
Key Highlights
Club Car DS Review
The Club Car DS was released back in 1984 and discontinued production in 2011. It was designed to be a Fleet Golf Cart for Golf Courses. The intention of manufacturing the Golf Cart for such a long extended period of time is to cut down on costs and limit overall variety. This is perfect for the low cost needs required for lease plans for Golf Courses. It is also good to note that the DS uses an aluminum frame which makes it good for coastal regions and high humidity areas in terms of being rust proof.
Now, how does this affect a consumer’s decision to purchase it for their own personal uses? Well, on the plus side, the Golf Cart has been around for so long that it makes it easy to buy parts and accessories for it. In addition, they make both a gas and electric version of the vehicle. On the downside, it was designed as a one size fits all platform. For the average individual, the vehicle will fit fine with basic seats. However, if you are a taller or smaller individual, then you will find yourself in a seat that does not adjust with pedals that are in a basic position. Remember, this vehicle was not designed to be ergonomic.
In terms of safety, the DS line has basic stopping power with rear mechanical brakes. Besides brakes, a standard DS would not include headlights, brake lights and a horn. All of those would be add ons since golf courses typically do not need safety features. This also means the vehicle would not have seat belts either. So, it is good to recognize if it does have seat belts that they are properly installed to keep you safe while driving. Since the frame is made out of aluminum, it has very little to keep you protected in the event of an accident. Not only that, but the struts that attach to the roof structure are minimal in their safety. Feel free to shake the vehicle to get a feel for what we mean. These are important notes to consider if you intend to drive with your family in the vehicle.
The performance of the Club Car DS is basic. It utilizes a DC drive system which has been around forever. It is a 250 AMP controller which is good for basic golf course use, however if you are looking for faster acceleration, the ability to carry four people, or drive up and down a lot of hills, then look elsewhere or consider the gas version at least. All in all though, the manufacturer only intended for this vehicle to go 19 MPH. If it goes faster, then make sure you understand the wear and tear a faster Golf Cart can have on your routine maintenance and repairs.
Overall, the Club Car DS line is a great vehicle for those getting used to Golf Carts. They are easy to find and readily available at a variety of price points. If buying electric, then we recommend purchasing with brand new batteries or at least with batteries that are less than a year old.
Find the Age of Golf Cart Batteries
If buying gas, then please thoroughly check out the condition of the engine.
Specifications
Gas | Electric | |
---|---|---|
BODY | ArmorFlex® | ArmorFlex® |
FRAME | Twin I-Beam welded aluminum | Twin I-Beam welded aluminum |
Gas | Electric | |
---|---|---|
POWER SOURCE | 4-cycle OHV, 286 cc, 9.5 maximum hp @ 3600 RPM (per SAE J 1940/1349), single-cylinder, air-cooled, with pressure lubrication system | Direct drive, 48 volts DC, shunt-wound, 3.2 hp |
HORESPOWER (KW) | 9.5 hp | 3.2 hp |
BATTERY (QTY/TYPE) | One 12v | High capacity, deep cycle |
FUEL CAPACITY | 7 gallons (26.5 L) | - |
Gas | Electric | |
---|---|---|
SEATING CAPACITY | 2-Person | 2-Person |
SPEED | 12-15 mph (19.3 - 24.1 km/h) | 12-15 mph (19-24 km/h) |
STEERING | Self-adjusting rack and pinion | Self-adjusting rack and pinion |
SUSPENSION | Front and rear tapered mono-leaf springs with dual hydraulic shocks | Front and rear tapered mono-leaf springs with dual hydraulic shocks |
BRAKES | Dual rear wheel self-adjusting brakes with cast iron drums and single brake pedal with automatic-release park brake | Dual rear wheel self-adjusting brakes with cast iron drums and single brake pedal with automatic-release park brake |
Specifications
FRAME
Gas
Twin I-Beam welded aluminum
Electric
Twin I-Beam welded aluminum
BODY
Gas
ArmorFlex®
Electric
ArmorFlex®
POWER SOURCE
Gas
4-cycle OHV, 286 cc, 9.5 maximum hp @ 3600 RPM (per SAE J 1940/1349), single-cylinder, air-cooled, with pressure lubrication system
Electric
Direct drive, 48 volts DC, shunt-wound, 3.2 hp
HORSEPOWER (KW)
Gas
9.5 hp
Electric
3.2 hp
BATTERY (QTY/TYPE)
Gas
One 12v
Electric
High capacity, deep cycle
FUEL CAPACITY
Gas
7 gallons (26.5 L)
Electric
N/A
SEATING CAPACITY
Gas
2-Person
Electric
2-Person
SPEED
Gas
12-15 mph (19-24 km/h)
Electric
12-15 mph (19-24 km/h)
STEERING
Gas
Self-adjusting rack and pinion
Electric
Self-adjusting rack and pinion
SUSPENSION
Gas
Front and rear tapered mono-leaf springs with dual hydraulic shocks
Electric
Front and rear tapered mono-leaf springs with dual hydraulic shocks
BRAKES
Gas
Dual rear wheel self-adjusting brakes with cast iron drums and single brake pedal with automatic-release park brake
Electric
Dual rear wheel self-adjusting brakes with cast iron drums and single brake pedal with automatic-release park brake
*These specifications are based on the 2011 Model Year. Older DS models may not have these specifications.