Talk of The Villages Florida - Golf Cart considerations

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call the grandkids

Sounds like you need to call the grandkids to see what they think...

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Originally Posted by MartinSE (Post 2070975)

Worried may be an over statement. I think I said we can afford it, but just because we can afford something doesn't mean we SHOULD buy it. We are trying to preserve as much of our estate as possible for our grandkids. We do not need much to be happy. So, we moderate our purchases.

Which is more than I feel I really needed to explain to strangers on the internet, but it seems my interests and priorities are of some concern to others here.

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Originally Posted by golfnut (Post 2071029)

Sounds like you need to call the grandkids to see what they think...

This is why I didn't want to go there.

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Originally Posted by Mortal1 (Post 2070523)

So you do not want gas even though it's more efficient and the electrical power needed to charge the cart batteries comes from coal, nuke, water, natural gas and oil? Thus the cost of charging your electrical cart will go up with the price of fossil fuels.

Not sure I understand the logic or common sense. But best of luck with the "I'm protecting the environment" point of view.

Where did you acquire this misinformation? EV are more efficient than ICEV. By a mile. Don’t believe me though, google it. And many days our Electric Ezgo is being charged for free from our solar roof photovoltaic system. EV are more reliable with less maintenance. Our 6 year old EZGO has never been in for maintenance because there is none. Original lithium ion batteries are still powering the cart all over TV on a single charge. I have towed several of my buddies gas powered carts when they break down. Go ⚡️

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdFNJ (Post 2070581)

@MartinSE I have an Atomic (lithium), actually my 2nd one, long story .... 3+yrs old with about 15,000 miles on it and am as happy as can be with it. Not positive if the current models have lithium since I don't see it listed on their site, only AGM. Maybe it's an aftermarket option which I personally don't like due to the probably 5-600 lb difference in weight unless they add ballast to keep the COG the same. I do agree with what you said about "People can't help themselves in making assumptions, putting words in other people mouths" as that is very common here.

Regarding Atomic or Crown, My only concern as well was always "how long are they (in my case Atomic) going to be around" but I just sucked that up and didn't let it bother me HOWEVER with the loss of Jim and since all their carts are brought in from China and with what is going on in the world these days sadly, I'd be a bit more concerned. That being said, if you go for electric, fron ANYONE ONLY GET LITHIUM. Don't accept anything else no matter what they tell you.

Edit: I don't play golf. :)

In terms of playing golf, after about one round, the opening and closing of doors is not an issue. I find the Atomic to be so much more comfortable
In spite of the China concerns, I think the Atomic has so many benefits over Yamaha they will be around and grow

Or you can just get any new car either cheap Toyota for 20,000 and save the same money but I have the safety of a real steel cage around you with airbags and economy three times better than the Jag

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigSteph (Post 2070529)

There will be an opinion for every aspect, from every person,... so, here is mine;

You already have a car. The Tesla is just another car. Unless you want to leave gas all the way, keep the one you have.

I like the Atomic cars and others like it. The only fear I have is having limited support down the road. My understanding is the original guy who owned Atomic Kool Kartz passed away. Luckily, an employee/or former partner bought the business from the widow and is carrying on.

The Atomic (and like electric enclosed carts) already have a bunch of features. Since you don't golf, I cannot think of anything you would need to add to the Atomic.

The Yamaha or other battery golf carts have a base build. In the Villages, you can get a "lifestyle" build, which includes cloth sides, better seats and the etc. This will increase that base you suggested to a much higher level.

There will be other stuff you will likely want as well and you end up with a 15 - 20k cart real quick.

There is also the option for hard-side enclosures for the Yamaha and like golf carts. These are nice but have their drawbacks as well (one being, even with door open they can be hotter in the summer -- the positive side of the same argument is you will be drier, quicker, with these).

The engines (as you said ICE) are pretty well developed and will probably outlive most buyers. The battery vehicles are super nice, but do have a sunset on their power and recharge cycles. Some battery carts are offering 5 and 7 year warranties. Of course, like Tires and other moving vehicle warranties, I am sure they are pro-rated.

I have 2 cars and a Yamaha ICE cart. If I got rid of one of the cars, I might be tempted to buy the Atomic with Lithium. As I said, though, I would have to gamble on the life of the battery and the life of the company supporting them. Even considering this, I would still be tempted.

Go to Magnolia and test drive what they have. Go to Atomic across from Brownwood. Go to Crown(or whatever it is) near Russell Stovers on 44. Check them all out.

Let us know when you make your decision -- I am already curious.

Very well written. Hard enclosures on the Yamaha are attractive, quiet, simple to use during bad weather and add some benefit. Yet they have a few downsides as you mentioned. Overall width of cart increase with doors open, if your over 6’ tall or are a pretty good size individual they feel very cramped. Finally as you stated it’s almost impossible to keep the the doors closed during the Summer season in Florida. If your a petite, short, or slightly built they probably work wonderfully.

Get yourself a Toyota Prius. Will get the same or better miles than a gas golf cart and you can take it anywhere you want to go except on the golf trails.

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Originally Posted by 72eagleman (Post 2071108)

Get yourself a Toyota Prius. Will get the same or better miles than a gas golf cart and you can take it anywhere you want to go except on the golf trails.

One of the places I want to be able to go is multi-modal paths. That is why bicycles and golf carts are on the list. The Villages have put a LOT of ponds and lakes around the golf course. Those are full of birds, alligators, and scenic layouts. I am a photographer and most of those are not accessible except by walking, bike, or golf cart. It is often a mile or more walk from the closest place you can park a car.

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Originally Posted by MartinSE (Post 2070846)

Exactly, right running short errands and just going out together and exploring the villages. I am an amateur photographer, and there are a lot of places I would like to go on TV that are a long walk or a golf cart. I can’t park a car anywhere near them

Good explanation MartinSE! I’m not saying don’t get an electric cart but as big as TV is getting it was nothing for me to go 20 miles away then back another 20 miles is 40 miles. & an electric cart might not get you home. There were days I would drive my cart 50 miles. There’s Pro’s & Con’s on both of them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartinSE (Post 2071031)

This is why I didn't want to go there.

the beauty of TOTV is that while you may have just asked about golf carts, (or driveways, or roof color), eventually you will find a life coach to assist you with all of the other things you've got all wrong about your life.

Mortal1, I see your logic but they need advice what to get to get around. Atomic Cart are very nice & haven’t heard anybody complaining about them & Tesla are nice cars but expensive. If you or both of you have medical issues bikes are out then or you might get ran over by some senior citizen that shouldn’t be driving. So I would get a small car, but not a hybrid or anything electric since you will have another expense. Tough question, weigh the options!

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Originally Posted by Laker14 (Post 2071153)

Thank you, I appreciate this comment. I tend to get grumpy, and take things too seriously. Your way of saying this is accurate and polite, something I need to learn.

:bigbow:

Logc and common sense? Beware Kool Ade drinking con men.

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Originally Posted by Mortal1 (Post 2070523)

Thanks for an excuse to rant and rave!
Beware! We are on our third BEV, two Bolts and a Kona Electric. We gave one to our daughter.
We have only been to filling stations if they have a plug on the road, to empty ourselves, or buy food.
It's like taking off shackles and getting out of jail. We fried a diesel van engine twice, and a gas chevy van is in the boneyard.
Before the BEW's we had 5 hybrids and a Volt
Fun ,quiet, and our fuel comes off our roof. Extra current we sell to the power co.
We bike, never golf but have a GEM street legal and 2 electric carts for the renters in our 2 Villages homes.
nothing but trouble - always getting calls.
The Bolt has not been for any service in 60,000 miles,original brakes and tires.
over 300 miles to a charge in good weather.
We're in line for the Apteras - one for north and one for Florida.They charge themselves up to 40 miles a day or plug in.
Any more conspiracy theories bring em on - we have lived and breathed science from NASA to Johns Hopkins Applied Physics for 40 years.
Time for a new flavor of Kool Ade you naysayers - we love doo wop and big bands but as far as fossil fuels go, they belong with beepers and mimeographs.
So you gasaholics put that in your (tail)pipe and smoke it.

You will not be keeping a gas can in your garage. Ex: a Yamaha gas cart fills up just like a car and gets close to 250 miles of a tank of gas. You normally wouldn’t keep gas in your garage to fill your car, NO, you see when the gas gauge gets low, stop off and fill it up at a service center or gas station. Plenty around.