What should I know before 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...•
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.
When's the best time to buy a golf cart?
Many golfing enthusiasts prefer upgrading their golf carts before the next golf season begins, usually the summer months. That's why they sell off their vehicles during the wintertime so they can bring home their preferred new model around spring.
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.
Which brand of golf cart is best?
Here are the top best 5 golf cart brands to choose from.Club Car. If you're looking for a classic ride, look no further than the Club Car. ... E-Z-Go. If safety is your first priority, then the E-Z-Go brand is perfect for you. ... Yamaha. Chances are, you're very familiar with the Yamaha brand. ... Polaris. ... Garia.
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.
How long will a 48v golf cart run?
electric golf carts, a common question is, “How far will my electric golf cart go on a full charge?” The average range of the electric golf cart is 8-10 miles on a lead-acid battery. Lithium batteries cover up to 100 miles on a single full charge.
Do golf carts hold their value?
Golf cart everywhere A product that is accepted by the majority in a market will hold its value because there will always be someone interested in buying what you have. The golf cart has universal application as it can be used by both old and young, rich and poor.
Are golf cart prices negotiable?
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.
Should I leave my golf cart plugged in all the time?
Manufacturers suggest leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time while using an auto battery charger, as it will keep the batteries fully charged and always available. If batteries are not charged for prolonged storage, they may damage over time and deliver less capacity.
How often do I need to replace golf cart batteries?
Properly maintained golf cart batteries will last on average about 6-10 years for private owners. For properly maintained fleet golf cart batteries that get used for 2-3 rounds of golf everyday, you can expect them to last 4-6 years. Fleet golf carts are generally used for golf courses or in maintenance facilities.
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.
Do golf carts hold their value?
Golf cart everywhere A product that is accepted by the majority in a market will hold its value because there will always be someone interested in buying what you have. The golf cart has universal application as it can be used by both old and young, rich and poor.
Are golf carts reliable?
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.
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.
Are golf cart prices negotiable?
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 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.
What is a solorider golf cart?
The SoloRider is a cart that is specially designed to allow those with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy golf. There is also a new concept called the GolfBoard that is powered and driven something like a skateboard. It is designed for a single player and can speed up play because each player can go directly to their ball plus offer 75% less turf damage on the course.
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.
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.
How did the DS get its name?
The DS got its name from Dom Saporito’s name . From there, the next innovative model came to light in 1985 as the Club Car Carryall. The Carryall was a utility vehicle built upon the golf cart design. Club Car would make a few more ownership changes over the years.
When was the first golf cart made?
The first golf cart by Yamaha was introduced in the US market in 1978 well after the market had initially started. It was named the G1 and it worked via a 2-cycle gas engine. In 1979, Yamaha introduced their first electrical golf cart and from there the journey began.
What happens if an electric golf cart runs out of power?
When an electric cart runs out of power and you’re not close to a golf cart charger or outlet, you’ll likely need to be towed or push the cart back to the charger (unless you have an Onboard Battery Charger). Less Power/Speed: Electric golf carts do not generally perform well on rough or hilly terrain.
Why are gas golf carts so noisy?
Noisy & More Maintenance: Gas golf carts are noisy and require significantly more maintenance such as oil changes, filters, tune up’s, etc. Pollution/Dangerous: While throwing some gas into your cart’s tank is super convenient to get you going quickly, the fuel does produce more pollution.
What is a used cart?
Used Accessories: Generally, a used cart will come with most of the quality, trusted parts and accessories that you’ll want, but at a much better price! Most of these parts have not changed over the years and are the same parts you would find on a brand new cart, but at a better overall cost.
Do gas golf carts have more power?
More Power/Speed: Gas golf carts run at higher speeds and have significantly better pulling power. They are also easy to refill and require no “charging time” I.e., if you run out of power, you don’t have to push your cart back to a battery charger or outlet. Just add more gas.
Is an electric golf cart quiet?
Convenience & Maintenance: Electric golf carts are the most convenient and for most uses. Maintenance is minimal and a bit more carefree (so long as you’re taking care of your batteries and your battery charger!). Less Noisy: Electric golf carts are super quiet.
Do new golf carts come with warranty?
Warranty: When buying a brand new golf cart, oftentimes they will come with a warranty, whether it be a manufacturer’s warranty or a warranty from the dealer who you’re purchasing it from. This protects you as the buyer should anything go wrong with your golf cart. This is a major perk of buying a brand new, unused golf cart.
Is it cheaper to buy a used golf cart?
Lower Price: Purchasing a used golf cart is almost ALWAYS cheaper. This is a major advantage for so many people shopping for a golf cart. You can save a lot of money buying used, with prices starting as low as $1,500. Used golf carts are better on your pocket all around.
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.
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.
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.
Is it legal to drive a golf cart on public roads?
Maybe you want to skip walking and cruise to the local shopping center or clubhouse. Whatever the intended purpose, the golf cart must be street legal if you’ll be driving on public roadways.
How often should I service my golf cart?
An electric Golf Cart needs the batteries to be main-tained on a monthly basis by adding water to the batteries. For the most part, an electric Golf Cart can be maintained by you with a regular service occurring once every 12 to 24 month. A gas Golf Cart needs the engine to be tuned every 6 to 12 months if the vehicle is to last a long time.
How long do electric golf cart batteries last?
In terms of the best for the envi-ronment, an electric Golf Cart will win every time. In terms of cost, some assume a gas Golf Cart costs less to operate due to batteries being expensive for Electric Golf Carts. However, a typical electric Golf Cart comes with new batteries that will last three to nine years depending on type of battery pack, maintenance of the battery pack, range driven per day, location vehicle is being used, and the speed and acceleration of the vehicle. Therefore, the batteries in an electric Golf Cart is a fixed fuel cost determined by the life of the batteries where as a gas Golf Cart has to be fueled on a weekly to monthly basis much like a car.
Is a used golf cart a car?
Purchasing a new or used Golf Cart is not entirely different from purchasing an automobile except for one distinctive difference. Most used Golf Carts have been used on Golf Courses. With this in mind, be aware of the dangers of purchasing a vehicle that was used on a Golf Course for 3-5 years. Many golf cart dealers will purchase these vehicles and re-furbish them. Therefore, you may here the term refurbished Golf Cart or reconditioned Golf Cart. The concern here is whether or not the vehicle is safe to drive on the streets. It may look new, however it most definitely is not.
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.
What is the best way to play golf with friends?
Golf carts in general are one of the best ways for you and your friends to not only play golf with, but also to cruise / travel around you neighborhood and community. You are probably sitting there right now wracking your brain, comparing prices, taking a look at pros and cons of new golf carts vs.
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.
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.
