Buying a used golf cart can be a good way to get a nice golf cart for much less than you would pay for a new one.  With the price of a new golf cart starting at around $5,000 and going up to $15,000, used golf carts are a great value.  You may be able to find one in good condition for half the cost of a similar new cart.  There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a used golf cart.

Just like a car, you should find out how old the golf cart is.  The golf cart’s serial number will give you the information you need to determine when it was made.  Unlike cars, golf carts don’t have odometers so the age of the cart and its general condition is the best indication of how hard it has been used and whether it has been well cared for.  Take a look at the tires, pedals, seats, and floor covering to get an idea of how much use the cart has seen.  A lot of heavy wear on these areas indicates heavy use.

If you are looking at an electric golf cart, inspect the batteries and cables for corrosion and age.  Replacing a set of batteries is expensive so newer batteries in good condition are a plus.  A well maintained set of batteries should be good for about 5 to 7 years.

When a golf course replaces its fleet of golf carts, dealers often buy the old carts, recondition them and sell them.  These reconditioned golf carts are a little more expensive than buying from a private party, but they have usually been gone over by a golf cart mechanic and may come with limited warranty.  Reconditioned golf carts that come from southern fleets typically have seen more use than those in northern fleets where the golf season is shorter.

Finally, take the golf cart for a test drive if possible.  See if it handles well, accelerates and stops properly, and check the amount of play in the steering.