Golf Car Buying Guide: Electric vs. Gas
There are plenty of things to consider when you buy a golf cart, but two decisions seem to stress out buyers the most:
- Selecting the power source
- New vs. used
In this post, we will tackle the first one. The bottom line in the electric vs. gas debate is that it’s all about choosing the type that best suits your needs. Let’s go over some points that will help you make the best decision for your particular situation:
The Good – Gas
- Longer range: Depending on the engine, you can get between 100 and 200 miles out of one tank of gas.
- More powerful: This is especially important if you plan on using the car off-road, for hunting, on a farm, etc.
- No charging required: Just fill the tank, and off you go.
The Bad – Gas
- Maintenance: Gas golf cars require tune-ups, oil changes, exhaust and muffler service, and all the other maintenance that goes along with an internal combustion engine.
- More systems and moving parts mean more things can go wrong.
- Repairs are more costly.
- Difficult to run at slow speeds.
The Good: – Electric
- Quiet.
- Smoother starts.
- Not as much maintenance.
- Fewer moving parts means fewer things can go wrong.
- Acceptable for indoor use.
The Bad – Electric
- Shorter range: A properly maintained set of batteries will take you about 20 miles.
- Needs an electrical outlet to re-charge.
- Batteries must be replaced every 4 to 6 years.
Think about where and how you plan on using your golf cart, and let those requirements guide your decision. Talk to friends and neighbors who own golf cars, and get their recommendations. Then visit National Carts and get some professional input before making your final decision.