Golf carts are great tools for transporting equipment around the course and offering a more accessible alternative to walking, with various models and options available to meet all golfer’s needs.
New golf carts can cost between $8,000 and $15,000, depending on the manufacturer and features you want. By opting for used models instead, however, you could save thousands while still experiencing quality performance.
Seating Capacity
Your decision on what size golf cart to purchase depends on its intended use: recreationally, golf carts can be great tools for getting around a large property or small city, camping trips, amusing grandkids, amusing grandma, etc. Also, golf carts have numerous commercial applications, including passenger transportation, tours, shuttles, indoor/outdoor hauling, security patrol, hospitality, etc.
Your choice of golf cart depends heavily upon how many passengers will be riding in it, with four-seater models typically being more costly than two-seaters; however, they could prove more economical than renting or buying multiple smaller carts.
Four-seater golf carts boast increased seating capacity and are often equipped with more storage space than their two-seater counterparts. This extra capacity can prove especially helpful for travelers needing to transport equipment or luggage across long distances, making trips more straightforward when taking groups of friends on golf outings or other errands.
A four-seater golf cart can be pulled by most vehicles, from cars and trucks to RVs and buses. Before trying, always double-check your towing capacity or consider purchasing a golf cart trailer to help transport it.
When purchasing a golf cart, consider its overall height and the dimensions of your garage or truck bed. Most golf carts are just a few feet wide, and most full-size pickup trucks should have enough room in their beds to accommodate them comfortably – though you should check whether you can close the tailgate while still fitting one comfortably.
Consideration must also be given when purchasing a golf cart of whether a lift kit will be necessary. A lift kit will give your cart more clearance on rough terrain while increasing speed slightly; installing it can be costly and require regular maintenance.
Engine Type
Golf carts feature either gasoline or electric engines. Gas-powered carts require regular oil changes and repairs that could add up over time and be filled up every time they’re used – driving up your monthly costs further still.
Electric golf carts now use lithium batteries that are far more durable than older lead-acid batteries, with reduced memory effects and lasting much longer than their predecessors. Furthermore, modern golf carts boast electric motors capable of handling hills better than their traditional counterparts.
When selecting a golf cart, it’s essential to consider how much customization you plan to add. Some people like to customize their carts with features like upgraded seats, custom paint jobs, and sound systems – these options may come at additional costs, so it is wise to factor them into your research process.
Installing a lift kit onto your golf cart effectively increases its performance and stability on rough terrain. Prices typically range between $200 to $1,500 for these brand-specific kits; some models fit gas and electric carts, while others may only support one type.
Golf cart manufacturers have come a long way since their humble beginnings. Now, they produce high-end carts with plush seating and upgraded sound systems that scream luxury and performance. Some models of these carts can cost as much as $20,000.
A street-legal model may be beneficial if you use your golf cart for work or commute purposes. These carts come fully equipped with headlights, tail lights, reflectors, horns, mirrors, speedometers, and VINs and can be licensed to be driven on public roads.
Whether you plan to use your cart for fun or work, be sure to factor in the costs for maintenance and repair work that may be needed over its lifespan. Tire replacement costs vary based on brand and tread depth; consider this when planning how you will spend your budget on maintenance costs.
Accessories
Golf carts offer unparalleled customization capabilities, with options that meet nearly every imaginable need. However, these customization options can add up over time; custom paint jobs alone can cost as much as $500, while additional features like sound systems or specialty tires may increase overall cost further. To save money when customizing a golf cart, consider purchasing used over new; there may even be accessories already installed that could reduce general expenses!
When considering the price of a golf cart, it’s also essential to account for any potential future maintenance expenses. A battery will eventually need replacing; while not an annual fee, this should still be budgeted for. Furthermore, tires wear out over time and need replacing at various intervals – be sure to factor this into your calculations!
Maintenance should always include shopping around for the best prices on parts and labor, with some shops providing service plans that include regular maintenance of batteries and tires and replacement. While you might not get precisely the same amount from its manufacturer, warranties can help lower maintenance costs over time.
Golf carts might seem like they aren’t worth your while, but their value tends to hold up better than other vehicles. When selling later, you may get back close to what you paid if that is part of your plan for selling it off later on. While not guaranteed, this should help determine your budget for purchasing one.
Although the cost of purchasing a golf cart varies, you should plan to spend anywhere from $4,500 to $13,000 for an average-quality cart. Two or four-seaters typically fall on the lower end, while larger six-seaters could add $10,000 or more to this figure. Some manufacturers also offer street-legal carts at an additional cost.
Storage
Golf carts have become necessary in many golf communities and among those who love spending their weekends on the course. Not only are they great ways of transportation in small towns and beaches, they can even ferry passengers between airports. Some carts even feature custom storage solutions for added peace of mind during rides – an added cost that will ensure convenience and security!
There are various storage solutions for golf carts, including sheds or garages. If neither is an option, renting a storage unit may be more suitable – these units provide climate control to protect against harsh outdoor elements while being cost-effective and convenient.
Before storing your cart for months, you must perform some maintenance tasks to ensure its good condition upon returning for use. Begin by draining its fuel tank and unplugging its battery; the next step should be washing and cleaning its exterior before applying protective wax or sealant to protect against corrosion.
Check and inflate the tires according to their recommended pressure for storage; this will prevent flat spots during storage and ensure a more comfortable ride experience when next using your cart. In addition, remove any removable parts, such as the windshield and canopy top, and protect them against moisture by wrapping them in blankets or other protective materials.
Once you have completed these maintenance tasks, it is time to store your golf cart. Make sure you choose a location with dry air and free from extreme temperatures before covering the cart with a weatherproof cover and locking it securely. It may be worthwhile documenting its year, make, model, and serial number so that when the time comes for use again, it can easily be identified and recognized by you or anyone else in charge of taking out its ride again.
