Golf carts that are not used on a golf course are used as utility carts or transportation. Many businesses and individuals have a need to haul heavy loads but cannot afford the $4,000 it may cost to purchase a brand new cart. One economic measure is to consider a used cart from a country club or a dealer. Private golf courses upgrade their cart fleets every three or four years.

If you are purchasing a golf cart from a private golf course, more than likely you will be buying the cart “as is.” This means they will probably have been inspected for major damage, but there will have been no cleaning or other kinds of refurbishing.

One of the drawbacks of as-is sales is the fact that there are no warranties. You must understand that you are agreeing to do all repairs and upgrades yourself.

Make sure that you test-drive the cart before paying for it. Add weight to it and drive it up a hill to see how well the motor runs. Look at the body of the cart for signs of rust or to see if there have been any replacement parts.

Unlike country club purchases, buying directly from a golf cart dealer will ensure you have a cart that has been refurbished with presentable upholstery and cleaning. Dealers also offer 30- to 60-day warranties in case you need a different feature on your cart.

You should remember not to ever settle for the first golf cart that you run across. There is always the possibility of a better deal. Make sure you talk to several dealers or visit several country clubs to find the best deal for your budget.

Maintenance is extremely important for golf carts, especially if they are used. Gas-powered carts, which always need new air filters, oil changes and spark plugs, require ongoing maintenance. The electric carts will require the most attention to batteries, which need to keep a safe water level and need to be changed every two years.

Expect to spend about $2,000 for a used golf cart. New carts cost about $4,000. Most of the used golf carts at country clubs are electric carts, so if you want a gas cart, you probably will have to go through a dealer. Remember to ask lots of questions and compare the prices and cart quality of several sources.

Popularity: 11% [?]