What is a typical used golf cart price? A typical used golf cart price can range widely, often starting around \$1,500 for very basic, older models and going up to \$7,000 or more for newer, well-maintained, or customized carts.
Gauging the Value of Second Hand Golf Carts
Many people look to buy a used golf cart to save money. This is a smart move, but knowing what to pay is key. The price of a second hand golf cart values depends on many things. These factors shape what you should expect to spend when buying a used golf cart. We will look closely at what sets the price tag on these useful vehicles.
Factors That Shape Used Golf Cart Prices
The final price tag on a used cart is not random. Several key elements work together to set the used golf cart market price. Think of these as the building blocks of the final cost.
Age and Model Year
Newer carts usually cost more. A cart made in the last few years will cost much more than one from ten years ago. Older carts might need more work soon. This affects their resale value.
Power Source: Electric vs. Gas
This is a big deal in pricing.
- Electric Carts: These need batteries. The age and health of the batteries hugely impact the price. New batteries cost a lot. If the batteries are old, the price should drop significantly.
- Gas Carts: These use small engines, like a lawnmower. The engine’s condition matters most here. A well-kept engine keeps the price higher.
Cart Condition and Maintenance History
A clean, well-loved cart sells for more. Look for signs of good care. Did the owner keep service records? A cart with proof of regular oil changes or battery care commands a better price. Poor brakes, worn seats, or rust lower the price fast.
Accessories and Customization
Do you want a cart ready for the street or the golf course? Extras add value.
- Street-legal kits (lights, turn signals)
- Lift kits and big tires
- Upgraded seats or sound systems
- Cargo boxes or utility beds
These customizations can quickly push the pre-owned golf cart cost higher.
Brand Reputation
Some brands hold their value better than others. Club Car, EZ-GO, and Yamaha are top names. They have good reputations for parts and longevity. Carts from these major brands often fetch higher golf cart resale value compared to lesser-known makers.
Price Ranges for Used Golf Carts
To help you budget, here is a look at what you might pay based on the cart’s type and age. Keep in mind these are starting points. You might find cheap used golf carts below these ranges if you shop smart.
| Cart Type | Estimated Age | Condition | Typical Used Golf Cart Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Electric (Course Use) | 10+ Years | Fair | \$1,500 – \$2,500 | May need new batteries soon. |
| Standard Electric (Good Condition) | 5-10 Years | Good | \$2,500 – \$4,000 | Reliable for daily short trips. |
| Gas Powered (Good Condition) | 5-10 Years | Good | \$3,000 – \$4,500 | Good range, less worry about battery life. |
| Customized/Street Legal | 3-7 Years | Very Good | \$4,500 – \$7,500+ | Ready for neighborhood cruising. |
| Newer Used (Less than 3 Years) | 1-3 Years | Excellent | \$5,500 – \$8,000 | Close to new pricing but with savings. |
Fathoming Used Golf Cart Depreciation
Like cars, golf carts lose value over time. This loss of value is called depreciation. Used golf cart depreciation is generally slower than for cars, especially for well-built electric models.
Electric carts often depreciate based heavily on their batteries. When the batteries are new, the cart holds value well. Once batteries age past five or six years, the value drops faster. Buyers know they might face a large expense soon.
Gas carts tend to depreciate more slowly if the engine is robust. However, engine parts can become harder to find for very old models, which hurts the resale value later on.
Where to Find Affordable Used Golf Carts
Finding a good deal takes effort. Knowing the right places to look can help you find affordable used golf carts.
Local Marketplaces and Classifieds
Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and local buy/sell groups are great hunting grounds. Sellers here are often private owners, not dealers. This means less overhead costs passed onto you, potentially leading to better deals.
Tips for buying locally:
- Always inspect the cart in person.
- Bring someone who knows about carts if you do not.
- Test drive it on varied ground, if possible.
Golf Course Dealerships and Pro Shops
Courses often trade in older carts when upgrading their fleet. These carts have seen heavy use but are usually well-maintained mechanically. The course needs to keep them running smoothly for golfers. These are often good sources for reliable but basic carts.
Specialized Used Cart Dealers
Many businesses focus only on buying, fixing, and reselling used carts. They offer a wider selection and often provide a short warranty. While their prices might be slightly higher than private sales, they reduce the risk involved in buying a used golf cart. They often handle the deep cleaning and necessary repairs before selling.
Online Auctions and National Retailers
Sometimes, national retailers or equipment auction sites list used carts. These can be hit or miss. You must be very careful about shipping costs and inspection rights if you buy sight unseen.
Key Checks Before Purchasing Any Used Cart
Never hand over cash without a thorough check. Knowing what to inspect is crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring you are paying the right pre-owned golf cart cost.
Inspecting Electric Cart Components
For electric models, the battery system is the heart of the cart.
- Battery Health: Ask how old the batteries are. A good test is to see how long the cart runs on a full charge under a load (like going up a small hill). If it runs only a short time, factor in the cost of new batteries (which can be \$1,000 to \$2,000 or more).
- Charger Quality: Ensure the charger works correctly and is the right type for the cart.
- Wiring: Look for frayed, brittle, or corroded wires, especially around the battery terminals. Corrosion signals neglect.
Evaluating Gas Cart Engines
Gas carts need a different kind of focus.
- Starting: The engine should start easily, not sputter or require excessive cranking.
- Smoke: Check the exhaust. Blue smoke suggests burning oil, a serious engine issue. Excessive black smoke can mean a fueling problem.
- Noise: Listen for knocking or tapping sounds while the engine runs. These indicate internal engine trouble.
Chassis and Body Evaluation
The structure of the cart matters for longevity.
- Frame Rust: Lift the body panels if you can. Look at the frame underneath. Heavy rust means the cart might not be safe or reliable for long.
- Tires: Check the tread depth. Uneven wear suggests alignment issues, which points to suspension problems.
- Body Panels: Dents and cracks are normal for used carts. Large, mismatched panels might mean the cart was in a serious accident.
Street Legal Conversion: Adding to the Used Golf Cart Price
Many buyers want a cart they can drive outside the neighborhood gate. Converting a standard golf course cart to a street-legal model adds features, but it also adds cost.
What Makes a Cart Street Legal?
Laws vary by state and local area, but typically, a street-legal cart needs:
- Headlights and Tail Lights
- Brake Lights
- Turn Signals
- A horn
- Seat belts
- A windshield (often safety glass)
- A rearview mirror
If you buy a cart that already has these installed, the used golf cart prices will reflect that added expense, often increasing the value by \$800 to \$2,000 over a non-equipped model, depending on the quality of the parts used. If you must install these yourself, account for the cost of parts and installation time.
Negotiation Tactics for Better Value
When you are looking at used golf cart prices, negotiation is expected. Do not be afraid to ask for a lower price, especially if you spot issues.
Use Your Inspection Findings
If you notice worn tires, ask the seller to lower the price by the cost of new tires. If the batteries look weak, point out that new batteries are a \$1,500 expense right around the corner. Use factual problems as leverage.
Compare Market Prices
Before making an offer, know the used golf cart market price for similar models in your area. If a seller is asking \$5,000, but you see three identical models listed for \$4,000, use those lower listings as justification for a lower offer. This shows you have done your homework on second hand golf cart values.
Cash Talks
When possible, having cash ready often sweetens the deal for a private seller. They avoid payment processing fees and get immediate funds. A firm cash offer, slightly below your target price, can close a deal quickly.
Long-Term Cost of Ownership for Used Carts
Saving money upfront by buying used is great. But you must also think about the long-term costs. This helps you gauge if a seemingly cheap used golf cart is truly a bargain.
Maintenance Costs for Electric Carts
The main cost driver is batteries. Standard lead-acid batteries last about 3 to 5 years with careful maintenance. Lithium batteries last much longer (often 8 to 10 years) but cost more upfront. If a lead-acid cart is 4 years old, assume battery replacement is near.
Other regular maintenance:
- Tire rotation and replacement.
- Brake checks (especially if driven on hills).
- Checking voltage regulators and controllers for damage.
Maintenance Costs for Gas Carts
Gas carts require maintenance similar to a small car or lawnmower.
- Oil changes (frequent, as these engines often run hard).
- Spark plug replacement.
- Filter replacements (air and fuel).
- Carburetor cleaning or tuning, especially after long periods of sitting.
If you are mechanically inclined, gas carts can be cheaper to maintain day-to-day than replacing an entire electric battery bank. If you must pay a mechanic for every service, the costs can balance out.
Determining Fair Value: When to Walk Away
Deciding what a cart is truly worth comes down to risk assessment.
The “Too Good to Be True” Price
If you see a low-mileage, customized cart listed for \$1,000, this is a huge red flag. It usually means one of three things:
- The seller is clueless about value (rare).
- The cart has a major, undisclosed electrical or engine failure.
- It is a scam.
If the price seems exceptionally low compared to the typical used golf cart price, proceed with extreme caution.
Balancing Need and Budget
If your budget is tight, you might aim for the lowest end of the spectrum—the cheap used golf carts. Be prepared to spend extra money quickly to bring them up to a reliable standard. A \$2,000 cart that immediately needs \$1,500 in new batteries is functionally a \$3,500 purchase.
A cart costing \$4,500 that runs perfectly might be the smarter long-term buy, even if it stretches the initial budget slightly. This maximizes your satisfaction with your purchase and protects your initial investment in the golf cart resale value down the line.
Summary of Smart Buying Practices
Buying a used golf cart should be an exciting process, not a stressful one. Follow these simple rules to get the best deal on your pre-owned golf cart cost.
- Research Prices: Always check current used golf cart market price trends locally.
- Inspect Thoroughly: Focus heavily on the power source (batteries or engine).
- Factor in Immediate Repairs: Add the cost of needed immediate fixes (like tires or batteries) to the purchase price to get the true cost.
- Negotiate Fairly: Use facts and market data to back up your offers.
- Look for Quality Over Extreme Cheapness: Sometimes paying a bit more upfront for a well-kept model saves big money later.
By approaching the purchase with knowledge about used golf cart depreciation and market rates, you can confidently find a reliable, affordable used golf cart that fits your needs perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Used Golf Cart Costs
H5: How long do used golf cart batteries last?
On average, standard lead-acid golf cart batteries last about three to five years with regular use and careful maintenance (watering and cleaning). If the cart is older than five years and you are unsure about the battery maintenance, assume they may need replacing soon. Lithium batteries typically last much longer, often eight to ten years.
H5: Can I buy a golf cart used for under \$1,000?
It is very difficult to find a reliable, safe, and functional used golf cart for under \$1,000. Carts priced this low are usually very old, require extensive repairs (like a full battery replacement), or are being sold for parts only. While cheap used golf carts exist, serious buyers should budget at least \$1,500 to \$2,000 for a basic, working electric model.
H5: Does customization increase the golf cart resale value significantly?
Customization can increase the value, but rarely does it recoup the full cost of the customization. A cart with street-legal equipment, nice seats, and a good lift kit will sell faster and for more than a plain model. However, buyers often have specific tastes, so expensive custom paint or sound systems might not appeal to everyone, limiting the price increase.
H5: What is the best way to check if a used electric golf cart battery is good?
The best way is to perform a load test. This involves fully charging the cart and then driving it for a set period or up a noticeable incline. If the cart struggles or loses significant range quickly, the batteries are weak. Asking for recent load test results from the seller is also a good indicator.
H5: Are gas or electric used golf carts typically cheaper initially?
Generally, very old, basic electric golf carts can be found slightly cheaper than comparable gas carts, especially if the electric cart’s batteries are near end-of-life (as sellers often price them low to offload the battery issue). However, once you factor in the \$1,500 cost of new batteries, the gas cart often becomes the more affordable used golf cart option in the long run.