A Smarter Way to Buy a Golf Cart
December 26, 2009 by Julie Potts
Filed under Golf
In the current economy, used golf carts are a cost saving move for companies who need the ability to haul heavy loads but do not have the reserve cash to buy brand new carts. The standard upgrade time on golf carts for most country clubs is about three or four years. This makes them a perfect source to consider for purchasing a used cart.
Private golf courses primarily sell golf carts “as-is.” They inspect the carts for any kind of major damage, but often will not do refurbishing or cleaning just to sell their fleets. This work is a part of their regular maintenance.
There are no warranties for as-is carts. You take the risk of having to repair it yourself when you buy it.
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.
If you are purchasing a refurbished cart from a golf cart dealer, there will likely have been lots of cleaning and reupholstering done. You can even get a 30- or 60-day warranty and choose different seats, upholstery or paint jobs.
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 is extremely important for golf carts, especially if they are used. Gas-powered carts, which always need new air filters, oil changes and spark plugs, require ongoing maintenance. The electric carts will require the most attention to batteries, which need to keep a safe water level and need to be changed every two years.
Expect to spend about $2,000 for a used golf cart. New carts cost about $4,000. Most of the used golf carts at country clubs are electric carts, so if you want a gas cart, you probably will have to go through a dealer. Remember to ask lots of questions and compare the prices and cart quality of several sources.
The Golf Cart Covers Guide was established to help people learn about golf cart covers.
