Some people use golf carts for more than just golfing. A good example is Lake Las Vegas, where homeowners typically buy carts for visiting neighbors, go to the shops, or go out for dinner. Some communities have even adopted street-legal golf cart policies, which generally mean a golf cart with headlights, tail lights, turn signals, brake lights, horns, mirrors, and a windshield. Some insurance companies ask for a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to insure your cart. Golf carts come in many styles and sizes. A new entry-level cart costs about $10,000, with two-passenger provisions and a slot for your golf equipment. You can also move the equipment to a rear seat to make it a four-passenger cart. For lifted models with bigger wheels, tires, and lift kits with heavier springs and shocks, that’s an extra $1,000. If you use a golf cart only when playing golf, go for a golf cart rental service instead.
You can tell a person’s personality by what type of cart they prefer; a bright lime green color is for a strong Type A person, while the black golf cart is suited for the more subtle Type B personality. Most regular buyers prefer black golf carts or blue golf carts. Customization is an option, where you can have a dazzling look with different seat colors and styles, bright roof colors, or a simple blacked-out golf cart. It all depends on your budget and preference.
Golf carts are some of the nation’s most used utility vehicles. These cheery, boxy utility carts can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour and hold between two and 10 passengers, making them truly the best designed vehicles for the purposes of golf and other leisurely country club activities. If you’re in the market for used golf carts, we want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck. To this end, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping around for used golf carts:
1. Get a warranty.
Shopping for used golf carts is a lot like shopping for used cars. You and the dealer are usually locked in an intense negotiation, each one trying to get the best deal for themselves. Unfortunately due to the information asymmetry that’s almost inevitable when talking to a car dealer, that means buyers often end up purchasing vehicles with problems. Fortunately, you can guard against a slippery golf cart dealer by getting their promises in writing. If you’re shopping for used golf carts, get a careful warranty drawn up and understand exactly what it does and does not cover. This will give you an idea of the money you may have to shell out on it later.
2. Choose between gas and electric before you start shopping.
Due to the relatively low speeds and short distances they have to run, many people elect to purchase electric powered golf carts. This makes them nearly silent and means they don’t emit any exhaust, which is both green and pleasing to the nostrils. Just be aware, if you choose to “go electric,” maintenance of the batteries can be tricky and constant. You’ll also have to charge your golf cart frequently.
3. Also, if you go electric…
Pay particular attention to the age of the golf cart’s battery. This is important because the average cart battery lasts only six years, so before you buy a used model, you should know how many good years the battery has left, as a replacement could end up costing you $800. The best way to figure this out is to check the cart’s serial number, which reveals the model and the date it was made. The serial number can be found at the base of the steering wheel or on the driver’ side near the top of the shock absorbers. It will feature two letters followed by ten numbers. The letters indicate the name of the model, and the first two numbers indicate the model’s year.
4. Know the law.
It’s important to review the laws about driving on and off road with your golf cart, as some county’s allow limited road travel with golf carts and some do not. You don’t want to get a ticket every time you have to move your golf cart or park it in a lot!
