Golf carts have grown in popularity beyond their original purpose of transporting players between holes. They now frequently transport personnel and equipment to resorts, airports, gated communities, factories, and other locations. With this increased utility, interest in ownership is growing for both personal and commercial reasons. The question remains: how much is a golf cart? Prices vary widely depending on the intended application, features, and customization. Buyers can effectively navigate golf cart costs by carefully considering key factors such as performance, upgrades, and financing.
Gas-Powered Golf Cart Prices
Gas-powered golf carts use internal combustion engines similar to automobiles. This provides more torque for climbing hills and faster speeds of up to 19 mph. It also allows for longer distances per tank, typically 25-40 miles. However, gas carts require more complex maintenance, such as oil changes and tune-ups, on an annual basis.
New gas-powered golf carts from top brands such as Yamaha, Club Car, and EZGO cost approximately $6,500 or more. High-end models can cost upwards of $12,000, depending on seating capacity, cargo bed features, and workload durability. Annual operating costs for gas, service, and storage are approximately $700.
Electric Golf Cart Prices
Alternatively, electric golf carts navigate courses and gated communities with ease thanks to battery packs and electric motors. The average charging time for 18-36 hole runs is 8 hours. While electric carts have slightly lower acceleration and climbing capacity than gas carts, they are significantly quieter, less expensive to operate, and more environmentally friendly.
On average, new electric golf carts sell for more than $4,500. Brands such as Star EV provide affordable options for basic passenger transportation over short distances, starting around $3,000. Luxury-branded carts with rugged builds, plenty of range, and accessories cost $9,000 or more. Annual operating costs for electric carts average around $400, which includes charging, maintenance, and storage.
Key Cost Factors
Aside from the power source, several variables have a significant impact on golf cart pricing, such as:
- Passenger/Cargo Capacity – 2 seats, 4 seats, or 6 seats
- Range Requirements: 18 holes vs. 36
- Terrain Type: Flat Course vs. Hilly Course
- Extra features include LED lights, windshields, lift kits, etc.
- Durability Grade: Light Use vs. Heavy Duty
- New vs. Pre-Owned: Model Year and Wear Influence Price
- Regional Demand and Supply: Popularity Factors
While base models meet the majority of needs, requirements such as extended passenger space, long daily mileage, rugged sites, and heavy cargo loads drive up costs through additional capabilities and buffers built in.
Pre-Owned Golf Cart Considerations
Given the significant initial investment required for new golf carts, purchasing used 4-6 year old carts offers significant value. A $6,000 new cart is often resold for around $3,500 in gently used condition. Pre-owned purchases are particularly appealing due to savings of more than 50%.
However, before making a purchase, it is critical to thoroughly inspect the battery cycles, engine hours, and mechanical issues. Filtering listings by maintenance history and newer years yields the best deals. Also, budgeting $500 or more for potential repairs protects against surprises. The registration paperwork must also be transferred cleanly.
Ultimately, pre-owned golf cart cost performance sweet spots meet many average needs, despite some risk factors that must be mitigated. Lower sticker prices and rapid depreciation make ownership available to more buyers if diligence is applied.
Golf Cart Financing Overview
Even pre-owned golf cart deals may extend beyond simple cash purchases for individuals or small groups. As a result, financing is frequently used to make purchases possible via payment plans. Interest rates of 5-15% allow for reasonable monthly payments for a year or more before repayment.
Both dealerships and third-party lenders provide credit application processing, prequalification, and documentation support for golf cart loans. Similar to auto loans, applicants’ creditworthiness and collateral are still assessed prior to approval. Expect similar paperwork for signatures and proof before obtaining cart financing.
While increasing long-term costs through interest payments, dividing golf cart prices over 12-24 months significantly reduces cash flow barriers through financing. However, careful consideration of repayment ability is required before committing.
Top Golf Cart Feature Upgrades
Beyond base specifications, golf cart capabilities expand significantly through myriad feature add-ons for both gas and electric models, including:
- Lifted Suspension Kit: Increases clearance for rougher terrain.
- All-Terrain Tires: Improves dirt/grass traction.
- Dump Bed Kit enables heavy material hauling.
- Tow Hitches: Pulls equipment attachments.
- Custom Paint – Unique Color Schemes
Features include an enclosed cabin kit for weather protection, Bluetooth stereo for music and communication, and a performance chip for increased speed and power.
While these accessories add a few thousand dollars in total, the right combination tailored to worksite requirements justifies costs in the long run through increased utility. However, speed limits are still enforced for street legality.
Essential Golf Cart Accessories
In addition to installed features, convenient golf cart accessories maximize day-to-day functionality:
Storage bags secure personal belongings.
- Cup Holders – Drink Spill Prevention
- Scorecard Holders: Convenient Access
- GPS Displays: Maps and Data
- Coolers – Transport cold drinks and food.
Maintenance tools for clubs include ball cleaners and phone mounts for navigation and music.
These optional cart add-ons cost $10 to $100 or more, depending on the material and integration quality. While not particularly significant individually, they have a significant positive impact on quality of life when taken together.
Conclusion
In summary, the average new golf cart price ranges from $4,500 to $6,500 for electric and gas models, depending on passenger capacity and feature sets. Custom durability, range, terrain type, and installed upgrades all add a few thousand dollars to high-end carts, which can cost up to $12,000 at retail.
However, if properly inspected, pre-owned golf carts provide significant value at 50% or more off the original price. Financing options also make it easier to acquire ownership in installments. With optional accessories that further personalize functionality, buyers have enormous flexibility across needs and budgets to answer the key question: how much is a golf cart?
