Golf-FAQ.com

what should i look for when buying a used golf cart

by Prof. Saul Lowe Jr. Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Body – The body of the used golf cart you’ve got your eyes on should not have any visible, impossible-to-clean dirt or markings. There should also be little to no
  • Seats – Check any signs of dents, discoloration, stains, or other irreversible damages on the seats of the used golf cart and make sure that everything looks good.
  • Tires – These should not be too worn out to the point that you’ll be having to air them frequently or replace them soon. ...
  • Battery – As discussed above, your dealer should be able to provide you with the necessary information about your golf cart battery’s age, model number, and so on.
  • Other accessories – Were all the other parts of this golf cart installed properly, are in good shape, and still functioning well? ...

What should I look for when buying 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.

How can I tell how old my golf cart is?

These two things, especially the model and serial number, will help to tell you how old / young the golf cart is. The make / model / serial number will also be super helpful to you as they will tell you how easy or how hard finding parts will be AND will help to make sure you get all the bells and whistles that you are seeking.

Are used golf carts any good?

There are so many great used golf carts out there that have been really well taken care of over the years or have been refurbished to practically brand new. Some used and refurbished carts look and run like they’re new for half the cost! You can significantly save if you go the used route.

What is the difference between a refurbished and used golf cart?

Refurbished vs Used Refurbished golf carts were used by golf courses and are now being resold to the general public. Typically the process of refurbishment focuses mostly on external beautification. Refurbished golf carts are usually re-painted, get new tires, seats, etc.

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What is the life expectancy of a golf cart?

Longevity ranges between 30-40 years or longer for the various manufacturers. To dispel rumors by non dealers - gas carts are not going to be done away with.

What should I consider when buying a 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...•

Does the age of a golf cart matter?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What does DS mean on a golf cart?

What does DS stand for in Club Car golf carts? The Club Car DS model type, in production from 1980 to 2014, was named after Dom Saporito, a vehicle designer at Club Car in the 1980s.

How much are replacement batteries for a golf cart?

Average Price of Golf Cart Batteries The average price of a golf cart battery replacement is going to be in the $800 to $1,500 range. Depending on the type of battery, it could even be in the $2,000 ballpark because powerful golf carts like a 72V need more expensive batteries installed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

What to check on a used golf cart?

Seats – Check any signs of dents, discoloration, stains, or other irreversible damages on the seats of the used golf cart and make sure that everything looks good. Tires – These should not be too worn out to the point that you’ll be having to air them frequently or replace them soon.

Why are golf carts important?

With its numerous functions, from an easier alternative to getting around the neighborhood to being able to drive through narrower roads, golf carts have proven to be a necessity for people who live in communities with this lifestyle.

Is a gas golf cart better than an electric golf cart?

Gas golf carts are, as the name suggests, powered by gas, much like our regular cars. They are better for use on heavy duty trips, as they are more powerful than electric golf cars. Electric golf carts, on the other hand, are charged with batteries.

Can you personalize a golf cart after purchase?

If your used golf cart has been well-maintained, there won’t be much of a need to go to service centers immediately. You can potentially personalize your golf cart after your purchase if you’re looking to change up its look, or just leave it as is until your next visit.

What does it mean to buy a used golf cart?

Buying a used golf cart means a lower price, usually half of a new cart, but a cheap initial purchase can get zeroed out if you buy a cart that is ready to be refurbished. If the cart has already been renovated, then you stand to win out on price overall.

How much does a used golf cart cost?

Used golf carts in decent condition will cost an average of $2,000-$4,000. If the Golf Cart is under 5 years old, then $3,000 to $4,500. Consider your location, though, because if you are conducting your search in a golf community, then they are in higher demand there and will naturally be worth more to the seller.

How many hours does a gas cart last?

Check the meter to see how many hours or amp-hours the cart you are wanting to purchase has. Usually, a gas cart will give 5000-6000 hours before needing an overhaul. An electric will get 40,000 to 55,000 amp hours before needing an overhaul. Used carts have many 3rd party and manufacturers accessories available.

How far does an electric cart run?

The electric has an average distance of 30 miles or so between charges (48 Volt carts, that is) and are easier to maintain. A 48-volt cart will run twice as long as a 36-volt on a charge. That equates to longer run time and less time being charged. The distance between charges varies of course, with how much the cart is carrying up and down hills. ...

How to tell if a cart is sheltered?

You can probably tell if the cart has been sheltered or left outside by checking the condition of the seats and roof. The vinyl should still be flexible and not hardened by too much sun exposure. Mold in the crevices and on the roof can mean it has been out in the rain a lot.

What is the difference between electric and gas carts?

The charger for the electric cart is entirely different from an automobile battery charger and is quite a bit more expensive. Gas carts will have 4 or 5 times the moving parts that an electric cart will have and will, of course, have different maintenance routines to perform. Some models of gas carts will use a mixture of 2-cycle oil and gasoline. ...

Is there a blue book for golf carts?

There isn’t a Blue Book for golf carts so you will need to do some research to get the best price for the vehicle. Check eBay and Craigslist for similar carts. When checking eBay, set the filter to see completed sales so you can see the actual price paid, and not just what they wanted for it.

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 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.

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)

Is a golf cart a good investment?

When buying a used golf cart, some prospective buyers take a golf cart for a short spin around a parking lot and call it good. Even worse, they buy a golf cart without riding it at all, or sight unseen. 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 ...

Do you need to know the batteries of a golf cart?

If you’re buying a used golf cart that’s electric powered, you’ll also need to know some basic information about the batteries. If possible, you’ll also want to test and inspect the batteries as well.

Can you drive a golf cart on public roads?

In many places, your golf cart will need to be modified to be permitted to drive on public roads. Some places require the addition of a street legal kit, while other places only allow gas-powered carts to use public roads.

How reliable are electric golf carts?

As long as you do your due diligence, you will be able to find a highly reliable electric golf cart that you will love to ride for years to come. Chances are you may never buy new again after seeing how much you can save buying used.#N#Highly reliable: Electric golf carts have significantly less moving parts than gas golf carts. Fewer parts mean less maintenance. It also means you can find used electric golf carts that will ride like new. While you need to be careful and pay close attention to the condition of the used cart, opting to go electric will greatly increase the chances of finding a highly reliable used golf cart.#N#Great way to get into the market: New to the market? A used golf cart is a great way to get into the market without having to spend more than you are comfortable with. Many newer electric golf carts are more expensive due partially to their improved feature set. If you are new to the market, chances are you will not need many of these luxury features.#N#New isn’t always better: It is common to believe that new is always better than used. We are here to dispel this myth once and for all. While we aren’t ignorant of the advantages of new electric golf carts, what is better is determined by each buyer’s individual needs. At the end of the day, you will need to decide whether a new or used golf cart is better for your needs. Just make sure you consider both options before deciding newer is better.

What is a refurbished golf cart?

Typically the process of refurbishment focuses mostly on external beautification. Refurbished golf carts are usually re-painted, get new tires, seats, etc. However, refurbished doesn’t necessarily mean a new motor, battery, controller, bearings, etc.

Is a used golf cart good?

Great way to get into the market: New to the market? A used golf cart is a great way to get into the market without having to spend more than you are comfortable with. Many newer electric golf carts are more expensive due partially to their improved feature set.

Can you find a used golf cart?

It also means you can find used electric golf carts that will ride like new. While you need to be careful and pay close attention to the condition of the used cart, opting to go electric will greatly increase the chances of finding a highly reliable used golf cart.

Can you buy a new electric golf cart again?

Chances are you may never buy new again after seeing how much you can save buying used.

Is a used golf cart still under warranty?

Depending on the age of the used electric golf cart, it may still be under warranty. This is the best case scenario and protects you in the near future. Without asking you may never know!

Do electric golf carts have batteries?

Electric golf carts are reliant on the batteries that power them. Much like the battery in your cell phone, over time electric golf cart batteries deteriorate. Some batteries are better than others, so there isn’t an exact battery life. Ask the seller how many amp hours have been used.

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