Used golf carts – What to look for when buying
If you are looking for a used golf cart, there are several things that you should consider before making your purchase. Used golf carts are generally less expensive than new ones, but they also have more risk for the buyer. So although you might be able to save some money, you also want to do your due diligence to ensure that you really get value for your money.
The first thing to consider is how old the golf cart is. This will help you determine how much it has been driven. You can retrieve the year by looking at the serial number. If the serial number is missing, you may want to think twice about your purchase. Apart from the possibility that it was stolen or in case of an accident, you could also have to deal with an unfair salesman who does not reveal all the facts.
The next thing to think about is location. Many golf courses and country clubs update their fleet every few years, which means that many used golf carts can be bought at any time. Although golfers may not always treat rented golf carts as carefully as their own golf courses, most golf courses have a crew that keeps the carts working well. Consider in which region the used golf cart comes from, so that you can make an informed estimate of how much it has been driven. Sunny California, for example, has a much longer golf season than the bleak Upper North West.
Another thing to think about are the accessories that come with the cart. If you buy a custom-made used golf cart, it may be accessorized with things like custom golf carts, a radio in the dashboard or mounted cooling fans. If this is the case, you will probably pay more than if it were a bare golf cart. If you purchase the car from another state, you want a written statement with all the accessories that are delivered before it is shipped.
Price is probably the biggest problem when it comes to making a big purchase. Generally you can find a good used golf cart anywhere in the range of $ 2000 to $ 4000 USD; or more if it is adjusted. If it is much less than $ 2,000, it may require some major repairs and the repairs may cost you more than the money you saved on the purchase. But of course this is only a general guideline. If you look around long enough, you might get a nice deal.
It is also a good idea to test the golf cart if you are able to do so. Just as with testing a normal vehicle, this helps you to get a feeling. Pay attention to how it handles and the type of power it has, and consider whether it is sufficient for your needs. If you drive up steep slopes or carry heavy loads, make sure the cart can handle it.
Determining the type of condition in which the used cart is located will help you gain confidence that you will receive a good treatment. Used golf carts are usually advertised as "As Is" or "Reconditioned". If you buy "As Is", you get the car as it is, without any form of inspection. This can save you some money, but it also means that you get all the problems that the golf cart already has. But if you are mechanically inclined, you may be able to carry out the necessary repairs yourself and save some money.
If you prefer to play in a safe way, you probably want to buy "overhauled." This means that the seller has carried out a thorough inspection and has remedied any problems that the golf cart might have. Although you probably pay more, refurbished cars are often supplied with a limited warranty or warranty. A limited warranty of 30 to 90 days from the date of sale is quite common when buying a refurbished golf cart. Just ask the dealer.