How to Buy a Used Golf Cart

Golf carts that are not used on a golf course are used as utility carts or transportation. Many businesses and individuals have a need to haul heavy loads but cannot afford the $4,000 it may cost to purchase a brand new cart. One economic measure is to consider a used cart from a country club or a dealer. Private golf courses upgrade their cart fleets every three or four years.

If you are purchasing a golf cart from a private golf course, more than likely you will be buying the cart “as is.” This means they will probably have been inspected for major damage, but there will have been no cleaning or other kinds of refurbishing.

One of the drawbacks of as-is sales is the fact that there are no warranties. You must understand that you are agreeing to do all repairs and upgrades yourself.

To minimize your risks, take the golf cart you are considering buying for a test drive. Find some weight to add to the cart and see how the engine handles moving up a hill. You should also check for rust on any part of the body of the cart and see if there have already been parts replaced.

Refurbished carts from golf cart dealers have undergone thorough inspections and have already been cleaned and reupholstered. Golf cart dealers also offer warranties for 30 or 60 days and give you the chance to select different seats, new paint jobs or upholstery.

You should remember not to ever settle for the first golf cart that you run across. There is always the possibility of a better deal. Make sure you talk to several dealers or visit several country clubs to find the best deal for your budget.

Maintenance becomes a key activity after you have made your purchase. How much maintenance will cost will depend on what kind of golf cart you purchase: gas-powered or electric. Electric carts need the water level checked regularly and require a $400-500 battery replacement every two years. Gas-powered carts need the spark plugs, oil and air filters changed regularly.

The average cost for used golf carts is about $2,000. If you want a gas cart, you might want to shop exclusively through a golf cart dealer. Most private golf clubs use electric carts. As you shop, remember to ask relevant questions and do price comparisons from several different sources.

The Golf Cart Covers Guide was established to help people learn about the various aspects of golf cart covers.