Buy a Golf Cart — Complete Buyer's Guide

Buying a golf cart is a significant purchase — new models range from $5,000 to $22,000+, and even quality used carts run $3,500 to $15,000. This guide walks you through every key decision so you buy the right cart at the right price from a dealership you can trust. TIGON Golf Carts has 15 locations across the Eastern United States and nationwide delivery available.

Step 1: Set Your Budget

Start with a realistic budget that includes the cart, delivery, accessories, and any registration costs for street-legal models. Rough price ranges by configuration:

  • Used / refurbished 2-seat electric: $4,500–$9,000
  • New 4-seat electric (lithium): $8,000–$14,000
  • New street-legal LSV / NEV: $10,000–$18,000+
  • New gas golf cart (2- or 4-seat): $5,000–$9,000
  • 0% APR financing available on qualifying new and used carts

Step 2: New, Used, or Refurbished?

New golf carts carry full factory warranties, the latest features, and your choice of color, seating, and accessories — but cost the most. Used carts offer 30–60% savings versus new, though battery health and mechanical condition vary widely; always insist on a battery load test and documented service history. Refurbished carts split the difference: reconditioned to a documented standard — battery load-tested, mechanically serviced, cosmetically restored — at prices 20–40% below new.

Also explore our refurbished golf carts — professionally reconditioned units with battery load-tested, cosmetic restoration, and a certified road test, priced 20–40% below new.

Step 3: Electric or Gas?

Electric golf carts are the dominant choice for neighborhoods, communities, resorts, and campgrounds. They cost roughly 3–5 cents per mile to operate versus 30–50 cents per mile for gas, require no oil changes or exhaust maintenance, and modern lithium-battery models deliver 40–80 miles per charge. Gas carts use a small gasoline engine that refuels in minutes, delivers consistent power on hills and heavy loads, and covers greater distances per fill-up — making them preferred for full-size golf courses, large farms, and extended outdoor use.

Step 4: Choose Your Seating Capacity

Match seating to your actual use case:

  • 2-passenger — golf course standard; compact and affordable for solo or couple use
  • 4-passenger — most popular for families; rear seats fold from a rear seat kit
  • 6-passenger — resorts, large families, events; higher cost but maximum capacity
  • Utility / flatbed — cargo hauling on farms, warehouses, and campgrounds; no rear seating

Golf Cart Types: Compare by Budget, Speed & Use

Cart Type Price Range Top Speed Range Street Legal Best Use
2-Passenger Standard$4,500–$10,00012–19 mph25–40 miNoGolf course, private property
4-Passenger Lifted$7,000–$14,00019–25 mph30–55 miVariesNeighborhood, off-road, family
6-Passenger LSV / NEV$9,500–$18,00025 mph (gov.)40–80 miYesStreet, resort, family transport
Commercial Fleet Cart$8,000–$22,000+15–25 mph40–60 miVariesWarehouse, campus, event venue

Step 5: Street-Legal or Off-Road?

Standard golf carts are designed for golf courses, private property, campgrounds, and gated communities — they are not street legal. A street-legal golf cart (LSV or NEV) has been equipped with federally required safety gear: headlights, brake lights, turn signals, mirrors, a windshield, seat belts, and a 17-digit VIN. Once registered with your state DMV, it can be driven on roads posted at 35 mph or less where state and local law permits. TIGON Golf Carts carries a full selection of LSV and NEV models and can confirm which configurations qualify for your state's road requirements.

Step 6: Financing and Payment Options

You don't have to pay cash for a golf cart. TIGON Golf Carts offers 0% APR financing on qualifying new and pre-owned models through multiple lending partners — Sheffield BBT, BLI Heartland, DLL Financial, Roadrunner/Octane, Univest Capital, and Dealer Direct. Monthly payments on qualifying carts start as low as $99/month. Apply online in minutes or call 1-844-844-6638 for a same-day quote.

Buying pre-owned? Read the full used golf cart buyer's guide — pricing ranges, what to inspect, and red flags to watch for.

Where to Buy a Golf Cart Near You

TIGON Golf Carts operates 15 full-service dealerships across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, South Carolina, and Florida. Every location carries new and pre-owned inventory, offers 0% APR financing, and can arrange nationwide delivery to your door. Browse the full inventory online, filter by your location, and call 1-844-844-6638 to speak with a cart specialist at the dealership nearest you.

Call Now — 1-844-844-6638 Apply Now — 0% Financing

Shop Golf Carts — New & Used Inventory

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I buy a golf cart from a dealership?

Buying a golf cart from a dealership is straightforward: browse inventory online or visit a showroom, select your model and configuration, review financing options, and arrange pickup or delivery. At TIGON Golf Carts, you can shop the full inventory at tigongolfcarts.com, call 1-844-844-6638 to speak with a specialist, apply for financing online, and choose pickup from any of our 15 locations or nationwide delivery to your door. The process typically takes one to three business days from selection to delivery. Related: Shop inventory, Find a location

What should my budget be when buying a golf cart?

Golf cart budgets vary widely by condition and configuration. Plan $4,500–$9,000 for a quality used or refurbished 2-seat electric cart; $8,000–$14,000 for a new 4-seat lithium electric; and $10,000–$18,000+ for a new street-legal LSV or 6-passenger model. Gas carts run $5,000–$9,000 new. Factor in delivery, accessories (covers, chargers, lift kits), and any registration fees if you plan to street-register the cart. Financing with 0% APR on qualifying models can significantly reduce the upfront cash requirement. Related: Financing options, Used carts

Should I buy a new, used, or refurbished golf cart?

New carts offer the latest features, full factory warranty, and your choice of configuration — ideal if budget allows and you want peace of mind. Used carts deliver 30–60% savings but vary widely in condition; always insist on a battery load test and service history. Refurbished carts split the difference — reconditioned to a documented standard with battery load-tested and cosmetically restored, at prices 20–40% below new. TIGON Golf Carts offers all three, and our team can help you compare specific models side by side. Related: New carts, Refurbished carts

What paperwork do I need when buying a golf cart?

For a standard off-road golf cart, paperwork is minimal — you receive a bill of sale and a manufacturer's statement of origin (MSO) from the dealer. If the cart is street-legal (LSV or NEV), you will also need to register it with your state DMV, obtain a title, and carry liability insurance in states that require it. TIGON Golf Carts provides all required documents and can walk you through the registration process for your state. Related: Street-Legal Vehicles, Low Speed Vehicles

How long does it take to buy a golf cart from TIGON?

Purchasing from TIGON Golf Carts typically takes one to three business days from selection to delivery. In-stock carts at a nearby dealership can often be picked up the same day or next day. Nationwide delivery generally takes three to seven business days depending on your location. Financing approval typically takes one business day. Call 1-844-844-6638 for current availability at your nearest location. Related: Browse in-stock inventory