Buying A Used Golf Cart: Key Considerations - Neighbor Blog

With the golf cart market expanding, more and more used golf carts are out there for sale. 

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit our website.

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. 

FeatureGas Golf CartsElectric Golf CartsPower & PerformanceOften achieve higher top speeds; suitable for heavy-duty use.Offer more torque, better for hill-climbing and quick acceleration.Eco-FriendlinessLess eco-friendly due to exhaust emissions.Zero emissions; more eco-friendly with silent operation.Running CostsHigher due to fuel and maintenance costs.Lower, mainly due to minimal service requirements.MaintenanceRequires more frequent service, including oil changes.Less maintenance, but battery care is crucial.ConvenienceConvenient 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 AreaDetails to CheckBody & FrameLook for dents, scratches, rust, and flaking TiresCheck tread depth, patches, proper inflation, and even wear.Steering SystemEnsure responsiveness and proper alignment during a test drive.BrakesListen for squeaking/grinding noises, check for firmness, and inspect for rust.Battery HealthFor electric carts, assess battery age, maintenance signs and perform performance tests.Vehicle HistoryVerify the golf cart&#;s VIN and tags to ensure it&#;s not stolen and track history.Brand ReliabilityOpt for carts from reputable manufacturers for better quality and parts availability.Test DriveAlways 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 $. 

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 or ).

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. 

Shenzhen Bak Power Battery Product Page

Electric golf carts are becoming increasingly popular for personal, recreational, and business use. Whether you&#;re looking to cruise around a golf course or a gated community, the convenience and eco-friendly nature of these carts make them a top choice. However, deciding whether to lease or buy an electric golf cart is an important financial decision. Understanding the cost implications of both options can help you make the best choice for your needs.

At EV Titan, we provide customers with high-quality electric golf carts designed for long-term use. If you&#;re on the fence about leasing versus buying, let&#;s dive into the pros and cons of each and determine which option might be cheaper in the long run.

1. Initial Cost Comparison

One of the most significant factors when comparing leasing and buying an electric golf cart is the initial cost.

• Leasing

  : Leasing typically involves a lower upfront payment compared to buying. You&#;ll generally need to pay a security deposit, along with fixed monthly payments throughout the lease term. The initial cost is more manageable for those who want to spread out expenses over time. Leasing can also be attractive if you only need the cart for a short period or prefer to upgrade to newer models when your lease expires.

• Buying

  : Purchasing an electric golf cart outright involves a higher upfront cost. The full price of the cart is paid upfront unless you finance the purchase. However, once you buy the cart, you own it, which means no ongoing payments beyond maintenance and insurance. Over time, the total cost of ownership can be less expensive than leasing, especially if you plan to keep the cart for many years.

While leasing offers a lower initial investment, buying becomes more cost-effective over the long term as there are no recurring lease payments.

2. Maintenance Responsibilities and Costs

Another major consideration when comparing leasing vs. buying an electric golf cart is the cost of maintenance.

• Leasing

  : Many lease agreements include maintenance services, such as routine check-ups, repairs, and sometimes even battery replacements. This can be a significant advantage for those who don&#;t want the hassle or cost of maintaining a golf cart. Having maintenance covered in the lease agreement also provides peace of mind, as there are fewer unexpected expenses.

• Buying

  : When you own an electric golf cart, all maintenance and repair costs are your responsibility. Regular tasks such as battery checks, tire replacement, and brake servicing can add up over time, especially after the manufacturer&#;s warranty expires. However, buying gives you control over how and when the maintenance is performed, allowing you to shop around for better deals on repairs.

The inclusion of maintenance in leasing can be a huge money-saver, but buyers have the flexibility to handle repairs on their terms, which can also be a cost advantage in the long run.

3. Depreciation and Resale Value

When you own an electric golf cart, depreciation is a key factor that affects your long-term costs.

• Buying

  : Electric golf carts, like all vehicles, depreciate over time. The rate of depreciation varies based on the brand, model, and how well you maintain the cart. While buying allows you to eventually sell the cart and recoup some of the initial investment, depreciation means that the resale value will always be lower than what you paid. Additionally, if you plan to customize or modify your golf cart, you might affect its resale value&#;either positively or negatively.

• Leasing

  : When leasing, you don&#;t have to worry about depreciation or the resale value. At the end of the lease term, you return the golf cart to the dealer without the hassle of selling or dealing with depreciation losses. Leasing is ideal for those who prefer not to deal with the long-term decline in value that comes with ownership.

Depreciation is inevitable for buyers, but leasing offers an easy exit with no concern about losing value over time.

4. Flexibility and Ownership Control

• Leasing

  : Leasing an electric golf cart provides greater flexibility, especially if you like the idea of upgrading to a newer model every few years. When your lease ends, you can simply return the cart and lease a newer version with the latest features. However, one downside of leasing is the lack of control over modifications. Most lease agreements restrict you from customizing the golf cart to your preferences.

• Buying

  : When you buy, you have full control over the golf cart. You can customize and modify the cart as much as you like, adding features such as upgraded seating, better batteries, or a premium sound system. Ownership gives you the freedom to personalize your cart, but it also requires a long-term commitment to the cart you choose.

If you&#;re someone who enjoys customizing your golf cart, buying may be the better option. However, if flexibility and the ability to upgrade frequently are more important to you, leasing provides an easy solution.

5. Long-Term Financial Considerations

The decision to lease or buy an electric golf cart often comes down to your long-term financial goals.

• Buying

  : If you plan to use the cart for many years, buying is generally more cost-effective. While the initial investment is higher, you&#;ll avoid ongoing lease payments, and after you pay off the cart, the only recurring costs will be maintenance and insurance. Over the long term, buying allows you to save money, particularly if you don&#;t need the latest model every few years.

• Leasing

  : Leasing is a great option for short-term use or if you prefer not to commit to owning a golf cart. However, the ongoing monthly payments can add up over multiple lease terms, making it more expensive in the long run compared to buying. Leasing is often a good choice for businesses or individuals who only need the cart temporarily.

6. Tax Implications and Incentives

There can be tax advantages for both leasing and buying an electric golf cart, especially if you&#;re using it for business purposes.

• Buying

  : When you purchase a golf cart, you may be eligible for tax deductions based on the depreciation of the cart or other business-related incentives.

• Leasing

  : Lease payments may also be written off as a business expense if you use the cart for commercial purposes. However, it&#;s important to consult with a tax advisor to understand the specific benefits available in your area.

Which is Cheaper for You?

Ultimately, the decision to lease vs buy an electric golf cart depends on your personal needs and how long you plan to use the cart. If you prefer flexibility, frequent upgrades, and minimal responsibility for maintenance, leasing might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you&#;re looking for long-term savings and control over your golf cart, buying could be more cost-effective.

At EV Titan, we specialize in high-quality electric golf carts designed for longevity and performance. Whether you&#;re considering leasing or buying, our team is here to help you find the best option for your needs. You can explore our collection of electric golf carts and find a dealer of our golf carts to get started today.

By carefully weighing the pros and cons of both options, you&#;ll be able to make an informed decision that suits your budget and lifestyle.