Buying Used Golf Carts | What to Look For

Buying a used golf cart is one of the most exciting and fulfilling things you can do! Golf carts in general are one of the best ways for you and your friends to not only play golf with, but also to cruise / travel around you neighborhood and community.

You are probably sitting there right now wracking your brain, comparing prices, taking a look at pros and cons of new golf carts vs. used golf carts and wondering which you should choose. While buying a used golf cart for sale can be super fun, it can also be a very confusing and time consuming process due to the broad range of styles and features that you can pick from.

But no worries! We have got you covered. Here, we are going to discuss our top 5 things to look for when buying a used golf cart. This list will be sure to make the used golf cart buying process much easier.

Top 5 Things to Consider When Buying Used Golf Carts

To start: While there is nothing wrong with buying brand new golf carts, if you already have your mind and most importantly, your budget set on a used golf cart, try not to buy into all the hype of a brand new golf cart. Buying a new golf cart is not always necessary and can be much much easier on your checkbook. There are so many awesome used golf carts, pre-owned golf carts and refurbished golf carts, you just have to know what to look for!

How Old Is The Golf Cart?

Believe it or not, most older golf carts are like a delicious fine wine: They just get better with age! Some however, can be sour grapes! It is very important to take the age of the golf cart that you are looking to buy into consideration. Paying attention to the:

• Make
• Model
• Serial Number

These two things, especially the model and serial number, will help to tell you how old / young the golf cart is. The make / model / serial number will also be super helpful to you as they will tell you how easy or how hard finding parts will be AND will help to make sure you get all the bells and whistles that you are seeking.

We also recommend asking the dealer / seller of the golf cart that you are potentially seeking to purchase, to show you how many hours or cycles are on the cart. This is essentially the same thing as mile on a used full size car. Many golf carts that are 2005 or newer track the cycles and hours (better known as “golf cart rounds”) on the controller (which is found internally on the golf cart).

RED FLAG ALERT: If the seller or dealer is reluctant to show you this information, then you may want to hard pass on that cart. Generally, if a seller or dealer does not want to show you the cycles and hours, they may be trying to “sugar-coat” or cover up the amount of rounds on the cart. Nobody wants to get stuck with a golf cart that has a zillion rounds on it, that will likely be in need of major repairs as soon as you pull it off the lot.

Does It Have The Features You Are Looking For?

As you have started to think about buying a used golf cart for sale, you have probably acquired a mental laundry list of all the features and requirements that you would like in your potential “new to you” golf car. It is super important to take all of these things into consideration as you are shopping around. You want to make sure that you are getting exactly what you want as a golf cart, new or used, is an investment. Golf carts generally last for YEARS so, you do not want to get stuck with something you are not happy with. A couple of tips for picking the perfect used golf cart for you:

• Pick a golf cart that best suits your lifestyle. If you live a more laid back lifestyle, a Club Car Precedent for cruising around your neighborhood may suit you best. If you plan to go off-roading in super rugged terrain, a lifted EZGO TXT may be the cart for you. It just all depends on your needs and lifestyle.
• Check and see if the golf cart needs to be licensed in your area. Many municipalities require a golf cart to be licensed. Not just to drive on the street, but just in general. It is always best to check as you are shopping around.
• Research all the awesome Golf Cart Accessories that you would like. There are SO MANY golf car accessories out there from  Golf Cart Rear Flip Seat Kits to a Golf Cart Gun Rack. The possibilities are endless and most used golf carts come with many accessories ready to go!
• Make sure the golf cart is comfortable to drive. Always take the cart for a spin if applicable. You want to get a good feel for the cart and make sure that you are completely comfortable and confident in the driver’s seat. It also helps to rule out any funny noises or driving issues.

RED FLAG ALERT: If the seller or dealer does not want to let you test drive the golf cart, you may want to pass. Generally, if a dealer or seller does not want to let you take the cart for a short test drive, they may be trying to cover up some serious issues with the golf car.

What Condition Are The Batteries In?

The ugly truth is: Batteries are expensive. You know it, I know it, we all know it. For this very reason, we ALWAYS suggest to our customers when they ask our advice on what to look for when buying a used golf cart, are the batteries.

When you are purchasing a used electric golf cart, you want to make certain that the batteries / battery pack is in good condition. Bad batteries are just an added expense to the buying experience and it can be avoided.

A few tips for what to look for:

• Check the condition of the batteries. Are they badly corroded, bulging at the sides and all around yucky lookin’? Or are they clean and corrosion free? You will always want to opt for batteries that are free of any corrosion, dirt, grime and bulging. Even if they are not BRAND NEW  Golf Cart Batteries, they may still be just fine if they have been cared for properly.
• Ask if there is a manufacturer’s warranty included with the batteries. This is a great thing to have for those “just in case” moments.
• Check the brand of the batteries. There are sooooo many battery manufacturers out there, but not all are made to last.  Trojan Golf Cart Batteries and US Batteries are excellent brands and last a long time.
• How old are the batteries? Asking the seller / dealer to help you verify the age of the batteries is always helpful. Golf cart batteries that are a year old or less and look to be in great condition should be set for the next couple years without needing to be replaced.

Ask a ton of questions. This is probably self-explanatory but, there are no stupid questions! Ask so many questions so that you may become comfortable not only with the golf cart, but with the seller.

Used Golf Cart Or Refurbished Golf Cart?

As you are shopping and browsing around, you will surely be seeing the words “used” and “refurbished” a whole lot. But what is the difference, if any? There are underlying differences between a used golf cart and a refurbished golf cart and know those differences can help a ton when it comes to making the final decision:

A refurbished golf cart is a cart that was used solely on the golf course for several years and now is being sold to the public as “reconditioned / refurbished”

A used golf cart is any other pre-owned golf cart whether it be previously owned by a dealer, private seller, Joe down the street, etc.

Refurbished golf carts are attractive to a lot of folks as they are generally very well maintained by golf courses. Most golf courses will also have record of all the repairs and maintenance work done on the golf cart over the years (almost like a “CarFax” type deal) so, you will have that reference right out of the gate. If you do end up going the refurbished route, make sure that you verify that the golf cart was reconditioned by a certified dealer that holds a good reputation.

Used golf carts are also equally attractive to most people. Reason being, most of the time, because of the lower price tag. Most used golf carts will sell for much less and be way easier on the pocketbook than a refurbished golf cart and carry the same maintenance record, good up-keep and new parts / pieces. Lots of dealers and individual sellers take great care of their golf carts and you can get a super deal if you check out used golf carts in your area.

Is The Asking Price Worth It?

We saved the best for last. Seemingly the most important factor when considering purchasing a used golf cart or refurbished golf cart is, the price tag.

Do your research on the going prices for golf carts in your local area, shop around and compare prices along with pros & cons and most of all, make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck.

Do not be afraid to negotiate! Much like buying a full size vehicle, there is an element of “wheeling and dealing” to be had when purchasing a golf cart. Come ready with your research and you will be sure to get a great deal!

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Further Read 

Golf Cart Running Slow? 5 Common Reasons Why

The Best Places To Take Your Golf Cart This Summer

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