The golf cart price varies widely, generally falling in a golf cart price range from about \$2,000 for a very basic used model to over \$20,000 for a brand-new, high-end luxury cart.
Deciding what to spend on a golf cart depends on several things. Do you need it for a short ride on the golf course, or do you want it for street driving in your neighborhood? Your choice between electric and gas power also plays a big role in the final cost of golf cart ownership. This guide will help you see the typical costs involved in buying a new or used golf cart.
Factors Shaping Golf Cart Costs
The price tag on any golf cart is not set in stone. Many key features push the price up or down. Knowing these factors helps you shop smarter and find the right cart within your budget.
Power Source: Electric Versus Gas
This is often the first big choice a buyer makes. Both types have different long-term costs and initial purchase prices.
Electric Golf Cart Price
Most modern golf carts are electric. They use large batteries for power.
- Pros: They are quiet. They need less upkeep. You don’t buy gas.
- Cons: You must charge them regularly. Battery replacement is a major future cost.
The electric golf cart price usually starts a bit higher than a very basic gas model, mainly due to the cost of the battery pack.
Gas Golf Cart Cost
Gas carts use small gasoline engines, similar to a lawnmower engine.
- Pros: They offer longer travel distances between fill-ups. They are often easier to maintain for simple tasks.
- Cons: They make more noise. They require regular oil changes and spark plug checks. They also release exhaust fumes.
The gas golf cart cost can sometimes be lower for entry-level models, but fuel costs add up over time.
New Versus Used Purchase Decision
The difference between buying new and buying used is significant in terms of price and risk.
New Golf Cart Price
Buying new means you get the latest features, full factory warranties, and no prior wear and tear.
- Base Models: A simple, two-seater new cart might start around \$8,000 to \$10,000.
- Upgraded Models: Features like larger batteries, lift kits, custom paint, or on-road safety gear push the new golf cart price upward quickly.
If you need a cart for heavy use or want the latest technology, paying more for new is often wise.
Used Golf Cart Cost
Buying used can save you thousands right away. However, you must check the condition carefully.
- Age and Condition: A cart that is only a few years old in great shape will cost much more than a very old cart needing a full overhaul.
- Battery Life: For electric carts, the battery life is key. If the batteries are near the end of their life (usually 5-8 years), factor in an immediate \$1,500 to \$3,000 cost for replacements.
The used golf cart cost is highly variable. You might find a budget golf cart price point here, but be ready for potential maintenance costs sooner.
Typical Golf Cart Price Breakdown (New Models)
The golf cart price range for new carts is broad. Here is a look at what you can expect based on standard categories sold by a golf cart dealer prices structure.
Basic Personal Carts
These are simple, two-seater carts, often with a basic roof and minimal features. They are great for short trips around a large property or small golf courses.
| Cart Type | Power Source | Estimated New Price Range | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 2-Seater | Electric | \$8,000 – \$11,000 | Light residential, short course use |
| Standard 2-Seater | Gas | \$7,500 – \$10,500 | Longer range needs, rougher terrain |
Four-Seater and Extended Carts
These carts are popular for families or for carrying more gear around a resort or large facility.
| Cart Type | Power Source | Estimated New Price Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Passenger Cart | Electric | \$11,000 – \$15,000 | Rear-facing seats or flip seats |
| Utility/Hauler | Gas or Electric | \$12,500 – \$17,000 | Cargo bed for tools or supplies |
Street Legal and Luxury Carts
These models are designed to look like small cars. They must meet state laws for road use, which requires extra safety equipment like headlights, turn signals, seat belts, and sometimes side mirrors. This often involves higher-quality suspension and more powerful motors.
The luxury golf cart cost can easily climb past \$15,000.
- Street Legal Electric Carts: Often priced between \$14,000 and \$20,000 or more.
- High-End Brands (e.g., ICON, GEM): These can reach \$20,000 to \$30,000 depending on added electronics and premium finishes.
Analyzing Used Golf Cart Costs
Finding a great deal on a used cart requires diligence. Here is how the used golf cart cost breaks down based on age and condition.
Very Budget Carts (Under \$4,000)
These carts are often older models (10+ years).
- What to expect: They might need immediate work. Batteries are likely weak or near replacement. Cosmetic damage is common.
- Best for: Buyers with mechanical skills or those needing a cart only for very short, occasional use where looks do not matter. This is where you find the lowest budget golf cart price.
Mid-Range Used Carts (\$4,000 – \$8,000)
This bracket usually contains carts that are 3 to 7 years old.
- What to expect: They often have decent batteries (if recently replaced) and work well for standard neighborhood driving. They might lack modern features like better speed controllers or advanced charging systems.
- Inspection necessity: Always inspect the frame and motor mounts closely.
Nearly New Used Carts (\$8,000+)
These carts are often only 1 to 3 years old or are lightly used specialty carts (like brand new, never titled low-speed vehicles or LSVs).
- What to expect: Almost like buying new, but at a reduced rate. They usually still carry some remaining factory warranty.
Deciphering Hidden Costs: Beyond the Sticker Price
The initial golf cart price is only part of the financial picture. Maintenance, insurance, and accessories add to the true cost of ownership.
1. Accessories and Customization
A cart rarely leaves the lot looking exactly how the owner wants it. Customizations significantly inflate the total bill.
- Lifting Kits: Raise the cart for rougher terrain. Costs range from \$400 to \$1,000 installed.
- Premium Tires and Wheels: Adds style and often better grip. Expect \$500 to \$1,500 for a set.
- Sound Systems and Lighting: High-quality Bluetooth stereos and LED light bars can cost \$500 or more.
- Enclosures: Full rain enclosures for all-weather use can run \$300 to \$800.
If you are looking at a new golf cart price, remember these add-ons can easily add 20% to the total bill.
2. Maintenance Expenses
Maintenance needs differ greatly between electric and gas carts.
Electric Cart Maintenance
The biggest recurring cost is the battery replacement.
- Battery Life: Typical lifespan is 5 to 8 years depending on usage and water levels (if applicable).
- Battery Cost: A full set of new golf cart batteries costs between \$1,400 and \$2,500, installed.
Routine maintenance is light: checking tire pressure, lubricating moving parts, and checking connections.
Gas Cart Maintenance
Gas carts require regular automotive-style maintenance.
- Tune-ups: Oil changes, filter replacements, and spark plug changes cost about \$150 to \$300 per year if you do it yourself, more if you use a shop.
- Fuel Costs: This is variable, but generally low unless the cart is used daily for many miles.
3. Insurance and Registration
If you plan to drive your cart on public roads (making it an LSV or Low-Speed Vehicle), you will face government fees.
- Insurance: While standard golf carts are often covered under a homeowner’s policy, street-legal carts usually require specific liability insurance. This can add \$100 to \$300 per year to your expenses.
- Registration/Tags: Depending on your state or community rules, you may need to pay annual registration fees, similar to a small car.
The Role of the Golf Cart Dealer Prices
When you walk into a golf cart dealer prices are usually set, but negotiation room exists, especially on floor models or during end-of-season sales. Dealers offer the advantage of professional assembly, testing, and warranty service.
Why Dealers Charge More
- Quality Control: Carts are fully assembled, tuned, and test-driven before they reach you.
- Financing Options: Dealers work with lenders to offer loans, making higher-priced carts more accessible.
- Service Center: They provide certified repairs and maintenance, which is crucial for complex new models.
Buying Direct vs. Dealer
Some smaller, independent sellers or online marketplaces offer lower prices because they skip the dealer overhead. However, you take on the responsibility for assembly, warranty claims, and ensuring the cart meets local road standards (if applicable). For first-time buyers, sticking with a reputable dealer simplifies the process, even if the initial golf cart price is higher.
Fathoming the Cost of Specific Cart Needs
The purpose of your cart dictates the minimum specifications required, which directly impacts the price.
1. Course Golf Carts
If the cart is primarily for use on a golf course, durability and battery range matter most. You need a reliable cart that can handle daily rounds.
- Recommendation: Mid-range new or late-model used electric carts are ideal. They are quiet and keep the course happy.
- Price Target: \$7,000 to \$13,000.
2. Neighborhood Cruising Carts (LSV Ready)
These carts need more features to be safe and legal on roads with lower speed limits (usually 25-35 mph).
- Requirements: Full lighting, seat belts, often upgraded suspension and motors for consistent speeds.
- Price Target: Expect to pay closer to the new golf cart price bracket, aiming for \$13,000 and up to ensure safety compliance.
3. Commercial or Industrial Carts
These carts are workhorses used in warehouses, resorts, or construction sites. They prioritize payload capacity and ruggedness over aesthetics.
- Features: Heavy-duty frames, larger tires, and high torque motors.
- Price Target: These often start higher than standard consumer models due to reinforced components, pushing into the high teens for new models.
Getting the Best Value: Saving Money on Your Purchase
To maximize your budget, look for opportunities to reduce the cost of golf cart ownership.
Shopping Strategies for Savings
- Look Out of Season: Golf cart demand often peaks in spring and summer. Shopping in the late fall or winter might yield better deals as dealers try to clear inventory.
- Consider Refurbished Models: Many dealers sell “certified pre-owned” carts. These have been thoroughly inspected, often have new batteries, and come with a short-term dealer warranty—a great middle ground between a risky used purchase and an expensive new one.
- Prioritize Battery Condition on Used Electric Carts: A used cart might seem cheap at \$3,500, but if it needs \$2,000 in new batteries immediately, it is not a budget golf cart price. Always get a battery test or factor replacement into your offer.
The Value of Gas vs. Electric Long-Term
While the electric golf cart price might be slightly higher initially, the lower running costs often make it cheaper over 10 years.
Example Cost Comparison (10 Years of Use):
| Expense Item | Electric Cart | Gas Cart |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Purchase (Mid-Range New) | \$12,000 | \$11,000 |
| Fuel/Electricity Cost (Estimate) | \$800 (Electricity) | \$2,500 (Gasoline) |
| Major Maintenance (Battery Replacement) | \$2,200 (1 set) | \$1,000 (Tune-ups/Fluids) |
| Total 10-Year Cost Estimate | \$15,000 | \$14,500 |
Note: This simplified estimate shows that operating costs keep the total cost very close, but gas carts incur more service costs over time.
Special Category: Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs)
If you want a cart that truly functions as a second car for neighborhood driving, you need an LSV. This classification requires compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
LSVs can travel up to 25 mph on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
- Key Requirements: Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, rearview mirrors, windshields, seat belts, and a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Price Impact: Because they require automotive-grade components and safety testing, the luxury golf cart cost structure applies here. You are buying certified transportation, not just a recreational vehicle. Expect a minimum of \$14,000, even for basic LSVs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is a basic, brand-new electric golf cart?
A basic, two-passenger new golf cart price starts around \$8,000. This price typically includes standard batteries and essential features suitable for light use.
What is the average used golf cart cost?
The average used golf cart cost for a functioning cart that is less than seven years old usually falls between \$4,500 and \$7,500. Always verify battery health on electric models.
Can I buy a golf cart for under \$3,000?
Yes, you can often find a budget golf cart price point below \$3,000, but these will almost certainly be very old, basic carts, or carts needing significant repair (especially new batteries for electric versions).
Are gas golf carts cheaper than electric golf carts to buy?
Often, the initial sticker price for a comparable gas golf cart cost can be slightly lower than an electric model, though this gap is shrinking as electric technology becomes more common.
Where can I find the best golf cart dealer prices?
Check with authorized dealers for the brands you like (like Club Car, E-Z-GO, Yamaha) near the end of the season (fall) or look for end-of-model-year clearance sales. Negotiating on floor models is also a good tactic.