The gas golf cart has fallen out of favor to the electric cart for use on the golf course due to increased environmental concerns, such as noise and smoke pollution. This provides the prospective buyer with a huge advantage in the used cart market as there is a plentiful supply of gas carts throughout the dealer network.
Many dealers offer a used gas powered cart for sale as refurbished or “as is”. Whether you choose a refurbished or “as is” cart will depend on your budget, as the dealer refurbished carts are more expensive.
A refurbished vehicle will generally have been inspected, cleaned and mechanically overhauled by the dealer before it is ready for sale. A dealer will offer a gas golf cart of this type with a short warranty period offering the purchaser some peace of mind in case there is a mechanical fault during the first month or two of ownership. If there is any sort of mechanical fault the dealer will usually fix or repair the cart under the terms of the warranty.
Refurbished models can sometimes be specified with extras, such as different upholstery, wheels and storage capability. If these extras are within the budget, it will allow the buyer to tailer the refurbished cart to exactly their needs and will work out to be more economical compared to a new model.
The dealer will install these items at the time that the refurbishment work takes place, but will cost extra above and beyond the basic price of the refurbished used cart.
An “as is” golf car, will have been inspected by the dealer for any obvious signs of damage, but it will not go through the extensive overhaul and servicing that the refurbished vehicle enjoys.
Due to the absence of this inspection, an “as is” cart will not come with a warranty period that covers any mechanical faults. This means that any sort of engine, drivetrain or electrical fault will be the responsibility of the owner to remedy. Any repair costs incurred due to replacement parts or a mechanic’s labor costs will have to come out of the owners pocket. This fact alone can put off many buyers from looking at “as is” carts, who will miss many bargains in the process.
The prospective buyer should therefore thoroughly inspect the cart themselves, or take an expert with them, prior to purchase. A comprehensive inspection should include examining the chassis, running gear, steering and engine components for general wear and tear or misuse. Just like buying a used car this will save the purchaser from unexpected expenditure further down the line.
An “as is” cart will usually cost less than a refurbished gas golf cart, so is a good choice for a budget conscious buyer.
Copyright 2008 Gas Golf Cart Online