How to Buy the Right Golf Cart

15 Aug How to Buy the Right Golf Cart

Choosing the Ideal Golf Cart for You

If you’re in the market for a golf cart, there are several decisions you need to make prior to the purchase. Doing your homework and addressing certain questions means less risk of making the wrong choice.

At Coastal Carts of Southwest Florida, our expertise and more than 30 years in the golf cart business can be the key to determining exactly which golf cart will meet your needs and result in the maximum cart ownership experience.

Let’s take a look at some considerations you need to think about before you sign a cart purchase agreement.

How Will You Use Your Cart?

The first priority is to figure out how you’ll be using your new cart. You may live in a golf course community where private cart use is allowed, and you can keep your cart at home for use on the course. This may mean you’ll likely not need a cart with a lot of bells and whistles, but something more basic to enjoy a fun round with friends.

If your family lives in a gated community that allows golf carts and other electric vehicles, (EVs), to be used on the development’s streets, you may want to consider a larger, customized cart for taking the kids to the pool or joining your neighbors at the club for dinner.

Maybe you’re looking for a cart to use at your vacation property that’s capable of covering more challenging terrain. Many models at Coastal Carts are lifted customs equipped with larger, all-terrain tires for easy access to your favorite hunting camp or lake retreat.

A street legal cart will need to meet a list of the following requirements: brake lights, headlights, taillights, turn signals, reflectors, a parking brake, rearview mirrors, seat belts, windshield/wipers, a horn, and DOT-approved tires. Before taking your cart to the streets, ensure the speed limit is less than 30 mph and you must be a licensed operator in the state of Florida.

How Much Do You Want to Invest?

Your budget is another top concern when selecting a golf cart. Some opt to go with a used cart for playing golf a few times a month, while others choose a brand new, fully customized, street legal cart for extended trips around their neighborhood. Obviously, a used cart will be less expensive than a new model, but you won’t have the benefit of any type of warranty in the event of any mechanical or other issues. Just like when purchasing a used car, its buyer beware, and you’ll need to perform your due diligence to make sure any defects or deficiencies on the cart are disclosed to you. It’s possible to find a used cart with plenty of life left for as little as a few thousand dollars.

A top-of-the-line, brand new cart or EV may cost around $10,000 to $30,000, but you’ll likely rest easier knowing no one has ever owned your cart before you and your maintenance and service issues will be covered under your manufacturer’s warranty.

Gas or Electric?

Many people who may be interested in a new cart upgrade don’t realize there have been vast technological advances made in the electric cart industry. It was once thought that gas-powered carts provided more power, torque, and greater top speed than an electric cart, but that is no longer the case. A new cart with lithium-ion batteries can accelerate quicker and reach a top speed of 25 miles per hour with smooth performance. Plus you’ll never need to worry about adding water or other battery maintenance issues.

Electric carts are also much quieter than gas models and are more friendly for the environment. But if you’re planning on using your cart on a commercial property or for outdoor maintenance work, hunting camp, lake property or other, more rugged environment, a gas-powered model may suit your needs. You should also consider the cost of gas and the hassle of keeping it around your carport or garage.

Let Coastal Carts Help Find the Perfect Cart for You

Since 1992, our team of dedicated golf cart and EV experts have been helping our customers in choosing the ideal cart for their needs. We carry carts from Yamaha®, Tomberlin®, ICON®, and EPIC Carts®, each offering extensive lines of different models and configurations designed to meet any requirements from a casual round of golf to transporting multiple passengers in style and comfort or commercial and industrial use.

Finding the perfect golf cart can be a lot simpler if you count on Coastal Carts for detailed information and guidance before making your purchase. We’re here to help you enjoy years of pleasure in your new cart.