How to Select a Golf Car
Non-Lifted Electric | |||
Yamaha Drive | EZ-GO RXV | Club Car Precedent | |
Body Fastners | Plastic Fastners & Pop Rivets | Pop Rivets | Automotive Drill Screw Torque Fasteners |
(Affect Trade-In Value) | |||
Front and Rear Bumpers | Little Protection Over Wheel Wells | Little Protection Over Wheel Wells | 360 Degree Bumper Design |
and Sides | Front Bumper Rated 5 MPH | Front Bumper rated 5 MPH | |
Turning Radius | 18 Ft 10" Turning Radius | 19 Ft Turning Radius | 17 Ft 10" Turning Radius |
Frame/Chasis | Heavy Steel Chasis | Heavy Steel Chasis | Aircraft Quality Aluminum - Increases Resale |
Vehicles in Service After 15 Years | Few | Few | Thousands |
Weight | 71 LBS of extra weight | 30 LBS of extra weight | Lightest Design |
New Vehicle Batteries | 117 Minutes | 117 Minutes | 128 Minutes |
Brakes | Two Wheel Drum | Electronic Brake | Two Wheel Drum |
No mechacanical overide if something goes wrong | Two Brake Cables for safe measure | ||
Advanced Parking Brake Design |
7 Tips to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse
If you’re looking for a golf car, find the model that fits your lifestyle and delivers maximum performance, style and longevity. But with so many models on the market, how do you decide what’s right for you?- How Do You Plan to Use Your Vehicle? Golf cars are not just for playing golf. They’re ideal for the neighborhood, hauling, yard work, hunting, small business, RVers, equestrians, hobby farmers and many others. Knowing how you plan to use your golf car is the first and most important step in the selection process.
- Gas or Electric? Either gas or electric cars can be used for neighborhood transportation, light hauling and yard work. Both are fairly easy to maintain. If you use your vehicle for golf or short trips and want to go green, consider a quiet, zero-emissions electric car. Today’s top models can get 20-30 miles on a single charge. Look for a car that includes a strong battery pack and a regenerative braking system that allows you to adjust the regenerative braking. This allows the car to optimize the energy reclaimed when stopping. For a longer range, go with gas. Gas may also be a better option for campers, hunters and RVers, as it can be difficult to recharge batteries when you’re on the road. Choose a vehicle with a powerful, name-brand engine, big gas tank for a longer range and excellent hill-climbing performance. Some manufacturers tune for mileage, but if you’re using your car for rugged or hilly terrain, you’ll want a car that’s tuned for hill-climbing performance.
- New or Pre-owned? This will depend largely on your budget. If you decide to buy a pre-owned vehicle, consider a factory remanufactured golf car. Club Car’s Gold Standard Remanufactured vehicles are disassembled down to their frames, then reassembled by trained technicians. They’re also equipped with many new parts, including batteries or engines, tires, bodies and cowls. And they carry a two-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
- Longevity and Resale Value - Rust and body damage detract from a golf car’s appearance and value, but many cars are built on heavy steel frames that rust due to salty air, fertilizer and other factors. Look for a vehicle with a rustproof aluminum frame. If properly designed, these lightweight frames are as strong as steel, yet they last longer and maintain their appearance and function better than steel frames. Scratch- and weather-resistant body materials can also help your vehicle maintain its youthful good look.
- Comfort and Safety - Creature comforts can make a big difference. Select a car with spacious seats, plenty of leg room, adequate in-car storage, cup holders and large, secure rear baskets to carry your gear. Ask about safety features and discuss any issues that particularly concern you with your sales representative.
- Performance - If you don’t want to wrestle with a fixed front axle and endure a rough ride, consider a model with independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. You’ll experience superior handling, a smoother ride and a more exhilarating driving experience.
- Accessories and Options - Choose a manufacturer that offers a wide variety of accessories made specifically for their vehicles.