Everything You Need To Know About Choosing a Golf Cart
Golf carts are great when you’re cruising around the 18th green, but these carts are also beneficial in our daily lives. People buy golf carts for recreational needs, workplace necessities, or day-to-day chores around their properties.
However, before you go out and buy the first vehicle you see on the lot, here’s virtually everything you need to know about choosing a golf cart. Taking these factors into consideration makes it a lot easier to find a cart that suits your needs, making it a more practical investment.
Electric or Gasoline
Electric carts are quieter and drive more smoothly than their gasoline counterparts. The lithium-ion batteries in most electric carts are longer lasting and easier to maintain than the lead-acid batteries in many older models. Electric golf carts are better for the environment, require less maintenance, and are often better options in areas where reduced noise is appropriate, such as residential neighborhoods or golf courses.
However, gasoline golf carts are more powerful and often more street-ready than a lot of the newer electrical options. If you plan on using your golf cart around a large private property or need to use it to run errands in town, you may find a gas cart is more your speed. Keep in mind, though, that electric golf carts are more commonplace nowadays, so if you’re interested in a gasoline-powered cart, you may need to shop secondhand.
New or Pre-Owned
Speaking of secondhand shopping, there are certain things that people typically don’t like to purchase used. However, when you’re looking to buy a golf cart, sometimes a pre-owned option is perfect for you. Pre-owned or used golf carts are often more cost-effective. Plus, the previous owner may have put in some extra work or mechanics to make the cart have more features than what you’d find on a newer model.
As mentioned, buyers looking for a gasoline-powered cart may have better luck on the private market. However, if this is your case, you may still find good deals on new carts at a dealership.
And when trying to decide on what condition of cart you want, it often boils down to how much money you’re willing to invest. The initial cost of a pre-owned cart may be lower, but you also may wind up paying more in maintenance and upkeep that you wouldn’t encounter with a newer option.
Size and Capacity
Golf carts come in many different shapes and sizes, so it’s a good idea to take that into consideration when planning what to do with your golf cart. If you plan to use the cart to drive around the neighborhood with friends and family, a larger cart with more seating options may be the best choice for you. Meanwhile, if you plan to be the only passenger and use it for hauling building materials, you could find a cart with minimal seating options and a larger flatbed. You could also look for a cart that can haul a trailer.
Ultimately, when looking at everything you need to know about choosing a golf cart, size and general capacity are things you don’t want to ignore. After all, it’s much harder to make changes or adjustments in these categories after your purchase than it is to know your needs and purchase accordingly beforehand.
Different Brands
For many products, the brand name might not be worth a second thought. People can often get a generic brand or look for the most cost-effective option without consequence. However, that may not be the best idea when you’re shopping for a golf cart. Low-cost brands may be unreliable, or you may have trouble finding replacing parts or services when necessary.
Some of the best golf cart brand names you’ll encounter in the US are Club Car, Yamaha, Cushman, and E-Z-Go. For example, when you invest in an E-Z-Go golf car, many different dealerships, garages, and other businesses can service your cart in the event of a breakdown. It’s always a good idea to shop around and pay attention to the brand name, so you know what type of care you’ll have access to after your purchase.
General Purpose and Capabilities
Similar to with size, it’s a great idea to think about what your golf cart’s purpose and capabilities are to ensure it can assist you throughout your day-to-day. You might just use your golf cart for leisurely drives or trips on the golf course, but you also might require something with more power to handle larger tasks.
Many golf carts are capable of using attachments to perform more labor-intensive tasks ranging from plowing fields for agricultural purposes or plowing snow in the winter. When you start shopping, you want to consider the toughest job you intend to use or foresee using your cart for. Then, see which models have the right size, power, and capabilities to make that happen. If you’re ever unsure what tasks a cart is capable of, the experts are your local dealership can help point you in the right direction.
Potential Accessories
Most dealers sell carts at industry standard. Some golf carts may have a few extra bells and whistles, but most accessories are aftermarket additions the owner can purchase. Some accessories are more practical, such as custom tires that drive better in mud or snow. Another accessory option is a set of new rearview mirrors or backup alarms to enhance safety.
Other golf cart owners may want something that emphasizes comfort or fun and opt for rooftop air conditioners or built-in coolers to store drinks.
Also, one of the advantages of having your own golf cart is that you can customize it however you want. This includes paint jobs, custom steering wheels, or whichever additional features you think best suit your wants or needs.
If you’re looking to invest in a new or pre-owned golf cart, Ben Nelson has been helping people find what they need for over 10 years. We have a wide range of golf carts and other low-speed vehicles from trusted brands and companies, as well as parts and services to keep you on the move. To learn more, consider stopping by one of our dealerships or contact us anytime to learn more about what Ben Nelson has to offer.
