The cost of new golf cart varies widely, generally ranging from about \$7,000 for basic models to over \$25,000 for high-end, customized versions. Used golf cart price is much lower, often starting around \$2,000 to \$5,000 depending on age and condition.
Buying a golf cart is more than just picking a color. It involves looking at fuel type, features, brand, and what you plan to use it for. This guide will help you see all the numbers involved. We will look at the whole golf cart price range so you can budget right.
Deciphering the Core Golf Cart Prices
The sticker price is just the start. Many things change what you pay. Think about where you drive it. Is it for a short, flat course, or for neighborhood travel on hills?
Electric Golf Cart Cost: Powering Your Ride
Most golf carts today run on electricity. They are quiet and easy to maintain. The electric golf cart cost depends heavily on the battery type and size.
Battery Types: Lead-Acid vs. Lithium-Ion
Batteries are a big part of the price.
- Lead-Acid Batteries: These are the standard, cheaper option upfront. They need regular watering and maintenance. They typically last 3 to 5 years.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: These cost more at first. They last much longer, often 8 to 10 years. They need less care and charge faster. They save money over time.
| Battery Type | Initial Cost Impact | Lifespan (Years) | Maintenance Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead-Acid | Lower | 3-5 | High (Watering, cleaning) |
| Lithium-Ion | Higher | 8-10 | Low |
The electric golf cart cost reflects this battery difference greatly. Expect to pay \$1,500 to \$3,000 more for a cart with lithium batteries installed.
New Electric Cart Pricing Tiers
New carts have many options. Golf cart dealer prices reflect these tiers clearly.
Basic New Carts (Entry Level)
These are simple carts. They work fine for short trips or basic course use. They usually have standard seats and basic speed settings.
- Estimated Golf Cart Prices: \$7,000 to \$10,000.
- These are often the cheap golf carts on the market.
Mid-Range New Carts (Standard Features)
These carts offer better features. Think about upgraded seats, better lights, and maybe a small cargo area. They are great for neighborhoods.
- Estimated Golf Cart Prices: \$10,000 to \$15,000.
High-End New Carts (Custom and Performance)
These carts are built for speed, looks, or specialized work. They might have custom paint, lift kits, big off-road tires, or premium sound systems.
- Estimated Golf Cart Prices: \$15,000 and up.
Gas Golf Cart Price: The Traditional Choice
Some people still prefer gas power, especially if they drive long distances frequently or need more raw power.
- Gas Golf Cart Price: Gas carts often start slightly lower than electric models, but fuel costs add up. Expect golf cart prices for new gas models to be between \$6,500 and \$11,000.
- They require oil changes and spark plug checks, just like a small car.
Exploring the Used Golf Cart Market
Buying used is a smart way to save money. The used golf cart price depends on several key factors.
Factors Affecting Used Prices
- Age and Usage: How old is the cart? How many miles or hours has it run? Low hours mean a higher price.
- Battery Health (for Electric): This is crucial. If the batteries are old, you might need to replace them right away. A full set of new batteries can cost \$1,500 to \$2,500. This cost must be factored into the final used golf cart price.
- Condition: Look for rust, wear on the body, and functional lights or horn.
- Brand and Model: Popular, reliable brands hold their value better.
A basic used cart, 5-7 years old with decent batteries, might sell for \$3,000 to \$5,000. Older carts needing battery work might sell for less than \$2,000. These are your cheap golf carts.
Where to Find Good Used Deals
- Private Sellers: Often offer the lowest prices but carry the most risk. Inspect thoroughly.
- Reputable Dealers: They usually service the carts first, offering a small warranty, making the used golf cart price slightly higher but safer.
Luxury Golf Cart Price and Customization Costs
If you want something special, the price shoots up fast. The luxury golf cart price is often tied to performance and looks.
Performance Upgrades
Many people modify their carts for speed or rugged use.
- Motor Upgrades: Moving from a standard 3.5 HP motor to a 9.25 HP motor can cost \$800 to \$1,500 for parts alone.
- Lift Kits and Tires: Off-road tires and a lift kit can cost \$500 to \$1,200 installed. These greatly change the cart’s look and capability.
Aesthetic Customizations
This is where luxury golf cart price really climbs. People treat these like small, street-legal vehicles.
- Custom Paint/Wrap: \$1,000 to \$3,000.
- Premium Seating: High-end marine-grade upholstery can run \$500 to \$1,500 per set.
- Audio Systems: Large speakers, subwoofers, and waterproof head units easily add \$800 to \$2,000.
- Enclosures and Accessories: Windshields, side mirrors, and full weather enclosures add to the final bill.
A heavily customized cart, often street-legal, can easily exceed \$20,000, placing it firmly in the luxury golf cart price category.
Fathoming Additional Expenses: The Hidden Fees
The list price is rarely the final price. When you shop, watch out for these extra costs that influence the final golf cart prices.
Sales Tax and Registration
Just like buying a car, you pay sales tax. This amount changes based on where you live. If the cart is street-legal, you will also have registration and license fees.
Dealer Fees and Documentation
Golf cart dealer prices often include preparation fees, sometimes called “dealer prep” or “documentation fees.” These can add a few hundred dollars. Always ask for an itemized quote.
Transportation and Delivery Costs
If you buy from a dealer far away, or if you buy online, you pay for shipping. Delivery can range from \$150 for local drop-offs to over \$800 for cross-country shipping.
Mandatory Accessories (Sometimes Hidden)
Some basic models advertised at a low price might not include necessary items for your needs:
- Mirrors
- Safety flags (for low-speed use)
- Cargo beds or baskets
Make sure the advertised price includes everything you need to operate the cart legally and safely for your purpose.
Golf Cart Financing Cost: Paying Over Time
If you do not pay cash, you need to look at golf cart financing cost. Carts are often financed like small recreational vehicles or power sports equipment.
Interest Rates and Terms
Interest rates vary based on your credit score and the lender.
- Good Credit: Rates might be in the 6% to 10% range for a 3-to-5-year term.
- Poor Credit: Rates can climb to 15% or higher.
A \$12,000 cart financed at 8% over 4 years will cost you significantly more in total than the initial sticker price due to interest. Always calculate the total repayment amount when considering golf cart financing cost.
Example of Financing Impact
| Purchase Price | Down Payment | APR | Term (Years) | Total Interest Paid | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| \$12,000 | \$1,000 | 8.0% | 4 | \$2,131 | \$14,131 |
| \$12,000 | \$2,000 | 6.5% | 3 | \$1,340 | \$13,340 |
Taking a larger down payment or a shorter term reduces the overall golf cart financing cost.
Comparing New vs. Used vs. Refurbished
Deciding between new, used, and refurbished greatly impacts your budget.
New Carts: Peace of Mind
Buying new means you get the latest technology, full factory warranties, and no hidden wear and tear. This offers the highest initial cost of new golf cart, but the lowest immediate repair risk.
Used Carts: Maximizing Value
This is often the best path for budget-conscious buyers. You let the first owner take the big initial depreciation hit. If you are handy, you can save a lot. The main risk centers around battery life.
Refurbished Carts: The Middle Ground
A refurbished cart has been taken in, serviced, and usually given new batteries or major tune-ups by a dealer.
- Price Point: Usually sits between a decent used cart and a new basic cart (\$5,000 to \$9,000).
- Benefit: You get some warranty protection and updated parts, making it a safer bet than a totally private sale used golf cart price.
Street Legal Carts: The Cost of Compliance
If you plan to drive your cart on public, low-speed roads, it must be converted into a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV). This conversion adds significant cost.
To be an LSV, carts usually need:
- Headlights and tail lights
- Brake lights and turn signals
- A windshield (safety glass)
- Seat belts for all passengers
- A horn and rearview mirrors
- A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
These required components, plus the installation and certification costs, can easily add \$1,500 to \$3,500 to the base golf cart price. This brings the total closer to the lower end of the cost of new golf cart range.
Maintenance Costs: Long-Term Spending
The purchase price is a one-time hit. Maintenance is ongoing.
Electric Cart Maintenance
Electric carts are simpler. Key costs involve:
- Tires: Replacing worn tires (around \$300 – \$600 for a set).
- Batteries: The biggest recurring cost (see above, \$1,500 to \$3,000 every 4-8 years).
- Brake Service: Less frequent than cars, but still needed.
Gas Cart Maintenance
Gas carts require more regular attention, similar to a lawnmower or small engine.
- Oil Changes: Every 100-200 hours of use.
- Spark Plugs and Filters: Routine replacements.
- Fuel Costs: Ongoing expense, though minor compared to a car.
If you are looking at cheap golf carts, remember that low initial purchase prices might hide higher maintenance expenses down the road, especially if the previous owner neglected basic upkeep.
Brand Reputation and How It Affects Golf Cart Prices
Just like cars, some brands have a premium reputation that affects golf cart prices.
Premium Brands (Higher Price Points)
Brands like Club Car, E-Z-GO, and Yamaha dominate the market. They are known for durability, good parts availability, and strong dealer networks. Paying for these names often means better resale value later on.
Specialty and Luxury Brands
Brands focusing purely on the luxury or high-performance sector (like Alke or specialized custom builders) command the highest luxury golf cart price tags due to specialized engineering or exotic materials.
Economy Brands
Lesser-known or imported brands can offer very low initial golf cart prices. However, be cautious. Parts can be hard to find, and service centers may be scarce, leading to higher repair bills later.
Tips for Getting the Best Golf Cart Prices
To ensure you are getting a fair deal, apply smart shopping strategies.
Negotiate at the Dealership
Do not accept the initial offer. Dealers have room to move on the price, especially near the end of a month or quarter. Be ready to walk away if the offer is too high. Always compare quotes from several golf cart dealer prices before committing.
Buy Off-Season
The peak season for golf carts is spring and early summer. Shopping in the fall or winter might net you better deals as dealers try to clear inventory.
Consider Off-Lease Carts
Commercial operations (like large resorts or industrial parks) often retire their fleets every few years. These carts have high usage hours but are usually well-maintained according to strict schedules. These off-lease carts offer a chance to get a quality cart at a reduced rate, impacting the used golf cart price favorably.
Examine the Total Package
When comparing golf cart prices, always look at the out-the-door price. This includes all taxes, fees, and mandatory accessories. A seemingly cheaper cart elsewhere might end up costing more after fees are added.
Conclusion: Budgeting for Your Cart Purchase
Determining how much a golf cart costs requires looking beyond the initial tag. The true golf cart price range spans from a few thousand dollars for a basic used model to well over \$25,000 for a fully loaded, street-legal luxury cart.
For the average consumer looking for reliable neighborhood transport, expect the electric golf cart cost to settle between \$11,000 and \$16,000 if you opt for modern lithium batteries and decent features. If budget is the primary concern, searching for well-maintained cheap golf carts secondhand is the most effective route, provided you factor in potential immediate battery replacement costs. Always weigh the initial savings against long-term maintenance and financing burdens to make the best choice for your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Cart Costs
What is the average cost of a 4-seat golf cart?
The average cost for a brand-new, non-customized 4-seat golf cart usually starts around \$9,000 for basic electric models and can go up to \$18,000 for models with premium features and better batteries.
Can I buy a golf cart for under \$5,000?
Yes, you can often find a used golf cart price under \$5,000. However, these carts will likely be older (7+ years) or may require immediate investment in new batteries, which could add \$1,500 to \$2,500 to your initial outlay.
How much more do lithium batteries add to the electric golf cart cost?
Lithium batteries typically add \$1,500 to \$3,000 to the cost of new golf cart compared to standard lead-acid batteries, depending on the cart’s voltage (48V vs. 72V) and capacity.
Is financing a golf cart expensive?
Golf cart financing cost depends on your credit score and the term length. Interest rates can range from 6% to over 15%. A longer loan term means lower monthly payments but a higher total interest cost over time.
Do golf cart dealer prices include installation of accessories?
Often, basic accessories like mirrors might be included in the advertised golf cart dealer prices. Major accessories, like lift kits, custom wheels, or complex sound systems, are usually quoted separately or rolled into a negotiated package price. Always confirm what is included versus what is an add-on.