Top Tips for Buying Your First Golf Cart
Golf carts are a significant investment. Some of them can cost as much as a car, so when you decide to invest in one, make sure to do your research first. To ensure that you have all the relevant information at your disposal before purchasing your recreation vehicle, explore what to consider before buying a golf cart.
New vs. Used
One of the first things to consider when buying a golf cart is if you want a new one or a used one. If your budget is tight, you can save money with a used cart. Since there aren’t vehicle histories for golf carts, look for a reliable seller that will offer a warranty or return policy if you are unsatisfied with the vehicle.
Like cars, golf carts depreciate, but it’s at a slower rate. So, if you want a new cart custom-built to your preferences, you don’t have to worry as much about not being able to sell it for a reasonable price later on.
How Old Is It?
If you decide to go with a used cart, you’ll want to investigate how old the vehicle is. Since carts don’t track mileage, the year will give you the best indicator of how much use the cart has seen. Also, the older a vehicle, the harder it will be to find the correct parts, so make sure that its components haven’t been discontinued.
Gas vs. Electric
Golf carts are either powered by gas or electricity. The majority operate on electricity; however, street- legal or off-roading carts often use gas for added power. The gas engine will allow you to drive faster and with more horsepower over rugged terrain, but over time it can be more expensive as you must pay for refuels. Also, there is more maintenance with gas carts as you have to keep the fuel lines, gas tank, and engine in top working condition.
You can charge your electric cart in the garage, and the plug doesn’t require special installation like a car’s charging port. All you should need is to plug your cart’s charger into a three-prong outlet. The biggest drawback to an electric cart is that the limited battery makes long-distance travel difficult because you need to recharge it at home when needed—an inconvenience for anyone planning on driving it in the street.
Which Brand?
There are three giants in cart manufacturing—Club Cart, Yamaha, and E-Z-Go. Each cart has its own parts, advantages, and disadvantages. However, another factor that often gets overlooked is if they have a dealer or have partnered with a local repair shop to provide repair services. If you buy a new cart, your warranty might be tied to only using authorized mechanics. So, you’ll want to make sure that you can conveniently get repairs when necessary. When deciding between two similar models, the deciding factor might come down to which brand has a local dealership.
What Modifications Do You Need?
If you plan to use your golf cart anywhere besides paved paths and fairways, there are probably a few modifications you should consider to improve drivability. If you plan on off-roading at all, you’ll need a lift kit for your golf cart to give you added clearance and stability over the harsh terrain. Also, with a lift kit, you can install off-roading tires. Then, you can add a light bar to improve visibility at night. If you already have some specific modifications already in mind, you can look for a used cart that already has the installed changes to save money.
After checking out what to consider before buying a golf cart, you won’t overlook any detail when making your purchase.
