Take this with you. Work through it in order, because the early items decide whether the rest matters.
Before you go
- Ask for the serial number and look it up. The serial decoder will give you the year and model, and tells you whether the seller's description matches reality.
- Ask how old the batteries are. If they do not know, assume old.
- Ask why they are selling.
Identity
- Serial number found and matches the description
- Year and model confirmed
- Pack voltage confirmed (36V and 48V are not interchangeable)
- Gas or electric confirmed
Batteries, on an electric cart
This is most of the value, so spend time here.
- Date codes on the cases. More than four or five years old means budget for a replacement.
- Water level in several cells. Exposed plates mean damage already done.
- Corrosion on the terminals. Heavy crust means neglect.
- Cables tight, no melted or discolored insulation.
- No swollen or distorted cases.
- Charger present and included in the sale.
Drive it, properly
Not around the driveway. Fifteen or twenty minutes, and up a hill if there is one.
- Accelerates smoothly with no hesitation or surging
- Holds speed as the run goes on, rather than fading
- No whine that has an edge to it, and no vibration
- No clunking over bumps
- Brakes stop it straight without grinding
- Steering has no excessive play, lock to lock
Frame and body
- Frame rails, especially under the battery rack. Surface rust is normal, flaking or scaling is not. A Club Car DS is steel and rots. A Precedent is aluminum and does not.
- Body cracks, particularly around the front cowl and mounting points
- Floorboard solid, not soft
- Seat frames sound
Modifications
- Lift kit installed properly, with brake lines and steering geometry addressed rather than just blocks bolted in
- Tires match the lift and are not rubbing
- Aftermarket lights and accessories fused, not wired straight to the pack
- Any wiring additions look like a person who knew what they were doing did them
Gas carts specifically
- Starts without excessive cranking
- No heavy smoke once warm
- No backfiring
- Oil level and condition
- No fuel smell or visible leaks
Paperwork
- Bill of sale
- Any service records
- Confirm there is no lien if it was financed
The money question
Condition and battery age drive the price more than anything. A clean cart with a fresh pack is worth real money. The same cart with a five year old pack is worth meaningfully less, because you are inheriting that cost.
Use the battery calculator to work out what a replacement pack would cost you in range terms, and negotiate accordingly.
Get a second opinion
Jared will inspect a cart before you buy it. It costs a lot less than discovering a dead pack or a rotted frame the week after. 406.270.9346.