what you need to know when you buy golf cart

1. Figure Out What Its Main Purpose Will be. The first thing you should figure out is your goals for the golf cart. ...
2. Decide Between Gas and Electric You’ll also want to figure out if you want a gas or electric golf cart. ...
3. You Won’t be Traveling Far or Fast. Whether you choose a gas or electric golf cart, you won’t be going very far or fast. ...
4. Find Out if You Can Even Have One in Your Area A vital thing to consider if you’re buying a golf cart for a community or neighborhood is whether ...
5. Don’t Forget Maintenance Costs. Golf carts have less and cheaper maintenance than cars do, but they still cost money to operate. ...
Which Brands Are Best? There are many different brands to choose from when it comes to golf carts. ...
Do I Have a Repair Shop Near Me? Because golf carts are only starting to rise in popularity in places outside of golf courses, there are a limited number ...
Will I Need to Tow It Anywhere? Along with knowing about the nearest repair shop, you should also have a towing vehicle and trailer handy. ...
Does It Have the Features You’re Looking For? There are many different types of golf carts with numerous features. ...
What Can I Afford?

Full Answer

Should you buy a used golf cart?

While buying a used golf cart for sale can be super fun, it can also be a very confusing and time consuming process due to the broad range of styles and features that you can pick from. But no worries! We have got you covered. Here, we are going to discuss our top 5 things to look for when buying a used golf cart.

What should you look for when buying an electric golf cart?

If you’re buying an electric golf cart, you’ll want to know how old the batteries are and whether they were cared for. Also, whether the golf cart was stored well. Looking into the previous ownership is highly recommended as well. Inspect a used cart thoroughly or take someone with you that knows about golf carts to take a look for you.

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.

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.

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 is the best time of year to buy a golf cart?

The biggest advantage to buying used golf carts in the spring is that you will have the first pick of the refurbished trade-ins. You might find one in the right color that has just the accessories you want; if not, you will have time to get your new golf car decked out as you want it.

Can you negotiate golf cart prices?

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.

How long does the average golf cart 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.

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.

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 much does a golf cart battery cost?

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.

Which is better club car or ezgo golf cart?

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.

Can you overcharge a golf cart?

Overcharging your golf cart batteries may damage them. It is best to use an automatic charger that turns itself off when a battery is fully charged. Some older models lack this important feature. If you must use a manual charger, don't forget to turn it off.

Should you charge golf cart after every use?

Should you charge new golf cart batteries? Yes. New golf cart batteries should be charged every time they are used as this will extend their lifespan, help them retain their capacity for longer, and prevent discharge. It is vitally important to charge new golf cart batteries, even after their first use.

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 often do you 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.

Should I buy a Yamaha golf cart?

That said, Yamaha is a great choice for would-be golf cart users interested in carts that handle almost as well as automobiles. These are carts that are known for features like independent suspension, highly improved riding experience, and more. Yamaha carts are also highly customizable.

Does Yamaha make electric golf carts?

Electric golf carts from Yamaha offer a variety of benefits, including plenty of power. Since Yamaha is known for creating gas golf carts that provide a lot of power, they made their electric models with this type of energy in mind.

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.

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.

GOLF CARTS 101 –BASIC BUYING KNOWLEDGE

What you should know about buying a Golf Car? This article has been prepared with the first time Golf Car buyer in mind.

Electric or Gas Golf Cars

In some cases this decision is made for you. Some campgrounds/resorts/communities only allow Electric golf cars. Some allow both but do charge an additional fee for electric carts. Which are better, Gas or Electric golf cars? There is no right answer to that question. This is why Golf Car manufactures make both.

ELECTRIC CARTS AND THEIR BATTERIES

Golf car batteries come in three different voltages, 6, 8 and 12. Six 6 volt batteries will give you a 36 Volt operating system. Six 8 volt batteries will get you a 48 volt operating system and four 12Volt batteries will give you a 48 Volt operating system. If you do not know the voltage look at your batteries.

REPLACING BATTERIES

About how long do batteries last, along with cost to purchase and replace? The basis of a Deep Cycle battery is the amount of lead in the battery; more lead equals more charging capacity and runtime.

COST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LITHIUM BATTERIES AND LEAD ACID

We have a guide that discusses the differences in cost, power, charging and maintenance Click Here.

PROPER MAINTENANCE OF AN ELECTRIC GOLF CAR

Too many people are under the assumption that there is no maintenance with an electric car. Lead Acid battery models requre the usual hardware maintenance, as well as maintenance to the batterys as well,

CHARGERS

Most of today’s chargers are fully automatic, which means they will discontinue charging when the batteries are at full capacity. Golf cars use special chargers that have a matched output to the golf cars electrical system. Never use a charger that is not made for a golf car.

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.

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)

Do golf carts come with lights?

Depending on where you plan on driving your golf cart, you may need to get a street legal light kit, considering most stock golf carts don’t come with lights. If you plan on driving your cart on public roads or at night time, a street legal kit is an essential upgrade.

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.

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.

What to do if your golf cart brakes are worn down?

Check the padding on the brake pad. If it’s worn down, this is an older golf cart or one that has been used excessively. Take the cart for a test drive and look out for these other brake items:

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 does dark battery acid mean?

Dark battery acid is also indicative that battery may not have many miles left in it. You will need a charger for your batteries. Most of today’s chargers are fully automatic, meaning they will discontinue charging when the batteries are full. Never use a charger not made for a golf cart.

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!

Do electric golf carts charge?

Some people favor gas golf carts because after a round of golf you can simply fuel it up and it’s good to go again. Electric golf carts generally take hours to charge, yet you don’t have the recurring cost of gasoline.