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]

EASY

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]

ALTERNATE POWER

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]

AN IGNORANT QUESTION?

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]

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]

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.