What Is a Pre Owned Golf Cart?
A pre owned golf cart — also written "pre-owned golf cart" or "preowned golf cart" — is any golf cart that has had at least one prior owner. The three spellings mean the same thing. What separates a pre owned cart bought from a dealer versus a private seller is the inspection process, condition disclosure, and buyer protections that come with a reputable dealership purchase.
At TIGON Golf Carts, every pre-owned golf cart is inspected before listing and sold with a documented condition report. This guide walks you through every step of buying a pre owned cart — from inspection to final delivery.
Pre Owned vs. Used vs. Certified Pre-Owned: What's the Difference?
All three terms describe a previously owned golf cart, but they carry different levels of verification:
| Term | Inspection | Warranty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used (private sale) | None | None | Buyers comfortable with risk |
| Pre Owned (dealer) | 6-point pre-sale inspection | Limited | Most buyers |
| Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) | 27-point written report | 60-day powertrain | Buyers wanting near-new assurance |
TIGON Golf Carts offers all three tiers. Browse our preowned golf carts or certified pre-owned inventory to compare.
How to Inspect a Pre Owned Golf Cart: 6-Point Checklist
Whether you're buying privately or from a dealer, these are the six areas every pre owned golf cart buyer should verify:
1. Battery Load Test (Electric Carts)
Don't accept a resting voltage reading — insist on a load test. This measures actual usable capacity under simulated discharge. A result of ≥80% rated capacity is acceptable; below 70% means battery replacement is imminent ($800–$2,500 for AGM, $2,000–$4,500 for lithium).
2. Drive System
- Electric: Motor, controller, solenoid. Listen for unusual sounds during acceleration; check for smooth, linear power delivery.
- Gas: Engine start behavior, acceleration smoothness, belt condition. A gas engine should start within two pulls cold.
3. Brakes and Steering
Pull the cart forward, brake firmly. Both wheels should slow equally. Check steering play — more than 2–3 inches of wheel movement before the front wheels respond indicates worn tie rods or steering components.
4. Electrical Systems
Test every circuit: headlights, taillights, turn signals (if equipped), horn, charger port, and any dashboard electronics. Corroded or non-functional lights are common in pre owned carts and inexpensive to fix — but factor it into your price negotiation.
5. Frame and Body Condition
On aluminum-frame carts (Club Car, some Onward models): look for cracks at weld points. On steel-frame carts: check for surface rust at the frame rails, especially the rear crossmember. Cosmetic body damage is acceptable if disclosed — structural damage is not.
6. Pre-Delivery Service
A reputable dealer delivers the pre owned cart with tires inflated to spec, battery fully charged (electric) or a full tank of fuel (gas), and all fluids topped. If a dealer won't deliver a cart in ready-to-drive condition, negotiate the delivery prep cost.
Pre Owned Golf Cart Pricing by Brand (2026)
Pre owned golf cart prices vary significantly by brand, age, and condition. Here are current market ranges:
| Brand | Price Range | Best Pre Owned Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Club Car | $3,500–$13,000 | Onward (2016+) | Highest resale value; aluminum frames don't rust |
| Yamaha | $3,000–$10,000 | Drive2 Gas EFI | Best gas reliability; huge parts network |
| EzGo | $3,000–$11,000 | RXV (2008+) | Best value; AC motor models from $4,500 |
| ICON | $5,000–$12,000 | i40L / i60L | Lithium variants hold value extremely well |
| Evolution | $5,500–$13,000 | Classic 4 / D5 | Best street-legal pre owned; TIGON is authorized dealer |
For a full pricing breakdown, see our used golf cart prices guide.
Best Pre Owned Golf Cart Models by Use Case
Best for Golf Course Use: Club Car Precedent (2010+) — rugged, easy to service, massive parts availability. Budget: $4,000–$7,000.
Best for Neighborhood / HOA: EzGo RXV Electric (2012+) — quiet AC motor, smooth ride, 35–40 mile range. Budget: $4,500–$8,000.
Best for Street Legal: Club Car Onward LSV (2018+) or Evolution D5 Ranger — both carry factory VINs and can be registered at the DMV. Budget: $8,000–$13,000.
Best for Farm / Large Property: Yamaha Drive2 Gas or EzGo TXT Gas — consistent torque, 100+ miles per tank, easy to service with any small-engine mechanic. Budget: $4,000–$8,000.
Best Budget Pre Owned: Club Car DS (2005–2013) or EzGo TXT — entry-level 48V electric carts with massive aftermarket support. Budget: $2,500–$5,000.
Warranty Options on Pre Owned Golf Carts
What warranty comes with a pre owned golf cart depends on where you buy:
Private Seller: No warranty. You buy the cart as-is. Condition is self-reported and unverified.
TIGON Pre Owned (Standard): 6-point pre-sale inspection completed; condition report provided at sale; post-sale service available through TIGON's 15 physical stores. No powertrain warranty on standard pre owned.
TIGON Certified Pre-Owned (CPO): 27-point written inspection report; 60-day powertrain warranty on qualifying units. This is the highest pre owned protection tier at TIGON. View CPO inventory →
Factory Warranty Transfers: Some newer pre owned carts (2022 or newer) may still carry remaining manufacturer warranty — ask the dealer to verify by VIN.
Financing a Pre Owned Golf Cart
TIGON Golf Carts offers all-credit financing on qualifying pre owned units through six lending partners: Sheffield BBT, BLI Heartland, DLL Financial, Roadrunner/Octane, Univest Capital, and Dealer Direct. Rates vary by lender and credit tier. Apply online at TIGON financing or call 1-844-844-6638 for same-day decisions.
Where to Buy Pre Owned Golf Carts Near Me
TIGON Golf Carts has 15 physical dealerships across ten states, with Pocono Pines served from Long Pond:
- Pennsylvania: Hatfield · Long Pond · Scranton (Pocono Pines is a service area)
- New Jersey: Ocean View · Bayville · Waretown · Rio Grande
- Florida: Lecanto (Citrus County)
- North Carolina: Raleigh
- South Carolina: Orangeburg
- Delaware: Dover
- Virginia: Gloucester Point
- Ohio: Swanton
- Indiana: South Bend
- Texas: Wichita Falls
Not near a location? TIGON delivers pre owned golf carts nationwide. Browse all pre owned golf cart inventory →