Are you in the market for a used golf cart? Used golf carts are an excellent and affordable option for those who don’t want to spend too much money on brand-new golf carts. However, it’s important that when shopping around, buyers remember some of the key mistakes they should avoid when selecting a previously owned vehicle. In this blog post, we will discuss four essential things to avoid while searching for your perfect used golf cart.
Table of Contents
Look for a Split Windshield
Know the Difference Between an LSV and a Golf Cart
Avoid Sealed Batteries
Is It Still Manufactured?
What questions to ask when buying a used golf cart?
Conclusion
Look for a Split Windshield
When it comes to electric golf carts, the split windshield is a must-have feature. This windshield allows for airflow in hot climates and can be easily replaced if damaged or broken. In contrast, one-piece windshields cannot be replaced with a split version and are generally less durable or long-lasting than their split counterparts.
In addition to its durability benefits, a split windshield also offers improved visibility when driving around tight corners on the course. The two pieces allow for more peripheral vision than one single piece would provide, which is especially helpful when maneuvering through tricky terrains like sand traps or water hazards.
Also, if you are in the desert region, looking for a tinted windshield is important. It makes a huge difference in comfort. A clear windshield might be ideal for those in other, more moderate areas. So, don’t forget to consider your local climate.
Important Takeaway: Split windshields are a must-have for electric golf carts, offering increased visibility and protection from the elements. If you are in the desert, make sure to look for tinted windshields.
Know the Difference Between an LSV and a Golf Cart
While they may look similar at first glance, some important differences between the two can make a big difference in your overall experience.
Speed is the main distinction between Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) and golf carts. LSVs have a top speed of 25 mph, while golf carts typically travel at 15 mph or less. This makes them much better suited for driving on streets than regular golf carts, but also not ideal for use on a golf course – where you’ll want something with slower speeds so as not to disrupt other players’ games.
In addition to their different speeds, LSVs tend to be larger and heavier than traditional golf carts – making them more expensive upfront but often offering superior performance over time due to their sturdier construction materials. They also require additional safety features like turn signals and seat belts that regular golf cars don’t need. This means extra costs when purchasing an LSV versus a standard cart model.
Recognizing the contrast between an LSV and a golf cart is essential to selecting the ideal vehicle for your requirements.
Important Takeaway: Comprehend the disparities between LSVs and golf carts before buying one. They have a top speed of 25 mph, necessitating extra safety elements.
Avoid Sealed Batteries
Sealed batteries are popular among those who don’t want to deal with maintenance, but they come at a cost. Not only do sealed batteries cost more upfront than traditional lead-acid batteries, but they also last half as long. That means you’ll be shelling out for replacement costs twice as often and spending significantly more over time.
Lead-acid batteries require regular maintenance, including checking fluid levels and topping off when necessary, but this will extend their lifespan considerably compared to sealed options. It’s worth noting that most golf cart owners opt for lead-acid due to the significant savings on battery replacements over time.
At the end of it all, picking between a lead acid and a sealed battery comes down to how much you’re willing to invest in keeping your golf cart running smoothly over time. Opting for lead acid will save money in terms of replacement costs while providing better performance overall compared to its counterpart.
Important Takeaway: Choosing between lead-acid and sealed batteries for your golf cart can be a real conundrum. Lead acid may require more maintenance, but it’ll save you money in the long run. Sealed batteries cost more upfront but have shorter lifespans. Make sure to do your homework on parts availability before investing – warranties are key for protecting yourself against unexpected costs.
Is It Still Manufactured?
Before purchasing an electric golf cart, ensure that the model is still in production to avoid potential problems with replacement parts. If a model is no longer produced, you could encounter difficulties obtaining components if your cart needs repairs. Knowing if a particular model is still in production can help you avoid potential problems down the road.
The first step in determining whether a golf cart is still produced is researching its manufacturer and history. Many manufacturers have been around for decades and continue to produce popular models of carts year after year. Others are newer companies that only produce limited numbers of vehicles each year or have gone out of business altogether. It’s important to know which type of company you’re dealing with before investing in any kind of golf cart purchase.
Another factor determining whether a certain model is still being made is its age and popularity among customers. Older models beyond five years of age may not be as dependable and thus have been discontinued by their creators because of low consumer interest or due to the emergence of new technologies. On the other hand, some older models may remain popular enough to be kept in production despite their age – this could mean good news for those looking for an affordable option.
Finally, consider asking questions about availability directly from the manufacturer or dealer selling the vehicle before committing to a purchase. Many times these companies will have information about the current production status on hand. They can provide helpful advice on what models are available at any given time and how long they’ve been producing them for customers worldwide. This way, you’ll know exactly what kind of product support will be available should something go wrong with your investment later on down the line.
Important Takeaway: Before investing in an electric golf cart, it’s wise to look into the maker and past of the model to decide if it is still being produced. Additionally, ask questions about availability from the dealer or manufacturer since they will have information on the current production status and provide advice on what models are available at any given time. Doing your due diligence can save you a lot of headaches later.
What questions to ask when buying a used golf cart?
- By ascertaining the make and model of the golf cart, one can accurately assess its age, features, and value. Knowing this information will help you determine its age, features, and value.
- How many hours have been used on the golf cart? This can give you an idea of how much wear and tear it has experienced over time.
- Is there a maintenance record available for review? A comprehensive servicing log may offer clues about any future repairs or issues that could arise.
- Are all accessories included (e.g., charger, windshield) included? Make sure to check if all components are present before deciding to purchase a used golf cart, as some parts may not be readily available or costly to replace later down the road.
- Does the golf cart come with a warranty? What are the specifics of any warranty included? Understanding any potential warranties can help you plan for future repairs or maintenance needs.
Conclusion
When buying a pre-owned golf cart, it is important to check for characteristics such as a divided windshield and be cognizant of the distinction between an LSV and a regular golf cart. Also, avoid sealed batteries since they cost more but don’t last as long. Lastly, be sure that the model of your used golf cart is still being manufactured to ensure its quality. By taking these precautions when buying used electric golf carts, you can get great value without compromising on safety or performance.
LUXE Electric Car LUXE Electric Car is the only luxury, custom, electric golf car manufacturer in the Coachella Valley. Not only does LUXE Electric Car custom build them right here in the desert, but their showroom, located at 74-125 Hwy 111, Palm Desert, is open and ready to help you decide what style and extras you want for your next new golf cart. As one of the leading electric golf cart companies in the United States, they are also trailblazers of innovation, including power plants. Seeing the future in power shifting from lead acid batteries to lithium, LUXE Electric Car can not only fit your new car with batteries that need no maintenance, have a warranty of five years, and change life of up to 100 miles between charging, but they can retro-fit existing carts with Lithium Batteries. To contact us – LUXEElectricCar.com info@LUXEElectricCar.com 760-408-0139
