Dec. 09, 2024
You finally decided that its time to invest in your own golf cart! This will make zipping around the course or neighborhood so much easier. But with many models and options to consider, how do you ensure you select the right golf cart for your needs? Before visiting dealers or private sellers, read below for the top questions to ask beforehand. Doing your research will help you buy the best golf cart with confidence.
First, set your golf cart budget. In our experience, prices can range from just $1,000 for older, basic used carts to $15,000 or more for new luxury models with all the bells and whistles. Consider how often you plan to use it and any special features you want. For example, if youll primarily drive on the golf course, focus your budget on performance and durability. Do you intend to drive more on streets and neighborhood paths? Prioritize safety upgrades and weather protection.
Next, decide if you want to go with a brand-new or pre-owned golf cart. New will cost more but it gives you full warranty coverage, contemporary styles, and the latest technology. Used carts are cheaper, and you may find lightly driven models in great shape. But expect higher maintenance costs and fewer features. Weigh options like certified pre-owned carts which provide a middle ground.
Golf carts come in different sizes based on passenger and cargo capacity. Small two-seaters are best for limited storage needs. Four to six-seat carts transport more people and gear for golf or family jaunts. Added rear-facing back seats or plush rear cargo beds provide even more space when required. Make sure to test drive different sizes to get a feel for what you need.
One of the biggest decisions is choosing between electric and gas power. Electric golf carts are most common since they are quiet, smooth, and emissions-free. Gas models provide more speed and power for rugged terrain but need fuel and oil changes. According to GolfCarts.org, electric golf carts can get up to 40 miles on a single charge. Compare the advantages and trade-offs when selecting power.
Dont forget to inquire about important golf cart safety upgrades, especially if youll drive on public roads. Look for features like seat belts, mirrors, turn signals, headlights, taillights, reflectors, and even windshields with wipers. Also, ask about speed limiters, backup alarms, and anti-roll systems to reduce risks. The more safety options, the better.
When test-driving used golf carts, carefully inspect the overall condition. Check for rust, body damage, or wear and tear on seats and upholstery. Turn the steering wheel to ensure smooth turning without resistance or odd noises. Accelerate gently and brake firmly to test how well the cart drives. Check for any hesitations or vibrations and have the seller demonstrate all features and functions.
Request maintenance records from the seller to verify golf cart care. Timely upkeep like tune-ups, battery care, brake adjustments, lubrication of moving parts, and component replacements extend performance and lifespan. Evidence of neglect like dirty batteries or belts raises red flags. Ongoing proper maintenance is key, especially for older used carts.
Personalizing your golf cart with accessories and upgrades can be half the fun. Ask sellers what options they offer such as brighter lights or better stereo systems. Plush upholstered seating and weather enclosures? Lift-kits for added ground clearance or aggressive treaded tires? Maybe a custom paint job to showcase your style? Many providers do in-house custom outfitting to match your vision.
One final key question is regarding what kinds of maintenance and other services are offered for the golf cart. Youll want to find a dealership that has its own in-house technician with years of experience so that they can take care of your vehicle. Being aware of these services will help you make your decision because youll want to go back to a location that you trust.
Armed with the answers to these golf cart questions, youll be well on your way to finding the ideal model to fit your lifestyle and budget. Taking the time to research options, inspect conditions, and compare features means you can cruise around with satisfaction in your new set of wheels. When youre looking to purchase a new or used golf cart, we can help you find the one that meets your needs. Reach out to Matts Custom Golf Carts now to get started.
Buying a Golf Cart is a great way to add an affordable and fun to drive vehicle to your driving options. In this article well go over the 12 Things to Know When Buying a Golf Cart.
Buying a Golf Cart, or EV Cart is a great way to add an affordable, fun and eco-friendly vehicle to your garage and driving options.
Golf Carts are now used for many more excursions than going for a round of Golf on the Golf Cart. Golf Carts have become hugely popular with couples, families and seniors as an alternative option to their bigger and more expensive to drive gas guzzling cars.
Golf Carts have become a great option for running around town, going to the store or out to grab a meal.
In this latest Golf Cart Blog article, 12 Things to Know When Buying a Golf Cart, well provide you with insight, ideas and tips on what to look out for when buying your new or next Golf Cart.
Should you buy a New or Used Golf Cart:
As with anything, You get what you pay for. That is not to say that you should skip the option of buying a used Golf Cart and go directly to a new Golf Cart. On the contrary, you can find great value in purchasing a used Golf Cart, but you do need to be careful in your assessment of the wear and tear on the used vehicle.
The same, you get what you pay for adage can be said about Buying a Golf Cart as well. With the massive growth in popularity of the Golf Cart industry, there has been massive, and quick growth in the manufacturing of Golf Carts. As with all complex vehicle manufacturing you can expect growing pains which result in some bugs or mistakes in the build process.
Another consideration, and perhaps the first and most important initial consideration is the cost of a new Golf Cart compared to a used Golf Cart. A new Golf Cart can have a list price of $7,000 to $13,000 with some fully customized new Golf Carts exceeding $25,000 to $30,000+.
If you can imagine it, it can be added to or adapted to your Golf Cart. But lets leave the review of radically customized Golf Carts for another article. For now, lets consider the option of a well-cared for used Golf Cart and top of the line new Golf Cart.
Some may see the process of buying a Golf Cart as a mind-numbing process, it really does not have to be. As with buying a car or motorcycle or other higher priced ticket item, information will make the buying process enjoyable and ultimately you will have a high level of confidence that you have purchased the best Golf Cart for your budget.
Golf Carts, or EV Carts have become hugely popular with couples, families and seniors as an alternative option to their bigger and more expensive to drive gas guzzling cars.
New vs. Used Golf Carts:
This is an easy one really. What is your budget? If you have the budget to purchase a new Golf Cart, then there are a number of pains you can avoid by purchasing a new Golf Cart. This includes having brand new batteries (this is important), few to no miles on the drivetrain and you can typically have your choice of colors and other options on your Golf Cart.
On the other hand, if you have a lower budget, then there are certainly great deals to be found for good used Golf Carts to be found. Just do your research and know what you are looking at and looking for. Test drive, check the batteries, how much time, if any is left on the Manufacturers Warranty, etc.
Obviously, you will expect to give in a bit on expectations of a used Golf Cart, or EV Cart. The paint may be a bit faded, there may be a bit more wear on the upholstery, there may be a crack in the windshield or headlights may be a bit fogged up and the tires may have some wear and tear on them but all these things and more are easily replaced and even upgraded.
Ask a Friend:
Perhaps one of the best steps to take when buying a Golf Cart is ask a friend or a friend of a friend who owns or who has owned a Golf Cart, or EV Cart. Talk to them about their experience. If they live in the same town as you, ask who they purchased their Golf Cart from and ask if they would buy from them again and if not, why?
If they are willing, bring them with you when you look at a new or used Golf Cart and listen to them asking questions about the Golf Cart you are looking at. Chances are, they will ask a lot of great questions that you can repeat in the next Golf Cart you look at its not likely the friend will be willing to accompany you on every Golf Cart inspection no one is that good of a friend.
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Dont have a friend? You can rent one:
It is a great option to consider hiring a professional inspector when you feel you have found the perfect used Golf Cart. Obviously, you would not hire a professional Golf Cart Inspector for every unit you consider, but once you have worked the list down to 1 or 2 options, a professional Golf Cart Inspector could be one of your best investments in your purchasing process.
Buying a New or Used Golf Cart? Ask for References:
If you are set on buying a new or used Golf Cart, or EV Cart from a dealership always ask for referrals from past or current customers. If the dealership is reputable, theyll be happy to have you contact a customer.
6. Get the Specifications on a Used Golf Cart:
With the aid of the Internet, you can get a copy of the manufactures details and specifications of just about any used Golf Cart model sold in the past 10+ years. You should always get a printout of the manufactures details and specifications of the Golf Cart you are considering for purchase. Study the details and understand what was included and offered as aftermarket items. Once you review these specifications of a couple of models you will become very familiar with what is likely to be included on other Golf Carts in your budget.
Go to a Golf Cart Dealership:
Even if you are not in the market for purchasing a brand-new Golf Cart one of your first stops should be at 1 or 2 your local Golf Cart Dealerships. Often, they will have both new and used Golf Carts that will allow you to do a side-by-side comparison, experience a test drive and what will likely be the most important, you will find out what you dont like and what you can and cannot afford.
Golf Courses for Information:
As you can imagine, a Golf Course is a great place to find Golf Cartsas such, a Golf Course is a great place to get insight on what people like and dislike about their Golf Carts and a visit to the maintenance department to speak to the mechanics could provide a gold mine of information. Questions and answers are your best ammunition.
Batteries are the lifeblood of your Golf Cart:
Batteries are the biggest concern, whether they are Lithium or Lead Acid Batteries. Traditional Lead Batteries need to be maintained properly to ensure peak performance and longevity, and if the owner failed to care for the batteries, you may be in for a disappointment later.
If youre buying a used Golf Cart, or EV Cart, you should expect to be told how long the batteries have been in the cart, how long it takes to charge them, how many hours do they last and if youre lucky, get an actual record of past battery maintenance and service work.
It is not uncommon to have to replace the batteries on a used Golf Cart and frankly, while this can be costly, you will know that your batteries are new and in great shape.
Information is Power:
Golf Carts do not have an odometer like a car, so you will need to ask the seller to verify the number of hours or cycles on the Golf Cart. If you are considering a Golf Cart manufactured after , there should be a way to check the controller to see how many hours the Golf Cart has been in use, but this is not in every case.
If you cant determine that number of hours or cycles, you may be at risk for spending more money on new batteries or a new controller down the road. Thats why, no matter how much you may trust the seller, a professional inspection can save you a lot of headaches later.
Where can you go:
Driving your Golf Cart is the best part of owning one. Before making your investment, it is a great idea to learn the Golf Cart (Low Speed) Driving laws of your city and state.
Buying from a Dealership New or Used:
Obviously, if you are buying a new Golf Cart, or EV Cart, and dealership is the only way to go. If you are buying a used Golf Cart you have the option to buy from a dealership or an individual. While you may likely pay a bit more for a used Golf Cart from a dealership, you tend to get a lot more for your money with a dealership.
Often a dealership will fully service the Golf Carts they sell, replace broken parts, upgrade or replace batteries, and in some cases the dealership may offer an extended warranty. Sure, purchasing your Golf Cart from an individual may save you a few dollars, but it comes with the original warning, You get what you pay for.
We hope you find value in our latest Golf Cart Blog article, 12 Things to Know When Buying a Golf Cart. We invite you to visit our Golf Cart Blog for more tips & recommendations for all there is to experience when owning a Golf Cart.
You may be interested in our Golf Cart Blog article; 5 Top Golf Cart Accessories for .
For more information on purchasing a new or used Golf Cart, or to learn about favorable financing options, reach one of our experienced Customer Service Team Members at: 888.260. or us.
About Bright Electric Vehicles:
Bright Electric Vehicles (BEV) is a multi-brand, multi-state Golf Cart Dealership representing top Golf Cart Brands including, ICON Golf Carts and Evolution Golf Carts, with other brands coming soon.
Our commitment to providing each Customer with the very best prices and outstanding personalized service that has earned Bright EV a Top 5-Star Rating from our loyal Customers.
With our strategic locations situated throughout the Southwest, Hawaii and new locations coming soon, Bright EV has the buying power and locations to serve our Customers and deliver Golf Carts throughout the U.S. at the most competitive pricing possible.
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