- If buying refurbished, try to buy from an authorized dealer.
- Check out the golf cart thoroughly before purchasing.
- Ask to see the maintenance records of the golf cart.
- Check to see how old the golf cart is.
- Always take it for a test drive.
- Look for rust spots or signs the tires are worn.
- Ask who would repair it if needed.
- Ask about a warranty.
- 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.
- 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 to look for when buying a used golf cart?
In addition, inspect the tires, suspension, charger, and overall condition of the vehicle. Undoubtedly, a used golf cart will not be perfect, therefore it is good to determine what repairs in the future you could expect when evaluating the price of the unit.
Do you need parts for your golf cart?
No matter how well you take care of your golf cart, you will eventually need parts, even if only for routine maintenance. When that time comes, you’ll need to be sure that those parts are easily available to you. Most of the time, you can go to the dealership in an emergency, but buying online can be cheaper if you have the time.
Should you buy a golf cart or get financing?
You can also get golf cart financing to help with the expense. Has no existing issues that won’t be covered by warranty. You have complete control and knowledge of the entire service and maintenance life of the vehicle. You can get the exact model, brand, and upgrades you want on your golf cart.
Should I buy a used electric golf cart?
When you are purchasing a used electric golf cart, you want to make certain that the batteries / battery pack is in good condition. Bad batteries are just an added expense to the buying experience and it can be avoided. Check the condition of the batteries. Are they badly corroded, bulging at the sides and all around yucky lookin’?
How many hours is a lot for a golf cart?
Most late model gas and electric golf cars are equipped with an hour meter or amp-hour meter. Ask the dealer how many hours or amp-hours are on the car you are purchasing. A gas vehicle with good maintenance will provide 1,000-2,500 hours of use before a major overhaul.
Does the age of a golf cart matter?
If the age dates back years ago, parts may not be available anymore. Perhaps that golf cart company is no longer around and there is no one to repair what needs fixing. The model is also important because you can do research on that model and find other carts of the same year and make and see how they panned out.
How long does a golf cart motor last?
When properly taken care of, the typical gas or electric golf cart motor can last many, many years (20 to 30+). But the fact of the matter is, many people neglect taking proper care of their golf cart motor.
How do you inspect an electric golf cart?
0:312:46Golf Cart Inspection - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt must be the bottom edge. Three feet off the ground. And it can't be higher than five feet andMoreIt must be the bottom edge. Three feet off the ground. And it can't be higher than five feet and must have a working parking brake. And last must have an electric.
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).
Do golf carts have titles?
Golf carts do not have titles like cars, so a serial number is the first thing you should check for if you want to buy a golf cart from an individual. "If it doesn't have a serial number on it, that's a good indication or red flag that you really need to do some checking on it or stepping away from it," Miller said.
Is Yamaha or ezgo better?
Which is better EZGO or Yamaha Golf Cart? A Yamaha golf cart is a better option over an EZGO golf cart as it is more power-efficient and has lower maintenance costs. Yamaha carts are more economical than EZGO because they have no fuel pumps and filters to refill or replace.
Which is more reliable gas or electric golf cart?
Reliability: Both carts are very reliable, but newer electrics do generally last longer than gas. On an electric cart, there are fewer parts and therefore fewer parts to go bad. with a gas cart, you have clutches, carb, fuel pump, belts, valves, starter and more.
What can go wrong with electric golf carts?
5 Common Electric Golf Cart Problems and How to Solve ThemTroubleshooting Batteries. Like any electric vehicle, the battery is often the root of the problem. ... Ignition or Motor Issues. ... Solenoid Woes. ... Faulty Direction Switch. ... No Speed Control.
How long do golf cart batteries last?
That all being said, properly maintained battery packs in fleet carts tend to last about 4-6 years while private owners tend to get about 6-10 years out of their battery packs.
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 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.
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 does a used golf cart cost?
How much does a used model cost? Used golf carts range between $2,000 and $5,000. Major manufacturers include E-Z-go, Club Car, Yamaha, Columbia ParCar, Tomberlin, and even Harley-Davidson.
How many batteries do you need for a golf cart?
You will need four to six batteries to run efficiently. If the batteries aren’t holding a charge, the cart might not make it through the entire course without needing to be recharged. The batteries also affect the rate of acceleration. Most models can go up to 20 mph on a full charge.
How fast can a cart go on a full charge?
Most models can go up to 20 mph on a full charge. Batteries in poor condition will need to be replaced, costing approximately $150 for each. This could add a considerable amount of money to upfront costs if all the batteries need replacement. Second, check the charger ‘s condition before purchasing a used cart.
What happens if a golf cart charger is not working?
A properly working unit will send a charge to batteries as their energy depletes. If the charger is malfunctioning, you will experience constant power issues that can become frustrating in a hurry. Also, look at the controller, which operates the golf cart’s level of speed.
Why do golf courses buy fleets?
Even though these models will have heavy use, courses generally keep them in good working condition. Golf courses want to extend the life of their carts .
When did golf carts start?
Golf carts have come a long way since their inception in the early 1950s. Once used only to shuttle golfers and their bags to the next hole, they have become commonplace for other uses. Take a look around any residential community or campground, and you’re sure to see plenty of golf carts roaming the streets.
Do golf courses keep fleet carts in good condition?
For a good deal, look at former fleet carts used by courses. Even though these models will have heavy use, courses generally keep them in good working condition. Golf courses want to extend the life of their carts.
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 to consider when buying a golf cart?
Consider the use – If you’re buying a golf cart to get you from A to B on a relatively flat golf course or retirement community, you’re likely to value comfort and easy maintenance over durability, clearance, and battery range.
How to know if a golf cart is a good investment?
The only way to ensure that a particular golf cart will be a good investment for you is to take it for a drive that mimics how you intend to use the cart.
How much does a golf cart battery cost?
Golf cart batteries don’t last forever, and can easily cost between $1,000-$2,000 for a new set. Faulty or old batteries can also damage other key components of the cart, such as the motor, or the onboard charger (this happened to us).
What type of batteries are used in golf carts?
Keep in mind that these tips are specific to lead-acid batteries, which are the most common types of batteries you’re likely to encounter. In the off chance you come across a golf cart with newer lithium ion batteries or some other type, you’ll need to research tips specific to those batteries.
What is the process of buying a used golf cart?
An essential part of the process of buying a used golf cart that is frequently overlooked (due to time constraints, cost, or just pure laziness) is taking a prospective vehicle to a trusted shop or dealer to have it professionally inspected.
How to check battery voltage?
Ideally, you’d also want to do three tests when the batteries are fully charged and cooled: 1 Visual Inspection Inside (e.g. electrolyte levels) & Out (e.g. bulging, cracks/leaks, excessive corrosion, etc.) 2 Voltage Test (each battery and total) 3 Hydrometer Test (Specific Gravity)
Should golf cart batteries be inspected?
If you lack the tools, skills, and expertise to properly inspect golf cart batteries, critical deficiencies can easily be missed.
Why is it important to consider the age of an electric golf cart?
You have to pay attention towards the model of the cart because that will help you get the features that you require. As well as if the model is older, it can be increasingly difficult for you to find parts for the unit.
What is a refurbished golf cart?
A refurbished golf cart is a vehicle that was used on a golf course for a number of years and is now being resold to the general public as a “refurbished/reconditioned” golf cart. In this scenario, it is very easy to simply paint the body and suspension of the cart, add new tires and seats and call it a day.
Can a used golf cart be perfect?
In addition, inspect the tires, suspension, charger, and overall condition of the vehicle. Undoubtedly, a used golf cart will not be perfect, therefore it is good to determine what repairs in the future you could expect when evaluating the price of the unit. If you have additional questions, then feel free to use our golf cart valuation tool ...
Is it necessary to buy a golf cart?
However, it is one of the best ways for you to travel around your community and play golf with. It is not always necessary to buy a brand new golf cart because there are many ways to buy a pre-owned or refurbished golf ...
Can you buy a used electric golf cart?
Some accessories can be found at reasonable prices online, however some accessories can be custom and expensive like paint jobs and custom enclosures. Golf Carts can be very custom, therefore buying a used electric golf cart could be customized for someone that is not you. Sometimes, it is worth spending more for new to insure you get ...
