VILLAGES GOLF CART MAN Bad Experience
 

Wow!!! Did I just have a bad experience with the people at VILLAGES GOLF CART MAN. I recently bought a pristine used golf cart from a local Villager and was amazed that there was not a single stratch on the machine. It had a brake problem and the ignition did not work every time so I turned it in to VILLAGES GOLF CART MAN for repair. That was two weeks ago. When we finally got it back two days ago, the back seat was full of leaves and the trunk had an inch of water in it. The front bumper had a six inch scrape and the grill was busted. There were additional nicks and dings in the back of the cart. The lights now do not work; nor do the blinkers. On top of that, they charged my credit card $117 more labor than the invoice says.

So I called two days ago and get the mechanic who says he will ask the office manager to call me back in a few minutes as she is busy. I ask to talk to the owner who he says is out of town. I get no call back and today I call them again, get the mechanic who tells me the office manager is too busy to talk to me so I ask him to ask her to call me as soon as she is unbusy. Finally, she calls me and immediately rails on me about how I cant prove the grill was not busted before I brought the cart in, how they put a tarp over my cart, how they really invested about $300.00 more labor into my cart but I should be very appreciative because they did not charge me for it. (The mechanic's story is that the original brake cylinder they ordered was no good and they had to order another one so they should have charged me for two installs but didnt) I asked her if they would come pick up the cart and repair the lights, turn signals and horn that were working when I put the cart in their shop. She very rudely told me no and that I would have to talk to the owner when he gets back next week.

You know, I could understand this behavior if I was rude, obnoxious, obviously lying or in some way gave them reason to treat me like this but I didnt. I was professional and polite and never raised my voice or was unreasonable. She was not in any way concerned with taking care of this customer and was exceptionally rude. I understand that when times are busy, it gets hectic and stressful but you don't take it out on the customer.

So....there is no way I am going to give them my cart back to fix the problems they caused. Does anyone have a recommendation of a good golf cart repair shop that can repair a Humvee 3 electric cart?

That they received a master cylinder that was not good is not of your concern. They should charge you for one install. Not sure you can prove they were at fault for all the issues you mention. I agree not to have them work on the cart and ask my credit card company to dispute the charges.

You might also have fun trying to ruin their business as they ruined your cart! This is a start.

Wills cart service is very good, I have used him for two years and have had no problems.3522551369
drd

Not that I intend to go there after reading this post, but where is the Villages Golf Cart Man located? After seeing the spot on CBS about the golf carts we tried to find the business and Tony the last time we were down and couldn't find it or any info about it....so we gave up. Probably a good thing, but now I'm really curious as to where it is.

Yes, Willy is my cart mechanic. Good man and he is reasonable. 352-255-1369

We're another satisfied client of Willy for golf cart repair....honest, fair and efficient.

Another vote for...........Willie's Golf Cart Service and Repair.....352-255-1369

He's honest and dependable.

Hi Cuzg8tor,

Sorry to read of your bad experience. Thank you for sharing it though, so others can avoid being ripped off. But please, please, don't stop there.

Of course you should not be charged for a second install because they ordered a bad part! I definitely would refute the charge with credit card company.

You might not be able to prove conclusively the shape your cart was in when you took it for repair. However, you probably have witnesses who could testify to it. I would consider filing a case in small claims court. Even if you don't win, you will bring them to the attention of the courts. If they treat others like this and enough others take action, perhaps they can be shut down.

Please document the entire incident and report it to Seniors Against Crime and the Better Business Bureau.

Frankly in addition, I would at least ask the sheriff's department if they can file a theft charge for the unauthorized credit card charge. They probably can't, but if perchance the department has or does receive other complaints about the business, they might keep a watchful eye-- or even be willing to try a sting by taking in a cart to see if the business tries to do unwarranted repairs or charges.

Damaging your cart, breaking parts that worked when you brought it in and charging your card double for one part install is outrageous. Don't just go quietly! This area is full of rip-off artists and they need to be stopped!

I have been happy with SPANO cart service for years.

I was planning to have a cart built by these people. Now I won't do that. So I am very grateful for the time you took to tell us your story.

I went into their shop when I was looking and as a shade tree mechanic and a handyman around the garage and house, I was shocked at the setup he has. Junk everywhere, and even in what they call a showroom, it looks like a used car lot run by Vern of the YA KNOW WHAT I MEAN VERN. Sorry Golf Cart Man, but you know you need to revamp your business and get back to name brand carts and cart supplies.
The OP could be exaggerating, but from what I witnessed, I can certainly believe what he says to be true.

Can someone please tell me where the shop is located? As I said earlier, we were never even able to find it and that's after asking several people. Seems like everyone on here knows where it is except me. I'd like to know too...

Villages Golf Cart Man?
 

This might be it:

Villages Golf Cart Man, LLC
110 LaGrande Blvd Lady Lake, Fl. 32159
1-866-770-4779

But probably ought to be confirmed by others.

BookBarb has the right one!
 

Sorry Cuzg8tor to hear of your bad experience!...I would take PTurner's good advice and follow up on this outrageous cart customer abuse!

Bad Experience at Villages Golf Cart Man
 

Thanks to those who recommended Willy for repair of our cart that was messed up by the Villages Golf Cart Man people. Willy came to the house and fixed all my electrical problems in less than an hour and only charged me $45.00. What a nice guy. Now that is the kind of service you should expect. I will be using him again when I need golf cart service.

Did you use your credit card? If you did, you might have protection from your credit card company. I would contest the charge with the credit card company because you did not receive the services that you paid for.

It won't hurt to try. Good luck.

Gisele

With no horn or lights, check for a blown fuse first.

bxmt54: They are located just alongside 441 next to the Post Office. Let's say across 441 from Perkins (that should give you a general idea). I went in to visit them about 6 months ago and was happy to leave and move on. Like many businesses, some people like them (surprising to me!) and others have reasons not to do business with that company. Your experience is unfortunate and enlightening to others.

Where is Villages Golf Cart Man
 

Located on the historic side of 441, near post office...

Always concerned about this business....Has a lot of interesting carts BUT always felt he was a con man!

We have had a terrible experience with The Villages Golf Cart Man. They make promises they do not keep, and mysteriously they continue to find parts that need to be replaced or that fail while they are attempting to make their repairs. They have had our cart for months trying to fix a problem they created, by failure to complete the work we were charged for up front. Save yourself some trouble and don't go there! We will post on every site and report them to every agency available in order to keep others from going through the frustration, loss of time, and financial burden caused by dealing with an incompentent organization that has no respect for their customers.

Golf cart man
 

I will probably be buying a place down in the Villages next year..and after reading this article it has really got me p!ssed.:cus: Can't the Villages have a say about this slime's awful business:yuck:I want to move here but this is disgusting:evil6:...I want to come and enjoy the Villages..This dealership scumbag out to ousted....JMO..:spoken: Mr. Greg O.

More info/background, please. Not really sure what types of things you might/might not be referring to.

Thanks!
Bill :)

It seems to me there is often two sides of the story. I purchased a cart from Tony after seeing his segment on CBS. I was shocked to read this.... I can speculate unfairness by what I read. However I dont believe everything I read. They have stood behind the warranty on the cart that I bought with some issues I had. Just find it unusual for a the people to have been rude without cause. Just sayin.... some exageration on both spectrums. I believe.

Town and Country
 

I read some of these and it makes me thankful that we bought our cart from Town and Country EZGO at Spanish Springs. We bought a 2008 new and it did have some problems but they were quick to correct and fix any problems and they continue to check the water in the batteries and tires anytime any one with the EZGO drives in. In one case I really screwed up trying to help a couple who had their cart fail. I tried to tow it and completely forgot to turn the tow switch on. It was clearly my fault. I drove it Town and Country and told them it was my fault and not part of the warranty. They sent the section back to the factory, had it repaired and did not charge my. That is what a good merchant is like..:bigbow:

We just bought our cart fromThe Villages Golf Cart in Sumter. They were very good to deal with. Of course we were buying new but we really liked them.

My husband brought his electric cart over to Tire Choice near Walmart on Rt. 466 for the first time today and he was very happy with the service they did and was much cheaper then Ken Spano who he has used previously.

We bought a 2012 Yamaha golf cart at The Village Golf Cart in late December of 2011. At that time no mention was made of the new Eco fuel injection that they are touting as the next big thing in their ads. Also, quieter noise for gas. Well, I visited them and asked whether mine was but I was told no. Since they started advertising this year, how long ago did they know about this? Were they trying to get rid of "old" model as many as possible? Am wondering. Very likely the sales person who sold me the cart didn't know but did the management know, if so when? I have a queezy feeling about this.

According to Yamaha's corporate web site, the official press release announcing the EFI model was dated November 22, 2011. See Yamaha Golf-Car Company | Press Releases

I remember when Sandy and I were here in mid-December, one of the sales people at the Colony store told us about the EFI version. If I remember the conversation right, they hadn't received any units at that point but were expecting them soon. I also saw a full-page ad In The Daily Sun that they'd taken out announcing the new EFI carts.

Bill :)

Don't understand? your 1/31/2012 post says" I love my new fuel injected Yamaha" ???

Sorry, I confused you guys. I thought all 2012 had the fuel injection as mine seems to have the extra umph but as I started checking around, I started to wonder. Hence the visit to the golf store and my dismay. Now, having read the post that Bill heard about the injection mid-Dec., I am dismayed as we ordered the cart around mid-Dec. and received the cart December 22. I would have preferred an Eco friendly and fuel efficient cart with less noise. I hope to get to the bottom of this as where to purchase the second cart will depend on their answer.

Sounds reasonable-- I have had excellent experience with The Villages Golf Cart stores. Even replaced windshield that was out of warranty and came to the house to fix flat without charge,

It was your dad's cart..... he was satisfied. you expected them to ship it to another state FREE. you also managed to get the mechanic Jason Fired... Mechanic was gonna deliver to GA for you until you posted negitive remarks.. he got fired and wouldnt deliver your cart. Someone should notify your father that your continuing to slander a business that HE felt the problem was solved. :blahblahblah:

I wasn't planning to post a response to The Villages Golf Cart Man until recently his employee claimed they were to match my price quote from another dealer. Amazing since they were my fkirst contact on a custom cart.

The price was 20K. It was for a custom cart with many options. After getting his qoute I looked around on the web and found a dealer who will ship the same item to TV for $3K less. No taxes, and it is street legal. Will go at 25MPH or faster with switch turned on. Has 7 batteries with one just for the lights and ignition,radio, cd and A/C. Can be plugged in anywhere we find an outlet. Its all electric. Gas we tried but the fumes even with the Yamaha EFI was to much for the wife who only has one lung left due to lung cancer.

Its a 4 seat 2012 Cadillac Escalade. Now hearing that they will match the price makes me very skeptical of there ability and honesty. How can you in one breath say the best I can do is 20K, and then in another match my quote of 17K.

Looks like I am buying from someone else.

I use *********. He does a professional job.

Go across the golf cart bridge to the old side then go right on the cart path...follow the road to the post office you will see the cart store on your left....

His store is not in the villages....

confused?
 

Not sure that everyone understands the Villages Golf Cart Man is a different business the the Villages Golf Cart like the one in LSL.

I bought my house in December and moved in in April. The house came with a 2002 Club Car. After driving it for a month I noticed that it shimmied a lot and when I hit a bump in the road it veered severely. It also had an issue with the lights. When the lights were on at night, the left directional didn't work and when I stepped on the brake the left tail light would go out. The left headlight would also occasionally go out while we were driving.
I took it to the Villages Cart man. After having the cart for about four hours they called and told me the bad news. The cart needed new king pins and all four wheel bearings had to be replaced or repacked. They also told me that the entire cart was wired with speaker wire and the headlights were the wrong type and were burning super hot. They told me that the whole cart had to be rewired and they would have to fabricate some kind of headlights as the nose of the cart is not standard.
I wasn't sure whether I wanted to spend a lot of money on this cart or just trade it in. We were talking about $800 to $1000 dollars. They also suggested that I consider putting a lift kit on with oversized wheels which would be another $1000.
I decided to hold off on the work and take some time to think it over.
In the meantime someone suggested that I cal Todd Casey Golf Cart Repairs. I called and Todd came over right on time. He looked the entire cart over. There was a bolt loose on the front end. He tightened it and the cart is fine. He repacked the wheel bearings and installed new rear brakes. He also opened up the left tail light and found a short which he fixed in about two minutes. He told me that the only speaker wire in the cart was going to the electric charge gauge and that it was fine. He fixed al those problems for $138.00
The headlights are common on golf carts and there is nothing wrong with them. In fact they are the same headlights used on Columbia Par Cars. The problem was that they are 12 volt headlights and they were wired to 2 of the eight volt batteries sending 16 volts into them. That is why they were running hot. todd recommended a voltage reducer that would reduce the 48 volts of the six batteries to 12 volts and run the lights off the entire battery pack. I had him install the reducer for $132.00.
I ended up getting two new front tires from the Battery Boys who were recommended by Todd for about $80. The cart runs like a charm now.
The Villages Golf Cart Man charged me $87.00 for their "analysis" and told me that I had to wait another hour for them to put the cart back together. Todd didn't have to take anything apart. He analyzed all of the carts problems in about 20 minutes without taking anything apart and fixed every thing in about one and a half hours total time.
I also bought a new speedometer from Todd which he installed. The old one was not working correctly all the time.
The Villages Golf Cart Man is a thief plain and simple. Avoid him like the plague. I wonder how he has been able to stay in business with all the stories I've since heard about him.

Interesting story. Thanks for the heads up.

Frank is a golf cart Expert on this forum and I have used his services for that reason. They came to my house, picked up my cart, fixed it for what I believe to be a very fair and reasonable price, brought it back without a scratch. If you do search on this site, you will see several complaints about the person listed in the OP. I would suggest if you intend to spend money on anything service related here, to do a search on TOTV. It is like we have our own consumer reports and better business burrow.