If you've wondered where to buy used golf carts, you've come to the right place. Jeffrey Allen Inc. has been in the golf car business since 1970 and has seen the “golf car” industry change quite dramatically over the decades. What was once a simple piece of equipment with minimal options, primarily designed to move a golfer around the golf course, has now become a very diverse product with endless options serving many applications or uses.
Buying a golf cart should be a fun and exciting experience. Unfortunately, the golf car industry is not regulated like the automotive industry, so the sale of a golf car is no different than selling a bicycle or lawn mower. There is no “lemon law.” The lack of regulation allows those who sell golf cars the ability to promote their products in any fashion they deem fit. Far too many times, the seller does not fully disclose all information to the uneducated buyer and when a problem arises, they are nowhere to be found. We hope this checklist will assist you in making the buying experience fun and exciting…you deserve it!
Simple laws of engineering can help with this question. If there are 500 moving parts in an electric car, there are 2,000 moving parts in a gas golf cart. There are significantly more components in a gas car that can fail, requiring repairs.
If the application or use will allow for an electric car, it is always less expensive to own an electric vehicle, however, some applications do require a gas vehicle.
In summary, the decision should be based primarily on application or use and secondarily on mechanical aptitude. For customers who are less mechanically inclined, Jeffrey Allen recommends an electric vehicle due to the reduced maintenance frequency and cost. For customers who may be more mechanically inclined, either a gas or an electric vehicle will work, in most cases.
Could you please define your Refurbished or Re-manufactured process?
Few buyers take the time to ask this question and really dig into the rebuilding process. If they knew how many corners are cut by dealers, they would spend more time on the subject. Almost all golf car dealers refurbish or re-manufacture used cars and they all do it differently.
On one end of the spectrum, the dealer replaces every wear item, all cosmetics, and all safety parts. There is a very rigid and consistent build process and the dealer can clearly define that process and share documented procedures. This dealer typically spends more time talking about what is not replaced since it is a much shorter list of components. Reputable dealers like talking about how they build their vehicles and are proud of their work and will encourage questions from you. They are also willing to put in writing, on their bill of sale, the repair items that have been verbally discussed.
At the other end of the spectrum, you have dealers who may replace the exterior cosmetic panels and/or paint the car, but many of the wear items and safety parts are not replaced. In the industry, this is called "putting lipstick on the pig.” Be wary of this type of dealer. Their vehicles are often very tricked-out externally and have low price tags (prices too good to be true). These dealers cut many corners, especially the ones you can’t see without getting under the vehicle. These dealers will be vague in answering your questions and will most likely not be willing to put anything verbally discussed in writing.
In summary, ask questions regarding the dealer's rebuilding process and get it in writing if you decide to make a buying decision...it may be your only recourse if something goes wrong.
Are you a factory authorized dealer?
Factory authorized dealers for the major brands (Club Car, E-Z-Go, and Yamaha) are typically vetted by the manufacturer before they are granted the branding rights. They are typically required to carry liability insurances, prove themselves financially stable, and represent the brand to high standards. Their technicians are also required to have factory training. Some independent non-factory authorized dealers are reputable, but for the most part, be on guard when working with them.
What country did the used golf car originate?
There are three primary American-made golf cars in the market: Club Car, E-Z-Go, and Yamaha. Almost every dealer is willing to work on these cars and parts are readily available. There are many foreign-made golf cars in the open market, primarily originating from China. It has been our experience that sourcing parts, maintenance manuals, and technical support are very difficult on the brands produced overseas. Most dealers will not work on these cars and many times owners are unable to find someone to repair the car.
How “used” is the used golf car I want to purchase?
Most late model gas and electric golf cars are equipped with an hour meter or amp-hour meter. Ask the dealer how many hours or amp-hours are on the car you are purchasing.
Be wary of dealers who can’t or won't provide this information.
What is your return policy?
There is no "lemon law" for golf cars. In lieu of this, reputable dealerships should have a written return policy. Make sure you ask for that prior to making a purchase.
In the event I have a problem with my car, how do I get it repaired?
Reputable dealers can service your vehicle at your home or can transport it back to their facility for repair. They can also provide their rates for such services. If the dealer can’t provide such services or proof of such services, we do not recommend you purchase from them.
How often should I have my vehicle serviced?
Any used golf cart sold should include a copy of the owner’s manual. We prefer to give the customer a copy of the manual before we deliver so that he/she can become educated on the vehicle they are purchasing. Inside the manual are specific maintenance guidelines for your vehicle.
What is the voltage of the car?
The original golf cars were built using a 36-volt electrical system. Most late model cars sold today are 48 volts, which is a more efficient electrical system and will provide superior performance over the outdated 36-volt systems. There are some vehicles that offer 72 volts, which provide a superior range compared to the smaller volt systems but are significantly more expensive.
If you plan on installing any high-performance options such as high-speed gears or motors, 4-passenger kits, high torque controllers, etc… stay away from a 36-volt electrical system as it will not be able to handle the heavy electrical load and will meltdown.
Does this car come with new batteries?
If the answer is YES, you need to confirm this is true. There are several situations where a dealer may answer YES, but it may not be accurate.
To verify the age of the battery, all batteries are stamped with a code date which consists of a letter and a number. This code date is either stamped into the lead post or is on a decal adhered to the battery. The letter is the month the battery was made and the number is the year it was made.
Example: Code Date of C9
You also need to be aware that with batteries, you get what you pay for. High-quality batteries can last as long as 5 years and low-quality batteries may quit functioning as soon as 1 year. The high-quality brands of batteries are Crown, JCI, Trojan, and US Battery. All high-quality batteries should come with a free replacement 18-month warranty (not pro-rated) and this warranty should be on your bill of sale.
