Having a golf cart can certainly make it easier to travel between shots, so you can enjoy a faster game and play more shots per session. Many golfers, especially those with a home club where they will play golf most of the time, have likely considered buying their own golf cart at some point rather than renting one each time they play a round. However, before you make the decision between continuing to rent golf carts or buying one of your own, there are a few things to consider.

Benefits of Renting vs Buying

Renting can often be a better alternative to buying a cart, especially if you don’t play golf a lot. In this case, it’s probably going to be cheaper to rent a golf cart when you play compared to buying your own. If you play golf less than twice per week, then it’s probably going to be cheaper to continue renting rather than paying for a golf cart of your own. Along with this, when you own a golf cart, you’re also responsible for maintaining it, which can add even more expense.

How Much Does Buying a Golf Cart Cost?

In general, a brand-new golf cart will cost you between $6k and $15k, depending on the model you go for and any customizations you want to add. On the other hand, if you want to save money by buying a used golf cart, you will usually pay around $3k to $11k. The price of your golf cart will depend on several factors including the number of seats that it has, the brand, and any customized features that you have or have already been added if you’re buying used.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Golf Cart?

When it comes to renting, the price may vary depending on your needs. Factors such as the size of the cart, how new it is, what features it offers, and how many accessories are included will all determine the rental price. It’s worth shopping around as rental prices can change with seasons due to changing demand, along with the region of the country that you are in and how big the demand there is for golf cart rental.

Maintaining Your Golf Cart

If you play golf quite a lot and feel that it will be more beneficial for you to buy your own golf cart rather than renting, then you will need to consider how you are going to keep it maintained. The good news is that your golf cart can last you a long time as long as you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. If you buy an electric cart, the batteries typically last up to 6 years if you maintain them properly. If you buy a gas cart, then you will need to keep on top of the required engine maintenance. You’ll also need to make sure that the tires are kept in good condition and replaced when needed. Finally, think about getting a high-quality cover for the golf cart to keep it protected from the elements.

Buying a Used Golf Cart

If you want to save money on your golf cart purchase, then you may want to consider buying second-hand to try and get a better deal. However, since second-hand golf carts have been used before, it’s important to do plenty of research beforehand and find out as much as you can about the cart including the make, model, and serial number. Some carts have a dashboard display that will provide you with more helpful information such as how many rounds of golf it has been used for. Make sure that you get as much information as possible regarding any accidents it has been in and the maintenance history. Performing hydrometer tests and voltage tests on the batteries is a good idea to make sure that they are in good working order.

Buying a Brand New Golf Cart

On the other hand, there are some advantages to buying a brand new golf cart. One of the main reasons to consider brand new is that the cart will come with a warranty, whether this is from the manufacturer or the dealer you are buying from. This will offer protection to you as the buyer should anything go wrong with the golf cart. Along with this, you will have more options for customizing the cart and adding accessories and special features that you like. You will also have more peace of mind as the first owner of the cart, so there should be no issues with it, and it will not have been involved in any accidents in the past.

If you play a lot of golf, then you might be considering buying a golf cart of your own. Generally, renting is ideal if you play golf occasionally. However, owning one might be a wise decision if you’re an avid golfer who plays several times a week.