Buying guides · 9 min read
2nd Hand Golf Carts: What to Check Before You Buy a Used Cart
A practical checklist for buying a second-hand golf cart in Australia: batteries, age, service history, seating, price ranges and the used carts we list.
By the Buggies For Sale team · Updated
A second-hand golf cart can be a smart way to get a ride-on vehicle for far less than the price of a new one. The risk is that two carts of the same age can be in very different condition, and the most expensive parts, the batteries, wear out. This guide gives you a practical checklist for buying a 2nd hand golf cart in Australia, explains what affects the price and shows you what to ask before you pay.
Why buy used?
New electric golf carts cost much more than used ones, and a used cart can suit buyers who want a vehicle for a property, a caravan park, a small estate, a workshop or occasional course use. A used cart depreciates more slowly than a new one, and there is a wide choice of makes and ages. Our guide to how much a golf cart costs in Australia shows how new prices compare.
Used carts we list
Our used golf carts page lists second-hand carts from several makes. Examples include a 2015 Club Car Precedent, a 2018 EZGO RXV and a 2023 ECAR 627, with others from ECAR and Tomberlin. Each listing shows the year, make, seats and price in Australian dollars including GST. Because each used cart is a single unit, check availability before you decide.
The most important check: the batteries
The battery pack is the largest cost to replace, so it deserves the most attention. Ask these questions:
- What type is it? Many older carts use lead-acid batteries. Newer carts and upgraded older carts may use lithium. Our guide to lithium versus lead-acid batteries explains the differences.
- How old is it? Lead-acid packs often need replacing after several years of regular use. Ask for the purchase or replacement date.
- How does it perform? On a test drive, watch for weak acceleration or a rapid drop in charge on a short run.
- What would replacement cost? Replacing a pack with lithium can change the value of an older cart. See our lithium battery packs for the price range.
A full used golf cart checklist
- Age and make: check the year and model. Popular makes have better parts support.
- Service history: ask for records of servicing, battery replacement and repairs.
- Controller and motor: listen for unusual noises and check that the cart accelerates smoothly in both directions.
- Brakes and steering: test the brakes, parking brake and steering for play or stiffness.
- Tyres and wheels: check wear and damage.
- Body and frame: look for rust, cracks and repairs, especially around the chassis and suspension.
- Seats and upholstery: check for splits, damp and wear.
- Lights, horn and accessories: make sure they work, and check what is included.
- Charger: confirm that the original charger is included and works.
- Seat count and layout: make sure the number of seats and any rear seat or cargo bed suit your use.
Petrol or electric?
Most used golf carts are electric, and electric carts are quiet and simple to run. Petrol carts, such as the Club Car Tempo petrol range, have longer running time and are refuelled quickly. If you are comparing, our electric golf carts page shows the electric options and our petrol golf carts page shows the petrol ones.
What affects the price?
Price depends on age, make, number of seats, battery type and condition, accessories such as a roof and windscreen and demand for the model. A newer cart with a lithium pack costs more than an older cart with tired lead-acid batteries. Compare several carts and do not choose on price alone, because a cheap cart that needs a new battery may cost more overall.
Rules and road use
A used golf cart is generally a private-property vehicle. Rules for road use differ by state and territory, and a standard golf cart is usually not allowed on public roads unless it has been approved and registered. Our guide to driving a golf cart on the road in Australia explains the general picture.
Transport and delivery
A golf cart is heavy and bulky, so plan the move. Ask about freight to your postcode, whether the cart is delivered on a truck and what the delivery process involves. We confirm freight to your postcode before you pay, and our guide to trailering a golf cart covers sizes and ramps if you are collecting it yourself.
Buying a used golf cart in Australia
We list used carts in Australian dollars including GST and deliver Australia-wide, with freight confirmed before you pay. If you want to know more about a particular cart, such as its battery type or condition, call 0420 128 746 or message us on WhatsApp and ask before you order.
Asking the right questions of a seller
Whoever you buy from, ask direct questions and keep the answers. How old is the cart and how many hours or kilometres has it done? What type are the batteries and when were they last replaced? Has the cart been serviced, and are there records? Has it been used on a course, a property or near the coast, where salt can cause corrosion? Has it had any repairs or accident damage? Is the original charger included? A seller who answers openly is a good sign, and one who avoids simple questions is a warning.
Test drive and inspection
If you can inspect the cart in person, do so. Drive it forwards and in reverse, accelerate and brake, and listen for noises. Check that the steering is smooth and straight, the brakes pull evenly and the parking brake holds. Look under the cart for rust, leaks and damaged mounts. Check the tyres for wear and the seats for tears. If you cannot visit, ask for photos and a video, including the battery area, the underside and the dash.
Understanding age and condition
Age matters, but condition matters more. A well-kept older cart can be a better buy than a neglected newer one. Check the body for fading and cracks, the chassis for rust and the wiring for damage. Carts used in coastal areas or in wet conditions may show more corrosion. Compare several carts of the same model and age to see what normal condition looks like, and use any faults as a basis for negotiating.
What a lithium upgrade can do
Many used carts have older lead-acid batteries. Replacing them with a lithium pack can transform a tired cart, giving more consistent power, lighter weight and less maintenance. The cost is significant, so factor it into your budget. Our lithium battery packs page lists upgrade options for popular models, and you can compare the total cost of a cart plus a new pack with the price of a newer cart that already has one.
Paperwork and handover
Keep a written record of the sale: the make, model, year, serial number, price, what is included and any warranty or conditions. Ask for any manuals, keys and the charger. If the cart is delivered, inspect it on arrival and note any damage before you sign for it. For golf carts that will be used on a course or in an estate, ask whether the club or estate requires registration or a safety check.
Looking after a used cart
After you buy, give the cart a thorough check. Clean it, inspect the battery connections, check the tyre pressure, test the brakes and top up any fluids if applicable. Establish a regular routine of charging, cleaning and inspecting, and keep a log of servicing. A little care in the first weeks tells you what the cart needs and helps avoid problems later. Our golf cart accessories page lists items such as seat belts, mats and covers that can refresh an older cart.
When to walk away
Some situations are warning signs. A seller who will not say how old the batteries are, a cart with obvious rust or structural damage, a cart that will not hold a charge, a missing charger, unclear ownership or a price that seems far too low are all reasons to hesitate. Buying a used cart is a good idea when you can verify what you are getting, and a poor idea when you cannot. There will always be another cart, so do not rush.
Setting a realistic budget
When you set a budget, include more than the purchase price. Add delivery, any battery replacement or upgrade, accessories such as a roof or seat belts, and a small reserve for early repairs. A used cart that costs a little more but has a newer battery and a full service history can be cheaper over the first few years than a bargain that needs work.
Bottom line
A second-hand golf cart can be excellent value, but the batteries and condition decide whether it is a good buy. Check the battery type and age, ask for service history, test the drive and brakes, confirm what is included and compare several carts before you pay.
Take your time and treat the checklist as a minimum. If a seller cannot answer basic questions about the batteries and the service history, that is a reason to walk away, however attractive the price looks.
