Buying a golf cart may seem like a simple, straightforward process. But, many things have to be considered when picking one that you may have not thought about.
A golf cart is unlike any other type of vehicle and buying a golf cart is not like buying a car or a scooter. Golf carts are meant to be used on a closed circuit and aren’t as tightly regulated as other types of vehicles. This is only one of the reasons why you should take extra precautions when buying one. If you’ve never shopped for a golf cart before, here are a few essential tips for buying one.
Think Twice About Buying a Used Cart
Some people may be tempted to buy a used golf cart, and it could be a good decision in some cases. But know that it can be risky as dealers can lie about the vehicle they’re selling to you. Many shady dealers will try to lie about the vehicle’s age or its battery, which could greatly affect the cart’s performance and leave you without a warranty.
You also have to know that used vehicles are more prone to breaking down, and you have to be able to find parts for the vehicle in the case that happens. These parts should be reasonably priced as well. If you pick some obscure old model, there’s a strong chance that you’ll have difficulty finding parts and if you do, they might be severely overpriced.
So, before you buy a used cart, we would suggest that you check out a site like Golf Cart Tire Supply. This will give you an idea of how much the parts for the cart cost and their availability.
Fuel vs Electric
Not all golf carts run on electricity, and you shouldn’t completely write off gas-powered carts. Yes, they do produce more carbon emissions, but they’re also more convenient. If you like to spend whole days on the course, then a gas-powered cart might be better for you as you won’t have to think about interrupting your game to charge it.
Electric vehicles do have benefits too, however. They’re cleaner and almost completely silent. They don’t emit odors like fuel-powered vehicles either, and there is little to no battery maintenance involved if you go for a lithium-ion model. If you want something that will have less of an impact on the environment and you like to play your nine holes and go, this is your option.
Choose The Right Brand
You also have to make sure that you buy the cart from the right manufacturer. Some manufacturers care about customer service more than others, for instance. Other vehicles are known for having recurring issues or being tough to repair. You also have brands that are known for being high maintenance.
Some of the top brands include Club Car, E-Z-Go, Yamaha, Polaris, and Garia. All of these brands have their pros and cons and signature style, so you will need to do your research to find the best one for you.
For instance, Polaris and Garia are known for innovation and for producing green vehicles. Yamaha carts are known for being reliable, while Club Car carts have the most classic appearance and feel. Not only that, but their carts are American-made, which will make servicing and finding parts for them much easier.
These are all things you’ll need to look at when shopping for a golf cart. Just like shopping for golf accessories such as golf bags, there are a lot of factors to consider. Take the time to do your homework on different models and go with a reputable supplier if you want to get the best cart for your money.