What about a golf ride?
 

One of the first things I would want to do when settling in, would be to get a good golf cart. I need to have an adjustable, maybe bucket seat, for my spine issue. Also want to somewhat neat looking and not a slug.

Thoughts on where to go for this, gas or electric, styles, pricing and how long does it take to get one?

Are they registered/insured?

My advice is not to rush out and get a golf cart. You can rent one for awhile while you gather information. We purchased a used gas four seater nine years ago and it still looks nice and works well. We bought it from a couple who's parent had lived with them and had passed. We now have two, but there is no need to rush into buying a golf cart. You will be spending a great deal of time for a couple of months unpacking and feathering your new nest and talking to neighbors and new friends who will give you advice on golf carts. We have ours insured but they are not registered. It is against the law for anyone under the age of fourteen to drive a golf cart, so do not allow little grandchildren to do so. 16 people have died in golf cart accidents in the last ten years here in TV and hundreds have been badly injured, so please know how to use them, and where you are going and please don't drink and drive. You say you don't want a "slug" but you need to know that 20mph is the speed limit and you can get a ticket.

Check adds on totv. Don't know what you want to pay but, you can get a decent gas cart for around 7k. You are going to get more than you want to know on gas -vs- electric. Good luck

If you truly have a serious spine issue, I would reconsider golf cart travel. With all the speed bumps and intersections with rough transitions for a golf cart, coupled with a less than cushy golf cart suspension, your spine will be working overtime with all the bouncing around. It's not just up and down. It's also side to side. Golf carts are not back friendly.

Take your time. There are at least 10 fairly large vendors for golf carts plus for sale by owner. Specially seats can be added to most brands. Golf cart stores owned by The Villages are a little higher priced, but are more convenient. There are golf cart services that come to your home. Gas or electric is up to you. I like gas because if you run out or forget to fill it, you can go get gas in your car and be on your way in minutes. Forget to charge and you are going nowhere for hours. On the other hand electric is quieter. Most carts have been altered to go 20 mph, a large number have been altered to go more than legally allowed. Make sure you know the risks and benefits. New standard carts with side curtains start at around $8500 and go up from there. There are many options and a fully decked out cart with specialized seating can approach $14000. Shop around. Decent used carts start at about $4000 and are about 8 years old. There is a big difference in a cart used by snowbirds and year around residents. You can buy a used cart and add the special seat. Take your time.

I would advise that you check around for seats that will fit your needs before you buy the cart. This way, you will be able to determine which carts will accommodate the seats that are best for you.

That is an excellent point. Thank you.

There is an advertiser on this site selling custom seats for golf carts. Why not check out their site or give them a call.

That is the truth! This gets almost religious with some folks. It's like talking barbecue - you can't win over people whose opinions differ from yours. You aren't going to convince gas fans that electric carts can go the distance and you aren't going to convince electric fans that gas carts aren't smelly and noisy. Well, as much as people use golf carts in TV, you can bet they're going to have strong preferences on them.

I'm in the same boat as you. I've moving to our house in TV in and will be wanting a golf cart that I'll hopefully use and love for a lot of years and don't want to make the "wrong" decision. From what I'm reading, gas carts are getting quieter and less smelly and electric carts are going longer than ever. It seems you won't really lose going either way.

If you haven't yet done so, check out the 2017 Yamaha's. The newly designed exhaust system makes for a VERY quiet ride! In addition, the rear suspension has been changed, which makes for a smoother ride. I test drove one, after hearing people say how much quieter the cart is. Although I didn't notice a whole lot smoother of a ride on my short drive, I definitely noticed how much quieter the cart is compared to previous model years.

You'll notice the difference going over a bump. 4 wheel Independent suspension.

E-z-go
 

E-Z-GO 2016 has new suspension system. Great ride, especially over speed bumps.

I haven't done so yet but definitely plan on doing so. I figure even if I was leaning strongly towards electric I'd have to give Yamaha a chance. Whenever I've visited, I've noted that the vast majority of non-custom carts I see parked at the squares are Yamaha. I figure there has to be a reason for that. And I've heard multiple people comment on how quiet and smooth-riding the 2017s are.

Since you didn't list your budget, and you want 'neat looking, not a slug', you have to go to this place, however you're going to need a big check book.

http://villagestreetrod.com/wp-conte...6465995973.jpg

Village Streetrod | Facebook

We received our new 2017 Yamaha gas golf cart and it is better than expected. The factory installed -with factory warranty is far superior to store installed wiring, etc. is such an amazing "security blanket". I know you can get a similar golf cart with store/shop installation, but this family prefers the factory warranty. It is indeed incredibly quiet, all of the neighbors and friends have agreed! The duel reclining and adjustable seats are perfect for the short or long legged drivers without needing the little pillows.The new LED lights are fabulous. The rear exhaust eliminates the nasty fumes and the independent suspension is terrific for a smooth ride. All in all, I highly recommend Brandon and his crew at Colony. Enjoy your travels around The Villages.