So, how much is a brand new golf cart? A brand new gas golf cart can cost anywhere from about $8,000 to well over $15,000, sometimes even more, depending on the brand, features, and if it’s a basic model or one with lots of extras.
Gas golf cart prices change based on many things. This article will look at the cost of new and used gas golf carts. We will see what makes prices go up or down. We will also compare buying new versus buying used.
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The Cost of New Gas Golf Carts
When you think about buying a new gas golf cart, know that the price can be quite different. It is not just one set price. The average new gas golf cart cost changes based on several things.
Basic models for the golf course are usually cheaper. Carts made for streets or rough paths cost more. Carts with fancy seats, cool paint colors, or lift kits also cost more.
Here is a rough idea of the price range of gas golf carts when they are new:
- Basic Golf Course Cart: $8,000 – $10,000
- Utility Cart (for work or yards): $9,000 – $12,000
- Street-Legal or Loaded Cart (with lights, turn signals, horn): $11,000 – $15,000+
Keep in mind these are just guides. Prices can be higher in some places or for special models.
Major Gas Golf Cart Brands and Their Pricing
Three big names make gas golf carts. They are Club Car, EZ Go, and Yamaha. Each has its own price levels.
Club Car Gas Golf Cart Price
Club Car is known for making strong carts. Their gas carts are well-liked on golf courses and in neighborhoods. A new Club Car gas golf cart price often falls in the middle to higher part of the price range.
- Basic new Club Car gas cart: Often starts around $9,000 to $10,000.
- More advanced or street-ready Club Car: Can go up to $14,000 or more.
Club Car carts hold their value well over time. This is good if you think about selling it later.
EZ Go Gas Golf Cart Cost
EZ Go carts are also very popular. They offer a good mix of price and features. The EZ Go gas golf cart cost is often a bit lower than Club Car for basic models.
- Basic new EZ Go gas cart: Might start closer to $8,500 to $9,500.
- Higher-end or lifted EZ Go cart: Can cost $12,000 or more.
EZ Go has many different models. This lets you pick one that fits your needs and your wallet.
Yamaha Gas Golf Cart Pricing
Yamaha is a big name in motors and vehicles. Their gas golf carts are known for their smooth ride and good engines. Yamaha gas golf cart pricing is often close to Club Car’s.
- Basic new Yamaha gas cart: Usually starts around $9,000 to $10,000.
- Yamaha carts with more features: Can reach $13,000 or higher.
Yamaha carts are often praised for how long their engines last.
Factors Affecting Gas Golf Cart Cost (New)
Many things make the price of a new gas golf cart go up or down. Knowing these helps you see why one cart costs more than another. These are the factors affecting gas golf cart cost:
- Brand: As we saw, Club Car, EZ Go, and Yamaha have different price points. Lesser-known brands might be cheaper.
- Model: A simple two-seat golf cart costs less than a four-seat cart with a cargo box.
- Features and Accessories: This is a big one. Things like:
- Lights, turn signals, brake lights (needed for street legal)
- Horn
- Roof or canopy
- Windshield
- Better seats
- Lift kits and bigger tires
- Radio or sound system
- Cargo boxes or utility beds
- Custom paint or graphics
- Speed upgrades
- Battery gauge (even on gas carts, for things like lights)
Each extra adds to the total price.
- Engine Power: Some carts have stronger engines, which can cost more.
- Suspension: Better suspension for a smoother ride on bumpy ground can increase the price.
- Dealer Markup: The price can change a bit from dealer to dealer.
- Location: Prices might be different based on where you live due to shipping and local demand.
- Time of Year: Sometimes dealers have sales, often in the off-season.
Think of a car. A basic model costs less than one with leather seats, a sunroof, and a navigation system. It is the same with golf carts. The more features you add, the higher the price range of gas golf carts becomes.
The Cost of Used Gas Golf Carts
Buying a used gas golf cart can save you a lot of money. However, finding the right one at a fair cost of a used golf cart needs care. Used gas golf cart prices change even more than new ones.
The price depends a lot on the cart’s age, how much it was used, and its condition.
Average Used Gas Golf Cart Prices
Giving an exact average is hard because used carts are all different. But we can give a general idea of used gas golf cart prices:
- Very Old or Rough Condition (10+ years old): $2,000 – $4,000
- Older but Working Well (5-10 years old): $4,000 – $7,000
- Newer Used (Under 5 years old, good shape): $6,000 – $10,000+
Sometimes, a used cart with many extras might cost as much as a basic new one. It all depends on what is on the cart and how well it was taken care of.
Factors Affecting Gas Golf Cart Cost (Used)
Just like new carts, many things impact the cost of a used golf cart. These factors explain why two similar-looking carts might have very different prices.
- Age: The older the cart, usually the lower the price. But a very well-kept old cart can cost more than a newer one that was not cared for.
- Condition: This is key.
- How does the body look? Are there big scratches or dents?
- How do the seats look? Ripped or faded?
- How does the engine sound? Does it start easily? Smoke a lot?
- Does it steer straight? Do the brakes work well?
- Has it been cleaned and maintained regularly? A dirty, rusty cart is worth less.
- Hours of Use: Like a car’s miles, a golf cart’s hours tell you how much the engine has run. More hours usually mean more wear and tear, leading to a lower price.
- Maintenance History: Was the oil changed? Were parts fixed when needed? A cart with records of care is worth more.
- Brand: Club Car, EZ Go, and Yamaha hold their value better than some other brands. This means their used prices stay higher.
- Features and Upgrades: If the used cart has a roof, lights, a lift kit, or other extras, its price will be higher than a base model of the same age.
- Location: Prices can be higher in places where golf carts are very popular, like golf course communities or beach towns.
- Seller Type: Buying from a dealer is often more expensive than buying from a person. But a dealer might offer a warranty or check the cart over before selling it.
- Market Demand: If many people want used gas carts, prices go up. If not many people are buying, prices might drop.
When looking at used gas golf cart prices, it is important to look closely at the cart itself. Do not just look at the price tag. Ask questions about its past. If possible, have someone who knows about carts look at it.
New vs. Used: Which is Right for You?
Now that we have looked at gas golf cart prices for both new and used models, let us think about which choice might be best.
Benefits of Buying New
- New Condition: Everything is fresh and clean. No hidden problems from past use.
- Warranty: New carts come with a warranty. This covers repairs for a certain time, saving you money if something breaks.
- Latest Features: New models have the newest technology, safety features, or design changes.
- Customization: You can order it exactly how you want it from the factory or dealer. Pick your color, features, etc.
- Reliability: A new cart should run perfectly for a long time if you take care of it. Less chance of needing repairs soon.
- Financing: It is usually easier to get a loan to buy a new cart.
The main downside is the higher cost. You pay more upfront for these benefits.
Benefits of Buying Used
- Lower Price: This is the biggest plus. You save a lot compared to buying new.
- Less Value Loss: Carts lose value fast when they are new. A used cart has already lost much of its value, so it will not drop as much while you own it.
- More Cart for Your Money: You might be able to afford a higher-end model or one with more features if you buy used instead of buying a basic new one for the same price.
- Proven Reliability (Sometimes): If a cart has been running well for several years, it might be a sign it is a good, solid machine, assuming it was maintained.
The main downsides are:
- Unknown History: You might not know how well it was cared for.
- Wear and Tear: Parts will be worn. Things might break sooner than on a new cart.
- No Warranty (Usually): If something breaks, you pay for it.
- Limited Choices: You have to pick from what is available, not order exactly what you want.
- Might Need Repairs: You might need to spend money on fixes soon after buying it.
A Quick Look: New vs. Used
| Feature | New Gas Golf Cart | Used Gas Golf Cart |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Higher (Avg. $8,000 – $15,000+) | Lower (Avg. $2,000 – $10,000+) |
| Condition | Perfect, unused | Varies greatly, check wear and tear |
| Warranty | Yes, from the maker | Usually no (or limited dealer warranty) |
| Features | Latest tech, can customize | Fixed features, might have older tech |
| Reliability | High chance of long, trouble-free use initially | Depends on age, use, and care; might need repairs sooner |
| Financing | Easier to get loans | Can be harder to finance |
| Value Loss | Loses value faster in the first few years | Has already lost significant value |
Choosing between new and used depends on your budget, how you plan to use the cart, and how much risk you are okay with. If you want peace of mind and plan to use it a lot for many years, new might be better. If saving money is the top goal and you are okay with possible repairs, used could be a good choice.
Beyond the Purchase Price: Other Costs
The price you pay to buy the gas golf cart is not the only cost. There are other costs over time. Think about these when planning your budget. These are part of the overall gas golf cart prices.
Fuel
Gas carts run on gasoline. You will need to fill the tank. How much you spend on gas depends on how much you use the cart and the price of gas where you live. Gas carts are usually good on fuel, but it is still a cost.
Regular Care (Maintenance)
Gas engines need care to run well and last long. This means:
- Changing the oil and oil filter
- Changing the air filter
- Checking and changing the spark plug
- Checking fluids (like engine coolant, if it has it)
- Lubricating parts
- Checking and adjusting brakes
- Checking tire pressure
You can do some of this yourself, or you can pay a service shop. This is a needed ongoing cost. Skipping it can lead to bigger, more expensive problems later.
Repairs
Things can break on any vehicle. On a gas golf cart, this could be:
- Engine problems
- Brake problems
- Steering issues
- Parts wearing out (belts, hoses, etc.)
Older or heavily used carts might need repairs more often. Repair costs can add up.
Insurance
Depending on where you live and how you use the cart (on streets, in a community, etc.), you might need insurance. This protects you if there is an accident or the cart is stolen or damaged. This is an extra cost each year.
Storage
If you do not have a garage or shed, you might need to pay for storage, especially if you need to store it for the winter. Even at home, think about a cover to protect it from weather.
Accessories and Upgrades
You might want to add things later. This could be a rear seat kit, a cooler, better lights, or bigger tires. These all cost money.
When thinking about the gas golf cart prices, remember to think about these costs too. A cheaper used cart might need more money spent on maintenance and repairs over time than a more expensive new one.
Getting the Best Price
Whether buying new or used, here are tips to help you get a good deal on gas golf cart prices:
Tips for Buying New
- Shop Around: Visit different dealers. Prices can vary.
- Ask About Last Year’s Models: Dealers might offer deals on carts from the past year to make space for new ones.
- Look for Sales: Sometimes dealers have sales events.
- Negotiate: Do not be afraid to make a lower offer, especially if paying cash.
- Only Add Needed Extras: Every extra feature adds to the price. Think about what you really need.
Tips for Buying Used
- Set a Budget: Know how much you can spend before you look. Remember repair costs.
- Inspect Carefully: Look closely at the cart. Check the engine, tires, seats, and frame. Look for rust or damage.
- Test Drive: Drive it yourself. Does it start easily? Run smoothly? Brake well?
- Ask for Records: See if the owner has repair or maintenance papers.
- Ask About Use: Where was it used? On a golf course? In a yard? On streets? This tells you about the likely wear and tear.
- Check the Engine Hours: If possible, find out how many hours the engine has run.
- Consider a Pre-Purchase Check: If spending a lot, it might be worth paying a mechanic to check it over.
- Compare Prices: Look at prices for similar carts online and in your area.
- Negotiate: Used prices are almost always open to offers. Point out any flaws you found to support a lower price.
Buying a golf cart, new or used, is a big purchase. Taking your time and doing your homework helps you find a cart that fits your needs and your budget.
Deciphering Why Prices Change
Let’s take a deeper look at why the factors affecting gas golf cart cost matter so much. It’s more than just the basics.
For new carts, makers spend a lot on design and testing. They use new parts. They pay workers to build the carts. The better the parts, the more skilled the workers, the higher the cost to build. This leads to a higher selling price. A brand like Club Car might use slightly higher-quality parts or have a better build process, making their Club Car gas golf cart price a bit higher than an EZ Go gas golf cart cost, for example.
The engine itself is a major part of the cost. A more powerful engine, or one built for longer life, costs more to make. Yamaha gas golf cart pricing might reflect their engine technology.
For used carts, the story is different. The main cost has already been paid by the first owner. Now, the price is about how much life is left in the cart and how nice it looks and runs.
Think about miles on a car. A golf cart engine has run for a certain number of hours. This is like the miles. More hours mean more parts have moved and worn down. So, a cart with high hours will have lower used gas golf cart prices.
How the cart was used also matters. A cart used gently on a smooth golf course might be in better shape than one used on rough trails or for hauling heavy things. The cost of a used golf cart should be lower if it looks like it had a hard life.
Rust is a big enemy of golf carts, especially in places near the ocean or where salt is used on roads. Check the frame and other metal parts carefully. A lot of rust will lower the value and the price range of gas golf carts that are used.
Tires, seats, and the battery (even in a gas cart, the battery starts the engine and runs lights) are parts that wear out. If these look new or were recently replaced, the used cart price might be a bit higher. If they are old and worn, the price should be lower because you will need to replace them soon.
How Much Is a Brand New Golf Cart? A Closer Look
To answer the question “how much is a brand new golf cart?” again, but with more detail, let’s break it down by type:
- Base Model (2 seats, no frills, for golf): Expect to pay $8,000 to $9,500 from Club Car, EZ Go, or Yamaha. Prices can vary slightly by brand as discussed (Club Car gas golf cart price vs. EZ Go gas golf cart cost vs. Yamaha gas golf cart pricing).
- Standard Model (2 seats, roof, windshield, maybe lights): This moves the price up to $9,500 to $11,000. These are more common for neighborhood use.
- Four-Seat Model (with flip-down rear seat): Adding seating adds cost. These often start around $10,500 and can go up to $13,000 or more, depending on features.
- Street Legal Package (lights, horn, turn signals, often speed upgrade): This package alone can add $1,000 to $3,000 or more to the price of a base or standard cart. So, a street-legal cart might start around $11,000 and go up towards $15,000.
- Utility/Work Cart: These have beds or boxes and strong suspension. Prices start around $9,000 and can go much higher, depending on size and load capacity.
These figures represent the average new gas golf cart cost for popular brands and setups. Specialty carts, lifted carts, or heavily customized ones bought new will push the price even higher, possibly over $15,000 or $20,000 easily.
Summing Up Gas Golf Cart Prices
So, what is the final word on gas golf cart prices?
New gas golf carts typically cost between $8,000 and $15,000 or more. This price depends heavily on the brand (Club Car, EZ Go, Yamaha), the specific model, and all the added features.
Used gas golf cart prices are much lower, usually ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 or more. The cost of a used golf cart is based a lot on its age, how well it was cared for, and its overall condition.
The price range of gas golf carts is wide. You can find cheaper options if you are okay with an older or more basic used model. You will pay top dollar for a brand new cart with all the latest features.
When deciding, think about:
- Your budget for buying the cart.
- How you will use the cart (golf course, neighborhood, work).
- How important a warranty and no immediate problems are to you.
- How much you are willing to spend on fuel, maintenance, and possible repairs over time.
Looking at gas golf cart prices means looking beyond just the sticker price. Think about the total cost of owning the cart over the years.
Whether new or used, a gas golf cart can be a great way to get around. Just do your homework to make sure you get a good deal that fits your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Golf Cart Costs
h4: Do gas golf carts use regular car gas?
Yes, most gas golf carts use regular unleaded gasoline, like you put in a car. Always check the owner’s manual to be sure.
h4: Are gas golf carts cheaper to buy than electric ones?
Often, the initial purchase price for a new gas golf cart is similar to or slightly lower than a comparable new electric cart with good batteries. However, gas carts have ongoing fuel costs, while electric carts have electricity costs and need expensive battery replacement every few years (which can cost $1,500 – $2,500+). Over many years, the total cost can be similar, but the timing of big expenses differs.
h4: How long do gas golf cart engines last?
With good care and regular maintenance, a gas golf cart engine can last for many thousands of hours of use. It’s common for them to run well for 10-20 years or even longer with proper service.
h4: Can I make a golf cart street legal?
In many places, yes. Making a golf cart street legal usually requires adding things like headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, a horn, seat belts, and a rearview mirror. There are kits you can buy, or you can buy carts already set up this way. Laws vary by state and city, so check your local rules. Adding these items increases the price.
h4: Does adding a lift kit increase the price much?
Yes, adding a lift kit and bigger tires to a new or used cart costs money. A professional lift kit installation can add $1,000 to $2,500 or more to the price. Carts already lifted when you buy them (especially new ones) will have this cost built into the overall gas golf cart prices.
h4: Where is the best place to buy a used gas golf cart?
You can buy used carts from golf cart dealers, private owners (like on Craigslist or local ads), and sometimes golf courses selling off older fleet carts. Dealers often cost more but might offer checked carts and service. Buying from a person can be cheaper but has more risk if you do not know about carts.
h4: Is the Club Car gas golf cart price higher because they are better quality?
Club Car, EZ Go, and Yamaha all make good quality gas carts. Price differences reflect things like specific features, build materials, and brand name. Club Car carts are known for being sturdy and holding value, which often means their prices are on the higher end of the range. But all three brands offer reliable carts.
h4: Do I need a title for a gas golf cart?
This depends on your location and how you use the cart. In many places, especially if you make it street legal, you will need to register it and get a title like a car. If you only use it on private property (like a golf course or your farm), you might not need a title. Check your local rules. The cost of getting a title and registration is another small cost to consider.