There are a lot of great reasons to purchase a second hand or used golf cart. Budget tends to be an appealing factor. A used golf cart can be a great way to enter into golf cart ownership without breaking the bank. However a money pit could be hidden by an initial purchase discount.
Below is a collection of things to consider when purchasing a used golf cart. Make sure to sign up and be one of the first to receive second hand cart announcements as stocks change.
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Types of used carts: Used or Refurbished/Reconditioned
Used carts tend to be listed privately in the same configuration as if it was new. These are the golf carts that were used for a period by an owner without any modifications or upgrades.
Refurbished or reconditioned golf carts are typically sold by dealers and have been inspected, serviced and can have new parts installed prior to listing. There a variety of ways to refurbish a golf cart. Consult with the dealer as to the extent the carts have been refurbished.
Regardless of the type, always ask to see a service history of the cart.
Age
Age isn’t always an indicator of a poor performing cart. Many carts from the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s that we see run great, but there is one caveat. Parts! The older the cart the harder replacement parts are to find. Many manufacturers stop producing replacement parts leading to a reliance on after market parts. This isn’t always a bad thing, but when a replacement can’t be found, we are left relying on ingenuity and creativity.
Apart from parts, typical wear and tear needs to be considered as this might increase service intervals.
Petrol vs. Electric
There are plenty of pro’s and con’s to each. We recommend discussing intentions for use with us when purchasing.
Petrol carts tend to run faster than electric, and with access to a fuel source, they can run all day with little down time. Petrol carts do require more maintenance and servicing which needs to be factored into any decisions.
Electric golf carts do not require as much maintenance however condition and lifespans of golf cart batteries needs to be considered. Additionally, golf cart batteries need access to chargers and require down time to recharge.
Kick the tires
As with cars, give the tires a good once over. Look for even wear patterns, tread depth and any cracking or visible damage. Point these out and discuss the causes to consider potential issues in the future.
Make and model
Brand loyalty and recognition is everywhere including in the golf industry. A reputable and long-standing manufacture is an obvious choice when purchasing second-hand golf carts. Availability of future parts plays a factor here as it does with age.
Damage
Visual inspections for damage or defects on a used cart are easily done. Look for spots of rust, dents, cracks and corrosion. Additionally, look for defects from the sun in paint, vinyl, rubber and plastic. Look for loose panels, bent frames, leaks or sagging which can indicate damage or future issues. Pro Tip: bring a torch. It helps to focus the eye while illuminating a dark area.
Accessories
Golf Cart owners like to personalize and add accessories to their golf carts to increase the enjoyment of ownership. Consider if these accessories suit your needs and review these items as you would the cart.
Value
With everything in consideration, it is time to determine if the golf cart is worth the asking price. Private vs dealer price can differ just as the varying prices can differ on the private market. To build confidence in any choice, take the time to do the research and speak to us about our used golf carts. Finding the answers to current questions might just lead to the ONE question which provides the RIGHT answer to make a purchase.
Need a little more?
Book an inspection with us and bring it in to our full service workshop. Let us look over the cart for you, identifying and discussing any issues we find. We have qualified auto mechanics that specialise is golf carts. Plus, we have seen it all. We know common issues, availability of parts and can help answer lingering questions that might be keeping the deal to go through.
Give us a call today! 02 6652 8816