The gas golf cart price ranges widely, typically starting around \$4,000 for very basic, older models and easily reaching \$14,000 or more for brand-new, high-end luxury models with many features. The average price of a gas golf cart lands somewhere between \$7,000 and \$10,000 for a reliable, current-year model from a major brand.
Factors Affecting the Final Golf Cart Purchase Price
Buying a golf cart is much like buying a car. Many things change the final sticker price. Knowing these factors helps you budget correctly for your purchase. We look at size, brand, condition, and added features. These all play a big role in what you pay.
New vs. Used Models
The biggest price swing comes from whether the cart is new or used.
The Cost of a New Gas Golf Cart
A new gas golf cart cost reflects the latest technology, full warranties, and zero prior wear. Manufacturers use modern engines that meet current emission rules. These carts offer the best performance and longest life upfront.
| Cart Type | Typical New Price Range (USD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 2-Seater | \$6,500 – \$9,000 | Basic features, reliable engine. |
| Standard 4-Seater | \$8,000 – \$11,000 | Longer chassis, more seating. |
| Luxury/Utility 4-Seater | \$11,000 – \$15,000+ | Lift kits, custom colors, advanced tech. |
Determining the Used Gas Golf Cart Price
A used gas golf cart price depends heavily on its age, mileage (hours used), and overall condition. Well-maintained used carts offer great value. They save you significant money compared to buying new.
- Older Carts (5+ Years Old): These might sell for \$3,000 to \$5,000. They might need immediate upkeep like new tires or a battery check.
- Gently Used Carts (2-4 Years Old): Expect prices from \$5,000 to \$7,500. These often still have plenty of life left.
- Certified Pre-Owned: Carts inspected and refurbished by a dealer cost more, often \$7,000 or higher, but offer some warranty protection.
Brand Reputation and Model Lineup
Some brands hold their value better than others due to perceived quality and strong parts availability. These names often command higher initial prices.
Cost of a Club Car Gas Golf Cart
Club Car is a top name known for durability. The cost of a Club Car gas golf cart often sits at the higher end of the market. Their Precedent and Tempo lines are popular choices. You pay a premium for their trusted engineering.
Cost of a Yamaha Gas Golf Cart
Yamaha is another major player. The cost of a Yamaha gas golf cart is very competitive. They offer excellent reliability, often competing closely with Club Car on price for similar features. Their Drive2 series is well-regarded by owners.
Other Notable Brands
EZ-GO, Kawasaki, and Textron also offer gas models. Prices vary based on where the dealer sources parts and labor. Always check what is included in the base price from your specific golf cart dealer prices.
Seating Capacity Needs
More seats mean a longer frame, a bigger engine (sometimes), and more complex suspension. This naturally raises the price tag.
4 Seater Gas Golf Cart Cost
The 4 seater gas golf cart cost is the most common mid-range price point. These carts balance passenger needs with maneuverability. Most standard family models fall into this category.
6 Seater Gas Golf Cart Price
The 6 seater gas golf cart price is significantly higher. These carts are often called “limos” or “stretched” carts. They require more robust frames and bigger engines to carry extra weight uphill. Expect these to add \$1,500 to \$3,000 over a comparable 4-seater model.
Deciphering the Base Price vs. The Final Golf Cart Purchase Price
The advertised price is rarely the final price you pay. You need to account for extras and fees. This helps you calculate the true golf cart purchase price.
Essential Upgrades and Accessories
Gas carts come with a motor and a fuel tank, but you need more to make them usable for your needs.
- Enclosures and Windshields: A full two-piece windshield adds protection from weather. Full soft or hard-body enclosures keep the rain out. These can add \$400 to \$800.
- Tires and Wheels: Standard tires are fine for pavement. Off-road or large “all-terrain” tires with custom alloy wheels dramatically change the look and ride quality. This upgrade can cost \$700 to \$1,500 per set.
- Lifting Kits: To handle rough terrain or large tires, you often need a lift kit. Basic kits run \$300, while professional installations with upgraded shocks are much more.
- Utility Beds: If you plan to haul tools, gardening supplies, or golf bags, a rear utility dump bed is necessary. These range from \$500 to \$1,200 installed.
- Safety Features: Adding headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and mirrors moves the cart toward street-legal specifications, increasing cost.
Dealer Fees and Taxes
When dealing with golf cart dealer prices, always ask for an “out-the-door” quote. Hidden fees can inflate the new gas golf cart cost significantly.
- Destination Charges: Fees charged by the manufacturer to ship the cart to the dealer.
- Assembly/Prep Fees: Labor costs for the dealer to prepare the cart for sale (checking fluids, charging the battery for testing, etc.).
- Taxes and Registration: Sales tax is mandatory. If you plan to drive it on local streets, local registration and title fees apply, similar to a low-speed vehicle (LSV).
- Documentation Fees: A small administrative fee for processing the paperwork.
Comparing Gas vs. Electric: Which Drives the Price?
The choice between gas and electric power heavily influences the initial price. Generally, gas models have a distinct pricing structure compared to their electric counterparts.
Why Gas Carts Cost More Initially
In many current model lines, the gas golf cart price is often higher than a comparable base electric model.
- Engine Complexity: Gas engines involve fuel systems, air intakes, mufflers, and cooling systems. This complexity adds manufacturing cost.
- Emissions Compliance: Newer gas carts must meet stricter environmental standards, requiring better catalytic converters and fuel management systems, driving up the price.
- Fuel System Components: Fuel tanks, fuel pumps, and lines add parts cost compared to just batteries and a motor controller in an electric cart.
Electric carts often have a lower initial golf cart purchase price, but their long-term cost involves battery replacement, which is a major future expense. Gas carts have lower maintenance costs for the first few years but require routine oil changes and spark plug replacement.
Fathoming Financing and Leasing Options
Few buyers pay the full price upfront. Financing options heavily impact your monthly payment, though not the total cost.
Traditional Financing
Most dealerships offer financing through third-party lenders or directly through the manufacturer.
- Loan Term: Longer terms (48 to 60 months) mean lower monthly payments but result in paying more interest over the life of the loan.
- Interest Rates: Rates depend on your credit score. A good credit score secures a lower rate, which directly reduces the total cost of owning the cart.
Leasing Considerations
Leasing is less common for standard golf carts than for cars, but some commercial dealers offer it, especially for fleet purchases. Leasing works well if you always want the newest model and plan to trade it in after three years. It lowers the monthly payment but means you never own the asset.
Investigating Specific Scenarios and Sizes
Your specific location and intended use dictate which size and features you need, which in turn sets the price.
Residential vs. Commercial Use Pricing
- Residential Use: Carts used only on a private property or small community often stick to 2 or 4 seats. Prices are generally lower.
- Commercial Use (Hotels, Resorts, Campuses): These carts need extreme durability, heavy-duty suspension, and often high passenger capacity (6-seater). The 6 seater gas golf cart price is common here, and commercial-grade carts cost significantly more due to the required rugged build quality.
Street Legal (LSV) Conversion Costs
If you plan to use the cart on roads with speed limits up to 35 mph, you need an LSV conversion. This process transforms a standard golf cart into a Low-Speed Vehicle.
This conversion adds substantial cost because it requires DOT-approved parts:
- Seat belts for all passengers.
- Headlights, taillights, and brake lights.
- A windshield with wipers.
- A horn and required rearview mirrors.
An LSV conversion on a new gas golf cart cost can easily add \$1,500 to \$3,000 to the new gas golf cart cost, depending on the quality of the installed components.
Tips for Securing a Better Gas Golf Cart Price
To minimize your expenditure, strategic shopping is essential. Here are ways to lower your final golf cart purchase price.
Shop Around and Compare Dealer Quotes
Never buy from the first dealer you visit. Get quotes from at least three different locations.
- Dealer Location Matters: Carts sold in high-demand golf or retirement communities might carry a premium. Rural dealers or those further from major metropolitan areas might offer lower golf cart dealer prices.
- Use Online Research: Compare the cost of a Yamaha gas golf cart at a local dealer against their online price structure, even if you plan to buy locally.
Timing Your Purchase
The time of year affects sales incentives.
- Off-Season Buying: Buying in the late fall or winter (October through February) often means dealers are eager to clear inventory before new models arrive. You have better negotiating power.
- End-of-Year Sales: Dealers often push hard to meet yearly sales quotas, leading to deeper discounts on remaining stock.
Negotiating Add-Ons Instead of Price
If a dealer won’t budge much on the base price, negotiate for free extras. This reduces your overall spending without changing the advertised price.
Ask for:
- Free first oil change.
- A complimentary cover or set of floor mats.
- Inclusion of the windshield or basic safety lights in the golf cart purchase price.
Considering Reconditioned Models
Look specifically for “factory reconditioned” or “certified pre-owned” gas carts. These are often trade-ins that have been brought back to near-new condition by the manufacturer or authorized service centers. While more expensive than a private used sale, they offer peace of mind and a warranty at a lower price than buying new.
Maintenance Costs: The Long-Term Price of Gas
While the purchase price is high, the total cost of ownership includes maintenance. Gas carts generally have lower daily “fuel” costs (gasoline is cheap), but maintenance is more involved than electric carts.
Routine Gas Cart Maintenance Schedule
| Maintenance Item | Frequency | Estimated Cost (Parts Only) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil Change | Every 100 hours or annually | \$20 – \$40 | Requires specific small-engine oil. |
| Air Filter Replacement | Annually | \$10 – \$25 | Keeps the engine running clean. |
| Spark Plug Replacement | Every 2-3 years | \$5 – \$15 | Essential for proper ignition. |
| Fuel Filter Replacement | Every 3-4 years | \$15 – \$30 | Important for preventing carburetor issues. |
| Valve Adjustment | Every 1,000 hours (approx.) | Labor Intensive | Often best left to a professional mechanic. |
If you perform basic maintenance yourself, the annual cost is minimal (\$50-\$100). If you rely on the dealer for all servicing, expect to pay \$150 to \$300 per service visit. Remember, these costs are incurred after you pay the initial gas golf cart price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the initial cost of a gas golf cart worth the longevity?
Yes, many experts agree that gas carts often have a longer overall lifespan than electric models if properly maintained. While the initial new gas golf cart cost is higher, you avoid the major expense of replacing expensive battery packs every 4 to 6 years that electric carts face.
How much should I expect to pay for a reliable used 4-seater?
A reliable used gas golf cart price for a 4-seater from a reputable brand (like a 3-year-old Club Car or Yamaha) should fall in the \$5,500 to \$7,500 range, assuming good running condition and low cosmetic damage. Always have a mechanic inspect it before purchase.
What is the typical resale value retention for gas carts?
Gas carts generally hold their value well, especially top-tier brands. A well-cared-for cart may retain 60% to 75% of its original golf cart purchase price after five years, assuming the market remains stable.
Are there hidden costs when purchasing a 6 seater gas golf cart?
Yes. Beyond the higher base price for the 6 seater gas golf cart price, you must consider higher fuel consumption due to the heavier load and potential need for upgraded suspension components or tires to handle the extra weight safely.