New guy looking at a used cart.

fingers

Hi,

I've just recently come to the conclusion I really need a cart and found this awesome forum as I try to educate myself on them.

My next door neighbor has one in her garage that I may be able to pick up that hasn't been moved in at least 5 years. (Her husband was a golfer and passed away) The cart is probably a 99-early 2000's model TXT. I haven't been able to see it recently to know any more about it.

I figure sitting that long, at a minimum the batteries are history, maybe the tires as well if they have been deflated and its been sitting on the flats. Cosmetically it should be in very good condition as it was only used on the golf course and always garaged.

What besides batteries and probably tires will or could be needing replacement in a cart like this that's been sitting so long?

What is a ball park value of a cart in this condition? If location matters, I'm in the Las Vegas, NV area.

I will be using the cart mainly on fairly hilly, paved paths/roads around home and on dirt roads at horse shows and rv parks. Also I will be adding a folding back seat kit and carrying, at times, as many kids and horse tack as will fit in the thing.

I'm thinking I will be upgrading wheels/tires and an electrical upgrade kit on the cart to get better performance while I'm doing the batteries and whatever else needs to be replaced due to age and sitting dormant.

What else should I upgrade while I'm shopping? It doesn't need to be a rocket but speed is nice. And I won't be doing any serious off-roading but will be carrying some loads at times on dirt roads/paths.

Thanks for any input you may have before I jump into this project.

BGW

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chloe

To offer anything realistic in the form of enhancement costs, or even suggestions, knowing the type of drive system is crucial. Based upon the fact that you are planning to work the cart, a series drive, in my opinion would be the better one. However, it does not eliminate the other systems.
For value, I think it best to compare what is selling in your area. Go to a local shop and find out what one of their stock carts is selling for. Use that and any on line sales you can find as an average.
If the garage was not damp, (not likely in Vegas), the tires and batteries may be the only units to be concerned about. Check the battery rack too. Even in dry areas, acid corrosion can destroy a rack. Don't forget all the grease joints will have dried out, so they will need attention very quickly.

crash test dummy

year is important !! also 48v or 36v cart
batteries is a must after 5 years ($600~$800) .. charger work ?
tires if they are dry rotted
bigger tires / hilly area = bigger wires / controller upgrade
rear seat = heavy duty springs
cart in Las Vegas ... check local ads

fingers

I'll have to wait to see the cart to determine more details on the drive type. The owner is out of town. I'll keep my fingers crossed its a series cart when I get to see it.

I've been checking Craigslist for carts but there are not too many that make an easy comparison. Most are newer and customized or old beat up ones and virtually all are running.

Good point on the lubrication and the battery mounts. Hopefully everything else will be good.

I guess I'll have to add beefier rear suspension to my list. Is this a relatively easy bolt on type of upgrade?

Is there any need for a lift kit for my uses?

I planned on upgrading the wires, controller, solenoid, etc. and if its not 48V, most likely doing that as well.

This is all assuming the owner is will to let it go for a reasonable price.



Thanks again,

yurtle

Look for the condition of the battery tray. It WILL have corrosion, but it may still be structurally sound. Brakes and steering may need attention. You'll probably have to change rear end oil. Ask if her late husband was the original owner and how many days per month it was driven. That will affect brake and steering wear.

crash test dummy

yes rear seat / heavy duty springs are an easy upgrade ...

here are a few videos



bigger tires/wheels require a lift

fingers

Awesome, thanks for the videos. Although my upgrade list keeps getting longer, ouch.

tjequip

And the best part is it never ends

sportcoupe

Wish you were closer to me, by the time you upgrade everything you could have bought a complete cart with all upgrades done already. See my frame-off rebuild example in the for sale section (yes it is a series cart). This cart was only $400, see how fast the "upgrades" add up?

EDIT: my asking price is now negotiable, shipping is about 0.50 cents per mile average.

http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/golf-...arts-only.html

crash test dummy

power then extras...but keep in mind final cart