Buying Golf Carts at Auction: What to Check

Golf carts are one of the easiest flips there is. They're simple machines, parts are everywhere, and buyers in golf communities, campgrounds, farms and neighborhoods want them every spring. You'll find them at Copart and IAA, at equipment auctions, and at golf course fleet sales when courses trade in their leased carts.

01Gas or electric

• Gas carts: simple small engines, easy to diagnose, no battery pack to worry about. Check for oil leaks, belt wear, and that it starts and idles.
• Electric carts: quiet and popular, but the battery pack is the big unknown. A full set of new lead-acid batteries is a major cost; lithium conversions cost more. Assume an auction electric cart needs batteries unless proven otherwise.

02What to check

1. Batteries (electric): age (date codes on the batteries), corrosion on terminals, swelling, whether they hold a charge. Ask whether the charger is included; it's often missing.
2. Frame: rust on steel frames, especially under the battery tray where acid spills. Some brands use aluminum frames that resist rust.
3. Body: cracked plastic is cheap to replace on popular models.
4. Steering and suspension: loose steering, worn kingpins, bad shocks.
5. Brakes: mechanical drum brakes on most carts; check they hold.
6. Motor and controller (electric): a controller failure is a costly repair on some models.
7. Serial number: confirm it and check it isn't stolen. Carts get stolen a lot.

03Fleet carts

Course fleet carts get used hard but serviced on a schedule. They're often sold in groups after a lease ends, which can be a great buy for a flipper who can sell them one at a time.

04Street legal?

Some towns allow golf carts or low-speed vehicles on certain roads with lights, mirrors, seat belts and registration. Rules vary a lot by state and town. Check before you advertise a cart as street legal.

05Pricing a flip

Find what similar carts sell for locally, fixed and cleaned up, then subtract batteries (if electric), parts, your time, auction fees and transport. Spring is the best time to sell; buy in fall and winter when prices are lower.

Carts are a great way to learn flipping on something small. The same math works: pricing a flip.

Photo: DSC 6910 A row of golf carts lined up outside a clubhouse on a sunny day ready f by PattayaPatrol, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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