5 steps to buying second hand electric Golf Carts

Buying a second-hand golf cart can be an inexpensive way to owning your own vehicle, however, if you get it wrong, it can end up costing you significantly. We have put together our 5 tips to make an informed decision and get value for your money.

Tyres

Your assessment of the golf carts tyres should involve the following: Do all the tyres have even wear? With different wear on the tyres, this can indicate that there many be underlying issues.  There are many different issues that could cause this but the most common are alignment issues which can be caused by steering components or a bent frame. Are they different brands? Different brands of tyre can sometimes indicate that one or two have been swapped for alignment issues as mentioned previously. It can also be a result of a build that has been made up of spare parts.  Both of these issues have longevity problems for the buyer. Are the grooves deep? The grooves should be deep, and the tyres should have no visible damage to ensure you aren’t replacing them within the first 6 months of purchase. You shouldn’t disregard buying purely because of the tyres, but they definitely should form part of your buying process.

Manufacturer

The brand of golf cart is one of the most crucial elements of buying second-hand.  There are a few reasons for this, but the main reason is that some brands have a much higher quality of build, with a greater warranty period because they are built to last.  Club Car, Shelby, Yamaha and EZGO are among the best when looking at second-hand carts.  Obtaining a golf cart that has been manufactured by a well-known company may ultimately be more cost effective as replacement parts will be easier to find and there will be more repair options available in the event of a breakdown. Most reconditioned golf carts will come with a warranty, again from those reputable dealers. They will have had some parts replaced and potentially have been repainted and enhanced.  They can often be slightly more expensive, but the warranty and overall quality of the golf cart will add value to your purchase.

Batteries & Wiring

The first thing you’ll want to check is the battery. It’s often the most expensive part to replace, so getting this right is important when buying a second-hand golf cart. New battery systems can cost anywhere from $600 to over $2,000, depending on whether the cart uses traditional flooded lead-acid (FLA) batteries or a lithium setup.
If the cart has lead-acid batteries, look for a date stamp. This is usually an alphanumeric code that shows the manufacturing month and year, where the letter represents the month and the number the year. These batteries typically last around six years, so anything older could mean a replacement is due soon.
With lithium, there’s less risk of corrosion, but it’s still important to check for swelling, damage or signs of poor maintenance. In both cases, inspect the wiring closely. It should be neat and secure, with no fraying, exposed connections or taped joins. If the wiring looks messy or homemade, it’s best to walk away and keep looking.

Drive Train

The final inspection consists of listening to the drive train as you test-drive the used golf cart. The cart should run smoothly and quietly. Turn off any radios and the like when you take your test ride. Grinding, excessive whining or clicking sounds are what you are listening for. The sounds a vehicle makes can tell you a lot if you take the time to listen.  

Body, Frame & Canopy

This will be the first part you see when inspecting the second-hand golf cart. When looking over the golf cart any rust or visible damage should be minimal and have an explanation.  Some traders will refurbish a used golf cart before selling and others will sell as is.  It makes a big difference in the condition so make sure you ask what work has been done on the second hand cart. Watch out for any loose panels and if there is a canopy, give it a good shake to see if there are any unusual sounds and it’s tight and secure. Frames are the most susceptible to corrosion in used golf carts.  You want to make sure that there is no rust on the frame, as generally, if this is corroding then it can be very expensive to replace, or you will be forced to scrap the golf cart and start again.