A new golf cart costs $8,000-15,000. Used carts start at $2,000-4,000. Electric carts outsell gas carts roughly 4-to-1 for personal use because they're quieter, cheaper to run, and require less maintenance.
Electric vs gas
| Feature | Electric | Gas |
|---|---|---|
| Price (new) | $8,000-14,000 | $9,000-15,000 |
| Fuel cost | $0.10-0.15 per charge | $0.50-1.00 per round |
| Maintenance | Lower (no oil, spark plugs) | Higher (oil changes, fuel system) |
| Range | 15-25 miles per charge | 100+ miles per tank |
| Noise | Quiet | Louder |
| Speed | 15-25 mph | 15-25 mph |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years (frame); batteries 4-10 years | 20-30 years (frame); engine 15+ years |
Gas carts make more sense if you need long range (driving around a large property all day) or don't want to deal with battery maintenance. For golf course use and short neighborhood trips, electric is the better choice.
Top cart brands
Club Car
Owned by Ingersoll Rand. The most common brand at golf courses. Known for reliability and resale value. Their Onward series ($9,000-13,000 new) is the best-selling personal-use cart in the US.
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E-Z-GO
Owned by Textron. Slightly cheaper than Club Car. The RXV and TXT models are workhorses. Popular with fleet buyers (courses that need 50-100 carts). New personal models: $8,000-12,000.
Yamaha
The third major brand. Known for their gas engines (Yamaha makes some of the best small engines in the world). Their Drive2 model ($8,000-11,000) is reliable and well-built.
What to check when buying used
- Batteries (electric): the most expensive component. Ask when they were last replaced. Test by driving up a hill. If the cart struggles on a moderate slope, the batteries are weak. Replacement cost: $600-5,000 depending on type. See our battery lifespan guide.
- Tires: check tread depth and look for dry rot (cracks in the sidewalls). New tires cost $50-100 each.
- Frame and body: look for rust on the frame underneath. Surface rust on the body is cosmetic. Frame rust is structural.
- Brakes: test on a downhill slope. They should stop the cart smoothly without grinding.
- Seats and canopy: cheap to replace but factor it into your offer. New seat covers: $100-300. New canopy: $200-500.
Golf cart weight
Empty weight ranges from 500-1,100 lbs depending on the model and power source:
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- Electric 2-seater: 900-1,100 lbs (batteries add 250-400 lbs)
- Gas 2-seater: 600-800 lbs
- 4-seater models: add 200-300 lbs
- Lithium battery carts: 150-250 lbs lighter than lead-acid equivalents
Annual operating costs
| Expense | Electric | Gas |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/electricity | $50-100/year | $200-400/year |
| Maintenance | $100-200/year | $200-400/year |
| Insurance (if required) | $100-300/year | $100-300/year |
| Battery replacement (amortized) | $100-500/year | N/A |
| Total | $350-1,100/year | $500-1,100/year |
For driving age requirements, see how old to drive a golf cart. Related: how long a round takes.
