The Easy Way to Shop for Golf Carts

Golf carts: They are fun. They are trendy. They are luxurious.

Naturally, you want one, and it’s a great decision too. But, what golf cart should you buy? There are so many brands, engine variants, and features to consider. Should you buy a brand-new golf cart, a used golf cart, or a refurbished one?
Golf Cart Resource will help point you in the right direction and help you arrive at a decision that will make the best sense for your unique requirements. Think of Golf Cart Resource as your source for everything ‘golf carts’. For a detailed guide on purchasing golf carts, check out our detailed guides.

Golf Cart Usage

Perhaps you are thinking, “Well, for carrying around my golf equipment!”
While that is true, golf carts have evolved over the years to fulfill a unique set of requirements in various establishments. Modern golf carts are not only used by golfers, but also by a variety of other people. Some of these use cases are:

• Transportation around Town and/or Master Planned Communities
• Campus patrolling
• Transportation in fields
• In large estates
• Airport security patrols
• Entertainment venue patrols
• Even at wedding venues for photo ops.

Now, depending on your purpose, the right choice often varies. For example, entertainment venues generally have fixed work hours, which means that you get plenty of time to recharge your electric golf cart. In a field, you’ll likely need something more rugged and powerful, which may demand a gas-powered golf cart. You can even get custom-built golf carts for sale if you have a unique requirement. So, consider your specific purpose and decide on what features you want in your golf cart.

Do Golf Cart Brands Matter? Absolutely.

The best golf cart brands not only make great products but also offer outstanding “after sales support”. Some of the most trusted brands for golf carts include Club Car, E-Z-GO, Yamaha, Tomberlin, Star EV and Polaris Gem, among many others.

New vs Old vs Refurbished Golf Carts

If budget is not a constraint, then go for a new golf cart. Period. New golf carts offer the best value for money. You get a manufacturer warranty and complete peace of mind that there’s nothing wrong with your vehicle.

On the other hand, if a budget limits you, then the choice between a used golf cart and a refurbished golf cart can be tricky for several reasons. Firstly, there’s no way of telling whether a refurbished golf cart has actually been refurbished inside-out. Many times, refurbished golf carts only have their aesthetics restored. The engine and other internal parts tend to be old. So, if you really want a refurbished golf cart, find a certified/reputable Dealer. Check if they offer a decent warranty and what’s covered in the warranty. Do your due diligence. Pre-owned golf carts can be quite tricky. If you do decide to buy a used golf cart, an electric golf cart may be a better option. It has relatively fewer moving parts and therefore, is likely in a better condition. However, if you are knowledgeable in terms of engines and are confident that you can ascertain the quality of the vehicle before you, then you can even go for a gas golf cart. In any case, ask a lot of questions – about age, usage, condition, prior repairs, warranty, and so on – before making the decision.

Electric Golf Cart Batteries

This one applies only for electric golf cart batteries. It deserves a separate section of its own, because batteries are the most important part in an electric golf cart. Firstly, check the battery’s brand. Make sure that it’s one of the top manufacturers like US Battery, Trojan, Interstate, or Crown. If it’s any other manufacturer’s battery, then you must do some research to ascertain their reliability.

Secondly, if you are buying a used golf cart, then check the age of the battery.

Lastly, make sure that the battery’s shape is intact. If you have a bulging battery, it’s a sign that the battery’s better years are behind it.

Golf Cart Prices

Understand this – there’s no perfect price for a golf cart. The price depends on what you want from your golf cart. The more features, the better quality, and the better condition you desire from your golf cart, the pricier they get.

In general, gas golf carts tend to be pricier than electric golf carts. They also have a higher number of moving parts, which make them more prone to wear and tear, which in turn makes them more expensive to maintain.

Black Friday golf cart deals are the best, but you cannot wait for them all year long. Thankfully, there are plenty of other sales throughout the year where you can get great deals on the prices.

Golf Cart Reviews

There is no better source of information about a product than the individual who has used it. They will give it to you straight. Customer reviews offer you a great deal of honest information on golf carts rather than your local golf cart dealers. Check golf cart reviews to get a general idea of which brands, products, and models are reliable, inexpensive to maintain, and offer value for money.

Test Drive the Golf Cart

Nothing beats a hands-on experience with a vehicle. The sound, the vibrations, the ease of movement – everything gives you a new perspective on the condition of the vehicle. So, check with dealers, especially used golf cart dealers, whether you can take their model for a test drive.

The golf cart must offer a smooth drive, even on a slightly uneven surface. The seats must be comfortable. Most important of all, pay close attention to the responsiveness of the golf cart. Is it easy to maneuver? Does it offer resistance? Are all the buttons easy to operate?

Lastly, check the brakes. Whether it’s a new golf cart or an old one, the brakes must be in great shape.