Kelley Blue Book for Golf Carts? (How to Value!) 

Valuing a golf cart isn’t straightforward, as there are lots of variables you need to consider. From the make and manufacturer to the age and condition of the cart, there are so many things to think about before committing to a sale or purchase.

With this in mind, we look at whether or not there is a Kelley Blue Book for golf carts and introduce how you can accurately value your cart.

By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to ascertain how much a golf cart is worth, which will serve you well if you’re a seller or buyer entering the market for the first time.

Is there a Kelley Blue Book for Golf Carts?

Currently, there isn’t a Kelly Blue Book for pricing golf carts, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ascertain the real value of a golf cart before buying or selling it. As you may be aware, the Kelley Blue Book is essentially the gold standard for pricing cars appropriately.

It is used in the automobile industry for cars, trucks, and vans, but it doesn’t have a section that covers golf carts. The main reason for this is that golf carts are typically more difficult to price than other vehicles.

There’s also the fact that golf carts don’t attract anywhere near as much attention as other types of vehicles, although the market is growing.

In this respect, the golf cart market is still a niche and doesn’t yet warrant a Kelley Blue Book.

Still, with more people buying golf carts every year and more manufacturers arriving in the US market, a Kelley Blue Book may be released in the near future.

For now, let’s look at the different ways you can find out how much your golf cart is worth.

How Do I Find How Much My Golf Cart is Worth?

The best way to find out how much your golf cart is worth is to conduct some independent research into the market. You can start on sites like Craigslist and eBay and discover how much other people are selling their used golf carts for.

Next, you should head to the website of a used golf cart dealer in your state and look at their prices. If you can’t find your exact make and model for sale, broaden your search slightly and look for your cart in different areas.

It’s important to get a broad idea of the price of used carts before settling on your selling price.

After all, there are so many factors that influence the price that you can command for a used cart, as we explain in the following section.

When you think you’ve got a median price for your cart, compare it to the cost of a new cart from your manufacturer, and make sure it’s appropriate. You’re now ready to list your cart for your chosen price.

What is a Fair Price for a Golf Cart?

It’s difficult to say definitively, as a used golf cart can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $15,000. However, to know a fair price for a used golf cart, you need to be aware of how much they retail when they’re new.

For instance, if a new EZ-GO golf cart currently retails at $11,000, you should expect to pay less than $10,000 for a used cart from the same brand.

Of course, there are so many factors you need to take into account before deciding what is fair, including:

• The age of the cart
• The condition of the batteries and bodywork 
• The make and model
• The price of golf carts in your city
• Any additional features and whether the cart is road legal

So, whether you’re buying or selling a used golf cart, you need to do your research. Don’t just assume that paying $1,000 or $2,000 less than the new price is a good deal, as there are so many other factors you need to take into account.

For additional tips on finding out how much your golf cart is worth – check out the GCG video below where Dave lends his experience to valuing golf carts:

Do Golf Carts Hold Their Value?

Golf carts are a savvy purchase because they hold their value over time, especially if you look after them and get them serviced regularly. You probably know this if you’ve been searching through used golf cart forums and have found 1980s Club Cart models for more than $1,000.

Let’s look at a couple of new and used examples to illustrate how well golf carts hold their value:

The above table is very much a guide, but you get the picture. Used golf carts hold their value reasonably well, particularly if you keep them in good shape.

But perhaps the biggest determinant of value is the battery. If you upgrade your batteries before selling your cart, you will almost certainly be able to sell it at a higher price.

You should also ensure your cart is in good condition and free from scratches and bumps if you want to get a good price when you put it on the market.

Why Are Used Golf Carts So Expensive?

Used golf carts are expensive because they hold their value. Remember, golf carts are very much a luxury item, which is why they’re priced the way that they are. Add to the fact, that street legal carts can be driven on the road also adds to their value.

While you can undoubtedly save money when buying a used golf cart when compared to a new cart, you will still have to part with several thousands of dollars to get the cart that you want.

If you’re not particularly bothered about the brand and are happy to own a golf cart that is several decades old, you can pick up used golf carts for anything between $1,000 and $5,000. This is essentially as cheap as golf carts come.

But the most vital thing to check when buying an old golf cart is the condition of the batteries.

It will cost you a lot of money to replace the old batteries in a used golf cart, so you need to make sure they’re in relatively good condition before committing to a purchase.

Can You Negotiate Golf Cart Prices?

Yes, golf cart prices can be negotiable. Whether you’re buying a new or used golf cart, you may be able to negotiate a reduction in the fee you pay. The best way to negotiate the price of a new cart is to offer cash up front, as this can reduce the purchase price.

When it comes to used golf carts, the discount you negotiate largely depends on the condition of the cart.

For instance, if you notice that the batteries need to be replaced or that there is significant damage to the body of the cart, you can reasonably request a deduction on the sale price.

Unfortunately, there are no rules associated with negotiating a golf cart discount, and it very much depends on your skills as a negotiator! A good piece of advice is to make sure you’ve done your research before negotiating with a seller.

This way, you can be confident that the price you’re hoping to pay is realistic. You have very little chance of securing a discount on a golf cart if you’re demanding something that is completely out of sync with the current market prices.

Buying and Selling Tips for Used Golf Carts

There are so many things you need to think about when you’re buying a new or used golf cart, which can make things a little difficult if you’re new to the market.

So, here are our top 5 tips for buying and selling used golf carts: 

1. Do your research: Look at the current prices of the brands that you’re interested in at present and use them as your benchmark. You need to be aware of the current market, or you may end up paying over the odds for the golf cart of your choice.
2. Shop around: There are lots of online and brick-and-mortar golf cart dealers for you to choose from. As such, don’t just buy a cart from the first source you find. Be prepared to shop around, and you will find a much better deal.
3. Always negotiate: As a general rule, you should never pay the first price you’re quoted for a used golf cart, as it has nearly always been marked up. At the very least, you should be able to knock off a few hundred dollars from the advertised price.
4. Check the batteries: The condition of the golf cart batteries will determine their value. Make sure you thoroughly check the batteries before you agree to purchase, and negotiate a reduction if they’re in poor condition.
5. Verify new market prices: Our last tip is to check in with the new golf cart market before committing to a purchase. You need to compare used and new prices to make sure you’re getting a good deal. Failing to do so may result in you paying too much for a used cart.

As is the case when you’re buying any high-value item, make sure you conduct your research beforehand and don’t rush into buying a golf cart.

Conclusion

While there’s no Kelley Blue Book for buying golf carts, you can still discover the value of your cart by doing your research and thinking about the variables as introduced above.

We hope you’re now in a good position to buy or sell a used golf cart and have all the information you need to get started.

After all, it’s a tricky market to negotiate, and you will need to be at the top of your game to ensure you get a good deal!