What’s Wrong with My Golf Cart? Common Problems Explained
September 24, 2025Buying a golf cart is exciting, but deciding between new and pre-owned can feel overwhelming. At Garrett’s Golf Cars, we’ve seen plenty of customers discover that a pre-owned golf cart is the perfect fit for their needs. Others decide a new model makes more sense. The key is knowing what works best for your lifestyle and budget.
If you’re just getting started, resources like our golf cart buyer guide and tips on what to look for when buying a used golf cart can help you shop with confidence.
Should I Buy a New or Used Golf Cart?
Sadly (or not), there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. A new golf cart comes with the latest features, a manufacturer’s warranty, and that “just rolled off the lot” shine. A pre-owned golf cart, on the other hand, can give you incredible value while still delivering the reliability and performance you need.
Here are a few questions we encourage our customers to ask themselves before purchasing:
- How often will I use my cart? Occasional users may not need to splurge on brand-new.
- Where will I drive it? If you need a vehicle built for heavy use, a new cart might be a better fit.
- What’s my budget? Pre-owned carts almost always stretch your dollar further.
When Is a Pre-Owned Golf Cart Worth It?
We’ve found that pre-owned carts are especially popular with:
- First-time buyers who want to test out golf cart ownership without the higher upfront cost.
- Families and neighborhood cruisers who mostly use their cart for short rides or fun outings.
- Rental property owners who want a reliable cart for guests without the investment of a brand-new one.
If you’re in one of these groups, a pre-owned cart may be a smart, budget-friendly choice.
What Should I Watch Out For?
Buying anything second-hand comes with some risk, and golf carts are no exception. With that in mind, it’s important to recognize signs of wear or neglect that could lead to costly repairs down the road, so you can ensure you’re getting a good deal, not a headache.
Some common red flags to look out for when buying a pre-owned golf cart include:
- Excessive rust
- Electrical issues
- Sloppy steering
- Unusual noises
Why Buy a Pre-Owned Golf Cart from a Dealer?
Let’s face it — some folks choose to buy from a private seller to save a few bucks. But more often than not, it turns into a headache: no warranty, no clear history, and sometimes hidden issues that show up later.
The good news? When you buy from a reputable dealership, you’re much less likely to run into those surprises. That’s why many buyers prefer working with a local dealer, so they can get peace of mind and a team ready to help whenever questions or service needs arise.
At Garrett’s Golf Cars, every cart we sell is thoroughly inspected, serviced, and backed by our team before it ever hits the lot.
Read more about the differences between buying a golf cart from a dealer vs. a private seller.
Can I Finance a Used Golf Cart?
Absolutely. Many people don’t realize you can finance a pre-owned cart just like a new one. That means you can enjoy affordable monthly payments while keeping more cash in your pocket (something our customers really appreciate).
Comparing New and Used Golf Carts
| Factor | New Golf Cart | Pre-Owned Golf Cart |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Higher upfront cost | Lower purchase price |
| Condition | Brand new, no wear or usage | May have some cosmetic or mechanical wear |
| Warranty | Full manufacturer warranty | May include limited or no warranty |
| Maintenance History | No history; everything is new | Could have an unknown maintenance or repair history |
| Depreciation | Higher initial depreciation | Slower depreciation after the first owner |
| Availability | May require ordering and wait time | Often available for immediate pickup |
| Financing | Financing options are typically available | Financing is often available through dealerships |
| Peace of Mind | No prior usage, full support | Depends on the seller/dealer quality |
Explore Garrett’s Pre-Owned Inventory
If you’re curious about what’s available, at Garrett’s Golf Cars, we keep a wide variety of pre-owned golf cars in stock. Whether you’re looking for something simple and budget-friendly or a cart with upgrades already added, our team can walk you through which option fits your lifestyle best.
Is Buying a Pre-owned Golf Cart the Right Fit for You?
For many of our customers, the answer is yes. If you want to save money, still get reliable performance, and have a cart that fits your needs, a pre-owned model can be a fantastic choice.
We’d love to help you find the perfect fit for your needs too! Come see us in Greenville or Charleston, give us a call, or contact us online, and we’ll help you figure out whether new or pre-owned is the right path for you.
