New golf carts are incredibly expensive and can cost the same price as a small car.
These electric carts or gas-powered carts are a fantastic way for many golfers to get around the course, some with injuries and others just looking to enjoy their round more.
So, buying a used electric golf cart is the perfect cost-effective solution for most golfers.
However, unless you know what you’re looking for, that one cost-effective solution can become a financial burden later.
Today, you will learn what to look for to ensure you get a great deal and eliminate any future golf cart-related stresses.
Enjoy!
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Firstly, How Old Is The Golf Cart
Golf carts are made to last a long time, so many old models are still on the market today.
Some of them still run as well as new, and if you have a soft spot for a more traditional-looking cart, you could make a good find.
Of course, not all carts age well, and even if they do, there are still problems that come with age that can’t be avoided.
One is that the older the cart, the more hours/cycles around golf courses it has. This can mean that the parts are worn or are about to blow.
Obviously, this isn’t always the case, but even if it’s in good condition now doesn’t mean it will always be.
When this happens, and something goes wrong, sourcing your prehistoric golf cart’s parts can become a nightmare.
Depending on its age, the manufacturer may no longer make spare parts for that model, meaning you would have to search everywhere and pay whatever it costs.
So, how can you find out how old the cart is? Well, firstly ask for the make and model of the cart and look it up.
Some dealerships may not be upfront about this, so to be sure, ask for the serial number and the hours/cycles of the cart.
The first two digits of a serial number will tell you the year it was made.
Check Out The Batteries Next
Batteries are expensive and are one of the only parts that will need replacing for the rest of a golf cart’s lifetime if you want it to maintain good speed or performance.
Checkout our blog that tells you “How Long Does A Golf Cart Battery Last?“.
After finding out how old the used cart is, you should immediately ask to see the batteries.
Regardless of the age of the electric golf cart, if the batteries are not in good condition, they probably haven’t been changed or maintained.
Which means your bank account could get burned shortly after buying and replacing them.
Batteries are important for the golf cart to work properly, bad batteries can lead to the cart not starting or even reversing.
Look to see how much dirt is built up, if there is lots of corrosion, and especially make sure they aren’t bulging on the sides.
If everything looks good, check to see what battery brand they are and if they are still under manufacturer warranty. The brand is important as some are more reliable than others.
Finally, check how old they are.
You can simply ask the owner, obviously if they are reluctant to tell you it’s not a good sign.
There is a way you can tell yourself, as most batteries have a serial number. The way they normally work is that the first letter represents a month, so A would be for January, and so on.
The letter will be followed by a number, and the number is the year. For example, C9 would mean the batteries were made in March 2009.
Overall, batteries can be tricky as you can find new ones that were not taken care of properly or old ones that were.
But by working through these tips, you can make a more informed decision.
Look At The Tires
Ideally, when buying a golf cart, you want the tires on it to last up to a year after purchase. Now, tires might not be the most expensive to replace, but either way, they should be fresh enough.
Be on the lookout for shallow grooves, visible damage, and if they are properly inflated.
Shallow grooves mean that they are worn down, which compromises the grip. A bad grip means less control, and they will drain your battery faster.
Your wheels will need more RPMs to do the same job as tires with great grip, which transfers more force into the ground.
Check also to see if there is more wear on one side of the cart than the other. Crooked frames, different brand tires, and alignment problems can cause this.
One last check you can do is to check the tire pressure before and after a test drive. If the pressure drops, there could be a slight puncture.
Ask About Any Warranties
Buying from someone privately can be risky as you won’t be entitled to any money back or help should something go wrong.
Buying from a dealer is different altogether. You should check to see if a warranty comes with the cart, what parts it covers, and for how long it lasts.
You may be told you have a year’s warranty and think you’ve got a fantastic deal. But weeks later, when the brakes go, you bring the car back, and they say the warranty doesn’t cover breaks.
Some offer electrical, others mechanical, excluding wear and tear parts, or if you’re buying from a good dealer fully comprehensive warranty.
So ask as many questions as you can. Remember that the older the cart is, the less it will be covered under warranty.
Any Noticeable Signs Of Damage
Okay, obviously you have to be a little more understanding of damage with older electric golf carts than you would with newer models.
It’s not a deal breaker if you notice a little dent, a tiny amount of rust, or some scratches.
However, a golf cart with a good few dents, rust, multiple scratches, and torn seat fabrics is a red flag.
An owner who really looked after their cart would have none of the above, or at least not all of them.
A wreckless owner who might have toppled the cart goofing around, storing it improperly, and acting like an idiot will have all the scars above to go with it.
Make sure to check where you can’t see. Check under the seats for excessive rust or damage to the frame you wouldn’t see from a first glance.
Check The Brakes
Brakes will often pick up the most wear and tear of any other golf cart parts.
You should always check them before buying a golf cart and they are relatively easy to check over.
Look for excessive amounts of rust around the brake plates, and during your test drive, make sure they are responsive.
What we mean by that is when you press your foot down, the golf cart slows down accordingly.
If you press down and it feels like the actual stop is slower than it should be they are more than likely worn. Another sure tell sign they are on their way out is if they squeal as you brake.
Brakes are not the most expensive part to replace, but you don’t want to be flying down the golf course, jamming on the brakes, and ending up in a lake or taking out your golf partners!
Always Take It For A Test Drive
Don’t ever buy a golf cart without driving it first. Driving the cart yourself will allow you to discover more potential issues you otherwise would be unaware of.
When driving the cart, you should listen for strange or unusual noises. You’re looking for squeals, grinding, thumping, rubbing, or loud humming.
Any of these could indicate mechanical problems with the cart.
You also want to see how it rides, ideally, it should ride smoothly and not be hopping around. If you find the ride particularly uncomfortable, rough, or bouncy, then once again, it’s a sign of potential trouble.
As always, the older the cart, the more leeway you have to give, and the newer the cart, the less you should give.
Lastly, how does it respond to your motions? When you turn the wheel left, does the cart’s response feel delayed, or does the wheel itself feel loose?
Remember to check the cart’s tracking. When on a flat surface, temporarily let go of the wheel, and if it starts veering off in one direction, the tracking is off.
Is It A Refurbished Golf Cart
This applies mainly to older carts.
Many dealers refurbish older carts to be as good as new. They fix any damage, add new paint and tires, and replace most of the old parts.
However, just because the dealer told you it’s refurbished, look for receipts of improvements made.
After all, they could have just hit it a couple of times with a power washer, put new tires on, and made no changes to the mechanical parts.
After all, it’s more important that it runs for a long time rather than looking good.
So always look for receipts and the car’s service history when buying refurbished carts.
Does The Seller Seem Okay Or Shifty
Lastly, how do you feel about the seller and their behaviors?
Did they answer all your questions, provide you with all the information, offer a good warranty, and give you a good service?
If they did then they are more likely to be a good seller.
However, if they hesitate, withhold information, or start stuttering when it comes to warranty talks, they are probably shady and only want to sell golf carts to some gullible shmucks.
You can never go wrong with doing a Google search to check out the background or reviews of local golf cart dealerships.
But ultimately, trust your gut!
Enjoyed this post? Checkout the one below too while you’re here!