A Buyer's Guide to Used Golf Carts
Used golf carts allow you to get the vehicle you want at a much more affordable price. But knowing you want a used golf cart is different than knowing which one to get. There are so many choices on the market, where do you even start?
Here at Van Wert Carts, we strive to make your life easier. That's why we've created the following buyer's guide to used golf carts. Keep reading for tips on finding your perfect model, then visit our dealership to check out models for sale. We are located in Van Wert, Ohio. We also proudly serve those in Decatur and Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Start Your Search
Understand the Terms
As you search for used golf carts for sale, you'll notice some models are described as "used" while others are called "refurbished." It's important to understand the difference between these terms.
Used golf carts are simply models that have been purchased and left the dealership. They may have been owned for one day and never been driven, but they can no longer be called new.
Refurbished golf carts are models that have been in use for a long time. They will have had some aspects replaced, but the specifics depend on the dealership. They may only sport new paint, tires, and seats without their mechanical systems being touched. Or they may have had every wear item, safety, and aesthetic aspect replaced. Talk to the used golf cart dealership about what refurbished means to them.
Research Options
One advantage of buying a used golf cart is you get more access to how the model actually runs. Any company can make their models seem perfect online, but used golf carts give you a glimpse into how well the product truly works. Spend some time reading customer reviews and forum posts from current owners to see what their experience has been. If you see common complaints about mechanical and performance issues, you may want to steer clear. If you read raving reviews about how much owners love the model, you may want to prioritize seeing that model at the used golf cart dealership. Use current owners' experiences to guide your search.
Find a Seller
Once you've got an idea of the used golf cart you want to purchase, your next step is finding a seller. There are two key options here: a private seller or a used golf cart dealership.
A dealership is advantageous for a few reasons. First, they have an incentive to give you a fair deal. If they didn't, you could write negative online reviews and scare away future customers. A private seller doesn't need to worry about Yelp ratings and may not give you as fair of a deal. Second, dealerships allow you to check out multiple models in one stop. You may need to visit several private sellers all over town to enjoy that same amount of choices.
Evaluating Used Golf Carts
When you've found a used golf cart you are interested in, you'll want to evaluate the model using a few different criteria.
Consider the Age of Used Golf Cart
Try to find a model that is less than fifteen years old. Older models come at lower prices, but they can also come with downsides. Older used golf carts can see more issues, need more repairs, and be harder to find replacement parts for.
Consider the Age of the Battery
Golf cart batteries tend to need replacement every three years or so. They usually cost at least $600, but can cost even more. See how old the battery on the used golf cart is and factor a new battery into your budget if needed.
Consider the Usage Hours
It's also important to consider how many hours the golf cart has been in use. Gas models with good maintenance can usually offer between 1,000 and 2,500 hours of use before needing a big overhaul. Electric models can usually offer between 40,000 and 50,000 amp-hours of use before needing a big overhaul.
Inspect the Model
Take the time to thoroughly inspect the used golf cart. Here you are looking for any potential issues that could result in costly repairs down the road. For gas models, check the oil and test that the engine starts up well. For electric models, inspect the battery for corrosion and ensure the connections are solid.
Go for a Test Drive
Finally, see how the used golf cart handles. Make sure it can turn, accelerate, and brake without issue. You'll also want to ensure this particular model fits you well and you could imagine yourself driving it for years to come!
Ready to check out used golf carts for sale? Head over to Van Wert Carts. We can help you find the perfect used golf cart for your budget and lifestyle, so stop by today. We are located in Van Wert, Ohio, and proudly serve those in Decatur and Fort Wayne, Indiana as well.