Repair older TXT or buy a new cart?

Magstang1

Hello all. I'm a newbie around here and new to golf carts in general.

I currently have a TXT that I'm unsure of the age of it. I bought it used with a rear seat, light kit, roof and windshield already on it. It's an electric 36 volt, and it's ready for new batteries. The rear seat needs recovering too. Overall this cart was well used, but not apparently abused. It was used mostly on dirt roads and has some rusting on the battery tray. The body is showing age and the windshield has a crack. There's nothing "wrong" with it, but it's getting tired.

It's time to decide if I'm going to put some money into this cart or sell it and buy something in better condition. I only use it for on road cruising at our marina. I do need a back seat and lights so what ever I get will need that as well.

Where is the break over point? Would you keep what you have or get something newer to start out with. I'm not interested in owning the most optioned out or pristine golf cart, but I do try to take care of my toys. This one was purchased strictly on cost and functionality. It has served us well and we enjoy owning the golf cart. Now it's time to fix some issues or upgrade. I can easily get my money back out of this one. I'm looking at spending in the neighborhood of $1k for repairs and batteries on this one now, or sell this cart for $1500 or so and buy another one for around $2500.

Would you buy another TXT? I like the looks of the precedent. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different brands or models? Keep and repair?

Thanks in advance. Please take it easy on the new guy.

BGW

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Kerrville78028

I have a gas 99 TXT as well as an old 36 volt Marathon. I recently purchased a gas powered 2015 Express.
It basically came down to... I use my cart at motorcycle rallies and events and was tired of always having to stop what I was doing to fix and/or charge the carts when I could be having fun. Was it worth it to me to spend a lot on a new cart? Yes. Is it worth it for a casual user? probably not.
You could just put new batteries and cables into your current cart and probably be very happy with it. If you buy another used cart, you may get a new problem or two. Good luck!

Magstang1

Thanks for the response. I guess I should clarify that I'm only interested in electric but I'm open to other makes or models.

Around me, $2400ish will put me into a cart that's less than 5 years old with 1-2 years on the batteries. There are tons of refurbished carts from golf courses around here. I accept that nothing is a guarantee but my risk of encountering a problem with a different cart is less than or equal to the risk with my current one. I guess it's a wash.

scottyb

You make a good point. The refurbished cart market is a gray water fish pond. There are no fixed standards for 'refurbished' qualification... One shop upgrades all the electronics and the next shop simply installs wheels, bells, and whistles while ignoring the need to up grade the drive system.
We get calls from new owners of refurbished carts often saying the cart ran great on the dealers lot but won't perform well on our hills or driveway. These are usually pretty carts that are all show and no go. Big tires and rear seats increase the gear ratio & add weight - two things that increase the motor (work) load which require more power to overcome.
Fortunately we have the know how here to make thse carts perform the way they look like they should.

Magstang1

What exactly does "upgrade all the electronics" entail?

Does anyone have any qualitative comparison between ezgo and club car and any other manufacturers? I'm not looking to start a Ford vs Chevy debate but I'm sure certain models have their strong and weak points.

scottyb

Stay with the big 3, CC, Ezgo, Yamaha.
Select series drive for off road torque and sepex drive for street speed.

Magstang1

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it.

Z71mtr

If the only rust is on the battery tray you can opt. to install a replacement aluminum tray or find a local shop to build you a new one if you do not have the resources to do it yourself. I have only been in the golf cart world for two years but the big comparison that I have seen between Club Car and EZGO is the CC is all aluminum and the EZGO is metal. I own both and love them both the same. EZGO seems to flex in the woods better than my CC due to the frame work difference. BUT! The CC has absolutely zero rust on it....all in all they are the same to me....then again I too am not trying to start a war. Just wanted to put my two cents in front guy that had not been into as long as these guys here. regardless I wouldn't trade my carts for anything else :)

Magstang1

I'm pretty handy and it wouldn't be a big deal to make a new battery tray. I guess it's just the overall condition, time vs effort vs money type of issue.

I do appreciate your honest input.

I guess it's like anything else. Maintenance maintenance maintenance. Brands don't matter if the guy who owns it abuses it.

I'll keep reading the forums educating myself while I watch craigslist for a good deal. If something pops up I might bite. Otherwise it's time to break out the grinder and the welder on the TXT.

fireboat

I guess it depends at what level you will be satisfied. My experience with restoring cars and buying boats is that it is almost always cheaper to buy a vehicle in better shape than restoring an older cheaper one.
That is probably true with my Marathon that I restored/ modified. However, it is totally reliable, performs better and I get a lot of compliments. So yeah, I am glad I did it.