The Ultimate Golf Cart Buying Guide: What to Consider Before You Buy

These days, golf carts are so much more than just convenient ways to get around actual golf courses. In fact, it sometimes seems like they’re nearly everywhere and with good reason. Golf carts are environmentally friendly alternatives to automobiles. They’re a lot more convenient than cars when it comes to a number of situations as well, not to mention a lot easier on the wallet.

However, it’s one thing to realize that a golf cart might make a good addition to your life. It’s quite another to actually decide which of the many options out there on the market is the right choice for you. Here we’ll take a closer look at everything you should be considering in order to ensure a purchase you’ll be happy with for many years to come.

Where Can I Drive My Golf Cart?

If you’re thinking seriously about investing in a golf cart, then the chances are pretty good that you already have some idea how you’ll be using it. Even so, it’s important to know where and how you can count on operating yours before you buy.

The Open Road

Naturally, a golf cart isn’t something you’ll see coasting down a highway or the interstate, but in some cases, you can drive your cart on standard roads. In some states, such as California to name just one, golf carts are actually street legal, but only on some roads. (Usually those for traveling at speeds of 25mph or slower.) However, many states allow local governments to decide for themselves whether or not golf carts should be considered street legal within city or county limits.

That said, if you’ve got your heart set on driving your golf cart around your neighborhood or to run errands around town, make sure you look into whether or not it’s legal to do so where you live. Never just assume that because it’s legal in the next county over that it must be legal all over the state.

Campuses and Communities

One of the quickest growing uses for modern golf carts is for getting from place to place within retirement communities, around apartment complexes, or on college campuses and with good reason. They can be absolute godsends for going from Point A to Point B as quickly and conveniently as possible.

Again it’s important to double check as far as the rules first though, especially if you’re hoping to drive your cart around a university campus. You may also want to look into the possibility of getting a permit. Some schools may not generally allow students to drive golf carts, but will make exceptions for people that qualify for permits due to injury or other special needs.

Recreational Trails

As is the case with roads and streets, lots of areas allow for the operation of golf carts on rec trails reserved for joggers, cyclists, roller-bladers, and so forth. Look into whether or not this is the case in regards to the parks, trails, and recreational areas where you live. Golf carts can come in really handy on fishing or hunting trips. They can allow you more freedom as far as how you use your neighborhood rec trails to get around as well.

Naturally, golf carts are also great fits for getting around your own property. This is especially the case if you ever tackle light towing or construction projects on your own (or have family members that do).

Which Golf Cart Brand Is Best for Me?

If you’ve spent much time checking out what’s available on the market, then you’ve probably already noticed that there are three major golf cart manufacturers to choose from – Yamaha, Club Car, and EZ GO. What are the advantages of choosing one over the other? Which brand is the best fit for your needs? Let’s take a closer look at each of the big three.

EZ GO

EZ GO has been a nationally recognized golf cart manufacturer since the company was first founded in 1954 and with good reason. EZ GO carts are not only highly functional and reliable, but affordable as well.

Although all golf carts are relatively affordable, especially in comparison to alternatives like automobiles, EZ GO is probably the least expensive. It’s also the simplest to outfit with replacement parts and additional accessories.

Club Car

If you’re in the market for a deluxe golf cart and don’t mind making more of an investment, then Club Car would probably be the brand to pick. The typical Club Car customer isn’t just looking for an easy way to get around. They’re interested in innovative features, cutting edge technology, and top of the line functionality as well.

That said, choose Club Car if you want a cart with plenty of bells, whistles, and useful accessories. Club Car carts are also known for their exceptional reliability and easy to change parts.

Yamaha

Even if you’ve never purchased a golf cart before, you’re no doubt already familiar with the Yamaha name and with good reason. Yamaha has been synonymous with concepts like innovation, quality, and inventiveness ever since the company was founded in 1887.

That said, Yamaha is a great choice for would-be golf cart users interested in carts that handle almost as well as automobiles. These are carts that are known for features like independent suspension, highly improved riding experience, and more. Yamaha carts are also highly customizable.

Ultimately, all three of these brands are excellent choices. However, which is best for you depends on what your expectations and desires are as far as your future cart goes.

Should I Go with Gas or Electric?

All golf carts are going to be either gas-powered or electric. Which is best for you depends largely on how you’re planning on using your future cart. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Gas-Powered Carts

A gas-powered cart is a great choice if you want to be able drive it all day without needing to stop and recharge a battery. Also, gas-powered carts are fairly low-maintenance as far as keeping them in good condition. However, they are noisier than battery-powered carts and can sometimes emit a slight odor during use because of the exhaust system.

Electric Carts

Electric carts are prized for being near silent during operation. The lack of exhaust fumes also makes them more desirable from an eco-consciousness standpoint. They feature smooth, easy acceleration and an easy riding experience as well. However, you will need to charge it regularly, as well as take care to maintain the water level of the batteries.

Should I Buy New or Used?

As is the case with automobiles and other vehicles, you do have the option of buying a used golf cart instead of a new one. However, it’s important to exercise caution if you do decide to go with a used or refurbished cart instead of a new one. Golf carts can turn out to be lemons just as easily as a car or a truck can. Here are a couple of points to be aware of.

Purchase Protection

Naturally, the main advantage that comes alongside a new cart is the security that comes with knowing the manufacturer will stand behind the product. With a used cart, you don’t necessarily know who’s owned it before or how it was used. With a new one, you get to rest easy in the knowledge that you are the cart’s first and only owner.

You know that should anything go wrong with the cart, it’s still under manufacturer’s warranty. You also know the full history of the batteries and all of the individual parts. If money is an issue, financing may be an option as well.

Understanding Refurbishment

If you do decide to go with a used cart, you may run into a few described as “refurbished”. Refurbished carts have usually been spruced up cosmetically. However, they still contain all or most of the original working components. These include but are not necessarily limited to the batteries, controller, engine/motor, transaxle, and solenoids.

Of course, this isn’t to say that you should avoid buying a used cart altogether. However, it’s vitally important that you’re educated as far as what to look for and how to protect yourself from winding up with a bad buy. Unfortunately, it’s common practice for a used cart seller to be less than honest about points like the age of an electric cart’s batteries or even the exact age of the cart itself.

How Can I Protect Myself If Buying a Used or Refurbished Cart?

Don’t simply count on the seller to be honest with you about the year and model of the cart you’re considering. Get the information for yourself via the serial number. (If for some reason you can’t find a serial number attached to a given cart, that’s a major red flag and a clear sign that you should look elsewhere.)

How to Decode Serial Numbers

Look for Club Car serial numbers on the passenger’s side of the dash, near the passenger’s right foot, or on the right side of the accelerator pedal’s top. All Club Car serial numbers start with two letters followed by ten numerals. The letters will indicate the cart’s model while the first two digits will indicate the year.

EZ GO carts can have their serial numbers in a number of different locations. Check behind the driver’s left leg position on the cart’s body, at the base of the steering column, on the passenger’s side of the dash, at the top of the driver’s side of the shock tower, or underneath a black flap behind the seating area. Focus on the “date code”, which will indicate a letter followed by three or four numerals. The last two of these numerals will indicate the year.

Yamaha carts will have serial numbers underneath the chassis support braces. However, you’ll probably need an additional manufacturer’s reference to determine the year of a given vehicle. Either bring one with you to the dealership or independently research a given serial number on your own before finalizing your purchase.

Determining Battery Age

If you’re looking into a used electric cart, then definitely make sure you look into the battery life before you buy. While it’s certainly possible to buy replacement batteries, they represent an investment of several hundred dollars. They also need to be replaced every 4-6 years, so the age of the existing battery is important.

Check out the battery’s date codes to determine this. The codes may either be present on a sticker or actually stamped into one of the battery’s terminals. They will also include a letter and one or two numerals. The letter represents the month the battery was manufactured while the numerals indicate the year.

Written Warranties

Always make sure you receive a written warranty with your purchase if you do decide to go with a refurbished cart. Read it over carefully. What does it cover? What does it not cover? You’ll also want to make sure it’s clear how you should go about having the cart serviced once it’s yours. Does the dealership take care of it for you themselves or will they be outsourcing the work?

Do I Need to Insure My Golf Cart?

Although insurance isn’t usually required by law the way it is with other vehicles, many golf cart users do choose to look into protection for theirs. No, golf carts aren’t usually involved in major accidents. However, minor accidents do sometimes occur.

Consider having your golf cart insured if you’re planning on operating yours on trails, on a campus, in a retirement community, or anywhere else there could potentially be more foot traffic to consider. Liability insurance can help protect you in the event you do hurt someone or damage property. Comprehensive coverage can protect your investment in the event your cart is ever stolen.

Where and How Do I Get Replacement Parts?

Whether you go with a new or used cart, you’ll need to invest in replacement parts like batteries, brake parts, air filters, and so forth sooner or later. You may also want to enhance the functionality, look, and driving experience attached to your cart with items like fans, lift kits, lights, cargo boxes, new seating, performance upgrades, or additional accessories.

Where you buy is as important as what you buy. Make sure you’re trusting your investment in your cart to a top retailer like Golf Cart King, especially if you’re looking to order online. Prioritize selection, value pricing, customer service, company reputation, and return policy. You’re sure to be glad you did!