand product, make sure there is LOCAL service, we have had to wait weeks for replacement parts....

Thanks Tinker.

Part of the reason I am leaning to Star is that its from The Villages Golf Carts and service should be pretty reliable into the future.

I have an Evolution for almost 4 years now. I wanted electric because we didn't have any gas options south of the turnpike when I bought. It has served me well and I have about 80 miles for a charge. I live in Fenney and have taken it up to 466 for work and back without issues. But I do have one of the cart services just in case since you can't bring a can of electricity if you were to run out... My biggest thing is that it is quiet and quick....

We are on our second electric cart. The first was a Star cart and had 30,000 miles in 12 years. We have the EZGO lithium cart now - 2 1/2 years with 8000 miles. We have never had an electrical problem. Just had a flat tire once. Love the quick uptake and the quiet.

We purchased our Star Sirius 2+2 about 3 1/2 years ago when we first moved to the Villages. It has been reliable for the most part and a pleasure to drive and ride. We have gone from the Sawgrass Grove square to Spanish Springs Town Square and return on a single charge with charge to spare. It charges in about 3-4 hours. The Star Sirius is the only cart I would purchase. Fast, quiet and fun. And yes, you get what you pay for.

Our neighbors bought a 4 forward Star. It had an unusual but common problem, at least on the newer models. Front brake issues. Horrible noise under braking to start with. Also, the front left caliper would drag. Went back for service 3 times. Cart was brand new. Dealer was outstanding, trying to fix it. They ended up taking it back for a full refund.
Just a side note. I’ve passed 4 karts that were broke down trail side, in process of getting towed. ALL 4 OF THEM WERE NEWER ELECTRIC MODELS. Just saying…

We bought a used STAR electric Golf Cart, containing 8 Lead-Acid Batteries 5 years ago when we moved to The Villages. We are very happy with our STAR Electric Golf Cart, which has been very reliable and easy to charge. We use the Golf Cart almost every day and golf with it 4 or 5 days a week. If you purchase a STAR Electric Golf Cart, we hope that you're as happy with it as we are.

I can second that issue, 2 different courses friends with 4forward Star had to be towed in on our second nine. Carts basically live at the dealer. One has been given a full refund. Yesterday a Star playing in our foursome had to be towed in before we made the turn. It’s 3 weeks old. Thinking twice about a Star, and replacing our 2 gas Yamaha

I Just bought a 4 FWD Star Sirius

Paid about twice as much as an evolution.

Build Quality is defiantly better on the star. Looked and compare the front ends.

The paint and fit and finish is also a lot better.

My main reason going with star over evolution was the Battery, 210vs 160 and the availability of parts, and a loaner if I need service.

And since the new VGC in Eastport will be 2 minutes from my house.

My friends have EZGO liberty's witch are solid carts but to bare bones for me and the 105 amp battery was a no no for me.

So far the Star is a winner. Wish they would of put cup holders in the rear seats though and designed the seat bars a little different but overall very happy with it

Seat bar
 

I removed the driver side seat bar shortly after getting our two seater. Much better.

Sirius is good
 

Bought Sirius in 22. No regrets. Great vehicle.

Stating the amperage of the battery system doesn't really tell you much. What really matters is the total energy capacity of the battery system. For example, my old ParCar had 8 deep-cycle 6 volt batteries (48 volts total for 200 amps). Its total energy capacity was 9500 watts (9.5kW). Realistically, each kilowatt is good for about 7 to 8 miles without completely draining the battery system, which is not a good thing to do as it will significantly shorten the battery life. The same physics applies to lithium battery systems. Our lithium battery powered cart has an 8.6kW battery system, so it's good for about 64 miles.

I just recently bought the Evolution. 4 forward. The gap at the bottom of the window is an annoyance. But I bought an accessory to fill that. It comes with a part to fill the top gap. But if you have the rain enclosure the top is covered anyway. It’s new so no long term review from me. But it was only $15K loaded.

1) Not sure what your statement means "it has two speeds". Based on what you write, all other carts have one speed. The speed setting simply sets the top end speed of the cart. The cart is then variable speed just like any other cart. The low setting is for folks that buy it and have younger kids so they can limit the top end of the cart.

2) I replaced the 14" tires with 12" (dealer did it at no charge), and I have zero issues with any tunnels. Also, my distance to ground is about the same as a Yamaha.

3) Evolution has THREE manufacturing and build facilities in the US and each of these has a warehouse of replacement parts.

4) Yamaha, EZ-GO, and Club all have the same gap at the top and bottom on a stock cart. These are covered by additions at the dealer - the same as Evolution. Most dealers now have these gaps taken care of. The parts to cover these are less than $20 on Amazon.

5) I previously owned a Club car and two Yamaha's (with El Tigre seats). The ride in my Evolution is better than any of them.

6) A new Evolution is ~$10K less than a fully equipped new Yamaha.

I'm YAMAHA for Life! no battery fires ! Something to be said for that .

There has never been a reported battery fire with the new LifeP04 batteries.

Due to their design, they are far less prone to the issues with other lithium batteries.

They are not used in cars because the technology that makes them safer also limits battery capacity/weight.

Usa
 

China love you guys for buying their carts. What happened to buying built-in america. :(

I buy features and reliability. If that happens to be an American-made product, great.

You might want to think about how many times you actually use a four-seater instead of a two-seater and that extra wet when you park in the squares hangs out into the road.
As far as electric I've had them for over 20 years and have absolutely minimal issues ( 1 in 20 yrs) with them and love the quietness and smooth, no pollution or smell drive and not having to get gas or other engine maintenance. I don't have a star but I have a club car and easy go. Whatever you do make sure you get seatbelts.

90% of carts in TV are Yamaha. Assembled in the US but how many parts of the cart are made in the US.

Looked at buying Club Car or EZ Go. I am tall and when I step into either Club or Ez head hits rain curtains. Yamaha roof was taller and quieter engine were #1 reason for the Yamaha. For me raising the roof 2 inches might have enticed me to get a Club or Ez even with the noisier engine. Also Yamahas are wider,

Do yourself a favor and save $6000 buying your Star from Sunshine in Ocala. No problem at all with service. They pick it up, bring it back and give me a loaner if I need one. I've had a Sirius for 5 years. You get what you pay for and Sirius is more expensive then some of the mongrel brands.

The vast majority of Yamaha carts in The Villages, have wheels (& other accessories) made by the company that makes Star (JH Global Services).

BIG Thank You!
For saying what no one else does. Lots of them fly their USA flags from their Japanese carts.
Save America, but not if it costs me a little extra.
My garage has two EZ-GOs one Club Car one RGS Harley and a Buick.
I am guilty of a foreign TV set tho :-(

Well said
 

:bigbow:totally agree

Can't afford it...The production costs are at least twice.

Was your Harley made in America before they moved into Mexico?

But twice the quality. Buy American.

This is completely false. In addition, just because Yamaha is built here (so is Evolution and a number of other carts), it doesn't make them completely American. A quick search shows:

"While Yamaha golf carts are assembled in the U.S., many of their components are sourced from overseas, including China. Specifically, Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America assembles them in Georgia, but a significant portion of the parts are imported."

So please stop with the "don't buy from China". Yamaha, Club Car, Evolution, Sirius and others all have assembly plants here in the US. They all import a large majority of parts from overseas. What you are driving now, both for auto and cart (unless it's a Tesla), has a significant amount of content from China and other overseas nations.

Tesla has by far the highest domestic content of any vehicle at 85%.

The point is, These are foreign corporations.
The profits go out of the country.
a few assembly jobs are nice, but

If the owner of the company is not your uncle with a loose wallet then what difference does it make where the profits go? I can own stock in Yamaha so I benefit when they are profitable. The workers in those "few assembly jobs" appreciate being able to put food on the table so they don't care where the profits go. Then there are the administrative staff that oversee operation at the factory, the maintenance staff that keep the factory running, the vendors who provide food, the utilities that provide water and electricity, and the local restaurants and businesses who benefit from having paying customers. How are any of those individuals affected or any of those cash flows changed by the address of the corporate headquarters?

I guess all this to do over trade deficits is for nothing.
Thanx!

Amen, when I move to TV next month I could hang with you.

It would still be worth it to produce abroad even with 25% tariffs. USA assembly is worth it for larger products. Manufacturing is by far cheaper in Mexico/CAFTA/Asia. All cart manufacturers do this...It is the only way to remain competitive.