Visit any area where people like to get away from it all, and you’re likely to see plenty of golf carts. In fact, you may even see these carts being used in farming communities. But don’t worry, they’re still part of that great Scotts-inspired pastime: golf!

However, in recent years, many people have found these cars to be a great mode of transportation when traveling “shorter” distances, or at least those that are “too long” to walk, but it’s not worth turning on the car. But if you’re new to golf carts rather than vehicles, then it can feel a bit overwhelming when you buy one…especially if you choose to buy a used or refurbished one!

So if you are planning to invest in a golf cart, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Do you want a gas or electric one? Ideally, an electric cart will cost less and there are fewer moving parts, making it ideal for the person who doesn’t want to worry about major repairs. However, you will need to make sure you have the electric golf cart charged and ready to go.
• Is it used or refurbished? Obviously, used does not mean that it has been serviced, while reconditioned implies that it has. It’s always a good idea to ask the age of the golf cart if you’re buying a used one. Ideally, you don’t want one that is more than 15 years old.
• What does it mean when the golf cart is refurbished or remanufactured? This unfortunately depends on the seller. In some cases, it means the car has been completely reconditioned with all new parts, while for less reputable sellers, it may mean only “superficial” repairs have been made. This is where it’s important to do your due diligence and learn as much as you can about the seller. If possible, borrow the cart for a day or two and have someone else check it out.
• What is the return policy? Make sure you know if there is a time limit within which you can return a golf cart. Also, be sure to ask if there is any reason why a returned cart would not be accepted.
• What about the features? Golf carts can have a wide variety of features ranging from padded seats to cup holders to tints. Think about which ones are most important to you and determine if they work within your budget.

These are just some of the items you need to consider when deciding to purchase a golf cart. Be sure to talk to others in your area who have used them often and learn where to find the best deals with the features you’re looking for.