Golf Cart Price: MSRP, Trims & Real-World Cost

A golf cart's price depends on who makes it, how it is powered, how many people it seats, and whether it is new or used. Two carts that look alike from across a parking lot can differ by thousands of dollars once you account for battery type, seating, and street-legal equipment.

The figures below come from manufacturers' own published prices. They are starting prices or MSRPs, which are the numbers a maker lists before dealer fees, delivery, taxes, and accessories. Your final price at a dealer can differ.

E-Z-GO lists starting prices for its personal carts, from the RXV 2 at the low end to the Liberty 4F at the top of the range shown.

Several of these models come in either electric or gas versions, as the labels show. The Liberty models are labeled as low-speed vehicles, which are built with equipment intended for use on certain public roads. That equipment is part of why they sit higher in the list than the RXV 2.

Yamaha publishes MSRPs by powertrain. This is useful if you are trying to see how much more a lithium battery or a larger body costs on the same family of cart.

Comparing the Drive2 lines shows the cost of the powertrain choice directly: gas, an AC electric system, and a lithium system are listed at three different prices. The UMAX models show the same pattern, and the four-seat UMAX 4 versions are higher than the standard UMAX carts.

Club Car lists a starting price for its Onward 4 Passenger model, which is offered in lithium, lead-acid, or gas versions.

That price is the starting point for the model, and the version you choose may cost more. Ask a dealer which powertrain the listed price applies to before you compare it with a cart from another maker.

The type of power is one of the largest decisions in the purchase.

• Gas. Gas carts use a fuel-injected engine on several current models, and they refuel quickly. They need regular engine maintenance such as oil changes.
• Electric with lead-acid batteries. These have traditionally been the lower-cost electric choice. The batteries need periodic watering and care, and they are replaced when they wear out.
• Lithium. Lithium models are priced higher in the Yamaha list than the gas and AC versions of the same family. Buyers generally choose them for lower maintenance and a different charging routine, and you should ask the dealer about warranty terms for the battery.

Which is best depends on how far you drive, where you charge or fuel, and what maintenance you are willing to do. Compare the warranty on the powertrain you plan to buy.

• Seating. Four-seat and six-seat carts cost more than two-seaters.
• Street-legal equipment. Carts built as low-speed vehicles include lights, mirrors, and other required equipment.
• Accessories. Lift kits, upgraded wheels, enclosures, and audio are usually extra.
• Dealer fees. Delivery, setup, and documentation fees are often added to the listed price.
• Taxes. Sales tax and registration rules vary by state.

Used carts are cheaper than new ones, and they vary a great deal by age, battery condition, and maintenance history. E-Z-GO lists a certified pre-owned program with a starting price.

That is a starting price for certified carts from the manufacturer, not an average for the used market. Prices for carts sold privately or through other dealers can differ. Before buying used, ask about the age and condition of the batteries, request service records, and see the cart run.

Rules differ by state, county, and city. Some places allow street use for carts that meet specific equipment standards, and others restrict it. Check local rules with your state motor vehicle agency and local government before you buy a cart for street use.

• What does the listed price include, and which powertrain does it apply to?
• What are the delivery, setup, and documentation fees?
• How long is the warranty on the cart and on the batteries?
• Where can the cart be serviced?
• Does the cart meet the equipment standards for street use in your area?