Club Car Golf Cart fot Gated Community

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oldudbob

New Member
I am in the market for a used 48 volt Club Car golf cart to be used as transportation in a gated retirement community. I am trying together as much knowledge about Club Car golf carts as possible so that I can choose the best cart for my needs. The cart I purchase will probably be left pretty much in stock condition with the addition of a rear seat, enclosure, lights, etc. I am not interested in adding a lift kit or increasing its speed.

The following are several questions that I have.

1. Other than body style is there a significant difference between the DS and the Precedent models from a quality, functionality, performance and maintenance standpoint? If so, which is better?

2. I have seen carts with four 12v batteries and some with six 8v batteries. Which is the best configuration and why?

3. What are the best batteries for a 48v cart (make and model)? Are there any that I should stay away from?

4. What is the difference between a Series motor and a Sepex motor and which is best?

5. What does IQ stand for and what does it do?

6. Are there any models years that I should stay away from and why?

7. If you were shopping for a cart what things would you be looking for to make sure you were purchasing a “good” cart?

8. Is the Regenerative Braking system worthwhile?

Any and all responses and recommendations will be greatly appreciated.
 
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dougmcp

New Member
I'm an EZGO guy but will comment anyway, subject to the CC owners out there who may have better advice.

1. Other than body style is there a significant difference between the DS and the Precedent models from a quality, functionality, performance and maintenance standpoint? If so, which is better
The Precedent was introduced in 2004 and had a few problems in the early years with the OBC/charging systems but overall IMO, the latest and most stylish.

2. I have seen carts with four 12v batteries and some with six 8v batteries. Which is the best configuration and why?
CC has had issues with run time and battery longevity with the 4x12v set up and has returned to the 6x8v recently. More lead = longer run time.

3. What are the best batteries for a 48v cart (make and model)? Are there any that I should stay away from?
Trojans are the highest rated batteries and most universally accepted followed by Exides. I have Trojans now that are 5 years old and expect to get another couple of years out of them. When I change them, I may go to the Energizers (Sam's Club), at 40% less with similar specs, it's hard to justify the Trojans.

4. What is the difference between a Series motor and a Sepex motor and which is best?
Series motors are usually the ones people look for if they are doing mods to increase speed and torque at more reasonable costs. The SEPEX (shunt wound) motors seem to be reliable but are more difficult and expensive to tweak for performance.

7. If you were shopping for a cart what things would you be looking for to make sure you were purchasing a “good” cart?
I would look for a non fleet/golf course, personal cart. They usually have less running time on them and have been cared for better. They also should have all the items you need for neighborhood driving and won't cost you to upgrade to make it streetable.

8. Is the Regenerative Braking system worthwhile?
Regen is only available on SEPEX motors and is supposed to slightly recharge your batteries when decelerating, to me, that is questionable. The main advantage is electrical braking when going down hill or letting your foot off the throttle. Anyone looking for speed usually disables this function through programming for more speed.

If you are a DIY guy, some disadvantages of the CC vs the EZGO is that any programming changes made to a CC require them to be done by a dealer whereas EZGO's can be done with a $5 chip and any manuals need for CC are only available through the dealers ($$$) and EZGO's are on line free. Parts for CC are generally more money than EZGO.
Now I can step down from my soapbox.
Good luck!
 
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oldudbob

New Member
Thanks dougmcp for the great reply. This is just the kind of information I was looking for. I will have to rethink about buying an EZ-GO.
 
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dougmcp

New Member
No problem, I live in a retirement community with golf courses and golf carts as local transportation. What city is your gated community in?
 
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oldudbob

New Member
We purchased a 36v 1997 Club Car from one of our neighbors. It has a rear seat, enclosure review mirror and looks pretty good. I think that it will serve our needs.
 
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