Tips on Inspecting a Used Golf Cart

Inspecting a used golf cart before you purchase it is one of the best ways to ensure you’re walking away with a high-quality vehicle. However, if you don’t know much about golf cart maintenance, or have never purchased a used model before, you may not be sure how to go about inspecting your vehicle. Thankfully, you can read through our article below to discover helpful tips and dangerous red flags you’ll want to avoid when completing your inspection.

The Body

When you first arrive on the dealership lot, you’ll want to start your inspection by trying to gauge the overall condition of your used golf cart. Start by carefully examining the body of your golf cart and taking note of any dings or scratches. While small imperfections may not seem like a big deal at first, they’re often signs of more serious abuse or neglect by a previous owner. Once you’ve walked around your cart, be sure to drop down to check the tires. The tread should not only be present, but worn evenly across all four tires, and each tire should be sufficiently filled with air. 

Gas Models

If you’re purchasing a used golf cart that runs on gas, you’ll want to pay extra mind to the fuel tank and engine oil. Use a flashlight to peer into the tank and check the gas for any signs of metal filaments or debris. If you notice the fuel looks extremely dark or has a stale or sweet smell, it’s a clear sign the model hasn’t been well cared for. The same can be said for your engine oil. Dark, thick oil containing filaments is a huge red flag, and your sign to avoid the sale. 

Electric Models 

Electric models don’t have gas tanks or engine oil for you to inspect, as they run entirely on rechargeable batteries. As such, it’s extremely important that you give the batteries’ poles a very thorough inspection. Look for leaking fluids, signs of corrosion, and loose cables, and be sure to ask your salesperson if the battery has ever been replaced. It may also be a wise idea at this point to request the model’s vehicle history report, to confirm it’s received a professional inspection or repair before being placed on the dealership lot. 

Ready to start shopping for your used golf cart? Consider visiting us here at Revel 42 Golf Carts & Powersports! Our convenient location in Garner, North Carolina offers an amazing inventory of new and used models, and you’ll have your pick of both gas and electric models from either category. If you’re located nearby in Raleigh, Clayton, or Cary, North Carolina, we hope to see you here soon at Revel 42 Golf Carts & Powersports.