What to know before buying a golf cart

Buying a used golf cart can make things a lot easier on your bank account.

But it can be hard to tell what condition a used golf cart is in if you aren’t sure what you’re doing. You don’t want to spend a bunch of money on a used golf cart and have to pay more to repair it after your first drive.

That’s why we’ve put together this list of 10 things to look for when you buy used golf carts.

1. Is the Golf Cart New or Refurbished?
A refurbished golf cart is a used golf cart that’s had some recent improvements. A used golf cart is one a person drove for a time and is now selling in as-is condition.

If you’re looking at a refurbished golf cart, make sure a certified dealer did the reconditioning themselves. In some cases, people give their golf cart a fresh coat of paint and new tires and call it a refurbished golf cart. But the motor, bearings, controller, and batteries are all the same as before.

To avoid spending extra money on a “refurbished” cart that doesn’t have any true improvements, try to buy these carts from the official dealer for that make and model. Otherwise, you might end up with a golf cart that needs a lot more repairs after you buy it.

2. How Old Is the Golf Cart?
There are many old golf carts, from the 80s and 90s, that still run just as well as newer models. So just because the cart is old doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy it.

However, keep in mind it will be harder to find parts for older models. Should your cart need any repairs after you buy it, you might not be able to find the parts you need or someone who knows how to fix it.

Because of their age, old and used golf carts are more likely to need repairs than newer ones.

3. Is It a Gas or Electric Golf Cart?
There are two main types of golf carts, gas powered and electric. Each of these carts come with their own sets of advantages and disadvantages, so you should do some research and pick the one that’s best for your needs.

For example, a gas powered cart can drive faster than electric carts. But if you get a gas powered cart, you have to be willing to do the regular maintenance that comes with it.

Electric golf carts don’t require a lot of maintenance, but you must have access to a battery charger. The batteries also come with a limited lifespan, so you have to make sure the ones in a used golf cart are still in good condition.

4. If Electric, Are the Batteries in Good Condition?
The most important thing to check when buying an electric golf cart is the condition of the battery pack. You should also find out if you will get a manufacturer’s warranty with your purchase.

If a warranty is included, spend some time researching the reliability of the manufacturer. The most common battery manufacturers for golf carts are US Battery, Crown, Trojan, and Interstate. You should double check the reputation of any other battery manufacturer.

You should also find out how old the batteries are. Batteries that are only a few years old, clean, and corrosion free should last several more years. If the batteries are five years old, covered in corrosion, or have bulging sides, they won’t last much longer.

5. Are the Tires in Good Shape?
Though tires aren’t hard to replace, you should make sure the tires are in good enough shape they’ll last at least a full year. You can tell whether a tire is in good condition if it has deep treads and no visible damage. Make sure the tires are inflated the way they should be and that they can retain the air once inside.

6. How Does the Golf Cart Run?
You should always take a used golf cart out for a test drive. During this drive, pay attention to how well the cart runs. Any odd noises, like clicking, grinding, or whining, are bad signs. The ride should be smooth and quiet. Any strange sounds could mean the golf cart has internal damages.

7. Who Is the Manufacturer?
Buying a used golf cart that was manufactured by a reputable company will be easier for you in the long run. If your cart ever needs repairs in the future, you know you’ll be able to find the parts you need. You will have more options to choose from should something go wrong with your cart.

8. Is the Cart Itself Damaged?
Because it has been used, the golf cart might have noticeable damage on the body. Small things like rust, faded paint, scratches, and dents don’t compromise the integrity of the cart. While you might want to take those things into consideration, they aren’t reasons to back off.

You can repair these things without spending a lot of money.

But keep an eye out for loose panels or more serious damages. It’s often not worth buying a used golf cart that’ll be expensive to repair.

9. What Features Does It Have?
Depending on what you plan to use it for, your golf cart might need specific features. If you want to ride your cart around your gated community, you’ll need different features than you would driving it through a golf course.

10. Is It Worth the Asking Price?
You want to make sure you’re getting your used golf cart for a fair price. Do some research to figure out the market prices for golf carts in your area. When you know how much other used golf carts sell for, you can negotiate the price with the seller.

Remember, added customizations or features will play a part in how much you’ll have to pay for the cart.

How to Buy Used Golf Carts
As long as you do your research, you can get a great deal on a used golf cart. Just make sure the cart has the features you need, is in good condition, and still runs well. And don’t forget to ask a lot of questions. That’s the most important part of buying a used golf cart.