Used Cart Buying Tips

Because country clubs and private golf courses upgrade their golf cart fleets every few years, there is a steady supply of used golf carts on the market. For many businesses, buying a used cart is the economical choice. Here are some points to keep in mind as you shop for used golf carts.

How used is that golf cart, exactly?
There are two tiers of used: refurbished golf carts have been taken in by the manufacturer or dealer, inspected, cleaned, and in some cases reupholstered. Dealers often sell refurbished golf carts with warranties, giving you additional peace of mind – for at least the 30 or 60 days the warranty lasts.

When buying refurbished golf carts at a dealership, you may be able to choose extras like different types of seats, safety equipment, and even custom paint jobs or upholstery. Of course these extras will cost you, but saving money by purchasing a used golf cart can create some room in your budget.

You can also buy used golf carts “as is.” Dealers will still inspect them for obvious damage, but they won’t have the comprehensive overhaul that a refurbished vehicle would have. As-is golf carts are not typically sold with any warranty at all.

Whichever route you choose, make sure you talk to several reputable dealers before you make a decision.

Visit their location and take a test drive of the model you want.

First, inspect it carefully – look for any signs of rust or wear, and ask what parts have been replaced or repaired. Then, pay attention to how it drives, especially up hills or with a full load of people and equipment.

How much are used golf carts?
Used golf carts can be found for as little as $2,000. You’ll rarely find anything for much less than that – at least, not anything you’d want to depend on. But since new golf carts start at around $5,500, buying used will save you a considerable amount of money. You’ll still pay more for fancier models with more extras, but prices will be more than half what you’d pay new.

Just some thoughts

Here are a few tips for when you are ready to buy a used cart:

Check the S/N and confirm it's date of manufacture. The seller better have the correct year listed and that is a real BIG deal.

Give it a visual inspection. Look over the body. Remember it's used, probably from a golf course, there may be marks in the body. Look at the tires, if you don't see much tread the tire is nearing the end of it's life. Seats, look for tares and imperfections, again, golf courses and hard on seats. If it has lights, make sure they work. Lift the seat and look over the batteries.

This can be easy....look for corrosion on each of the battery terminals. Six batteries, two terminals on each. A little bit is fine but if you see a huge nasty looking blue/ green gob....that's a bad connection and it needs attention soon. I also pull all of the cell caps to see if there is water present. Take some rubber gloves along!

On gas carts I'll check the oil and pull the air filter just to see, I'll also look at the drive and generator belts. Then give the engine compartment a good look over.

Accessories:

Remember a standard golf course golf cart two seater, comes from the factory with golf racks in the back and a sun top and most likely no wheel covers. Electric carts should have a battery charger....it better have one or no deal!

If there are any accessories on the cart, they will be asking a bit more. Rear seats, utility boxes, lift kits, big shiny wheels and tires, lighting kits etc, all cool stuff....will add a considerable amount to the over all price your going to pay.

Test drive the cart.

As you are driving keep it in a straight line and look at the steering wheel. If it's not straight you can almost bet the front suspension needs some work.

Drive it at different speeds and make turns. Test the brakes, if you feel a hard pedal and it doesn't stop well tell the seller to fix the brakes or find another buyer!

If all is well and you are happy with the price, buy it and enjoy. Hope this information helps.

tjscarts@comcast.net

or:

517-545-0046