Stimulus package deal saves money and the environment

The Villages, Florida - They're usually seen on the golf course and in The Villages. These buggies are a popular form of transportation for food shopping or just to get around. "It saves money. You buy gas once a month for your car. You can get around quickly, nice paths, very convenient. Would you give it up? No," says golf cart owner Ruth Wigg.

That may change if it means upgrading for half the price. The stimulus package offers a federal tax credit of $4,500 to $7,500 to buy a low speed vehicle. The LSV looks like a golf cart but is faster and street legal.

The Villages homeowners Bob and Donna Ulrich are hoping to replace a family car with an LSV. "It's cheaper, more economic, don't have to worry about parking it, "says Donna. She estimates putting 8,000 miles in three years on her current golf cart.

The Ulrich's are shopping at the Tomberlin LSV dealer on U.S. Highway 301 North hoping to cash in on the government deal. Bob says it's a good time to shop. "If you're in the market and the tax credit is there, take advantage of it."

Unlike golf carts, LSV's are built more like a car. The Ulrich's get a look under the vehicle's body to see how the car is made. Their salesman shows the vehicle is equipped with a full front independent suspension and rack and pinion steering just like a car. It also has front disk and rear drum brakes.

And, just like a car, you can pick accessories, a favorite color, and style. The Ulrich's want their LSV to be black and yellow after their favorite football team the Pittsburgh Steelers. Also like a car, the LSV must be registered and tagged. Top speed 25 miles per hour, a battery charge can last between 40 if there are six 8 volt batteries and about 60 miles with two more batteries.

"It's a low speed vehicle but golf course friendly," says Herman Schulz, manager of Tumberlin The Villages.

And with the new tax credit, the LSV has been business friendly too. Schulz says before the tax credit they'd sell two to three vehicles a week. Now, they sell two to three a day.

To qualify, one must owe taxes to collect the tax credit. The offer expires December 31st.

Low-speed vehicles can only be bought from a licensed dealer. The size of the tax credit depends on the size of the vehicle's battery. The government allows only one tax credit per tax payer.

The Tomberlin The Villages dealer is on 9827 U.S. Highway 301 North. You can reach them at 352-330-0359.