Golf Cart Comparisons

[Flametamr]

Okay I may be finally able to buy my own cart to bring to the Fort for Halloween. My choices are both Ezgo carts. One is a 2012 48 volt lifted with the rear seat added. My second choice is completely refurbished custom lifted 2008 36 volt. It has a lot of extras I would want. The prices are about the same, and both have warranties. I like the older one because it doesn't have the weird electric brake lock. What are your thoughts ? If anyone cares to look I can post pictures later. Thanks.

 

[Flametamr]

Here is the 2008 36 Volt one.

 

[2goofycampers]

We own a 48V and at work they have 36V. The charge on our 48V lasts alot longer.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Performance is about the same, although the 48 has a longer range battery.
2) Pick the one you like best for convenience and appearance.

 

[jbrostek]

Both have about the same performance and unless the batteries are old, most casual users wont notice the charge length from a 48v to a 36v.

That being said there are things to consider:

48v batteries are 8v a piece with 6 batteries used, this is a perfect configuration other then you will pay more for 8v batteries as they are a specialized item. 36v carts use 6v batteries which are more widely availible and less expensive. Properly maintained batteries should last 5-7 years, though I see many carts come to us for repairs that have not been and 800-1000 for new batteries is never a good thing.

48v carts need a power converter to power 12v items. While you could run some lights at 16v, they will have a shorter life, if you want to power certain other accesories or add a charge plug for electronic devices, you will need a converter, they run 50-150 dollars depending on the unit. 36v carts do no need this, you can tie 2 6v batteries together and get a solid 12v power source and unless you are running a radio or other potential high draw items off the battery it will not unequalize the charge. EZGO ships their 36v street legal 4 and 6 seaters wired this way. The 48v carts chargers cost more if you have to replace or rebuild them.

If the used/rebuilt one has more of the accessories you want for the same price I would go that route. A rear seat kit is 3-500 just for the kit plus your time or someones labor to install. Light kits are around 100 bucks depending on the model, so consider those costs as well.

I would say as long as the older model year cart is low rust, the battery tray is in good condition and the batteries are less then 2 years old it is probably worth it if it has more of the accessories you want.

 

[Flametamr]

The newer one will need lights added raising the price to $200. It has a lift kit and rear seat already added. It does not have a windshield or mirror. So that will raise the price further around $125. The older one has the extanded roof already added ($450) and the crome steering wheel and pedals ( $200 ?)as well as a wood grain dash ($100 ?). It will also need the windshield and mirror $125. I think the older one has more appeal but I worry about the age. Too far to drive just to check the batteries today. My new cart won't see a lot of use until we get to the Fort and I don't live in the woods so not much off roading either. They really are equal in price and accesories. It's really a tough call for me. I'm deep into Mardi Gras and need the cart before Friday. Thanks for the imput.

 

[jbrostek]

Golf carts really dont have much issues with age/milage if they are cared for. I have bought carts as old at 97 and the frames are in great condition, but usually need to replace the battery tray. Once they are done they are as good as new as we check all the brushes, usually end up putting batteries in them, etc.

If you look at the carts, remember to look under.

 

[Flametamr]

Thanks I will go over it well. Talked to the guy today and he's willing to add new batteries at cost so I'm probably going to look at the older one in the morning. If everything checks out I will bring it home with me.

 

[jbrostek]

You just asked the right questions when you brought up batteries. If he is willing to do new batteries then he knows they are more then a few years old. I would make sure his cost is less then you can get them though!!!

 

[tiggerdad]

Take the '08!

 

[Flametamr]

Okay I spent a whole morning trying to buy the 08 model. The cart was in worse shape than the pictures showed. Lots of surface rust and hidden damages. The cart was just okay and he was going to put new off brand batteries in it $300. But after everything the cost soared to around $5000.00. I just couldn't pay that knowing it was well worn. I'm going to get the 2012 48 volt cart this week. They are painting it Red like we want and the cost will still be $4200.00 out the door with a year warranty on the cart and 90 days on batteries. I will post pictures later this week when we get it. The reason it has to be Red is I'm going to make it to look like a mini fire truck as a retirement toy. I'm retiring from the fire service Sept 28th.

 

[PaHunter]

Aren't real firetrucks Slime Lime in color ??

 

[Flametamr]

No that slime color was something the military started to improve visibility around aircraft. Unfortunately some departments started using it. Everyone I know uses Red in some fasion. Ours are Red/White.

 

[jbrostek]

I think you made the right decision after taking a good look at the cart. Those hidden costs and the fact that he was so willing to put batteries in it had me wondering the condition of the cart. I think cost wise you made the right decision to consider the one optioned the way you wanted it before moving on to the next one.