Buying a used golf cart is certainly a viable way to go when considering your own. A new golf cart will cost a minimum of $4,000, whereas buying used can hover anywhere between $2,000 – $4,000; or more if its already been customized.
If you plan on customizing your golf cart yourself, then purchasing used can save you extra cash that can go toward such things as a golf cart lift kit or some extra horse power.
If you really want to keep it cheap then you might get lucky and find a golf cart salvage, or at least some cheap golf cart parts, from your local junk yard or salvage yard. Otherwise, golf cart auctions are a great place to find a good deal.
Whether you are buying used electric golf carts or gas, there are some basic things that you should consider before you do.
How old is the golf cart?
Just like when buying a normal vehicle, the age of the golf cart helps you gauge how much it may have been used, which is helpful when determining its present condition. The original serial number should let you know the age of the used golf car. If the original serial number is missing this may be a red flag that it may have been stolen or been in a bad accident.
Where does the golf cart come from?
Many private golf courses and country clubs update their fleet of golf carts every few years, which means there are often many decent used golf carts on the market.
Consider the location from where the golf cart is coming from. For instance, if it is from a region where the sport is played all-year round (think Southern California and Florida), then it may have been used more often than a region with a shorter golfing season (think Oregon and Washington). This little bit of information may save you repairs (and money) in the long run.
NOTE: If you are having a the cart shipped from somewhere else, be sure to get the shipping and freight information and costs upfront and in writing – you don’t want any surprises.
What accessories come with the golf cart?
When speaking with a seller or reseller, get a written statement detailing all that will be included in the cart. This is especially true if you are purchasing from out-of-state and having the used golf cart shipped to you.
What are the typical price ranges for used golf carts?
The prices normally range from $2,000 – $4,000 USD. Anything less than $2,000 will probably need additional repairs and may not be very reliable – although using your best judgment may land you a screaming deal.
If you are comfortable repairing golf carts yourself, then you may save some money by learning what repairs are needed on the cheapest golf cart you can find.
Can I test drive the golf cart?
If are you able, it is recommended that you do test drive the golf cart. Try to get a handle on how it would handle for what you intend to use it for. If you plan on using it to haul equipment – test it out to see how it would handle heavy loads. If you plan on driving it on a hilly environment, then how does it handle driving uphill?
What is the condition of the used golf carts being sold?
Used golf carts are often sold one of two ways: “As Is” or “Reconditioned.”
“As Is” usually means that the seller or reseller did not do a comprehensive inspection on the golf car and you are purchasing the golf cart with any malfunctions it may have. On the other hand, if you are mechanically inclined you may be able to save a bundle by doing the repairs yourself.
“Reconditioned” means that the seller or reseller has done a thorough inspection of the golf cart and repaired any problems that the cart may have had. These often come with a limited warranty or guarantee.
Do used golf carts come with a warranty?
If they are sold “as-is” they often do not come with a warranty or guarantee. If they’ve been “reconditioned” may come with a limited warranty or guarantee of 30-90 days after the sale date.
These are some basic questions that should be considered when looking into buying used electric golf carts or used gas golf carts. Use sound judgment when considering a used golf cart and visit different places both in person and on-line to evaluate when and where you can get the best bang for your buck.