Best ELECTRIC Golf Cart for a retirement community?

[RogerA]

So the wife and I are going to move into one of those over 55 retirement communities. A Del Webb in Texas most likely. So what is the best golf cart??? Club Car? EZGO? Others? Looking at electric, but would gas be better? Any other suggests or tips??? THANKS!!
Roger

[ditrina]

Why... An Italian one of course!!

[oneounceload]

If you're just using it for putting around the community, electrics are quiet and should have enough range. That is, unless your community is the size of The Villages in Florida where you WOULD run out of juice.
Also, would you be using it out of the community like many sporting clays shooters do? If yes, then gas would be better.

Batteries usually need replacing about 5 years or so and run about $800 give or take.

[Bakebfr480]

In Texas you're gonna need a 4x4 diesel dually!

[nachogrande]

ONE WITH A KEGERATOR IN THE BACK, OF COURSE.

[DWalt]

I have a 2002 Club Car I bought used around 2005 (I think I paid around 2K at the time), never had any real problems with it. Am on my third set of batteries, figure a set will last around 5-6 years. My biggest problem is running over thorns and puncturing tires, so I learned to keep on the pavement as much as possible.

[loknload]

Had a 2004 Club Car, well built and I think they’re nicer than EZ Go.
Mine was battery powered and there never were no issues. Just recently sold it and I would buy another one if I needed it!

[SC_Mike]

My favorite, but might get some complaints.

https://media.giphy.com/media/ioPDZt4ttfTVu/giphy.gif

[Abbynormal]

Ezgo gas, no less than 2 years old.
We found that out the hard way in the Vintage Racing series over
the past 10 years. Past 2 years, the battery goes to hell.

[nachogrande]

Do any run on propane? That would solve the range issue & be quiet.

[oneounceload]

Gas aren't THAT bad; quieter than a SxS UTV.
The previously mentioned Villages communities in Florida held a golf car parade and set a Guiness record for the number of participants. These things are EVERYWHERE, from Walmart to the doctor to the bars and restaurants.
OP IF your community covers a large area, then gas would be better; they sip gas, your electric bill won't go up, and you won't be replacing batteries every few years, JMO, YMMV

[gman51]

I know a guy that lives in an Arizona retirement community and he repairs golf carts there. He said go gas and have a whole lot less problems and expense over the long run.

[nachogrande]

Originally Posted by gman51

I know a guy that lives in an Arizona retirement community and he repairs golf carts there. He said go gas and have a whole lot less problems and expense over the long run.

By "gas" R-U talking gasoline? Are there restrictions in some places against gasoline powered carts, due to noise/emissions?

[ColbyBruce]

Originally Posted by nachogrande

By "gas" R-U talking gasoline? Are there restrictions in some places against gasoline powered carts, due to noise/emissions?

This is a valid point, the golf cart trails in my community are restricted to electric powered vehicles. Diesel and gasoline powered vehicles are denied use and operators of such things are ticketed when caught.

[andy52]

I have a EZGO that I use on my shooting range and it has served me well. It's a single seater with a flatbed on the back for carrying firearms, targets and other accessories.

[ColbyBruce]

I own two 2009 Yamaha electric carts. My intention was to put lights and s rear seat on both, taller tires on one and leave it at our mountain house. After trying one in the mountains, I think a gas engine cart would work better on the steep gravel roads. I have yet to buy the lights or seats. My grandchildren like to cruise around the neighborhood in these and to the pool in the summer.

EZGO and ClubCar are about equal and have the greatest number of accessories available. One has steel frames, the other has aluminum frames. The Yamaha electric models are set at 12 mph and can be boosted to 15 mph; the other two models have a third speed setting. None of the golf carts have the suspension or brakes to safely exceed these speeds. The comptrollers can be changed out for more torque if the owner wishes to add a lift-kit and a larger wheel/tire package.

I live less than five miles from four different cart dealers; carts are popular and pricey here. You can honestly buy a nice used Jeep for what some of these carts cost.

A word of caution, if you opt for a limousine cart (six passenger). Some of these types are full frame and some are kits where the original frame is cut, kit welded into it to lengthen it, then re-assembled. The kit versions do not hold up so well.

I believe forum member Engineer1911 retired from EZGO or ClubCar, contact him.

[old bear]

Originally Posted by ditrina

Why... An Italian one of course!!

Well Sal, you are half way correct. Remember the old saw, "if it ain't red it's not a Farrari. Happy Holidays.

[Mack_C85]

Aw, come on..........gotta' go Classic Chevy!!!!!!

[ColbyBruce]

Have you guys priced those body kits, wheel and tire combos, and replacement seats? You should, but sit down first. They can be thousands of dollars. There are some great kits available.

[DWalt]

There are many ways to pimp out your golf cart ride but I can't think of any good reason to bother. So long as mine runs OK, that's all I want - too many other (and better) ways to spend my money. I feel about the same way about cars.

[amazingflapjack]

Something with a GS 1100 E Suzuki motor for me!

[mrchuck]

There are several in my neighborhood. Their use is to ride around and wave at neighbors. Some actually stop and say Hi.

[35Rem]

Club Car. 48V
They have aluminum frames. Good rigs.

[Muss Muggins]

Buddy of mine had one of these. Might still have it . . .

[642_PC]

The electric EZ Go has an excellent electronic controller. The braking system is like having power brakes and the holding brake sets automatically when motion stops. I hate the mechanical brakes that you have to jam on with the little blade above the brake pedal. They also regulate acceleration so it does not jump when you floor the go-pedal. They are regulated at 19 mph but can go faster with larger wheels. Very good quality. I had one for 10 years, then moved where I did not need it.

[oneounceload]

One thing if you live where it will be hot in the summer is the installation of a ceiling fan or two.

Now, if you want to have true AC in your cart, you'll need to go gas:
Golf Cart AC stystems

[ladder13]

Originally Posted by ditrina

Why... An Italian one of course!!

That’ll get you killed during dinner time in FL, 4pm

The Villages are loaded up with carts, and the folks are loaded as well.

[oneounceload]

But they sure do have a good time.......

04 September 2005

The largest golf cart parade involved 3,321 participants from The Villages, Florida, United States on 4 September 2005. The event raised $29,500 for different charities.

[keith44spl]

Originally Posted by Bakebfr480

In Texas you're gonna need a 4x4 diesel dually!

We had a EZ-GO and then up graded....



But, we're not in town.........


So, I guess a electric cart would be better suited.


.

[03hemi]

Just moved out of Peachtree City, GA where everybody has a golf cart and the fastest ones that I've seen are the Yamaha's, those suckers will get up and go. We had an EZ-Go and it was as slow as molasses, but it was an older one too.

[TheHobbyist]

It will be a cold day you know where when I am driving a golf cart anywhere other than the golf course. Best to those that do however, I have a few in my family...

[nachogrande]

BUMPER STICKER: Don't like my driving? No worries, I'll be dead soon.

[walkinghorse]

Originally Posted by keith44spl

We had a EZ-GO and then up graded....



But, we're not in town.........


So, I guess a electric cart would be better suited.


.

Looks like around here in the Hills! Except they are street legal here, properly equipped,
and for winter have doors, windows, heaters and or heated seats! Lots in the various towns, and around the county. Everybody has a snow plow on front also.

[oneounceload]

Originally Posted by keith44spl

We had a EZ-GO and then up graded....



But, we're not in town.........


So, I guess a electric cart would be better suited.


.

Where's the doors so you could use the AC?

[Nevada Ed]

It Ain't a golf chart unless it has cup holders !!

Lets see those cup holders................

Nothing worse than a "Dry Golfer", no matter what you place in that holder.

Being from Nevada, you KNOW it is not going to be just water..............

[RogerA]

Originally Posted by 03hemi

Just moved out of Peachtree City, GA where everybody has a golf cart and the fastest ones that I've seen are the Yamaha's, those suckers will get up and go. We had an EZ-Go and it was as slow as molasses, but it was an older one too.

We were looking at Peachtree City. May I ask why you moved out? Thanks!
Roger

[Viss]

I like the club cars, they have aluminum frames, battery pans don’t rust out.
I have Two. Hope his helps.

[MRB1]

I was issued EZGo at work for years and they did pretty well - except one that caught fire for no apparent reason. Later moved to Club Car and they were much better. I just don't trust battery carts, been stranded tooooo many times.

[03hemi]

Originally Posted by RogerA

We were looking at Peachtree City. May I ask why you moved out? Thanks!
Roger

We bought there for the schools, but the kids are grown and on their own now so we wanted more house for the same kind of money. Mission accomplished. PTC is expensive real-estate for something really nice.

[oneounceload]

Originally Posted by Nevada Ed

It Ain't a golf chart unless it has cup holders !!

Lets see those cup holders................

Nothing worse than a "Dry Golfer", no matter what you place in that holder.

Being from Nevada, you KNOW it is not going to be just water..............

In The Villages they have several getting DUIs from driving their carts after hitting the bar...................

[oneounceload]

Originally Posted by 03hemi

We bought there for the schools, but the kids are grown and on their own now so we wanted more house for the same kind of money. Mission accomplished. PTC is expensive real-estate for something really nice.

GEEZ, I reffed a tournament at Big Red Oak on Gay; we stayed at a complex in PTC; it is a great industrial suburb of Atlanta; but there are better school districts. Real Estate is WAY overpriced for cookie-cutter subdivisions

[03hemi]

Originally Posted by oneounceload

GEEZ, I reffed a tournament at Big Red Oak on Gay; we stayed at a complex in PTC; it is a great industrial suburb of Atlanta; but there are better school districts. Real Estate is WAY overpriced for cookie-cutter subdivisions

They're are many great school districts in Atl, PTC has some of the highest rated for sure. They're are cookie cutter subs like any other city too, but many custom home subs that are way pricey. The avg. household income in PTC is around $75k a year, the country is around $45k. Like I said, many perks, but getting the most for your money in property ain't one of them.

[Dave from Pa]

Just remember your Status in the community is determined by the golf cart you drive.

[S&WsRsweet]

Check out Bad Boy Buggies ,We keep a couple on hunting property I do a little volunteer work for .They run on propane ,quite and very little emissions .The guy that services them said the propane ones will out live the gasoline ones by deacades if cared for as they run so clean .One will carry me and my gear and two other hunters with enough gear to keep them going for a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the hunt they sign up for .I scout and guide for this club and I have watched these things get abused by some of the kids they hire to drop us off at trails end ( where cart and wheeler trails stop and foot travel begins) .Evidently they can take it though as I have yet to have to walk out lol.

[oneounceload]

Then there are these:


and this type for the guy who also shoots sporting clays:


Personally, I like the lift kits and bigger tires.