Golf carts aren’t just a good way to get around golf courses. Unlike normal cars, they’re an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. But how do you know you got the best one for your money? When it comes to buying the best golf cart, it’s all about knowing what you’re buying, doing the right research, and asking the right questions.
Keep reading to learn how to choose the best golf cart for your needs.
Best Golf Cart: Should I Buy New or Used?
Whether you buy a new or used golf cart depends on your preference and your budget. Like regular cars, new and used golf carts come with their own advantages and disadvantages.
For example, a used golf cart won’t cost as much as a new one, but it might also have mechanical problems you aren’t aware of when you buy it. You know new golf carts will be in good condition and have all the right accessories, but you have to be willing to shell out more money for it.
Again, there is no right or wrong answer to this question.
The best thing to do when buying is to spend some time researching what you’re getting and asking the seller a lot of questions. And be prepared to spend some time finding the right cart for your needs.
What to Know When You Buy a Used Cart
Don’t let the cart’s age turn you away. Most carts can last a long time, so just because a used golf cart is from the 90s or even 80s doesn’t mean it’s a bad deal.
Instead, focus your attention on the history of the golf cart. See if you can find the maintenance history of the care to make sure it was taken care of. If you’re looking at an electric golf cart, check the age of the batteries. You should also make sure the previous owner stored the electric cart in the proper way.
If you’re friends with someone who knows a lot about golf carts, take them with you to inspect the golf cart. Take a test drive with them. They’ll be able to let you know if you’re getting a good deal.
Keep an eye out for things like leaks, noises, or other oddities during the test drive. Remember, you’re buying this golf cart as is. Most used carts don’t offer any warranties.
What to Know When You Buy a New Cart
When you’re buying a new golf cart, spend some time shopping around for the best price. Because new golf carts are much more expensive than used carts, it can be helpful to compare various prices to find the best deal.
You should also do some background research about the dealer you’re buying from. Look at reviews online or from people you know who have shopped their before. This will ensure you don’t get ripped off.
The other important thing to look at when buying a new cart is the warranty. Your new golf cart should come with a warranty. If it doesn’t, you might want to shop somewhere else.
A warranty protects you if something happens to your golf cart. There’s nothing worse than spending more money to repair a brand new golf cart.
Should I Get a Gas or Electric Golf Cart?
Some people think electric golf carts cost more money to maintain because you have to change the batteries. While it’s true these batteries can be expensive, maintaining an electric golf cart costs about the same amount of money as maintaining a gas golf cart.
Why?
Because you have to change the oil, fuel, filters, and belts of your gas golf cart. And you only have to replace the batteries in an electric golf cart once every five to seven years.
So choosing between the two doesn’t come down to cost. Instead, it comes down to a few other things.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons that come with both choosing between electric and gas golf carts.
Pros of Electric Golf Carts
The batteries in an electric golf cart last over five years. This means you don’t have to do a lot of maintenance to keep your cart in good shape. As long as you’re taking care of your batteries and the battery charger, you don’t have to worry about anything else.
They also make less noise than gas golf carts, and they don’t produce any carbon emissions. In other words, they don’t create any pollution. This makes them better for the environment.
Pros of Gas Golf Carts
Gas powered golf carts are faster than electric carts. They have better-pulling power, and you don’t have to charge any batteries before you use them. If you run out of gas, all you have to do is get your cart a refill.
Because gas golf carts are faster than electric carts, you can often drive them on normal roads. This makes it easier to get around. Electric carts aren’t always allowed on roads because they can’t reach the minimum speed limit.
Cons of Electric Golf Carts
You have to charge electric golf carts before you drive them, and this can take a while. It can also be difficult to tell if your batteries need to be recharged. If your cart runs out of charge while you’re driving it, you either have to push your cart home or wait for someone to tow it.
And again, electric golf carts are slower than gas golf carts. They don’t do as well on hills or rough courses.
Cons of a Gas Golf Carts
You’ll need to perform more maintenance on your gas golf cart. Remember, it needs oil changes and regular tune-ups.
Gas golf carts also create pollution. Though it’s easy to fill your tank up with gas, that gas can be dangerous if you run the cart in an enclosed space.
Buying the Best Golf Cart
There isn’t one specific golf cart you have to buy. Rather, when buying the best cart for your needs, consider things like your budget, the type of cart you want to drive, and your personal preference. As long as you ask detailed questions about your cart, you can get a good deal on a used or new cart.
Ready to buy a new or used cart? Take a look at some of these options.
