To buy a cart already fixed up or to fix up an older model

[m.ryansmith7272]

Hello everyone, I have joined this site to refer to the most knowledgeable source of cart enthusiasts on the web.

I want to have my own golf cart instead of constantly being overcharged to rent one at the club near my home. That said, at this point I have 2 options:
1. Purchase a cart that is already modified and obviously pay for the convenience factor associated with this option. OR
2. I have an older (likley late 90's) electric EZ Go that can start but can't hold a charge and needs new tires and cosmetic upgrades. This is mine now as it was my father in laws prior to his passing. Assuming I would have to have the motor and batteries replaced with hopes that this would allow the cart to operate at an acceptable speed, I feel like this would be the better option.
I want to keep the overall project cost under $2500 if possible. My priorities for this cart would be reliability, speed, clean paint (uncle has a paint shop and will allow me to use his facility), lights, and new wheels and tires.
Does this sound possible?

Thanks in advance!

[jay_in_cgohio]

It is very possible and building is half the fun. Once you start looking at prices if pre built carts you will see your budget does not go far and no matter what you buy already built it is not going to have everything you want. Just my honest opinion.

[speedgolfer]

building it is all the fun, i would say fix up the one you have access too

[m.ryansmith7272]

Cool, you guys are right. Would replacing the motor and batteries make it run like new? This cart was known for being the slowest one at the club.

[speedgolfer]

as long as you have to replace the motor you can get faster motors that are splined higher
my 98 runs with stock motor 15 MPH most carts at the golf course run 12 mph

[JohnnieB]

Plug the cart's serial number in the EZGO look-up site to find out what it is.
If it is from the late 90's, it might be a DCS. so increasing speed will be fairly simple.
http://www.shopezgo.com/customer-ser...ialNumber.html

[gornoman]

Your motor is probably fine as they are pretty bulletproof. Perhaps a new set of proper batteries will wake it up a bit, so start there. We need to know which drivetrain you have (Series, DCS, PDS) and how fast you want to go.

[CRK]

I would start with new batteries and power cables.

[subby44]

KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY... building the cart up the way you want it is a lot of fun.. I really think the motor is in good shape. just because it was known as the slowest cart at the course, does not mean it is a bad motor.. I would get a GOOD set of batts ( do not cheap out on the batts )and 4 gauge cables. I am sure you can do this for about 700-750.00 range and then you can start looking into what changes you want to make to the cart. getting it running is the key. The guys on this site like helping folks fix/build their cart as much as they do working on them... you will enjoy it. I am sure. hope this helps... good luck... 1 more thing.. if you do not have any addictions.. you are about to have one...

[m.ryansmith7272]

Alright, so I looked up the Serial number and it is a 1995 36V EZGO Medalist. After lifting the bench, the compartment where the batteries are housed appears much cleaner than I expected.

I would like the cart to be faster than the Golf Course carts, but I am not looking to drag race it. Where would you suggest I purchase all new batteries? I am very excited about getting started!!!