The Costs of Buying and Operating a Golf Cart

Golf carts provide a convenient and fun way to travel short distances on the golf course, in gated communities, or even around some public spaces. But how much does it actually cost to buy and run one of these handy vehicles? This comprehensive guide breaks down the typical upfront, maintenance, insurance, and licensing expenses that come with owning a motorized golf cart.

Purchase Price

The purchase price is often the first factor prospective golf cart buyers investigate when shopping for their own ride. Prices can start as low as $1,500 for a basic used cart and range well above $15,000 for fancy new gas-powered models packed with features. Consider what type of cart you need when setting an initial budget.

New vs. Used Carts

Brand new golf carts purchased directly from an authorized dealer are available from all the top manufacturers like Club Car, EZGO and Yamaha. New electric models typically cost between $6,000-$8,500 while more powerful gas carts range from $9,000-$15,000+. Buying new gives you a full warranty, predictable reliability and modern safety features.

Used golf cart prices are all over the map depending on their age, condition and included attachments. Older carts from the early 2000s can sell for as little as $1,500 while newer models with better batteries cost $3,500+. Buying used saves money upfront but may require repairs and upgrades down the road.

Gas vs. Electric Power

The engine type also plays a major role in golf cart pricing. Basic electric carts use batteries to power an electric motor while gas-powered models have combustion engines similar to cars or lawn mowers. Electric carts cost less initially but require periodic battery replacement. Gas models are faster, can go longer between charges but need more maintenance like oil changes.

Ultimately gas and electric carts can both end up having comparable lifetime costs. Over a 5-10 year ownership period, you’ll likely invest the same amount of money either way ‒ it just depends whether you want to pay more upfront or over time.

Optional Features and Attachments

The advertised base price for any golf cart is usually quite spartan. Opting for nicer features like comfier seating, windshields, sound systems or performance upgrades can quickly tack on hundreds or thousands to your final purchase amount. Some popular add-ons to enhance convenience and functionality include:

• Custom Wheels ‒ $300-$1,000
• Lifted Suspension ‒ $300-$500
• Rear Seating ‒ $150-$600
• Bag Cover ‒ $150-$300
• Backrest ‒ $100-$250
• Cooler Mount − $50-$150
• Storage Bags and Baskets − $75-$350
• Upgraded Headlights − $100-$300
• Chrome and Custom Bodywork − $500+

With so many ways to accessorize and personalize, it’s easy to get tempted into premium features that may not fully justify their hefty cost relative to a standard golf cart’s utility. Be realistic about which upgrades you might actually use regularly.

Ongoing Ownership Expenses

The purchase price is just part of the financial commitment required for cart ownership. You’ll also need to budget for inevitable maintenance, repairs, insurance, registration fees and battery replacement during your cart’s usable lifespan:

Maintenance and Repairs

Much like a car, expect to bring your golf cart into a certified technician yearly for a tune-up, inspection and oil change if gas-powered. This usually costs $100-$300. Brake adjustments, wheel alignments, replacing worn tires and repairing electrical faults are other common repairs over time. Infrequent major repairs like motor or transmission rebuilds can run over $1,000.

Battery Replacement

For electric carts, the batteries will degrade and need replacement every 3-6 years at around 40% of the vehicle’s original cost, usually $1,200-$3,000. Proper monthly battery maintenance extends their usable life. Some owners spend a similar amount on new batteries as they originally did purchasing their used cart – so keep this inevitable future cost in mind.

Insurance Coverage

Golf cart insurance usually costs between $100-$300 per year depending on your vehicle’s value and coverage levels for theft, damage, accessories and liability. It’s not legally mandated in most states but provides protection against potentially bankrupting bills should you cause property damage or injury. Shielded electric carts may have cheaper premiums than more accident-prone gas vehicles.

Registration, Licensing and Inspection

Most states require registering your golf cart which comes with small annual fees attached. Depending on local regulations, you may also need safety inspections, emissions testing, special licenses or restrictions on where carts can be operated – considerations that affect long term costs-of-ownership. Always check your state and community guidelines before buying.

Total Lifetime Costs

Taken all together ‒ the purchase price, extras, repairs, battery replacement and insurance ‒ expect to invest $8,000-$20,000 over a typical 5-10 year life expectancy to run any golf cart, either gas or electric. Thinking through the ongoing costs ahead of time ensures your budget can support convenient and safe cart operation for years to come.

Key Takeaways

• New golf carts range from $6,000-$15,000 depending on being gas or electric powered.
• Used cart prices start under $1,500 but have higher maintenance costs.
• Consider extras like custom seating, sound systems and cargo bags that raise the price.
• Yearly tune-ups, repairs and inevitable battery replacement ensures constant costs.
• Most owners pay $100-$300 to insure their cart against liability claims.
• Registration and licenses create small recurring fees for cart owners.
• In total expect around $8,000+ in lifetime costs per golf cart ownership.

Calculating exact pricing helps first-time golf cart buyers know what they are getting into with owning and maintaining one of these popular multi-purpose vehicles. But their versatility in getting groups around golf courses, planned communities and other sites make carts a fun investment for the right buyer. Understanding their full costs allows you to make an informed decision when entering the market.