The 2019 Golf Car Buying Guide
Are you thinking of purchasing a golf car in 2019? If so, you likely know that there are many things to consider and making a decision can be tough. To get your new year started on the right note, we have put together a quick buying guide to help you make the best possible decision.
New or Used
New golf cars are creeping up in price and may not be affordable for the average person anymore. Many used golf car forums list golf cars for sale, allowing consumers to purchase their used golf car at a substantially lower price than a new golf car. If you are buying used, be sure to thoroughly inspect all components of the golf car, including frame and batteries or engine. It is also a good idea to call the serial number in to the local law enforcement to make sure that the used golf car hasn’t been stolen.
Two Passenger or Four Passenger
Are you cruising around the golf course alone or with friends? Do you need room for your golf bag? Consider these factors when deciding whether to purchase a two or four passenger golf car. If you plan to purchase a two passenger and add a rear seat kit and golf bag rack, check the golf car’s suspension carefully to make sure that it can accommodate the extra weight that you plan to add.
Gas or Electric
Decide whether a gas or electric golf car is more suitable for your usage. Are you in a rural area or a residential community? Are gas golf cars permitted in your community? How fast do you need the golf car to go? Consider which type of golf car will check most of your boxes.
If you opt for an electric golf car, consider the range of the batteries. Golf cars with (4) 12 volt batteries will not have as much range as those with (6) 8 volt batteries. If you purchase a used golf car, check the dates on the batteries to make sure that they are less than three years old and in good condition, or you can plan to purchase replacement batteries.
Aluminum or Steel
If you are new to golf cars, you may gravitate towards less expensive brands, like E-Z-GO, because they are high quality and much loved. But, if you live in a high humidity state and/or near a body of water, your steel framed golf cars will quickly show signs of rust. For humid climates, opt for aluminum framed golf cars, which will hold up to the elements for many years.
Additionally, when adding accessories, opt for aluminum options to avoid rust. Rear seats kits and golf bags come in aluminum as well as steel.
Street or Offroad
Will you golf car be cruising through the streets of your RV park or gated community? Or will you be exploring trails and countryside off the beaten path? One may require upgraded speed settings and the other may require a high torque set up. Street tires work well on pavement and golf courses, but will not make it on a trail. Offroad tires are typically prohibited on golf courses and will wear down with extended use on asphalt. Consider these uses when deciding on the best golf car.
Alternatives for Golfers
You have heard of E-Z-GO, Club Car, Yamaha, Columbia and the other common golf cars, but there are other options for golfers. SoloRider is a golfer’s golf car that is designed for golfers with disabilities and allows ease of travel on golf courses. GolfBoard is another alternative to traditional golf cars because it allows golfers to drive directly to their ball. If you need a golf car exclusively for golfing, these options are more affordable.
Purchasing a golf car is an exciting decision. Take your time and do your research before selecting a golf car to take home.
About the Author: The Owner of WHEELZ Custom Carts & Accessories, Julie Starr was one of the industry’s first online retailers of golf car products. Her eCommerce store, www.WHEELZLLC.com, has been serving golf car owners since 2008 and the store remains a popular online shopping experience for golf car owners who want to take their golf cars to the next level.
