You don’t have to be an avid golfer to own your own golf cart. Many people are turning to golf carts as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Whether you want a fun and convenient way to cruise the neighborhood or are looking for a more eco-friendly way to make short trips to the corner store, a golf cart can make travel more enjoyable and energy efficient. 

Before making a purchase, however, you’ll want to educate yourself on the types of golf carts and the variety of options available to you so you can select the cart that best suits your needs and preferences. The following is a helpful guide to get you started on your journey of buying a golf cart. If you have any additional questions or would like to take a look at some of the best golf carts on the market, stop by Colorado Kustom Carts.

Once you start shopping for your new golf cart, it will be easy to get caught up in all of the excitement. That’s why it’s important to know what you need (and what you don’t need) before you start your search. The best way to do that is to consider the following:

Budget

Your budget plays a crucial role in determining the type and quality of the golf cart you can afford. Golf carts come in a wide range of prices, so it's essential to establish your budget from the beginning. Keep in mind that the cost of a golf cart includes not only the initial purchase price but also ongoing maintenance and insurance.

Purpose

The intended use of the golf cart will significantly affect your choice. Are you planning to use it solely on the golf course, or will you use it for recreational purposes in other locations as well? If you plan to use the cart mostly within golf courses, a standard golf cart model should suffice. If you require a multi-purpose cart, such as for commuting within a residential community or running errands, you may want to consider a street-legal golf cart that is equipped with features like headlights, turn signals, and seat belts.

Terrain

Consider the terrain of the area where you plan to use the golf cart. If the terrain is hilly or rugged, you’ll want to make sure that your golf cart is up to the task. Gas carts traditionally have more power than electric carts, but as with all things, it depends on what you buy. For instance, the electric golf carts from Club Car are built to be high-performance vehicles that are capable of climbing just about any hill with ease. 

Number of Passengers

Determine the number of people you will frequently transport in your golf cart. Standard golf carts typically accommodate two or four passengers, while others can carry six or more. If you often have guests or family members riding with you, it is beneficial to invest in a larger cart with sufficient seating capacity. Additionally, consider the comfort level of the seats and the legroom available to ensure a pleasant ride for all occupants.

Other factors that may influence your golf cart purchase decision include the type of power source (gasoline or electric), maintenance requirements, and the availability of servicing and spare parts in your area.

Gas or Electric Golf Carts: Which is Better?

One of the most crucial decisions to make when buying a golf cart is choosing between a gas or electric motor. Both types have their pros and cons and your choice will largely depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Advantages of Gas-Powered Golf Carts

Gas golf carts often have more powerful engines than their electric counterparts. This makes them ideal for rugged terrains, hilly courses, or carrying heavy loads. They also have a longer range, meaning they can go farther on a tank of gas than an electric cart can go on a single battery charge. This is ideal if you need more of a utility vehicle for doing work on a large property or performing grounds maintenance.

Gas-Powered Golf Cart Drawbacks

Two of the biggest disadvantages of gas-powered golf carts are their louder motors and toxic exhaust fumes. Not only are they not as eco-friendly as their battery-powered counterparts, but these characteristics actually put them on a “not allowed” list in some higher-end neighborhoods and country clubs.   

Another drawback of gas-powered golf carts is that they tend to have higher maintenance costs. Although some people are quick to point out the high cost of replacing a battery, you’ll likely only have to replace it once every decade, whereas, with a gas cart, you’ll need to deal with more frequent oil and filter changes, fuel-ups, and more.

Advantages of Electric Golf Carts

Electric golf carts provide numerous advantages over traditional gas-powered carts. Some of these include smooth, quiet operation, being energy efficient and environmentally friendly (with no gas smell!), and easy maintenance. Plus, many people like the convenience of being able to charge them at home and not having to make frequent trips to the gas station.

Drawbacks of Electric Golf Carts

The biggest drawback of an electric golf cart is its limited range. Once the battery is depleted, you'll need access to a power source to recharge, which can take several hours. This can be overcome, however, by upgrading to a lithium battery which will provide improved performance and longer range.

Another potential concern that many people have is regarding the cost of replacing a battery. It’s true that new replacement batteries can be expensive, but a quality lithium battery can last for up to 10 years or more.

Should You Buy a New or Used Golf Cart?

Deciding between buying a new or used golf cart can be a tough choice. Both options come with their pros and cons, and the better choice largely hinges on personal needs, preferences, and budget constraints.

Benefits of Buying a New Golf Cart

Purchasing a new golf cart promises multiple benefits such as having zero wear and tear as well as having the latest options on the market. Most new golf carts will also have the benefit of being covered by a manufacturer's warranty, which typically takes care of repair costs for issues that may occur within a stipulated period after the purchase.

More customization options are another advantage of buying a new golf cart. Although you can make some modifications to a used golf cart, you’ll have many more choices when you buy new.  From ordering one in your favorite color to upgrading seats, wheels, or even audio systems, buying new often allows you to modify your cart directly from the manufacturer to cater to your specific needs.

The primary drawback of buying a new golf cart is its cost. They tend to be substantially more expensive than pre-owned models, making them a significant investment. Keep in mind that although the initial cost will be more than a pre-owned model, you won’t have to invest a lot for maintenance or replacement parts, and if maintained properly, a new golf cart can depreciate slowly, offering a reasonable resale value down the line.

Benefits of Buying a Used Golf Cart

Used golf carts can provide an excellent alternative, especially for those on a tighter budget or who are seeking a short-term investment. A gently used golf cart, if well-maintained, can perform comparably to a new one and can prove to be good value for your money. With this option, you might also stumble upon a fully loaded cart at a significantly lower price point, potentially giving you added features at no extra cost.

However, there are certain risks associated with buying used golf carts. Without a warranty, all repair and maintenance costs are on you, which could add up over time. Ease of customization can also be limited with older models, and the availability of specific parts or compatible paint can be challenging. 

If you do decide to purchase a used golf cart, keep an eye out for things like leaks, noises, or other oddities during the test drive. If possible, see if you can get a copy of the maintenance history. If they don’t have one, it could be a red flag. For added insurance, try to make sure you're buying your used golf cart from a reputable seller. 

Questions to Ask When Shopping for a Golf Cart

After you’ve established your budget and decided on the type of golf cart you want to purchase, it’s time to start shopping! Whether you decide to search online or find a local golf cart dealer, there are a few questions you’ll want to ask before making your final decision. 

What kind of warranty is included?

Most new golf carts come with some kind of warranty to cover your parts and repairs if something should go wrong after you purchase your vehicle. Just as with a car warranty, a warranty for your golf cart can provide peace of mind knowing that you won't have to deal with unexpected or unforeseen costs due to manufacturing or part defects. 

Because different manufacturers have different types of warranties, it’s important to get the details of what’s included upfront as well as the length of time the warranty is good for. Used golf carts often do not come with a warranty - this is especially true if you’re planning to buy a used cart from a private seller. However, some golf cart dealers may still offer a short-term warranty on their used golf carts, just be sure to ask.

Can I trade in my current golf cart?

Upgrading to a new golf cart can be a significant investment, but offering your current golf cart as a trade-in can reduce the overall cost and also eliminate the hassle of trying to sell your old cart independently. If you’re thinking of going this route, it would be ideal to seek out dealers that offer to take trade-ins.

Before you begin the trade-in process, take the time to understand the real value of your golf cart. The trade-in value will be determined by several factors, including age, overall condition, make and model, as well as additional upgrades or accessories. You can research online to gather a rough estimate of what it might be worth. 

Other Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Carts

Are golf carts street-legal?



Some, but not all, golf carts are street-legal. In general, most golf carts are not suitable for road use. Those that are considered street-legal come equipped with certain features that are in accordance with local and state laws for operating a motorized vehicle on the road. These additional features often include seat belts, headlights, taillights, turn signals, a horn, and a specific type of tire.

In Colorado, street-legal golf carts, also known as low-speed vehicles (LSVs), must be registered with the DMV and can only operate on roads that have a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. Visit the Colorado Kustom Carts website for more information on street-legal golf carts.

Is it worth upgrading to a lithium battery?

If you choose to buy an electric golf cart, upgrading to a lithium battery can provide many benefits, including longer battery life, increased power, eco-friendliness, faster charging time, and lower total cost of ownership. Although there is a higher upfront cost to upgrading to lithium, the long-term benefits are worth considering.

For More Information About Buying a Golf Cart Contact Colorado Kustom Carts

If you have questions about buying a golf cart or would like to explore your options, Colorado Kustom Carts is here for you! Our huge golf cart store is located in Fort Collins just East of I-25. As a trusted and reliable golf cart dealer, we take pride in offering a wide range of customized carts to perfectly suit your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you're looking for a sleek and stylish ride to zip around the golf course or a dependable and efficient means of local transportation, we’ve got you covered.

Our team of knowledgeable and friendly experts is dedicated to providing exceptional service, assisting you in finding the perfect golf cart that aligns with your budget and needs. Additionally, we offer reliable maintenance and repair services to ensure that your golf cart remains in peak condition for years to come.

Visit our website to browse our extensive inventory of new and used golf carts or stop by our showroom. We look forward to serving you!