OT: I need advice on golf carts.

[AlSwearengen]

We need to purchase a golf cart and I have no idea where to begin. I am pretty sure we want electric b/c of the fumes. I don't play golf, but we live on a golf course and probably the only reason that I haven't taken it up yet is that I have too many other hobbies. So, I probably need to keep it configured to where I can use it on the golf course just in case I start playing.

I don't want a slow *** golf cart. I got stuck with a slow one at disney world and that sucks.

What brands should I stay away from? Is it worth it to buy used considering battery life? Am I making a mistake not looking at a gas model? Is Yamaha good? We have an old neighbor with one that would probably sell it to us because they got it with the house and don't use it.

 

[CochiseCowbell]

Sly Croom won't steer you wrong. Hit him up.

 

[Crayon_Eater]

The new Yamaha EFI carts are hard to beat. I have a 2013 and have no "fume" issues. There is a big dealer in Corinth that has some great deals this time of the year.

 

[Dogariffic]

Bought a Yamaha electric used about 3 months ago and like it.
club car is good brand probably best. Aluminum frame...no rust potential....but they cost a bit more. Yamaha has good reputation steel frame.
We purchased electric. Gas will be faster and not run out of juice but cost more. We have not run out by the way. If you go electric get six battery model not 4. Holds better charge.
We got a 2.5 year old model with rear seat and upgraded wheels and get a kick out of it. Feel free to pm any questions. Researched a bit before purchase.

Edited to add. Bought the yamaha electric used and considered replacing batteries (6 ) for about $700.00. Decided not to as cart ran fine. Good decision as the cart is garage kept and we have no issues so far. When they dont work we will replace.

 

[Lawdawg.sixpack]

Do not, under any circumstances, buy a Ruff n Tuff.

 

[goodknight]

I'm biased as I work for one of the manufacturers

Club Car is considered by most in the industry to be the best and as a result commands a higher price. EZ-GO has the next highest market share but is loosing gas sales to both Club Car and Yamaha. Last I knew Yamaha only produces gas. I wouldn't worry about fumes or buying gas unless your club or neighborhood forbids them. Yamak offers an EFI as does Club Car now. I know there is a high speed for gas Club Cars to get them to 18-19 mph, not sure about Yamaha. As stated by others Club Car has an aluminum frame that will never rust. If you go electric get the 6 8-V batteries not the 4 12's. You can get high speed options with electric as well with most requiring a programming change to the motor controller or by using an aftermarket controller. Of course putting larger OD tires gains you ground speed as well. Be careful of some of the aftermarket lift kits as some have very poor reputations. Gas cars have aftermarket clutches and if you are a mechanic can change the gearing out in the axle to gain speed.

Good Luck

 

[o_Hot Rock]

I own a Hyundai golf cart. Notice no one here mentioned that brand. There is a reason why they stopped making them. Do not buy this brand used ever! Even if it's a gift, try and find an out.

I would have never bought it myself but it was a gift. That's right, my wife purchased it behind my back with the help of a neighbor. I have been driving it for fifteen years and smoking up the golf course for ten of them.

Stick with the name brand's that were mentioned such as Club or Yamaha. I do not know of single person that has bought an EZ-GO in my area in decades so I don't have any familiarity with that brand other than there are some old ones still kicking it.

I would never purchase an electric cart myself. Batteries have a shelf life and replacing them is way more expensive than one thinks. I hear constant complaining from electric cart owners about them not keeping their charge. Sure, newer batteries don't have this problem but you would be surprised how quickly a couple years flys by and you can't play that 3rd nine.

 

[dolee]

Ben Nelson sells ez go. Huge bulldog fan.

 

[Dawg1976]

I bought a brand new Yamaha Drive electric cart in 2007. I just looked online and the 2015 models look basically the same. I sold mine a few months ago because I spend half my time at the beach now(retired) and no longer belong to my old club. But I had very good luck with mine. It came from the factory at about 11 miles per hour, but I had mine programmed to boost it up to 19 mph. A tech can easily do it for a small fee. As far as the ride goes, it was good. A little bouncy on rough paths. The Club carts ride a little better imo, but they are more expensive.

Having said all that, I would buy another Yamaha if I were in the market for one.

 

[Dawgbite]

If buying an electric used, figure a 3 year lifespan on the batteries as a rule of thumb and $1000 to replace them. I know somebody is going to say their batteries are 5 years old and still good and if service correctly and regularly they will last much longer but most people just plug and go. If speed is the determining factor, look for a 72volt cart, mine will do over 40 mph with two people in it and 36 with 4-6 people.

 

[LTR131]

A golf cart is like a pick-up truck. If it runs it has value. I've owed three, two EZ-GO electrics, One Club Car Gas. I prefer the Gas cart cause its easy to speed up, no need to plug up and, if you are handy with stuff, low-maintenance. Good gas carts are not easy to find used.

My current cart is an ex fleet EZ-GO from Ben Nelson, who sold me the thing cheaper, with warranty, than any I found on Craigslist. EZ-Go is pretty much bullet-proof.

If you buy any used electric age of battery is key. Mine has 6 6v , they pretty much have to be replaced in sets and are about $100ea. The price goes up with the voltage.

 

[Dogariffic]

What type of golf cart do you own. I gather it has a speed kit?

If buying an electric used, figure a 3 year lifespan on the batteries as a rule of thumb and $1000 to replace them. I know somebody is going to say their batteries are 5 years old and still good and if service correctly and regularly they will last much longer but most people just plug and go. If speed is the determining factor, look for a 72volt cart, mine will do over 40 mph with two people in it and 36 with 4-6 people.

 

[misipi]

I've had 2 club cars over the last 20 years.... My current one has a 48 volt system and is great... One thing not mentioned about the cars here, the club car is egonomically designed and more comfortable to ride/drive.

 

[Optimus Prime 4]

How much is insurance if you get a street legal cart? I'm looking into one to cruise the neighborhood. It can't be much, but I know having it is a requirement to getting tags. Unfortunately my golf course is too far from my house to use the cart there too, and we aren't allowed to trailer them.

 

[Dawg1976]

Yep, I'm one of those guys. My first set of batteries lasted 5 1/2 years. They were Trojan 48 volts. I replaced them with the same and they cost a little over $700 installed here in Meridian. That was almost 2 years ago so they would cost more now.

 

[Dawgbite]

It's a C-Zone electric cart, similar to a GEM car. It seats six, has disc brakes and everything in order to be street legal. I have never gone through the process to license it. By the way, 40 mph is too damn fast in a golf cart!

 

[dawgoneyall]

Unless there is real issues with the exhaust get an internal combustion.