Looking for an expert opinion
 

My cart is a 2010 Star. It has served us well since November, 2010. It has always had a slight hesitation and slight "clunk" when starting from still, especially upon very slight acceleration such as entering the garage. Just very recently in this circumstance (very slight acceleration from stop), I get a coarse vibration. I would appreciate an expert opinion as to what may be causing the vibration, and how serious an issue this is likely to be.

Rear end gear lash !

Bushings have failed. You can get a kit for $20-40 and do it yourself or get ripped off by the local cart repair services. One quoted me $400 for the job. I did it myself.

Where are the bushings? in the differential? in the axle?

The Issue is the input shaft and the motor coupler- to do the job right, both need to be replaced. However, the motor coupler is really the weak point and you could get away with just changing the coupler. To change the input shaft its much more labor intensive.
Some one mentioned bushings, but I think they are talking about the front bushings which is another common failure point, but would have nothing to do with what it seems you are describing.

I agree, wheels/bushings. We do a lot of routine work, but this was not in our skills. Cost was $580 ! Never got an estimate anywhere near $400, maybe because we have a Club Car, not a Star. If more was actually done apart from the bushings, it was not listed on the final bill !

On a Star car the rear bushings are bullet proof. Front spindle bushings break but are cheap and easy to replace.
Cant compare a club car to a star car, they are way different.

I had that problem with a new star lithium cart. If you have an electric cart have them replace a small part called speed controller. They spent a month taking my cart back in and finally discovered that needed replacing. It was almost dangerous with jerky motions back or forward.

On a 2010, thats not the issue.

Is your Star Cart a Sirius, or a Capella? Did you buy it from The Villages Cart Store? Or Crown Carts in Wildwood?