10 Items to Check Before You Buy
- Batteries
- Tires
- Body and Canopy
- Seats
- Engine
- Brakes
- Wiring
- Steering
- Maintenance History
- Age of Cart. Electric golf carts come with a power of either 36 or 48 volts. The batteries themselves come in either 6, 8, or 12 volts.
- Is the Golf Cart New or Refurbished? ...
- How Old Is the Golf Cart? ...
- Is It a Gas or Electric Golf Cart? ...
- If Electric, Are the Batteries in Good Condition? ...
- Are the Tires in Good Shape? ...
- How Does the Golf Cart Run? ...
- Who Is the Manufacturer? ...
- Is the Cart Itself Damaged?
What should I look for when buying a used golf cart?
If you are buying a used cart or a former fleet cart you should also find out the age of the batteries, because old batteries will take you shorter distances than new. Plus, buying a complete new set of batteries can be costly.
What can I do with my old golf cart?
There’s so much you can do with your golf cart to personalize it. You can even think about painting it or adding golf cart wraps with your favorite colors. Many people like to change out the seat covers or add a flag to the roof.
Should you buy a golf cart if you don’t play golf?
At the same time, even people who don’t golf can benefit from owning a golf cart. These handy vehicles can be driven not only on a golf course but also in housing communities and even on some public roads.
How do I know how many hours on a golf cart?
We also recommend asking the dealer / seller of the golf cart that you are potentially seeking to purchase, to show you how many hours or cycles are on the cart. This is essentially the same thing as mile on a used full size car.
Can you negotiate when buying a new golf cart?
Q: Can I haggle on golf cart prices? The effectiveness of price haggling will vary depending on the dealer whom you visit. Some dealers will knock a little money off the price of the cart if they think that they can make a deal with you. Others may be stricter and may be less willing to negotiate on cart price.
What is better 36 volt or 48 volt golf cart?
Basically, a 48V system gives you more “pep in your step” and picks up/speeds up a bit faster than a 36V system. Energy Needed/Amps Drawn- A 48V system draws less amps and provides a little more range with all things being equal (cart/passenger payload weight, motor horsepower, etc).
What is the best time to buy a golf cart?
Dealership Inventory Typically, most dealerships have an abundant inventory of golf carts for sale during the spring. That's because newly-released models in the winter months arrive at the dealerships around spring, giving you a better selection to peruse.
How much is a good quality golf cart?
On average, most golf carts will cost between $8,000 and $9,000. However, some golf carts can be priced as low as the $2,500/$3,000 range and some luxury golf carts can be priced at over $20,000. It depends if you're shopping for a new golf cart or a used golf cart.
What should I look for when buying an electric golf cart?
10 Things to Look for When You Buy Used Golf CartsIs the Golf Cart New or Refurbished? ... How Old Is the Golf Cart? ... Is It a Gas or Electric Golf Cart? ... If Electric, Are the Batteries in Good Condition? ... Are the Tires in Good Shape? ... How Does the Golf Cart Run? ... Who Is the Manufacturer? ... Is the Cart Itself Damaged?More items...•
Is Club car better than EZ GO?
E-Z-Go Golf Carts, while cheaper than Club Car golf carts, do not offer the same quality. The motors used in most E-Z-Go golf carts are not nearly as powerful as the motors used by Club Car. When going up hills or carrying a heavy load, the motors in an E-Z-Go golf cart tend to struggle.
Are gas or electric golf carts better?
Both gas and electric carts have their purposes. If you want to drive long distances, or use the cart where you wont have access to electricity, a gas cart may be a better option. Electric carts are great for their lower cost, quiet, fast ride, and less maintenance.
How many hours on a golf cart is a lot?
A gas vehicle with good maintenance will provide 1,000-2,500 hours of use before a major overhaul. An electric car will provide 40,000 to 50,000 amp-hours of use before a major overhaul.
Is buying a golf cart worth it?
With a multitude of uses, a golf cart can be so beneficial to you. Whether you'll be using it strictly for golf, hauling feed around your farm or simply riding around your neighborhood or retirement community, a golf cart can truly make life sweet! Golf carts, new and used, are very affordable all around.
How long do golf carts last?
For example, some experts estimate that the average golf cart has a useful life range of about 5-7 years. That said, golf carts can still be used for 10 years or more depending on how well they are maintained and how much money a buyer wants to put into their vehicle.
Do golf carts hold their value?
The trend right now in the golf cart market is that both new and pre-owned golf carts are worth buying. The fact that a cart is a few years old doesn't depreciate its value. Although, like every consumer product, there will be differences in the cost of used and brand new products.
Do golf carts have titles?
The bottom line is that standard golf carts do not have titles. But, if they are modified to become an LSV then you must obtain a certificate of title.
What are the different brands of golf carts?
There are lots of brands for golf carts, but the big three are E-Z-GO, Club Car, and Yamaha golf carts. Club car has been in the game about as long as there have been golf carts, so they are no joke. You’re not just paying for a brand either, nobody stays in business for as long as they have without earning their reputation. Added to this, they are the only brand that has all aluminum frames. Aluminum means no rust. If you live near the coast or the great lakes, this is a great bonus.
How much does it cost to fix a golf cart?
Of course, if you’re a good mechanic you can usually find a golf cart out of repair for less than $2000 and fix it up, but if you want a road ready golf cart, don’t go much lower than $2000. In the $5000-$7000 range, a lot can be found.
How far can a golf cart go?
These are meant for short, leisure distances, so don’t think you’ll be able to go very far with your golf cart. If you choose the gas version, you’ll be able to go about 250 miles (with usually a 6 gallon tank). And with a fully charged set of batteries for the electric version, you can expect 25-40 miles.
Do golf carts have a lifetime warranty?
Some companies will offer a limited lifetime warranty that doesn’t really cover very much and is dependent on strict adherence to maintenance guidelines. Go ahead and pass those up, but if you can get a warranty on a certified pre-owned golf cart, take it in a heartbeat. These will usually exceed the factory warranty if it still exists and guarantee proper operation of the cart for the life of the warranty. A great deal if you’re not a handy mechanic.
Can you drive a golf cart on the trails?
Always check your community’s/city’s regulations before driving your golf cart on streets or in parks, but if you plan on only using your golf cart on the course or on the trails for hunting and fishing, then there isn’t much to worry about. Please use your golf cart responsibly on trails, however.
Can you drive a golf cart in your neighborhood?
Check where the golf cart can be driven in your neighborhood. If your golf cart could be your grocery getter and daily driver for in-town trips, then it may be good for your car and wallet to go ahead and get that golf cart. Maybe you just want to use it on your land as a tool.
Is it better to buy a golf cart or a car?
Golf Cart vs Car. This is an important consideration regarding the purchase of a golf cart. There are a lot of places a golf cart can go that a car cannot, and if living in a community, it is often easier and more economical to use a golf cart than a car. This again depends on you.
What to look for when buying a used golf cart?
Bad batteries are just an added expense to the buying experience and it can be avoided. A few tips for what to look for: Check the condition of the batteries.
Why are used golf carts so popular?
Used golf carts are also equally attractive to most people. Reason being, most of the time, because of the lower price tag. Most used golf carts will sell for much less and be way easier on the pocketbook than a refurbished golf cart and carry the same maintenance record, good up-keep and new parts / pieces.
How Old Is The Golf Cart?
Believe it or not, most older golf carts are like a delicious fine wine: They just get better with age! Some however, can be sour grapes! It is very important to take the age of the golf cart that you are looking to buy into consideration. Paying attention to the:
What is a refurbished golf cart?
A refurbished golf cart is a cart that was used solely on the golf course for several years and now is being sold to the public as “reconditioned / refurbished”. A used golf cart is any other pre-owned golf cart whether it be previously owned by a dealer, private seller, Joe down the street, etc.
What does a red flag mean on a golf cart?
RED FLAG ALERT: If the seller or dealer does not want to let you test drive the golf cart, you may want to pass.
How long should golf cart batteries be set?
Golf cart batteries that are a year old or less and look to be in great condition should be set for the next couple years without needing to be replaced. Ask a ton of questions.
What happens if a golf cart doesn't show cycles?
Generally, if a seller or dealer does not want to show you the cycles and hours, they may be trying to “sugar-coat” or cover up the amount of rounds on the cart. Nobody wants to get stuck with a golf cart that has a zillion rounds on it, that will likely be in need of major repairs as soon as you pull it off the lot.
How Much Should I Expect to Spend on a Golf Cart?
We keep an up-to-date price list of golf cart costs here, however, generally speaking, you can purchase a very functional used cart (including one that was part of a course’s fleet) for between $2,000 to $4,000. For $4,000 to $7,000 you can buy a well-equipped used cart with lots of options or a new cart with none to few add-ons. From $7,000 to $10,000 you can invest in a new cart that will come with many popular bells and whistles and all the latest performance features. When you venture into the $10,000+ range you are looking at a highly customized new or used cart that others will surely notice when you roll up to the first tee. As it always is, you pay for what you get.
What is a golf cart?
Originally, a golf cart meant the pull carts designed to hold one bag and be moved with human effort or the aid of electric power. The original two-passenger cart we know today was called a golf car, because it was driven and powered like an automobile.
What is a golf cart resource?
Golf Cart Resource can help you make a purchasing decision by giving you a broad picture of what carts cost, with a little golf cart history thrown in for good measure. We’ll start by explaining that the term “golf cart” has evolved to mean the carts we drive around a golf course or on the street.
How much does an electric golf cart cost?
Moving on to present day, prices for an electric cart can vary from around $2,000 to over $20,000. Some of the best buys are former fleet carts that were used by golf course owners. Obviously, their initial price was lower than the cost of an individual cart because they are leasing or buying anywhere from 100 to 400 carts at one time. You may be thinking an old fleet cart will not be a good buy because of the number of rounds it has already completed and because the drivers might not have taken good care of the cart. This is definitely something to consider when purchasing, however, that thought can be somewhat mitigated by the fact that the course owner must keep every cart operational to make a profit. That means the carts are regularly charged, the batteries are kept in good condition and any repairs or parts replacement is pretty much mandatory for efficient course operation. For more information on what to look for when purchasing a refurbished or used cart, take a look here.
Why do people choose electric golf carts?
Real environmentalists will likely choose an electric cart because there are no emissions that will contribute to bad air. The acceleration is almost immediate.
How many holes does a golf cart battery last?
The batteries can typically last through 36 holes without charging and the cart produces little noise, even when the top speed is 20+ miles per hour. The distance the cart will go on a full charge is something to look at before making a purchase.
When was the club car invented?
Starting in 1958, Club Car was established in Texas. In fact, it was not even named Club Car in the beginning. In 1958, the Club Car we know today was named Landreath Machine. Then, in 1962, the company was moved to the famous golf cart mecca of Augusta, GA. It was purchased by Bill Stevens and the company went on to develop its first model named the “Carouche.” However, as it was meant to be elegant, it was quickly referred to as the “cockroach”.
What is a golf cart?
Golf carts are an ideal accessory for anyone who enjoys golfing. At the same time, even people who don’t golf can benefit from owning a golf cart. These handy vehicles can be driven not only on a golf course but also in housing communities and even on some public roads. They are very reasonably priced, and there are so many models to pick from that one should have no problem finding a cart that suits his or her exact needs and specifications.
Who invented the golf cart?
A Short Peek at the History of the Golf Cart. J.K. Wadley was the first person to use an electronic cart on a golf course. His inspiration for the idea came from seeing senior citizens being transported to a nearby store in an electronic cart. Unfortunately, as Mr. Wadley quickly discovered, the electronic carts used to transport ...
What about Gas-Powered Golf Carts?
There are several good reasons why gas-powered golf carts are a popular alternative to electric ones. It’s faster to fill up a gas cart than it is to wait for an electric one to finish charging. What is more, gas-powered carts can go further on a full tank than electric carts can on a full battery and they are faster than electric carts to boot.
How many miles can an electronic golf cart go?
Electronic carts can get up to 40 miles on a single charge; what is more, it costs less to charge an electronic cart than it would fill the tank of a gas-powered golf cart. Electronic golf carts are certainly a great investment. Nonetheless, it’s a smart idea to get to know the options before making a purchase.
How fast can a golf cart go?
Golf Carts. A golf cart is powered by a four-stroke engine and goes no faster than 15 miles per hour. Golf carts can be used for general transportation but are specifically made for use on a golf course. In some states, teenagers as young as 13 are permitted to drive a golf cart.
When was the first electronic golf cart invented?
An electronic cart customized for use on a golf course was first built in 1932 . Other, similar models were built soon afterwards. However, only the disabled used them.
When did golf carts become popular?
Even so, golf carts did not become popular until the 1970s. Golf Carts are made by numerous manufacturers, including a few that date back to the 1950s. These include:
What do you need to know before buying a golf cart?
You will need to consider the terrain on which you’re driving, as well how mechanically inclined you are. Determining these will help you see which one is best for you:
What to do when buying a used golf cart?
If you are buying a used golf cart from an individual, the best tip we can give you is to negotiate. Always negotiate for a better price.
How long do golf cart batteries last?
You could get a cheaper set of batteries, but they may last only two years. In choosing batteries for a golf cart, spending more money upfront usually means spending less money over time. So, your first step in looking at a used or refurbished golf cart will be to check out the batteries.
How many volts does a golf cart have?
Electric golf carts come with a power of either 36 or 48 volts. The batteries themselves come in either 6, 8, or 12 volts. Golf carts will have six 6 volt batteries for a 36 volt operating system. For a 48 volt operating system, they will have six 8 volt batteries or four 12 volt batteries.
How to make sure a golf cart is not loose?
Grip the canopy and give it a good shake to make sure it is not loose or making an odd sound. Examine the tread on the tires. Used golf carts are better priced but refurbished golf carts are often better maintained. As always, ask questions and decide which is best for you.
What is a refurbished golf cart?
A refurbished golf cart is one that was used exclusively on a golf course for several years. Golf courses normally lease fleets of golf carts and return them when they replace the fleet every few years. The leasing agent then sells the carts to a wholesaler.
How many miles does a gas golf cart go?
One gas tank will go 110-175 miles. More moving pieces than an electric cart = more maintenance. No battery charger required. If you are handy around an engine, maintenance on a gas powered golf cart may be no problem for you. If you’re lacking in mechanical skills, this may not be the cart for you.
What to consider when buying a used golf cart?
Arguably the most important consideration when buying a used golf cart is the cost. If you’re in the market for a used golf cart instead of a new one, chances are you have a strict budget.
What to ask when buying a used electric golf cart?
If you opt to purchase a used electric golf cart, it’s very important that you ask about the condition of the batteries.
How long does a golf cart last?
If you neglect to service your cart, expect it to last anywhere from 5-8 years. If you take the time to properly care for your golf cart, it can last up to 15 or 20 years, sometimes longer.
How much does a used golf cart cost?
A good price for a used golf cart ranges between $500 and $5,000. Any more expensive than that, you may as well just buy a new golf cart. The cost of a used golf cart will vary based on the year, brand, and the overall condition of the cart as well as how many accessories are included.
Why is it important to check the age of a used golf cart?
That’s why it’s important you check the age of the used golf cart you’re thinking of buying. This will give you a good indication of how reliable it’s been in the past and how much juice it has left.
What happens when a golf course upgrades its fleet of golf carts?
Every time a golf course upgrades its fleet of golf carts, it will auction off its old fleet of carts. Because there are usually so many carts for sale, often there won’t be enough buyers. Luckily for you, this drives down the price so you’ll probably get a great deal!
Can you repair a golf cart?
The costs involved in repairing a golf cart can add up very quickly. That’s why it’s important to ask the right questions before making a deal for a used golf cart. You need to figure out which components might require repair in the near future and factor this information into your price negotiations with the owner.
How many batteries are needed for a golf cart?
It is rare that you use a single golf cart battery in your electric vehicle. It is usually a combination of these batteries put together to fulfill the power requirement. That's usually around 48V and 36V.
What type of batteries are used in golf carts?
Most batteries designed for golf carts are deep cycle batteries, that provide a steady supply of power. Within this too, there is a broad range of batteries to choose from. The four major types include:
Do golf cart batteries self discharge?
For you it might be a golf cart battery pack you are just purchasing, but it could have been sitting at the dealer's for long. Given that batteries self-discharge, age affects their power generating capacity.
