Riding a golf cart is popular among many golfers, young and old. If you prefer to ride a cart, you might wonder how much a golf cart costs.
Golf carts are convenient and make golf relaxing and enjoyable. You can be more comfortable on the course when riding, enjoying the day without exerting too much energy.
However, you pay for that luxury when buying a golf cart. Your initial outlay will likely be a few thousand dollars.
The average price for a golf cart is around $9,000. For a used golf cart, you can expect to spend between $2,000 and $5,000.
The cost of a custom-made golf cart can often exceed $20,000. Many of these carts are legal to drive on the street.
How Much Are New Golf Carts?
New golf carts generally range from about $4,000 to $15,000. The price variation is due to the wide range of brands and models available on the market.
Like with any product, the quality also factors into the price differences. Some golf carts are much better than others and offer more features. Therefore, manufacturers separate carts into three categories: low-range, mid-range, and high-range.
The cost of a low-range model, sometimes called a base model, starts at around $4,000. These golf carts have only the necessary features.
You get more features as the price increases. Also, many manufacturers offer customizable golf carts.
The more you customize a cart, the higher the price goes. Some of these options exceed $20,000, giving you pretty much everything you can get on a golf cart.
New Golf Cart Pros and Cons
Pros
- New golf carts are in pristine condition
- Most come with a limited warranty
- You can customize a new cart exactly how you want it
- Easier to get financing for new carts
Cons
- High price
- Rapid depreciation
Related: 7 Best Golf Carts in 2022 (Golf and Street Use)
How Much Are Used Golf Carts?
The cost of used golf carts usually ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. Used carts are an excellent alternative to buying new ones, especially if you don’t care about customization.
It’s not uncommon to find used carts for as low as $2,000. However, these options are likely to be old and used a lot.
Buying a used cart is riskier than getting a new one. Used carts can be old and pretty banged up, and the parts might not be in the best condition.
Of course, you expect to pay more for a used cart in better condition. But just because it costs more doesn’t mean everything is running smoothly.
It’s always a good idea to thoroughly check a used golf cart before buying it.
Used Golf Cart Pros and Cons
Pros
- Save money
- Already tried and tested
- A lot of information out there about the model
- May have customization without the added cost
Cons
- May be hidden problems
- No warranty
- Worn parts
Gas vs. Electric Golf Cart Cost
Generally, electric golf carts are cheaper than gas golf carts. That’s true for the initial layout and the costs of running it as well.
Gas golf carts tend to need more maintenance than electric ones. Preserving the parts of a gas cart adds to the cost over time. You need to get it serviced and change the oil when needed.
The average price range of gas and electric carts is generally the same. Both options cost between about $4,000 to $15,000.
However, gas carts usually cost $700 to $1,000 more than electric carts. Of course, costs vary greatly depending on the year, make, model, etc.
How Much Do Golf Carts Cost Based on Size?
Manufacturers make golf carts of different sizes, from two-seaters to six-seaters. These options cost varying amounts.
Two-Seater
These are the smallest golf carts available. A new two-seater can cost between $4,000 and $7,000.
You can get a used two-seater for considerably cheaper. But generally, you’re looking at around $2,000 for a decent one.
Four-Seater
Four-seaters are the most common type of cart you’ll see on the golf course. These carts typically cost between $7000 and $10,000.
Six-Seater
A six-seater golf cart will usually cost around $10,000 to $15,000. Sometimes the price may go higher than $15,000, depending on the model and accessories.
These carts are commonly used for transporting people. You might see them at golf tournaments, golf resorts, or at airports.
Expenses That Go Into Owning a Golf Cart
Owning a golf cart gives you several expenses: maintenance, gas or batteries, lift kits, heaters, and other upgrades.
Maintenance
Both gas and electric golf carts need maintenance. Gas carts need a little more servicing and cost more to run smoothly.
It’s crucial to keep up to date with maintenance. That keeps your cart in good condition and helps it last longer.
Gas or Batteries
Filling up with gas or replacing batteries is another expense that goes into owning a golf cart. Also, you need to charge the batteries, so the cost of electricity plays its part.
The good news is that batteries should last around four to six years. However, the best ones can last about 10 years.
Also, you get excellent mileage from a full tank of gas in a golf cart. On average, carts go 120 miles on 5-6 gallons of gas.
You’ll travel about five miles during a round of golf. So, that’s a lot of games with only one tank.
Lift Kits
Lift kits aren’t a necessary expense for golf carts. However, lifting the cart creates more space between the ground and the undercarriage.
It can be a good investment if you ride on rough terrain. Otherwise, the cart could get damaged, costing you even more money.
Other Upgrades
Owning a golf cart often means you need to take care of other upgrades. These upgrades will depend on specific needs.
Here are some examples:
- New paint job – starting at $200
- Headlights – between $100 and $200
- New wheels – around $600
- Safety enclosures – starting at about $200
- Kid-friendly seating – between $200 and $300
- Seatbelts – around $100
How Much Do Golf Cart Batteries Cost?
The cost of golf cart batteries varies widely. You can get budget golf cart batteries for under $100.
However, some premium options are upwards of $500. That’s a huge difference.
Also, you need to consider that golf carts need more than one battery. You can check out our guide on the best golf cart batteries for more information.
How Long Do Golf Carts Last?
The average life cycle of a golf cart is between 20 and 40 years. However, you must keep up with proper maintenance to get anywhere near that long.
And even if you do, there’s still no guarantee a golf cart will last between 20 and 40 years.
Is Buying a Golf Cart Worth It?
Yes, buying a golf cart is worth it. You need to pay a high initial cost, and you must maintain it. However, you can get many years of use out of it.
Also, you can use a golf cart for other activities. Depending on the type, you could use it on trails and even on the streets.
When you rent a cart for every round of golf, the cost soon adds up. It might be cheaper in the long run to buy a golf cart.
Golf carts also make golf comfortable and enjoyable. And you can conserve all your energy for playing golf instead of walking.
Conclusion
The average price for a golf cart is around $9,000. New ones range between $4,000 to $15,000, while used ones are about $2,000 to $5,000.
You should also factor in maintenance and running costs when considering the golf cart cost. Also, upgrades and any customization will cost you extra.
However, owning a golf cart can save you money eventually. That’s especially true if you always ride a cart.
