Golf Guides
Top 9 Reasons Why Are Golf Carts So Expensive In 2023?
Golfers who live in areas with frequent and accessible golfing venues, such as country clubs or resorts, have a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the sport more often.
Many golf carts cost more than an aspiring golfer might expect. Considering how simple these vehicles are, this is especially true.
After all, it's not like buying a car. Why do they cost so much?
If you want to buy a golf cart for personal use at a country club or resort, that’s great! Just make sure you understand the financial commitment required before making that decision.
The cost of a golf cart varies widely depending on where you live. For example, it’s costly in urban areas such as New York City or Chicago because there are so few places you can drive legally.
In rural areas like Wisconsin and other Midwestern states, it’s much less expensive because there are so many places where it’s legal to drive one, and there is no rental fee for accessing them.
Reason Why Are Golf Carts So Expensive?
Golf carts are the most common mode of transportation around a golf course. They can be rented or leased, but they can also cost significantly more than you expect.
This makes it difficult for golf courses to purchase, so renting one is a much more affordable option—a new golf cart costs between $5,000 and $10,000.
There are a variety of different factors that contribute to this cost and make it so expensive. Other options exist for purchasing used or refurbished golf carts at a lower price.
High Demand For A Cart
The golf cart is one of the most commonly used pieces of equipment on a golf course, which is why they are in such high demand.
No matter what type of golf course you play at, a golf cart will likely be included in the overall price of your game. Because these carts are so commonly used, they must be manufactured in large quantities.
This means they must be made with high-quality materials to withstand frequent use. Due to this high demand, golf carts are manufactured by various companies.
In many cases, a manufacturer will produce parts of the cart that another company then assembles. In addition to keeping costs low, it is easier to supply golf courses quickly.
Historical Importance
Beyond their popularity as a mode of transportation, golf carts have a rich history that dates back to the 1930s. At the time, golf courses comprised 18 holes that had to be completed within a few hours.
Physically challenged golfers had to walk the course, which made the game very difficult. The golf course was already equipped with golf carts, so they transported golfers around.
This allowed people of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy the game of golf, even though it was challenging.
Many courses even allowed non-golfers to ride around in the carts, which gave people new to the game a chance to learn while moving around a golf course.
Market Monopoly
A few select manufacturers completely monopolize the golf cart market. The largest manufacturer of golf carts has a 90% market share of the golf cart industry.
Whereas this might seem concerning, it also means that there is significant pressure to produce a high-quality product due to the risk of losing a large portion of the market.
Because this manufacturer produces high-quality golf carts, they can charge a higher price since their customers are willing to pay more for a durable, lasting product. This is also why golf carts can be so expensive to repair.
Sometimes, the manufacturer only has the parts needed to repair your golf cart. In others, the manufacturer might be the only one with the knowledge needed to fix your golf cart.
Safety Features
Because golf carts are used by young and old alike, they must be equipped with safety features. Many golf carts have built-in seat belts, brakes, and headlights to make them more safely used at night.
These safety features can often be installed in golf carts when they are manufactured. Thus, they must be added to the overall price as an additional cost.
As a bonus, these safety features might also be required by the golf course where you plan to use the cart.
The golf course can reduce costs by not installing the safety features yourself.
Shipping Costs
Golf carts are large, heavy items that are often shipped via truck. Because of this, you can expect to pay a significant amount in shipping costs.
Depending on the distance of your game, you might also be paying for expedited shipping.
The reason for this is that golf carts are heavy items produced overseas. Expedited shipping can be costly, especially if you have to have your golf carts shipped internationally.
This is why purchasing a refurbished golf cart might be more cost-effective. Existing golf carts can be shipped in smaller, less expensive vehicles. You can even drive a golf cart to your game if your course is close enough.
It will help to keep shipping costs in mind when purchasing a golf cart. This can help you to save money and keep your overall costs lower.
High-quality Parts And Design
Golf carts are often constructed with high-quality parts. Because of this, they can last for a long time, even when used frequently.
A new golf cart may cost significantly more if these parts are included. Generally, golf carts last for a certain number of years before they need to be replaced.
It is, therefore, necessary to replace the golf cart parts simultaneously. Golf carts can be significantly more expensive as a result.
If you plan to purchase a used or refurbished golf cart, you can take advantage of the high-quality design of golf carts.
You can purchase a golf cart that is still in good condition and well-maintained at a lower price.
Adaptable Design Options
Golf carts are often built with one design in mind, but they can be built to accommodate multiple people.
Depending on the design, some golf carts can accommodate two golfers, while others can accommodate four.
You can also opt for golf carts that are designed for young golfers. These carts are often smaller and can be driven by a child as young as five. This may be useful if your group includes a lot of golfers.
You should purchase a golf cart with an adjustable seat if you have a larger group. It allows a broader range of golfers to sit comfortably.
Niche-purpose Design
Some golf carts are designed for one specific purpose, such as transporting golfers or golf bags.
If you don’t need to carry golfers, you can purchase a golf cart designed to carry golf bags.
Those designed only to carry golf bags are often smaller than golf carts that can transport golfers and bags.
If you live near a golf course, this can be useful. A golf cart designed only to hold bags might be the best choice if you do not need to transport golfers.
A golf cart designed only to carry bags can be a lower-cost option that can still do everything you need.
Specialized Upgrades
Many golf carts come with standard features, but many can be upgraded. For example, you might buy a golf cart with airbags instead of seat belts.
Purchasing a golf cart with standard safety features will cost more than doing this.
You can also upgrade the golf cart door to open and close automatically. The golf cart can be easier to get into and out of if this is done.
You can also upgrade the lights on the golf cart to make it easier to use at night. You can even purchase golf carts with built-in GPS systems to help you keep track of the distance of your holes.
These upgrades can add significant amounts of money to the price of a golf cart. In other words, if you want to purchase a golf cart with specialized upgrades, you can do so for a lower price if you purchase a used one.
Why Are Golf Carts So Expensive Conclusion
Golf carts are costly, especially when you consider that they are used for recreational sports.
You can reduce your costs significantly if you purchase a used or refurbished golf cart.
If you’re interested in purchasing a used golf cart, check the condition of the previous owner’s golf cart before purchasing it.
By doing this, you will be able to determine how much you should pay for the golf cart.
You can also negotiate the price of a used golf cart with the owner to help reduce your costs even further.
Buying a used golf cart is a great way to save money while playing golf.
FAQS
Why are golf carts more expensive than cars?
There are several reasons why golf carts may be more expensive than cars. One reason is that golf carts are typically smaller and less complex than cars, making them more expensive to manufacture. Also, golf carts may be equipped with features not typically found on cars, such as a built-in charger or solar panels, which can add to the cost. Finally, golf carts are often used in commercial applications, such as at resorts or golf courses, where they may be subject to more wear and tear than a car, resulting in higher maintenance and repair costs.
How much is a good quality golf cart?
You can choose from a wide range of products depending on your needs and your budget. Some golf carts are designed for basic transportation, while others are loaded with features like GPS, entertainment systems, and more. A good quality golf cart can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Do golf carts hold their value?
Golf carts can hold their value over time, but it will depend on several factors. The make and model of the golf cart, how well it has been maintained, and the overall demand for golf carts will all play a role in determining its resale value. Golf carts tend to hold value better than many other vehicles.
What does it cost to maintain a golf cart?
The cost of maintaining a golf cart will vary depending on the type of cart, how often it is used, and where it is kept—generally speaking. The cost of maintaining a golf cart will be relatively low compared to maintaining a car. For example, the cost of gasoline and oil for a golf cart will be much lower than for a car, and the cost of tires and brakes will also be lower. Additionally, golf carts require less regular maintenance than cars, so the overall cost of maintaining a golf cart will be lower than that of a car.
What’s included when you buy a golf cart?
You can expect to receive the cart itself and a charger when you purchase a golf cart. Most golf carts run on batteries, so the charger is necessary to keep the battery charged and operational. You may also find that your golf cart has a cover or storage bag, which can help keep the cart clean and protected when not used. Other accessories often included with golf carts are cup holders, scorecard holders, and GPS units.
What’s not included when you buy a golf cart?
Several things are not included in the price when you purchase a golf cart. These items can include the cost of shipping, assembly, and any applicable taxes. In addition, you will also need to factor in the cost of batteries, chargers, and any other accessories you may want or need.
