If you are checking out used golf carts you will find there are an abundance of them available on the market and the first thing you need to decide is whether you should be looking at used gas golf carts or electric.


The first thing you will want to look at when checking out a used golf cart is the overall quality of the cart body. Scrapes, dings and chips on the body could be an indicator or other issues with the frame as well, so look carefully. While you’re at it, make sure the paint matches all the way around. Some bond-o and paint jobs have been known to cover up a lot of damage below.

Used golf cart battery

Check the battery if it is an electric powered golf cart. Battery life is important, but so is making sure that the life of your battery is not near its end. That might save you a little more money as well. Now there is a system in place for telling the battery life. The month the battery was manufactured will be depicted by a letter.

A is for January, B is for February and so on. Don’t be ashamed if you have to count it out on your fingers. The year will be pretty plain to figure out. The typical battery life on a cart is about five years, so if it “needs a new battery soon” and it’s only a 2 year old battery, something might be wrong.

When going for the mandatory test drive, make sure you give it a good vigorous work out. You will need at least a half hour of drive time in a used golf cart before you can determine its performance capabilities. One option is to set up a round with the seller and drive the cart yourself. That would be optimum if it’s a practical solution. Before driving do another walk around. Kick some tires and note how well the steering stays in place or doesn’t stay in place. Also shake the canopy some and make sure that it is secure.

Whatever you do, try to look like you know what you are doing. You are looking for loose pieces and hoping to find none, but looking critical might help in the negotiation process.

Brand of golf cart

Another thing to consider is the maker of the cart. If it is a brand known for being durable and is noted as having good value retention, this might take some of the stress out of the process and count more as an investment. EZGO golf carts are a popular market leader in the golf cart market. Often if a cart brand is known for quality and durability it is for a reason, that being that it’s durable.

Check around online for comparable carts and do a price comparison, but don’t stop there. Check the new list price for that model or what it was listed for before if that series is no longer in production.

As a safety precaution it is advised that if there are any electric problems have a licensed cart maintenance person look at the cart. Do not attempt to fix the motor or electric system yourself. Often, even if the motor is off and the battery is disconnected, there could still be a charge in the motor

Buying a used cart can be fun and a little like a scavenger hunt. Take your time and enjoy the journey. But remember that at the outset you need to decide on your budget for your cart and a cheap used golf cart can prove to be a whole mess of trouble in the long run.

Used golf carts for sale

Decide also whether you want an electric or gas cart and check out the prices of used golf carts for sale online and in buy and sell type magazines and papers in your area. This will give you a good idea of what sort of money you will need to spend when buying a used golf cart.