With the golf cart market expanding, more and more used golf carts are out there for sale.
A used golf cart can save you thousands of dollars, but you have to know what to look for.
In addition to understanding the difference between used gas and electric carts, it’s also helpful to know the obvious signs of poor maintenance and upkeep.
We will break down for you everything to consider when buying a used golf cart, so you end up with a vehicle that suits your needs
Deciding Between Gas and Electric Golf Carts
The decision between gas and electric carts is the first one you have to make in this golf cart purchase process. Each has its pros and cons, and sometimes you’ll have no choice but to get one or the other.
Feature | Gas Golf Carts | Electric Golf Carts |
Power & Performance | Often achieve higher top speeds; suitable for heavy-duty use. | Offer more torque, better for hill-climbing and quick acceleration. |
Eco-Friendliness | Less eco-friendly due to exhaust emissions. | Zero emissions; more eco-friendly with silent operation. |
Running Costs | Higher due to fuel and maintenance costs. | Lower, mainly due to minimal service requirements. |
Maintenance | Requires more frequent service, including oil changes. | Less maintenance, but battery care is crucial. |
Convenience | Convenient for immediate refueling; can pull heavier loads. | Requires charging infrastructure but often has longer run times between charges. |
Power and Performance Comparison
Gas golf carts often achieve higher top speeds compared to electric golf carts, making them more suitable for heavy-duty use.
However, newer 48v electric carts often offer more torque, which improves their hill-climbing abilities and allows for quicker acceleration.
When weighing the power/performance of a gas cart vs. an electric cart, don’t forget to consider features like variable speed control. This feature enhances the driving experience by providing precise handling and improved safety, especially when cruising in communities.
Eco-Friendliness and Running Costs Comparison
In terms of eco-friendliness, electric golf carts offer several advantages on golf courses:
- Silent operation
- Zero exhaust emissions
- Cooler running temperatures
- Substantial reduction in environmental impact
Furthermore, electric carts often have lower running costs due to minimal service requirements and long-lasting batteries.
Maintenance Requirements Comparison
Electric golf carts generally require less upkeep due to fewer mechanical parts. However, proper battery maintenance is critical to preserving their lifespan.
Similarly, gas golf carts need oil changes 2-4 times a year (and other maintenance twice a year).
Whatever your choice, remember a well-maintained golf cart is safer, lasts longer, and has better resale value.
Inspecting a Pre-Owned Golf Cart
Once you’ve settled on the type of golf cart you want – gas or electric – the next exciting step is inspecting the pre-owned golf cart.
Bear in mind that looks can often be misleading. While a well-maintained appearance often indicates proper care, don’t overlook the importance of a test drive. It’s also crucial to check the golf cart’s tags and VIN number to ensure it is not stolen, which also aids in tracking the vehicle’s history
Inspection Area | Details to Check |
Body & Frame | Look for dents, scratches, rust, and flaking |
Tires | Check tread depth, patches, proper inflation, and even wear. |
Steering System | Ensure responsiveness and proper alignment during a test drive. |
Brakes | Listen for squeaking/grinding noises, check for firmness, and inspect for rust. |
Battery Health | For electric carts, assess battery age, maintenance signs and perform performance tests. |
Vehicle History | Verify the golf cart’s VIN and tags to ensure it’s not stolen and track history. |
Brand Reliability | Opt for carts from reputable manufacturers for better quality and parts availability. |
Test Drive | Always conduct a thorough test drive to assess overall performance and comfort. |
Body and Frame Inspection
Start your inspection of a pre-owned golf cart with the body and frame. Look for any damage, such as dents or scratches. These could indicate how well the previous owner maintained and stored the cart.
Evaluate the extent of rust on the frame. Significant rust could impact the golf cart’s stability and structural integrity.
Also, look for flaking powder coating on the frame. This could be an indication of existing or emerging rust issues. These issues could be more extensive than a simple paint job.
Tire Examination
After that, shift your focus to the tires. The condition of the tires can reveal a lot about the cart’s usage and potential lifespan. Check the tread depth to estimate the remaining lifespan of the tires. Also, examine the tires for patches or signs of previous repairs, which can indicate a history of damage.
Lastly, check for even wear and the same brand of tires on all wheels. Ultimately, replacing tires isn’t the end of the world, but it will cost you a few hundred dollars.
Steering and Brakes Check
Control is just as important as speed and power in an efficient golf cart. Test the cart’s steering responsiveness and alignment to ensure safety and proper functioning. An accurate and prompt response to your input indicates a proper alignment and functioning steering system.
Also, pay close attention to the golf cart’s brakes. Here are some things to check:
- Listen for squeaking or grinding noises when braking, as these could signal wear or damage to the brakes.
- Confirm that the brakes are firm and do not grind or squeal.
- Inspect for rust or corrosion around the brake backing plates.
Battery Health Assessment
Assessing the health of the batteries is a critical part of the inspection process for electric golf carts. Keep in mind that batteries can be the most expensive component of an electric golf cart to replace. Costs can be more than $1200.
Determining Battery Age
The age of a golf cart battery is discernible through a code inscribed on one of the battery terminals. This date code might also be positioned on a sticker on the battery’s top or side or imprinted on the side of the battery itself.
The code consists of letters that denote the month (with ‘A’ for January, ‘B’ for February, etc.) and a number that indicates the year of manufacture (where ‘6’ could mean 2016 or 2006).
Signs of Proper Battery Maintenance
A well-maintained golf cart battery typically features clean terminals without corrosion and has clear labeling and legible date codes.
Ensure there are no bulging sides or cracks on the battery case. Properly maintained batteries should display balanced voltage levels across cells, suggesting consistent and correct charging practices.
Testing Battery Performance
Use a multimeter to check the battery voltage after fully charging the battery. To do so, disconnect it from the charger and cart for an hour.
A hydrometer should be used to measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte solution in flooded batteries. If possible, consider load testing an AGM battery with the appropriate equipment or a professional’s help. That way, you’ll have a comprehensive picture of the battery’s condition.
Brand Matters: Choosing a Reliable Manufacturer
When purchasing a used golf cart, the brand should be one of your key considerations. Different brands may offer varying levels of quality and performance. Reputable golf cart brands like Club Car, E-Z-GO, and Yamaha are preferred due to their established trust and reputation in the market. Moreover, market demand for certain features or models influences the resale value of used golf carts.
Choosing a refurbished golf cart from a reputable brand like Club Car means easier access to spare parts, which simplifies maintenance and repairs.
Securing Proof of Purchase
Once you’ve inspected the golf cart and settled on a price, your next move should be to obtain proof of purchase. A bill of sale provides legal proof of purchase and details the specifics of the transaction, ensuring there is a formal record in case of future disputes or issues.
The bill of sale should include the legal names of the buyer and seller, the agreed-upon price, and specific details of the golf cart, such as make, model, and condition. You’ll need this information to get insurance to be able to use the cart on the golf course and in your community.
Summary
When buying a used golf cart, you may find that you are running a little short on storage space. To hold on to the value of the golf cart, it’s essential to store the cart in a space that offers shelter from UV rays, dust, rain, snow, and humidity. A 5’x10’ space will offer shelter and fit most golf carts.
Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace, provides safe, nearby, and budget-friendly storage units and garages for your golf cart. Note that an indoor space is a much better option than using a cover and putting the cart outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Miles Should a Golf Cart Go?
An electric cart typically has a range of 15 to 25 miles, while a gas cart can average 100 to 180 miles with a 4 to 6-gallon fuel tank. The choice depends on your needs and usage, such as maintenance work or leisure.
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Golf Cart?
The typical golf cart lasts for 5 to 7 years because of the batteries. However, once you replace the batteries, that cart should go for 20-30 years.
What to Look for When Buying an Electric Golf Cart?
When buying an electric golf cart, check the age, condition of the batteries, physical condition, and electrical components to ensure they function correctly.
Do Golf Carts Hold Their Value?
Golf carts can hold their value, but they need proper maintenance and storage to stay in good shape. The value of the golf cart will depreciate if it is not maintained carefully. Electric golf carts, specifically, depreciate based on the life of the batteries.