By Ian A. on October 9, 2009
Golf Carts Introducing a Beautiful Golf Course
Golf cars are a great investment for any avid golfer making the journey around the course more comfortable and less strenuous. Second hand golf cars start around the $2,000 mark but you get what you pay for. There are many things that you should consider before purchasing a used golf car to ensure you get the best value for money. Follow these basic tips and you will enjoy your used golf car for many years to come.
Used gasoline golf cars are difficult to source and can be just as expensive as a new one so if you are looking to purchase a used golf car you are going to have more success finding a used electric golf car. Factory prices of golf cars range from $3,000 to $15,000. Expect to pay around half of the original price for a used golf car.
Before you purchase your used golf car, consider how many people you intend to transport with the vehicle and what sort of extras you would like your car to include. Some modifications that are typical include windshields, ball cleaners, cell phone chargers and cooler trays. Mechanical and performance modifications may include lift kits, speed controllers, motor upgrades and custom wheels.
It is important to consider the age and condition of the golf cart battery. Golf car batteries need to be replaced every 3-5 years so this will give you an indication of how much you are likely to need to spend on your used golf car in the near future.
Golf cars are quite accident prone and it is important to inspect the car for any physical signs that it has been in an accident or rolled over. This will be more likely for cars that have been hired out as part of a fleet. Look for damage to the front suspension, cracks in the body or any bends in the framework of the golf car. Listen for any noises that may be coming from the car when the engine is running.
There are many places to purchase a used golf car including a dealer or a golf course. It is wise to consider all of these points before you choose to purchase a used golf car to ensure you are getting good value for money in the long term.
Posted in General Info | Tagged buy, how to, used
By Ian A. on October 9, 2009
Golf Car Closeup
A golf car is a small vehicle designed to transport two golfers and their golfing equipment around a golf course. Golf clubs and country clubs often have a fleet of golf cars that are available for hire from the golf course so that their patrons can move about the golf course with less effort. Many avid golfers purchase their own golf car which may be stored at their club for a fee.
Golf cars come in a wide range of designs and are manufactured by several large companies. Golf cars are generally around 4 feet wide and 8 feet long. Some golf cars are standard and contain only the basics, including an upholstered seat and a rain cover. Others resemble luxury vehicles and have lift kits, custom wheels, drink holders, stereos and cell phone chargers.
Golf cars usually only carry a small number of passengers and are designed for short distances as their top speed is approximately 15mph. Golf cars are no longer referred to as golf buggies or golf carts as this would imply that they are self-propelled. Electric golf cars were the first electric vehicle to be mass produced for private use and have been used since 1951. Originally, most of the golf cars were electric but since 1971, gasoline powered cars have become available.
Gasoline golf cars are less popular on golf courses as they are noisy and the exhaust fumes can be smelly. Gasoline golf cars require a lot more maintenance and as such are less commonly found on golf courses.
Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV’s) resemble golf cars but have been purpose built for general transportation rather than transportation around a golf course. As these vehicles are permitted to be used on certain types of streets they often include an all-weather exterior similar to a standard on-road vehicle. These vehicles are popular in communities that wish to retain a low level of noise and exhaust pollution where pedestrian safety is paramount.
There are many communities that rely on NEV’s as their main transportation. This is especially the case in some Island communities where standard vehicles are generally not allowed. NEV’s are the main form of transportation on Santa Catalina Island in California, Bald Head Island in North Carolina and Hamilton Island in Australia.
Many retirement villages and some exclusive upper-class communities make use of these golf carts for their transportation within the local areas and some have extensive golf cart paths linking the communities together. It is becoming increasingly apparent that golf cars are versatile vehicles that are no longer restricted to the golfing community.
Posted in General Info
By Ian A. on October 9, 2009
Golf Carts are a lot of fun
Golf cars are increasing in popularity as their use now extends beyond the golf course. These simple vehicles were once used to transport two golfers and their golf clubs around a course but are now used in large communities as the primary means of transport. With so many types available on the market how do you choose the right golf car for your budget?
Like cars, golf cars range in price depending on the make and model. Some golf cars come with all the luxury you would expect from your standard on-road vehicle, whilst others come with only the bare essentials. You could reasonably expect to pay around $4,000 for a bare-bones model golf car but typical vehicles range from $6,000 to $9,000. High end models with all of the luxury additions may well cost upwards of $10,000. Luxury models may include an all weather exterior, cell phone chargers, lift kits and custom wheels.
Many golf clubs and country clubs purchase large fleets of golf cars. They often upgrade these leaving a large supply of golf cars in the marketplace for those looking for a used golf car. There are a few considerations to make when purchasing a used golf car and the price will depend on whether the golf car has been refurbished or is bought ‘as is’.
A refurbished vehicle will usually come with new upholstery and will have been thoroughly inspected and cleaned. Refurbished vehicles may also be sold with a warranty from the dealer providing extra peace of mind for the buyer. An ‘as is’ used golf car will only be inspected for obvious signs of damage but will not have undergone a comprehensive overhaul. If you are planning on purchasing a used vehicle ‘as is’ is would be recommended to at least take the vehicle for a test drive. If possible, obtain a second opinion from someone who knows golf cars well to ensure you are not going to be stuck with a vehicle that has major mechanical faults.
Gasoline golf cars are best purchased new as the used ones are difficult to find and cost almost the same as a new one. Used golf cars start around $2,000 but like cars, you get what you pay for. As a general rule of thumb, a used golf car should retail for about half of the price of a new one of the same make and model.
Posted in Used Golf Car Info | Tagged cost, golf cart, new, refurbished, used
