Not only are golf carts a means of transportation around a golf course, but they’re also becoming popular in certain communities where residents use them as a fun and easy way of moving around. But how much are golf carts?
In the US, most golf carts cost between $7,000 and $9,000. However, some used carts can cost as little as $2,000, while some brand-new, customized carts can be in excess of $20,000.
It’s fair to say, then, that if you’re in the market for a golf cart, you will find a huge range of makes and models at different prices. As such, you need to know what you’re looking for and what to expect from the market.
This article takes an in-depth look at the price of new and used golf carts and answers some of the most common questions that people have as they begin their research into finding the perfect cart.
How Much is a Used Golf Cart vs New?
Perhaps the first thing you need to decide when you’re looking for a golf cart is whether you will buy a new or used model.
Naturally, new golf carts are more expensive than used ones, and your choice will largely depend on your available budget.
If you elect to buy a new golf cart from a reputable dealer, you should expect to pay around $9,000.
This should be enough to get you a new model from the likes of Club Car, E-Z-Go, and Yamaha.
Many renowned golf cart retailers will carry their own range of stock but may be certified dealers of a particular brand.
It’s always a good idea to check a retailer’s stock range in advance, particularly if you’re looking for one make and model over another.
Equally, some retailers specialize in custom golf carts, which can include things like bespoke rims, a whole host of cosmetic features, and personalized touches. For a new customized cart, you may have to pay between $15,000 and $20,000.
You will be able to pick up a used golf cart for anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000 on average. But it’s important to note that a multitude of factors will affect the price of a used cart. You should consider things like cosmetic wear and tear, tire and battery condition, and the age of the cart.
If you’re looking for a used cart on an online marketplace like eBay, be sure to conduct some research into the price of similar carts so you don’t end up paying over the odds.
How Much is a Four Seater Golf Cart?
If you like the idea of having more seats on your golf cart, you could opt for a four-seater.
New four-seater golf carts are priced at around $10,000, so they will cost you approximately $2,000 more than a two-seater. Used four-seater golf carts are available for anywhere between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on their condition.
Both Club Car and EZ-Go have two-and-four-seater golf carts and are up there with the most popular brands.
Some golf carts even incorporate six seats, which are more commonly used at resorts to transport staff and visitors from one place to another.
Six-seater golf carts are more expensive again, with new carts around $13,000 to $15,000 and used carts somewhere in the range of $5,000 and $8,000.
Are Used Golf Carts a Good Buy?
It’s helpful to consider buying a used golf cart in the same way that you would a used car.
Brand-new cars depreciate in value the moment you drive them out of the lot, and the same is true for new golf carts.
Used carts that are in good condition will save you a couple of thousand dollars on a new model and represent good value for money. While you can buy used golf carts from a range of private sellers, it’s a good idea to buy directly from a retailer.
The main reason for this is that trusted retailers tend to offer some kind of warranty with used golf carts, so if something goes wrong, you can take it back to be repaired.
Also, retailers are experienced in dealing with carts, and they’re much less likely to sell you something that is faulty or likely to break down in the near future, as it won’t be good for their reputation.
Should you buy a used cart from a private seller on a site like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook marketplace, be sure to do your research and find out everything you can about the cart before agreeing to the sale.
If you’re not careful, you could end up paying over the odds for a faulty used cart that you can’t return.
So, providing you’re diligent and conduct sufficient research, used golf carts can prove to be a great buy and save you significant money.
Why are Golf Carts so Expensive?
The main reason that golf carts are so expensive is that they’re luxury vehicles designed for a specific purpose. Also, top brands like Yamaha, Club Car, and EZ-Go build their carts to last, using high-quality parts that increase the sale price.
Golf carts with additional features like GPS, stereos, and lights will be even more expensive than basic models.
Perhaps the best way of keeping the price of your golf cart down is sticking to a base model where possible.
Also, by searching the used market for golf carts in good condition, you will be able to find carts for considerably less than the RRP of brand-new models.
Other than this, if you want to buy a golf cart, you need to be willing to stump up the cash, as they’re an expensive luxury that not everyone can afford.
What is the Mark-up on Golf Carts?
Golf cart retailers aren’t willing to give up the industry secrets when it comes to the mark-up on golf carts!
But you can reasonably expect that golf cart dealers make a couple of thousand dollars on each new cart sold. The industry as a whole is thought to be worth $150 million every year in the United States, with around 150,000 carts sold.
Can you Negotiate Golf Cart Prices?
The price of a used golf cart is always negotiable. Whether you’re buying from a trusted and established retailer or purchasing from a private seller on eBay, you shouldn’t necessarily pay the first price that you’re quoted.
The best way to prepare yourself for negotiations is to research the market thoroughly and find out what golf carts of a similar make, model, and age are worth.
After viewing the cart, the following aspects could help you negotiate a discount:
- Any scratches or cosmetic damage.
- Wear and tear on the seats.
- The condition of the batteries and tires.
- The age of the cart.
- Whether there’s a warranty or guarantee.
As for new carts, most retailers are likely to be willing to negotiate but don’t expect a huge discount. You might be able to knock a few hundred bucks off the RRP if you’re a good negotiator, but don’t expect huge reductions.
If you’re on a tight budget, look for a cart that doesn’t have a lot of modifications and additions, as these boost the price considerably.
Do Golf Carts Hold their Value?
The depreciation value cited for golf carts is around 8% annually. So, if you buy a new golf cart for $9,000, you could expect to sell it for around $8,280 the following year.
Most people don’t buy golf carts as an investment; instead, they buy them to use them!
Providing you keep your golf cart in good condition and perform regular maintenance where required, you will be able to sell it a few years down the line for a reasonable price if you no longer have any use for it.
Is it Worth Buying a Golf Cart?
If you golf often for more than 2 times per week during the golf season then it is definitely worth getting a golf cart. Senior players with health issues would also benefit from buying a golf cart in order to rest weary legs in between holes.
Around 150,000 golf carts are bought in the US every year, as more people become aware of their usefulness on and off the golf course. But as a luxury item, golf carts are expensive, and you should expect to pay around $9,000 for a brand-new cart.
Shopping around for a used cart in good condition will undoubtedly save you some money, but you just need to make sure you’re buying from a trusted source, as you don’t want to end up with a faulty cart that you’ve paid thousands of dollars for.
Overall, if you can afford to buy a golf cart, be sure to do your research by checking out local retailers and private online sellers before making your decision on the best make and model to buy.