If you have decided that you are going to get a used golf cart, you need to make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. You can get great deals on a used cart, but you need to know what you are looking for. There are a lot of makes and models out there. There are a lot of “extras” and custom features that are available if you look for them. I will share with you some tips on how to get the best deal when buying a used golf cart:
1. Know what you must have — Write down on a piece of paper the “must have” features you are looking for in your cart. You want to keep this list real short, and this will limit the range of used golf carts you can find. If the cart you are looking at does not have these features, you will be passing on it. You will find this list very helpful when starting your search.
2. Know what you would like to have — This list will be a little bit expanded from the first list. If you want an enclosed cart, or one fitted with any special holders or apparatus, make sure you get these down in a checklist format. You can go down your checklist and see if a cart that is for sale has any of these extras. This can help you “break a tie” if you have a couple of golf carts that you like and can’t make up your mind.
3. Gas or Electric? — This is a critical choice and has a lot to do with your preference and planned usage. The electric models are nice and clean, but have limited range before you need to recharge. The gas models have a bit more power and can be refilled if you bring gas with you. It is your personal choice, and you should figure out if this is a big deal to you before you start shopping.
4. To lift or not to lift? — If you plan on taking your cart out in the woods, you want want to look for carts that have a “lift kit” installed. This will give your cart additional clearance for “off road” activities. You know whether or not you need this. If you do not need additional clearance, do not buy a golf cart with a lift kit, as it does affect your stability a little bit.
5. Any special gear needed? — Do you need a winch for off road activities? I a heater a feature that you would really like to have? Do you need a windshield and enclosed sides? The better you know what kind of extras you want in your used golf cart, the more likely you will be to find the exact model you are looking for. Make sure you have a good idea of what “extras” you are looking for before you go shopping.
You can find a lot of different styles and capabilities available in the used golf carts marketplace. The better prepared you are when you start looking, the better deals you can find. There are hundreds of golf carts for sale out there, so take your time and get what you are looking for.
