Buying guides · 8 min read
Used Golf Carts on Sale in Australia: What to Check Before You Buy
A practical checklist for buying a used golf cart: battery age, motor and controller, frame, tyres, service history, price factors and delivery.
By the Buggies For Sale team · Updated
A used golf cart can cost much less than a new one, and for many buyers it is the smart way into ownership. The catch is that condition varies widely, and the battery is the biggest single cost. This guide gives you a practical checklist for inspecting a used golf cart, explains what drives price, and shows how to avoid the common mistakes.
New, used or refurbished?
- New: full warranty, known history, modern lithium batteries. Highest price. See golf carts for sale.
- Used: lower price, variable condition. See our used golf carts.
- Refurbished: a used cart that has been cleaned, serviced and often fitted with a new battery. Cost sits between used and new.
The battery is the big question
Batteries wear out. A tired lead-acid pack can cost thousands to replace, and a lithium upgrade costs more again but lasts longer. Ask the age of the batteries, request a range test and check whether they hold voltage under load. Our guide to lithium vs lead-acid batteries explains the difference, and we sell replacement lithium batteries for common carts. The golf cart overview on Wikipedia gives general background on the vehicles.
Inspection checklist
### Frame and body
Look for rust, cracks and repaired damage on the chassis. Check that the body panels fit and that the roof, windscreen and seats are secure.
### Motor, controller and drive
Drive the cart on flat ground and up a slope. It should accelerate smoothly, hold speed, brake evenly and run quietly. Listen for grinding from the motor or rear axle.
### Brakes and steering
The cart should stop straight, the park brake should hold on a slope and the steering should be free of play.
### Tyres and wheels
Check tread, sidewalls and wheel condition. Mag wheels and new tyres add cost if they need replacing. See our wheels and tyres.
### Charger and wiring
Confirm the charger works and matches the battery type. Check for melted connectors and loose wiring.
### Documents and history
Ask for service records, previous use (course or private) and any modifications. Check that the serial number plate is present.
What affects price?
Brand, age, seating (2, 4 or 6 seats), battery type and age, condition, accessories like roofs, windscreens and lights, and whether the cart is petrol or electric. Popular brands such as Club Car, E-Z-GO and ECAR hold their value well.
Petrol or electric?
Petrol carts refuel quickly and suit long distances. Electric carts are quiet and cheaper to run but depend on battery condition. See our petrol golf carts and electric golf carts for the current range.
Delivery and paperwork
Freight is quoted by size and postcode. If you are collecting a cart yourself, read our guide to trailering a golf cart. Delivery is free over $1,000 for most metro and depot areas, and the minimum order is $500. You can pay by bank transfer (Osko or EFT), PayID, or Bitcoin or USDT with an extra 10% off, applied automatically at checkout.
Know the popular models
Club Car Precedent and Tempo carts are widely used and parts are available. E-Z-GO TXT and RXV carts are also popular, with a strong aftermarket. ECAR and Tomberlin carts are common in Australia and have local support. Older models can be good value, but parts availability varies. Before you buy a particular model, search for parts such as batteries, controllers and body panels, and ask a seller whether they stock them. Our used golf carts page lists models currently available.
Test drive checklist
- Drive in forward and reverse, and listen for noise or clunks.
- Accelerate gently and hard, and check for smooth power delivery.
- Brake on a slope and check the park brake.
- Steer in tight circles and check for play or stiffness.
- Drive up and down a hill and note any loss of power.
- Check lights, horn, indicators and the display if fitted.
- Plug in the charger and check that it starts charging.
Checking the battery in more detail
If possible, ask the seller to fully charge the cart before you arrive, then drive it long enough to see how the charge indicator behaves. A battery that drops quickly from full indicates wear. Measure the voltage of each lead-acid battery if you have a meter, and look for a battery that is much lower than the others. Check the date codes. If the cart has a lithium pack, ask about its age, capacity and warranty, and check that the battery management system works.
Paperwork and history
Ask for service records, previous ownership and any accident history. Check the serial number against the cart and any paperwork. Ask whether the cart came from a golf course, a resort or a private owner, because fleet carts often have high usage but regular servicing, and private carts may have lower usage but less maintenance. Ask whether accessories were added, and who installed them.
Inspect the body and extras
Check seats for tears, the roof for cracks, the windscreen for scratches and the floor for damage. Look for water in the battery compartment, signs of rust and loose body panels. Check the wheels, tyres and suspension. Accessories such as lights, mirrors and speakers add value if they work. Our golf cart accessories cover replacements.
Negotiating and what to ask for
Ask for a written description of the cart and what is included. Ask for a short warranty or a guarantee on the battery and drive system, even if it is only a few months. Compare the price with similar carts and factor in any repairs. If something is wrong, ask for it to be fixed before purchase or for a price reduction. Do not rush, and be prepared to walk away.
After you buy
Service the cart soon after purchase. Check brake fluid, lubricate joints, check tyre pressure and inspect wiring. If you are unsure about the battery, have it tested. Consider upgrading to lithium if the battery is near the end of its life. Read our guide to lithium vs lead-acid golf cart batteries for the options.
Questions to ask the seller
- How old are the batteries, and when were they last replaced?
- Has the cart had any repairs or accidents?
- What is included: charger, keys, roof, windscreen and manual?
- Is there a warranty or guarantee?
- How will the cart be delivered?
Quick buying summary
Inspect the battery first, drive the cart, check the frame, tyres and brakes, and ask for history. Compare new, used and refurbished options, and compare delivered prices. If the battery is near the end of its life, include a replacement in your budget. Ask for a written description and a short warranty. When you are ready, browse our used golf carts, petrol golf carts and electric golf carts, or call us on 0420 128 746 for help choosing.
Understanding ages and model years
Golf cart model years matter because parts, controller technology and battery systems change over time. A cart from the early 2000s may have an older controller and a motor design that is harder to service. Newer carts often have regenerative braking, improved controllers and lithium-ready systems. Check the model year and the series, and ask whether common parts are available. Look up the serial number if you can. Older carts can be reliable, but they need more careful inspection.
Using a used cart for the job you have
Be realistic about the job. A basic two-seater with an older battery may be fine for a small property. A farm or estate that needs daily use is better served by a cart with a newer battery and a strong warranty. If you want to carry people regularly, a four-seater or a utility cart with a rear seat may suit better. Match seats, ground clearance and tyres to your terrain, and check that the cart fits through your gates and in your shed.
Selling a cart you own
If you are upgrading, you can sell your old cart privately or trade it in. Clean it, charge the battery and take clear photos. Gather service records and documents and be honest about condition. Price it by comparing similar carts. A well-presented cart sells faster and for a better price.
A word on security and registration of ownership
Ask for proof of ownership and the cart's serial number, and check that the cart is not subject to finance if that applies. Keep a copy of the invoice and note the serial number. If the cart is sold with a plate or registration, ask for the documents. A reputable seller will be happy to provide them. Take photos of the cart at handover and record any existing damage on the invoice.
Finally, take your time. A good used cart is worth waiting for, and the right questions at the start save the most money.
Bottom line
Inspect the battery, drive the cart, check the frame and ask for history. A refurbished cart with a new battery is often better value than a cheap cart that needs thousands in repairs. If you want help assessing a particular cart, call 0420 128 746.
