Yamaha golf carts: quiet, reliable, and built to last
Yamaha has a reputation that two words sum up: quiet and reliable. Since 1979 they have done something no other major golf cart maker emphasizes the same way, they build their own engines, and it shows in the ride. This guide covers the current Yamaha lineup, the Drive2 in gas and electric, how Yamaha compares to E-Z-GO and Club Car, and what to look for when buying a used one.
At Southern Tide Golf Carts, we carry Yamaha and ship nationwide. See what is in stock on the shop page, and read on to find the right model for you.
The short version
- The Drive2 is Yamaha’s current platform, in gas and electric.
- The QuieTech EFI gas engine is one of the quietest on the market at about 60.5 decibels.
- Gas Yamahas get up to 45 MPG, so you can drive all week without thinking about fuel.
- The older G29, also called the Drive, is the used value play.
- Yamaha is the brand to beat for gas engine refinement.
What makes Yamaha different
Most golf cart brands buy their gas engines from outside suppliers. Yamaha designs and builds its own, drawing on decades of motorcycle engineering. The result is the QuieTech EFI engine, which combines the quietness people expect from electric with the range and quick refueling of gas. At around 60.5 decibels it is the quietest gas cart you can buy, and it returns up to 45 miles per gallon. Yamaha also uses removable modular body panels, which makes repairs after a bump far cheaper than on carts with one piece bodies. You can compare Yamaha against other brands in our inventory.
The Yamaha Drive2 explained
The Drive2 is Yamaha’s current cart and the one you will see on new lots. It comes in three main versions that share the same comfortable body and car like ride. Pick your power source and you are most of the way to a decision.
Drive2 QuieTech EFI (gas)
The headline model. The 357cc Yamaha built engine uses electronic fuel injection for easy cold starts, better mileage, and that class leading quiet. It is the only golf cart with independent rear suspension for an unusually smooth ride, and with up to 45 MPG it is ideal for anyone who wants long range without charging.
Drive2 PowerTech AC (electric)
The electric Drive2 uses an AC motor paired with a Toyota designed controller, praised for smooth, hill climbing torque and fewer moving parts to maintain. It is the pick for quiet, low maintenance driving in neighborhoods and on the course.
Drive2 PowerTech Li (lithium)
Yamaha’s lithium option adds faster charging, longer range, and no watering or battery maintenance, for buyers who want the newest battery technology on the Drive2 platform.
The older Yamaha G29 (Drive): the used value play
If you are shopping used, you will often see the Yamaha G29, also called the Drive, built from 2007 to 2016. It is the previous generation, which makes it cheaper than a Drive2, but it is recent enough that parts, chargers, seats, windshields, and lift kits are still easy to find. It is a genuine value play. One caution: do not pay Drive2 money for a G29 just because a seller added a rear seat, wheels, or a soundbar. Let the serial plate and the battery age set the price, not the accessories. Our guide to used golf carts for sale walks through exactly how to check one.
Yamaha gas versus electric: which to choose
Yamaha is unusual in that its gas cart is the star, not an afterthought. If you want long range, quick refueling, and the quietest gas ride on the market, the QuieTech EFI is hard to beat, and it suits large properties, hills, and hauling. If you want zero emissions, near silent operation, and minimal maintenance for neighborhood and course use, the electric PowerTech AC or lithium Drive2 is the better fit. Still weighing it up? Contact our team with how you plan to drive and we will point you the right way.
Yamaha versus E-Z-GO and Club Car
Each of the big three has a signature strength. Buy Yamaha for gas engine refinement and warranty confidence, since no one else builds a gas cart this quiet. Cross shop Club Car for its corrosion resistant aluminum frame, and E-Z-GO for its ELiTE lithium electric options and huge parts network. All three are dependable, so the right choice comes down to which strength matters most to you. You can compare all of them in our shop.
Yamaha parts and accessories
One practical advantage of Yamaha ownership is that parts and accessories are widely available, and the modular body panels keep repair costs down. Seats, windshields, lift kits, wheels, and enclosures are all easy to source for the Drive2 and the older G29. Before you order any body part, confirm the model and year from the serial plate, since the Drive and Drive2 use different panels. If you need help identifying a part or model, our FAQ page and our team can help.
Buying a used Yamaha: what to check
The same rules apply as with any used cart, with a couple of Yamaha specifics. Confirm the exact model and year from the serial plate before you agree on price or order parts. On electric models, check the battery age and get a load test. On gas QuieTech models, cold start it and listen, though these engines are famously quiet, so trust a smell of fuel or a puff of smoke over noise alone. Every Yamaha we sell is inspected and, on electric models, battery tested before listing.
Buying and shipping your Yamaha
We ship nationwide, so you are not limited to whatever Yamaha happens to be on a local lot. Review our shipping policy and refund and returns policy before you order, and learn more about how we inspect every cart on our about us page.
Ready to buy a Yamaha golf cart?
Browse our Yamaha golf carts for sale and we will deliver to your door. Not sure between gas and electric, or Drive2 and G29? Contact our team and we will help you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Are Yamaha golf carts good?
Yes. Yamaha is known for quiet, reliable carts, and it is the standout brand for gas engines because it builds its own QuieTech EFI, the quietest gas cart on the market. The electric models are smooth and low maintenance too.
What is the difference between the Yamaha Drive and Drive2?
The Drive, also called the G29, is the 2007 to 2016 generation and the used value play. The Drive2 is the current platform with newer styling, independent rear suspension on gas models, and updated electric options.
Is a gas or electric Yamaha better?
Gas QuieTech EFI is best for long range, quick refueling, and hauling, and it is remarkably quiet. Electric PowerTech is best for zero emissions, near silent driving, and low maintenance in neighborhoods and on the course.
How quiet is a Yamaha gas golf cart?
The QuieTech EFI runs at about 60.5 decibels, the lowest of any gas cart, and it gets up to 45 MPG.
Do you ship Yamaha carts?
We ship nationwide. Browse the shop, place your order, and we handle delivery to your door.