[Corgeez1]

Hi,

I’m in the market for a good reliable ‘pre-owned’ Yamaha golf cart.

What are some of the telltale or subtle signs that a Yamaha model was once a fleet cart and/or a golf course rental? For a novice like me, it’s sometimes hard to tell the difference.

Some of the refurbished Yamahas for sale look good, and maybe they are good, but I’m not interested in a jazzed up used fleet/golf rental Yamaha..
Apologies in advance if this topic has already been covered!)

Thanks!

[CarlR33]

Been some recent conversation about used carts in general that may be of help.
Mileage on Used Cart purchase

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Corgeez1

Hi,

I’m in the market for a good reliable ‘pre-owned’ Yamaha golf cart.

What are some of the telltale or subtle signs that a Yamaha model was once a fleet cart and/or a golf course rental? For a novice like me, it’s sometimes hard to tell the difference.

Some of the refurbished Yamahas for sale look good, and maybe they are good, but I’m not interested in a jazzed up used fleet/golf rental Yamaha..
Apologies in advance if this topic has already been covered!)

Thanks!

I bought a cart from The Villages Discount Golf Carts and I was led to believe it was a fleet cart. Other than the lack of an hour meter, I can't tell any difference.

I put three busy years on it before getting a second cart. For me, that was about 4,000 total miles. It runs well, getting very close to 50mpg. There are no rattles or squeaks. The suspension is comfortable and felt good when I purchased it though now it feels stiffer than my EZGo. As a 2019 model it is very quiet - a bit louder than an electric cart but still easy to talk in.

I have changed the belt and the battery but feel that was just normal 5-year maintenance. Other than that, an oil change each year along with wiping off the clutch plates and a shot of grease is the only thing it has required.

It was a used cart but I am very happy with it. Others may have had different experiences.

[tophcfa]

As mentioned in the above post, Yamaha fleet carts don’t have an hour meter. They also don’t come with lights, horn, high speed gears, etc…., but all that stuff is relatively easy to add later, but the hour meter is the telltale sign.

[Corgeez1]

Originally Posted by CarlR33

Been some recent conversation about used carts in general that may be of help.
Mileage on Used Cart purchase

Your link was helpful. Thanks.

[Corgeez1]

Originally Posted by CarlR33

Been some recent conversation about used carts in general that may be of help.
Mileage on Used Cart purchase

Originally Posted by Bill14564

I bought a cart from The Villages Discount Golf Carts and I was led to believe it was a fleet cart. Other than the lack of an hour meter, I can't tell any difference.

I put three busy years on it before getting a second cart. For me, that was about 4,000 total miles. It runs well, getting very close to 50mpg. There are no rattles or squeaks. The suspension is comfortable and felt good when I purchased it though now it feels stiffer than my EZGo. As a 2019 model it is very quiet - a bit louder than an electric cart but still easy to talk in.

I have changed the belt and the battery but feel that was just normal 5-year maintenance. Other than that, an oil change each year along with wiping off the clutch plates and a shot of grease is the only thing it has required.

It was a used cart but I am very happy with it. Others may have had different experiences.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Helpful.

[PGApromike]

I actually convert fleet carts myself to street ready. The thing is mine come from golf courses. I had a customer just this week day he didn't want one from a golf course cause they are high mileage. I respectfully disagree. Most Villagers drive further to and from their home to play than a golf course cart goes in a round of golf. Carts that are on a 2 year lease then sold are usually well maintained by the local factory authorized dealers. These carts when upgraded by competent mechanics, usually saves a couple thousand dollars. The main difference as mentioned prior, is high speed gears. What it means to the user is a fleet cart is slower by 3-5mph based on tire size. PM me if you would like a deeper understanding before you purchase.
Good Luck

[headsx]

I have a Yamaha for sale.
Call at 606 3071745 for details

[Rocksnap]

I work at a golf course, with the older technology Yamaha FI (mechanical fuel injected) carts. Not the newer ELECTRONIC Fuel Injected, and the old rear solid axle
This course keeps their carts for 5 years. A volunteer keeps minimum maintenance on them, just to keep them running. No dealer service at all. I don’t think an oil change is even accomplished, unless that’s done when I’m not there.
We had all carts “replaced” last January. Carts looked identical except for the GPS map screen.
The new carts are all over the place in terms of drive line noises, steering feel/noises, exhaust notes (many have exhaust leaks), all have mediocre ride quality. They seem to be refurbished used carts judging by all these differences between them.
Overall the carts seem to be very reliable. The motors just keep on going and going.

[HORNET]

Can only trust mileage on new

[ROCKETMAN]

d.

Originally Posted by Bill14564

I bought a cart from The Villages Discount Golf Carts and I was led to believe it was a fleet cart. Other than the lack of an hour meter, I can't tell any difference.

I put three busy years on it before getting a second cart. For me, that was about 4,000 total miles. It runs well, getting very close to 50mpg. There are no rattles or squeaks. The suspension is comfortable and felt good when I purchased it though now it feels stiffer than my EZGo. As a 2019 model it is very quiet - a bit louder than an electric cart but still easy to talk in.

I have changed the belt and the battery but feel that was just normal 5-year maintenance. Other than that, an oil change each year along with wiping off the clutch plates and a shot of grease is the only thing it has required.

It was a used cart but I am very happy with it. Others may have had different experiences.

I bought one from them and am pleased with my purchase. It was a 2020 Yamaha quiet tech but had all the new features, windshield screen and vents, high beam headlights, digital speedometer with multi functions and high back seats.

[jnsbill]

I have one possibly 2 for sale when I get back to The Villages on Sunday 732-371-8532

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Corgeez1

Hi,

I’m in the market for a good reliable ‘pre-owned’ Yamaha golf cart.

What are some of the telltale or subtle signs that a Yamaha model was once a fleet cart and/or a golf course rental? For a novice like me, it’s sometimes hard to tell the difference.

Some of the refurbished Yamahas for sale look good, and maybe they are good, but I’m not interested in a jazzed up used fleet/golf rental Yamaha..
Apologies in advance if this topic has already been covered!)

Thanks!

Check to see if their throttle control was messed with (for higher speeds). Have an assistant drive by at top speed and wait to see if you SMELL any un-burned gasoline. If so reject that Cart.

[melpetezrinski]

Originally Posted by Corgeez1

Hi,

I’m in the market for a good reliable ‘pre-owned’ Yamaha golf cart.

What are some of the telltale or subtle signs that a Yamaha model was once a fleet cart and/or a golf course rental? For a novice like me, it’s sometimes hard to tell the difference.

Some of the refurbished Yamahas for sale look good, and maybe they are good, but I’m not interested in a jazzed up used fleet/golf rental Yamaha..
Apologies in advance if this topic has already been covered!)

Thanks!

If it's 2017 and newer, check the serial number and if it starts with J0B, it's the fleet version. You want the PTV version, which starts with J0D.

[KennyP]

So one of the bad things about a fleet cart is they are generally, run hard and put away wet. They see minimal service in the time they are at the course and get fixed only when they break. Most golf course leases are 3 years. Some courses have a ton of play and some are minimal. Fleet cars from a coastal area, may have high rust in the chassis area.