10 Questions To Ask When Buying Your First Golf Cart

Owning a golf cart is a good idea for many people, as these vehicles are fun, useful, and user friendly. These carts are beneficial tools for leisurely activities, work-related tasks, and traversing around during an afternoon on the golf course. With the weather warming up and the days getting longer, it’s the perfect time to consider investing in a cart of your own. However, before you spend anything, here are 10 questions to ask when buying your first golf cart to help you make an informed purchase.

1. Do You Want a New, Used, or Refurbished Cart?

Many people make the mistake of thinking that they need to buy a brand-new golf cart. While new carts often turn out to be easier purchases, they may also be harder on your budget. Instead, look into the pre-owned and refurbished golf cart market. Many people looking to sell golf carts might not have used them very often, so you can still find a quality cart at an affordable price.

2. Is the Cart Gas or Electric?

One of the most important questions to ask when buying your first golf cart is if you want a gasoline or electric cart. Electric carts require less maintenance and often last longer on a full charge. On the other hand, gasoline carts require more general upkeep but are usually capable of higher horsepower. This makes gas carts the better options for tasks that require that additional strength. Many modern golf carts are electric, but you can typically find some good deals on a gas cart if that’s what you want and need.

3. How Old Is the Cart?

When looking at used or refurbished golf carts at a dealership or on a secondhand market, figure out how old the cart is. Thankfully, golf carts can run for a long time when people take proper care of them. You can often get a rough idea of how well the previous owner cared for the cart by analyzing its age and current physical condition. For example, you may find a cart from 15 years ago that’s in better condition than a model from the 2020s.

4. How Are the Batteries?

The batteries aren’t as significant a concern with brand-new carts, but checking them out anyway is always a good idea. Electric carts should have self-contained lithium batteries that require little maintenance. Just check for any dirt, dust, or other grime around the connection spots. Gas batteries are at risk of sulfation and require a more thorough inspection to determine if they’re in good shape.

5. What Brand Is the Cart?

For some people, a golf cart may just be a golf cart, but it’s always a good idea to pay attention to what brand of cart you’re getting. A basic understanding of the different manufacturers can make finding replacement parts or services easier if you ever need to bring your cart to a shop. Cushman, Club Car, E-Z-Go, Yamaha, and Polaris are some of the most popular and reliable golf cart brands. If you’re unfamiliar with a brand, check if you can still get replacement parts or services for your cart before you buy it.

6. Are There Any Warranties?

Always check the return policy on a cart if you buy it from a dealership or another established source. Whether it’s a new or pre-owned cart, having some form of warranty or protection may be worth it. You’re likely to drive your cart more frequently within the first year after buying it, so you want to ensure protection in case something goes wrong after three months.

7. What Features Does the Cart Have?

Golf carts are surprisingly customizable, and you never know what type of exciting features your cart might have. In fact, a major advantage of looking for pre-owned or refurbished carts is they make come with upgrades or features that you’re less likely to find on new models. For example, some carts may have custom tires that are better suited for driving through grass and dirt than for a casual drive around the neighborhood. Other previous owners may have installed a trailer hitch or even a built-in cooler.

8. Does the Cart Come With Any Accessories?

Many golf carts may come with some accessories. If you’re buying a used one, the previous owner may throw them in for free or for a little extra. Some of the more common accessories for a golf cart include seat covers, steering wheel covers, light kits, or emergency roadside kits. It never hurts to see if any of these accessories come with a cart. If they don’t, this can give you a good idea of what future purchases you may want to make.

9. What Will You Use the Cart For?

There’s a significant difference between using a cart to drive around the smooth streets of a gated community and to plow snow or carry heavy materials across long distances. Therefore, when looking at a cart’s size, seating capacity, and capabilities, it’s always helpful to consider your needs and what you’re looking for. For example, consider a cart with additional seating if you want to give rides to friends and family.

10. How Does the Cart Run?

No matter the shape, style, brand, or condition of a golf cart, the most important task should be finding out how it runs. You should always take the cart for a test drive and try to get a feel for it before making any big financial decisions. Finding the best golf cart for your needs isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the effort when you find that cart that runs just right.

If you’re looking for golf carts in Memphis, stop by Ben Nelson Golf & Utility Vehicles. Our dealerships have been helping people find carts from the most reputable brands for over 10 years. Stop by any of our dealerships to check out what new and pre-owned carts we have available, or feel free to contact us anytime with any additional questions or concerns.