Playing golf is no longer the sole reason you need to buy a golf cart. Not that you can’t if you want to, but if you are looking for a safe vehicle option that can travel short distances without the need for fuel, a golf cart is a common solution.
Whatever your reason is (or whether you have one) for deciding to buy and own a golf cart, there are general things you should know first in order to make a good purchase decision.
To know that you’re buying the best bang for your buck, learn these important tips.
Determine Where It Will Be Used
There are many places a golf cart can be used in aside from the grassy green haven of golf courses. Street-legal carts can be used as local commuter vehicles. Some are regular sights in university grounds, industrial sites, and military bases. Knowing beforehand where you intend to use your cart will help you create a solid combination of features that will endure the challenges of its environment.
Things like the type of tires to be fitted, the amount of pressure on the tires, and the kinds of features and golf cart accessories to include all depend on the location consideration.
Determine How You Plan to Use It
The right combination of suspension power, brake, and power systems should hang at the balance all the time. But it can only be determined if you’re sure how you intend to use the vehicle.
Conventional golf course vehicles that are made to transport people will have the suspension power, tire configuration, and weight limit of a conventional golf course cart. But if you intend to use your cart on the street, you’d have to select something with great suspension, excellent maneuvering, and perhaps some added safety features.
Identify Local and Federal Laws
Every local government differs in their laws and statutes pertaining to golf carts. Before you choose a vehicle to buy, it helps to determine what the law permits and limits so you won’t someday get a surprise arrest after running the street with your new cart, totally clueless that it’s not allowed in your local communities.
Save yourself the money and disappointment.
How Safe?
Some safety features can be foregone if your cart is strictly for course use. But if you intend to get into traffic next to gigantic camper vans and automobiles, you probably would need safety belts installed and a cart with great steering power and an excellent brake system for good control. You’d also want a vehicle that is easy to see on the road by other drivers so they, too, can exercise the necessary caution when driving around these neighborhood vehicles.
New versus Used
The small price tag of used golf carts may be tempting, but you have to be aware of the red flags. A lot of refurbished carts have been used on golf courses and may have been used for years before they were hauled back to the market. If your prospect used cart has three to five years in it, scrap the option. You’re better off buying one with a brand-new battery that can withstand years of continued use, wear, and tear.
When purchasing a brand-new cart, also compare warranty coverage, especially when it comes to the batteries. A two-year warranty by some select manufacturers is rare but possible.
Pay attention to who shoulders the warranty as well. Small-time dealers may not be around for long. Warranties straight from manufacturer retailers are best. If you need help with operating your batteries, check out these faqs.
Electric vs. Gas
Electric golf carts have become a popular choice in recent years due to their many benefits. But if you want a familiar platform, there’s always the gas-powered option for you.
For starters, electric golf carts are quiet, are emission-free, and have better acceleration with less moving parts for easy maintenance. Problems are easily diagnosed with an onboard computer to track the cart’s health. The high market demand for electric carts makes them a cheaper option compared to gas-fueled carts. They also cost less to own in the long term.
The only disadvantage of choosing an electric golf cart is how its driving range is dependent on the size of the battery pack. The battery also has to be changed after nine years maximum, which makes it a fixed fuel cost.
Comparably, a gas-fueled golf cart has no range issues, so it’s easier to modify your speed. On the other hand, its moving parts are more costly to maintain, it’s usually louder with emission that stinks, and it’s generally more expensive due to its low market demand.
Check the Health of the Vehicle
Regardless of whether you’re buying new or used, it’s the standard operating procedure to check for the condition of your cart before shelling out money for it. Nobody wants a cart that will break down in one day due to a missed assembly flaw.
Your pre-purchase checklist should include the cart’s batteries, wheels and tires, windshield and roofing, motor and controller, headlights, turn signals, and brake lights as well as the dash and the paint job.
Wrap-Up
Knowing a thing or two about golf cart build will help you make an informed purchase. Spend wisely on a reliable golf cart that fits your needs just right.
