[Laker14]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

The yamaha was used but less than one year old and in pristine condition. Like I said, this was years ago. By that, I mean 10 or 12 yrs ago. I always look around for the best deals, different stores have varying inventory. Sometimes, a store is willing to take a low ball offer because they need to move carts off their lot or a cart is a one of. Their supply is larger than demand. You have to look around.

I have not been to the golf cart store in the Villages since we purchased the yamaha. Their demand is much larger than their supply. Not a situation in which I would ever buy anything.

Right now, I am trying to figure out how to purchase an atomic car direct from China. If anyone has done this, please share the details. From what I have seen on the sites, we can save $12 to $14k. I know, it sounds like I am a cheap person but I have been in sales all my life and understand markup. It's kind of a game with me. Who is the better salesperson me or you? Love bargaining! Makes me happy and tingly inside when I get a great deal.

I would love to hear how that works out for you. It would make a very interesting TOTV discussion.
I would be leery (scared ) to do that, but my fear is based totally in ignorance.

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by Laker14

I would love to hear how that works out for you. It would make a very interesting TOTV discussion.
I would be leery (scared ) to do that, but my fear is based totally in ignorance.

We have purchased many things directly from China with no problems. This would be a large package and not certain what will happen once it arrived in the States. Customs and carrier fees are a concern.

I believe I have seen several carts direct from China parked at stores, recs, and squares. I wait for awhile hoping the owner shows up, but so far, no luck. From the outside, these carts look very nice. I'm quite certain that they are direct from China. But, who knows? Maybe another store here in the states I am not familiar with.

[UpNorth]

YouTube has plenty of videos of people bringing in small vehicles from China. Some seem to do very well, others seem to get a lot of unexpected charges and surprises. Some get vehicles with defects and/or damages in shipping. Worth looking into, but it does have risks.

[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by Tvflguy

In the paper today, article re the least expensive CAR in the USA. A brand new 2023 Nissan Versa. $15,800.

Compare that to (probably) the average new golf cart avail in The Villages. Price no doubt about the same.

Then compare the content of the CAR to the CART. O M G.

The new CAR has a 4cyl engine, auto trans, airbags all over, windows all around, 4 large radial tires, sound system, power steering and brakes, 4 doors, and bunches of electronics and safety systems.

The new CART none…

How the mfrs and dealers of carts can justify the $$$$$$ of their relatively simple products…. A gouge especially of new carts by dealers in The Villages areas.

I’m just happy that our cart, more than 8 years old is running just fine and we don’t have to pay these inflated prices for a new cart here. OMG

Villages prices are higher by 15-20% than other areas of other areas of the country and do agree that they should not be anywhere near the price of a new car.

[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

Supply & Demand baby..............plenty of suckers willing to pay the prices.

Supply and demand do make prices higher and people in TV pay 2-3K higher
based mostly upon location. Stripped version of the quiet Yamaha has MSRP of 10K +/-. Writer is comparing new cheap car prices with golf cart pricing.

[MX rider]

They may be a little higher in TV but it's all relative. Everything is higher. We bought a lightly used 2018 Yamaha in mint condition for $9500 last fall from another villager. I felt that price was fair.

My brother is a powersports dealer here in Indiana, He sells Polaris and Kawasaki side by sides and motorcycles.

He sells sxs's everyday that are in the mid to upper $30k range. The other day he sold one that was over $40k.
We bought one from him last year and paid about $26k. More than I wanted to spend, but it is what it is. Pay up or don't play.

[Robnlaura]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

We have purchased quite a few things direct from China. When you buy a golf cart how much is the customs fee? Also, when the cart is shipped, do you have to arrange for it to be delivered from the port? Not certain what carrier will bring
a large item like that directly to your door. If we can easily do it, I am extremely interested. The price is ridiculously cheap!

I did ask a couple of the vendors if I remember shipping was about $1500 a lot of the units are good brand names as well. It’s worth investigating looking at that the local dealers add on (they pay the same price unless it’s quantity) this has nothing to do with “buying American” this is saving money from the scammers

[Robnlaura]

Made in China 72V Lithium Battery 6 passengers electric off road club car golf buggy cart for sale
SAVE
Buying options
About these results
$3,800.00
+$0.00 est. tax
+$0.00 estimated tax
$187.39 delivery
It’s called a Google search 1/3 of the cost

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by Robnlaura

Made in China 72V Lithium Battery 6 passengers electric off road club car golf buggy cart for sale
SAVE
Buying options
About these results
$3,800.00
+$0.00 est. tax
+$0.00 estimated tax
$187.39 delivery
It’s called a Google search 1/3 of the cost

Yes. But be careful! This does not include customs fee and the price of a carrier to bring it direct to your door. I am still wanting to know those charges.

[Michael G.]

Originally Posted by Altavia

Looks like lots of folks here know enough to open a cart store and make a killing selling carts at a low price...

No so funny.
Have you been through Ocala lately on Hwy 200?
Don't know if these cart stores are branches to one another but WOW, somebody's taking in
some serious $$$$$ selling carts of all makes, electric and gas.

[Rainger99]

I was at Lowe's today and they have golf carts for $8,000. They are Axis.

[Keefelane66]

Besides Versa, Mercedes, GM, Ford, BMW manufactures and imports to the US from Mexico not much price reduction on cheap labor. Same would happen if Yamaha went there.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by Rainger99

I was at Lowe's today and they have golf carts for $8,000. They are Axis.

Hate to see those tires on a golf course.

[JGibson]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

Hate to see those tires on a golf course.

Good point, I do wonder about these carts that are significantly heavier with all those batteries and wet course conditions.

It's gonna lead to a lot of cart paths only.

[mrf0151]

Originally Posted by UpNorth

John Deere needs to get into the golf cart business, where the profit must be really high.

They actually thought about this years ago and felt they really would not be able to compete with Yamaha.