Whether you’re looking to rent or buy a gas golf cart or an electric golf cart you have come to the right place. In this article, we take a look at the pros and cons of buying and renting a golf cart as well as showing you where you can buy and rent golf carts in your local area. By the time you’ve finished reading you should have a clear idea as to whether buying or renting is the right choice for you and soon be enjoying driving around in a golf cart of your choice.
Check out our ‘golf cart rental near me’ finder below to find your nearest golf cart rentals. You can also use this tool to find gas golf carts for sale near me and electric golf carts for sale near me.
Table of Contents
How much is golf cart rental?
Whether you’re after a golf cart as you are a keen golfer or you need a golf cart for transporting numerous passengers at an event or wedding, there is sure to be a golf cart rental service near you. Prices will vary depending on the area you live in and the size of the golf cart you need, you will also find that most companies offer a reduction in the price the longer you need to rent the golf cart for.
Here are some average prices to give you an idea:
- 2 passenger golf cart: $40 – $50 per day per cart
- 4 passenger golf cart: $60 – $70 per day per cart
- 6 passenger golf cart: $100 – $150 per day per cart
If you are going to be renting your golf cart from the golf club you frequent they are likely to have special offers for members and may also allow you to rent a golf cart on an hourly basis.
There will also be an additional cost if you need to have your golf cart delivered – prices for this will vary depending on how far it needs to be driven. If you can pick up the golf cart yourself you will save money in this way.
How to save money with golf cart rental
The money spent on renting a golf cart can really add up if you are using a golf cart regularly. So if you’re looking to save money on golf cart rental check to see if there are any offers available in your local area. Some companies may offer a discount for booking the rental online or there may be incentives to rent the golf cart for longer bringing down the average cost overall. Also, look out for promo codes that can be used to reduce the price of golf cart rental.
For many, the attraction of renting a golf cart is that the flexibility that comes with it – you can take it or leave it and there is no need to shoulder any large upfront costs not to mention ongoing maintenance costs. However, if you are using a golf cart regularly it may make sense to invest in your own golf cart. We explore this tricky decision in more detail below.
Do I need a golf cart?
A golf cart is a savior for many golf players as it removes the burden of carrying heavy golf bags for miles across a golf course. Golf courses can be large expanses and if you want to keep up your favorite hobby but your body is tiring a little a golf cart is a great solution for getting around the golf course.
The golf course is not the only place where you will see a golf cart in use. These reliable, versatile and economical vehicles are also used for other purposes including in retirement villages to help residents get from a to b, as well as in hotel resorts and even may be used for agricultural purposes.
Do you need a license to drive a golf cart?
There are different rules and regulations about driving a golf cart in different states so make sure you check what the rules are where you live. Generally, if you are driving a golf cart on private property you do not need to have a valid driving license, however, there are age and other restrictions placed on this. If you want to drive the golf cart on a public road, the same rules apply as if you were driving a car and you will be required to hold a valid driving license for this purpose. When renting a golf cart the golf cart rental company will know the ins and outs of the law in your area and will ensure that you are aware of any restrictions placed on you.
Should I buy or rent a golf cart?
Many golf cart owners have a lot of love for their golf cart. For many, they are not just a mode of transport but a lifeline for enabling participation in hobbies and other recreational activities. What’s more, if you like a project a golf cart can be a hobby in itself as it can be adapted and molded to become your perfect vehicle. Let’s take a look at some of the factors you should consider when deciding whether renting or owning your own golf cart is the right choice for you.
#1 Cost
As with so many decisions in life, deciding between renting and buying a golf cart often comes down to what will be the most cost-effective. If you are only planning on getting a round of golf in a few times a year then renting is definitely the cheaper option, however, if you’re finding that golf is becoming more and more of an interest of yours and you’re becoming a regular player this is when owning your own golf cart may save you money in the long run. Prices of golf carts vary depending on the model but you can get a new golf cart from as little as $5,000 and a used golf cart from around $2,500.
#2 Parking space
Another consideration that may lean you more towards renting rather than the buying game is whether or not you have anywhere to keep your golf cart. A garage is a perfect spot for your golf cart as this keeps it secure as well as reducing the impact of the elements on the exterior. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have this space so make sure you think about where your golf cart can be stored when not in use if you do decide to buy one.
#3 Upkeep
As with all vehicles, a golf cart requires some routine maintenance which can sometimes be costly. A big attraction of renting a golf cart is that you are not responsible for any upkeep or maintenance costs and if your rental golf cart experiences any issues you can simply trade it in for a new one. As a golf cart owner, whether it be of a gas golf cart or an electric golf cart you will be required to do routine maintenance checks. For gas golf carts this involves checking the oil as a minimum and for electric golf carts, you will need to keep an eye on the battery (which can be expensive to replace).
#4 Enhancing the Golf Cart
Many a golf cart owner will tell you that one of the real pleasures of owning a golf cart is enhancing it. The golf cart becomes it’s own hobby as many owners add lights, a radio, a fan and many more accessories that enhance the golf cart. If you like a project and are looking for a way of expressing your creativity then owning a golf cart rather than renting will give you the opportunity to do this. You will find plenty of online forums to guide you as to how to pimp your golf cart!
#5 Other uses
If you can put a golf cart to another use then the benefits of ownership grow even more. In some areas you can use your golf cart on the road (if it is street legal) at a slow speed – so if you can use your golf cart to visit friends or pop to the local store then you will really be getting your money’s worth. They will also be useful if you’re lucky enough to live on a big plot of land as they will make getting around it that bit quicker.
#6 To buy or to rent a golf cart?
When it comes to decision time only you can decide but making a list of pros and cons for yourself based on our suggestions is a good place to start. Work out the figures and estimate your golf cart usage across a year and how much rental and ownership costs compare. One thing is for sure, owning a golf cart will certainly bring you joy.
Things to consider when buying a golf cart
If you’ve decided to take the plunge and buy your own golf cart then no doubt you want some tips to point you in the right direction. The first thing to think about is whether you’re going to buy a new or a second-hand golf cart and think about what your budget is. You will also need to consider whether you would prefer to buy a gas or electric golf cart. Make sure you take some time to ponder these questions and do your research before splurging the cash.
What to look for when buying a second-hand golf cart
Purchasing a second-hand golf cart will save you a lot of cash and there are some excellent models out there as long as you know what to look out for. Before you approach a second-hand dealer make sure that you check its credentials first. Nowadays, you can normally find online reviews for reputable second-hand golf cart dealers where you can read the experiences of other customers as to how they have found their second-hand purchase.
Once you have selected a few dealers to explore and selected a golf cart always give it a test drive first. Make sure you visually inspect all of the important parts including the tires, steering wheel, battery, cables, pads, brakes, and the water level. Check the body of the golf cart too for any scratches or indentations. If you’re a novice when it comes to checking out the mechanics then take a friend who does to help you. Also, check that the golf cart comes with a warranty so, should anything go wrong, you can take it back to get fixed or replaced.
When buying a used golf cart it is also useful to have some questions in mind to ask the dealer, here is a list of some suggestions:
- How old is the golf cart?
- How long has the golf cart been out of use?
- When was the golf cart given a service?
- How much does the golf cart cost?
- Are there any parts of the golf cart that will need replacing soon?
Conclusion
A golf cart is a multi-purpose vehicle that has a range of uses. If you’re looking to rent a golf cart near you then you can use our handy search tool above that will point you in the right direction. Renting a golf cart can be a cost-effective way of using a golf cart as you don’t need to put in the initial investment and are a good choice if you are only going to be using a golf cart infrequently.
However, if you are planning on becoming a regular golfer or where you live is suitable to use a golf cart for transportation you might want to consider investing in your own golf cart. This can be more cost-effective in the long run and save you lots of money from rental charges. Weighing up the pros and cons of buying or renting a golf cart is an important process and it is not a decision to be taken lightly. Make sure you check out the guidance in this article and you’re sure to make the right decision.
