Are older golf carts as good as newer ones

[Lewellen]

First off, I know very little about golf carts. My mother has Alzheimer's and we are trying to get her out of the house some. We would like to get us a cart but they are so damned expensive...at least on our fixed budget! Was wondering idf a 90's model cart would be as good as a newer one? What I mean is, was the technology the same back then as it is now? Thanks for ANY help guys.

[scottyb]

The obvious answer is no. Golf carts have evolved with modern technology Like everything else in our lives. Today's carts are faster and more intelligent than the 90s carts.
However - there were some very usable carts produced in the 90s which were the predecessors to today's smart carts.
Basically any cart from Ezgo with an electronic speed controller and any cart from CC except the late 90s RegenII are serviceable carts for moderate use where high speed is not needed.

[Lewellen]

Thanks Scotty for that very informative response. Much appreciated!

[JohnnieB]

Excluding the AC drives, the technological evolution is more or less limited to the speed controllers, battery chargers and lighting (LED vs Incandescent) and for the most part, the modern technology can be retrofitted into older carts if so desired.

DC electric motors haven't changed all that much in the last century.

The two wheel mechanical brakes used in most carts today are have been around since the 1920's and carts still have frames rather than unibody construction.

The Dana/Spicer transaxle (differential) used in EZGO carts sold today is roughly the same as ones used in EZGO carts from about 1988. Different gear ratios and mounting brackets, but about the same innards.

EZGO switched the steering mechanism from a gearbox type to rack and pinion about 2001, but both types work and are safe when in proper working order.

Rust and corrosion are the enemies of golf carts, so check out the frames carefully when considering older carts. Things wear out over time with use, but most things that wear out can be replaced.

Good luck.

[kgsc]

Lewellen, where are you located and what prices have you seen ? Maybe we can route you to some place that will give you a fair deal..

[Lewellen]

Thanks JohnnyB, that's the type of info I was looking for! KGSC, I live between Darlington and Rockingham. I'm on disability so I have limited income to spend...So I'm thinking about 1000 bucks...not much I know!

[ARKSoft84]

I've seen some of these on the forum. They make some good looking carts:

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/rvs/d...237148152.html

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/snw/d...227783341.html

This is interesting:

https://danville.craigslist.org/snw/...238686547.html

[Lewellen]

Not too crazy about the three wheeled ones. Thanks for trying though