How Much Money Should You Pay for a Golf Cart?
I just got back from spending spring break with my family in Palm Desert. Sure, there was the usual bevy of family activities like swimming, riding bikes, and fun in the sun. However, you can bet I set aside some time to sample some of the area’s golf courses. After all, there are more places to play here than just about anywhere on the west coast.
But one thing really caught my attention aside from the great courses, how many people own their own golf cart. Not only do the snowbirds that call Palm Desert home during the winter use their own golf carts to get around the course, they drive them down the sidewalks of major streets to go to the grocery store, church, and just about everywhere else.
As one fella told me, he puts more miles on his golf cart every year than his car.
I got to thinking, driving your golf cart everywhere just might not be such a bad way to go. But just how much does a golf cart cost?
I decided to do a little digging, and here’s what I found.
How Much Do Golf Carts Cost?
Just like the cars we take to work every day, prices for golf carts encompass a wide range. We’re talking about anywhere from as little as $3,000 or $4,000 to $15,000 or more. The kind of budget you’re able to work with will dictate the kind of golf cart you can buy. It’s also to keep in mind that you typically get what you pay for.
New Golf Carts
Let’s start at the top end of the spectrum with the most expensive golf carts which are new. Even within the subset of new golf carts, prices can range widely. That’s because there are so many different options and brands to choose from.
If your budget is on the lower end, you can find a new golf cart somewhere in the neighborhood of $5,000. Keep in mind that a new cart in this price range is going to be a basic model. It’s only going to have the bare features you need to get from point A to point B. As long as you don’t need extra amenities like headlights, custom tires, lights, etc., there’s nothing wrong with new golf carts in this price range.
If you can afford to spend a little more money on a new golf cart, you can find one with a few additional features. These might include rear-view mirrors, headlights and taillights, maybe even a radio that plays your favorite music via satellite or FM and AM stations.
If you’re looking to buy a new golf cart and budget isn’t an issue, there’s no end to the things you can do to customize it to your liking. Some folks elect to give their custom carts a lift so they can traverse rougher terrain. Others opt for custom paint jobs, halogen lights, and plush leather seats. Many are even street legal.
Just like buying a new car, no matter what kind of new golf cart you have your eyes on, it’s important to remember that it’s going to rapidly depreciate. So, don’t plan on making your purchase of a new golf cart a long-term investment.
Used Golf Carts
Maybe you can’t afford a new golf cart, and something used makes more sense (I know that’s certainly the case for me). If you’re in this camp, by no means are you priced out of the market. There are plenty of affordable, quality used golf carts for sale if you know where to look.
Depending on how old a used cart is, and how much use it’s undergone, you can often find a used one for less than half its original sticker price. We’re talking anywhere between $2,000 and $4,000.
However, because used golf carts have seen a round or two, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you pull the trigger. Based on all the people I talked to in Palm Desert, and the research done by the Golfer’s Authority staff, having a qualified person look over your used cart is a good idea. They’ll be able to point out both cosmetic and mechanical imperfections and give you an honest opinion whether it’s a good buy or not.
There’s nothing wrong with buying a used golf cart. Just be sure to do some research and have your cart inspected before you sign on the dotted line.
Final Thoughts
A lot of golfers dream of having their own golf cart. And for a lot of folks, it makes sense. If you live on a course, it makes it easy to zip right out of your garage to the first tee. If you live in a community that’s golf cart friendly, having your own cart can save wear and tear on your car. Not to mention it’s just plain old fun.
The good news is that golf carts vary widely in price, and finding one that fits in your budget isn’t all that difficult if you do a little research.
Do you own a golf cart? If so, we’d love to hear more about your experience down below in the comments.
