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How Much Is a Golf Cart? Complete Pricing Guide 2026
New golf carts cost $5,000-$15,000, used $2,000-$5,000. See 2026 prices by brand (Club Car, E-Z-GO, Yamaha, ICON) plus ownership costs.
Michael
Jan 12th, 202612 min read
How Much Is a Golf Cart? Complete Pricing Guide for 2026
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A new golf cart costs $5,000-$15,000 depending on the brand, model, and features. Used golf carts range from $2,000-$5,000. Premium brands like Club Car and Yamaha start around $8,000, while value brands like ICON and Evolution offer feature-rich carts starting at $7,000. This complete pricing guide breaks down costs by brand, type, and use case so you can find the right golf cart for your budget.
$5,000-$15,000
New Cart Range
$2,000-$5,000
Used Cart Range
$200-$500
Monthly Payments
Golf Cart Price Factors: What Affects the Cost?
Golf cart prices vary a lot. Here's what affects how much you'll pay.
New vs. Used Golf Carts
The most significant price factor is whether you're buying new or used:
New Golf Carts:
- Premium brands (Club Car, E-Z-GO, Yamaha): $7,000-$15,000
- Mid-range brands: $5,000-$7,000
- Basic models: $4,000-$5,000
Not sure which brand to choose? See our best golf cart brands ranking or compare brands head-to-head.
Used Golf Carts:
- 1-3 years old: $4,000-$7,000
- 4-7 years old: $2,500-$4,000
- 8+ years old: $1,500-$2,500
The average new golf cart purchase price has increased by approximately 12% since 2023, largely due to rising material costs and supply chain adjustments.
Electric vs. Gas-Powered Golf Carts
Electric and gas carts have different costs upfront and over time:
Electric Golf Carts:
- Initial cost: Generally $500-$1,000 higher than comparable gas models
- Standard 36V systems: $5,000-$8,000
- Advanced 48V systems: $7,000-$12,000
- Lower operating costs over time
- Battery replacement: $800-$1,500 every 4-6 years
Gas Golf Carts:
- Initial purchase: $4,500-$11,000
- Lower upfront cost but higher maintenance
- Fuel costs: Approximately $5-$10 per week for average use
- Engine rebuild: $500-$700 every 5-7 years
Brand Comparison: How Much Different Golf Cart Brands Cost
The manufacturer of your golf cart has a significant impact on price, quality, and resale value. Here's how the major brands compare (see our complete brand rankings for detailed reviews):
🏆
Club Car
$8,000-$15,000
- Premium build quality
- Aluminum frame (rust-resistant)
- Best resale value
- High-end features standard
⚡
E-Z-GO
$7,000-$13,000
- Excellent power systems
- Great performance on hills
- Innovative technology
- Wide dealer network
🔧
Yamaha
$7,500-$14,000
- Renowned reliability
- Superior gas engines
- Comfortable riding
- Low maintenance needs
🚀
Bad Boy Buggies
$9,000-$16,000
- Off-road specialists
- High-performance models
- Enhanced suspension
- Hunting-specific options
🌟
Garia
$12,000-$25,000
- Luxury European design
- Automotive-grade components
- Exclusive features
- Premium materials throughout
💰
Value Brands
$4,000-$8,000
- STAR EV
- Icon
- Cushman
- Evolution
As seen in our golf cart repair guide, premium brands tend to require less maintenance over time, which can offset their higher initial cost.
Optional Features and Their Price Impact
The base price of a golf cart can increase significantly when you add optional features and upgrades. Here's how common add-ons affect the final cost:
Feature
Cost Range
Value Rating
Lift Kit (3-6")
$400-$800
Premium Wheels/Tires
$600-$1,200
Upgraded Seats
$300-$900
Custom Paint/Body
$500-$2,000
LED Light Kit
$200-$500
Bluetooth Sound System
$300-$800
Enclosure/Weather Cover
$200-$600
Street Legal Package
$800-$1,500
Personal vs. Commercial: Different Needs, Different Prices
The intended use of your golf cart will determine which model and features make the most sense for your budget:
Personal Use Golf Carts
For home, neighborhood, or recreational use:
- Basic 2-seater: $4,000-$7,000
- 4-seater family model: $7,000-$10,000
- Luxury personal cart: $10,000-$15,000
Personal golf carts primarily focus on comfort, style, and convenience features. The most popular upgrades include custom wheels, premium seats, and entertainment systems.
Golf Course/Commercial Carts
For business applications:
- Fleet golf course carts: $5,000-$8,000 (with bulk discounts)
- Hotel/Resort models: $7,000-$12,000
- Industrial/Utility carts: $9,000-$16,000
- Food service carts: $12,000-$20,000
Commercial carts prioritize durability, reliability, and function-specific features. They typically have stronger frames, enhanced weight capacity, and specialized attachments for their intended purpose.
Bulk Purchase Savings: Golf course operators and commercial buyers can often negotiate significant discounts when purchasing multiple carts, sometimes saving 10-20% off retail pricing.
Financing Options: Making Golf Cart Purchases Affordable
If the upfront cost of a golf cart seems steep, various financing options can make ownership more accessible:
The average golf cart loan term is 48 months, with most buyers opting for monthly payments between $100-$300 depending on the purchase price and down payment.
Total Cost of Ownership: Beyond the Purchase Price
When budgeting for a golf cart, remember that the initial purchase price is just part of the overall cost. Here's what to expect for ongoing expenses:
Insurance
$100-$300/year
Insurance costs vary based on coverage level, location, and whether the cart will be used on public roads. Many homeowner's policies can include golf cart coverage for neighborhood use.
Electricity (Electric Carts)
$50-$150/year
Charging costs depend on local electricity rates and usage frequency. Most electric carts cost less than $0.10 per charge in electricity.
Fuel (Gas Carts)
$250-$500/year
Gas-powered carts typically use 5-10 gallons of fuel per month with regular use, making them more expensive to operate than electric models.
Battery Replacement
$800-$1,500 every 4-6 years
Electric cart batteries eventually need replacement. Quality maintenance can extend battery life significantly. Regular testing helps catch problems early.
Routine Maintenance
$150-$300/year
Regular service includes tire rotation, brake inspection, lubrication, and tune-ups. Gas carts generally require more frequent maintenance than electric models. Basic tools pay for themselves quickly.
Registration & Permits
$20-$200/year
Costs vary widely by location, especially for street-legal carts that require proper registration and licensing.
For more detailed information on maintaining your investment, check our guide on how fast can a golf cart go, which includes valuable maintenance tips.
Smart Buying Tips: Getting the Best Value
Follow these tips to ensure you get the best value when purchasing a golf cart:
-
Best Time to Buy: Purchase during the off-season (fall/winter) when demand is lower and dealers offer better incentives.
-
New vs. Refurbished: Consider certified refurbished carts, which often cost 30-40% less than new models while offering similar reliability with proper certification.
-
Test Drive Multiple Models: Performance, comfort, and handling vary significantly between brands and models. Always test drive before buying.
-
Check the Battery Date: For used electric carts, verify battery age. Batteries over 3-4 years old may need replacement soon, adding to your cost.
-
Negotiate Bundled Options: Dealers are often willing to include accessories at a discount when purchased with a new cart rather than added later.
-
Verify Street Legality: If you plan to drive on public roads, ensure the cart meets local requirements for street-legal operation.
-
Consider Resale Value: Premium brands like Club Car and E-Z-GO typically hold their value better than lower-priced alternatives.
Buyer Beware: Always inspect used carts thoroughly or hire a professional for evaluation. Hidden issues like battery problems, controller failures, or frame damage can lead to expensive repairs.
Golf Cart Price FAQ
How much does a basic new golf cart cost?
A basic new golf cart typically costs between $5,000 and $7,000. These entry-level models include standard features like basic seating, standard batteries or gas engine, and minimal accessories. Premium models with advanced features start around $8,000 and can exceed $15,000.
How much is a 4-seater golf cart?
Four-seater golf carts typically cost between $7,000 and $11,000 for new models. Used 4-seaters can be found for $3,500-$6,000 depending on age and condition. The extended chassis and additional seating add approximately $1,500-$2,500 to the price of a comparable 2-seater model.
How much do used golf carts cost?
Used golf cart prices range from $1,500 to $7,000 depending on age, condition, brand, and features. A 1-3 year old premium model might sell for $4,000-$7,000, while older carts (8+ years) typically cost $1,500-$2,500. Always check battery condition on electric models, as replacement batteries can add $800-$1,500 to your cost.
Are electric or gas golf carts more expensive?
Electric golf carts typically cost $500-$1,000 more upfront than comparable gas models. However, electric carts are usually cheaper to operate and maintain over time. Gas carts generally cost more in fuel and maintenance, but don't require periodic battery replacement, which can cost $800-$1,500 every 4-6 years for electric models.
How much does a street legal golf cart cost?
Street legal golf carts (also called Low Speed Vehicles or LSVs) typically cost $9,000-$15,000 new. The street legal package adds approximately $1,000-$2,000 to standard models and includes DOT-approved windshields, seat belts, turn signals, headlights, taillights, side mirrors, and horn. Used street legal carts can be found for $5,000-$8,000.
What is the average monthly payment for a golf cart?
Average monthly payments for financed golf carts range from $100-$300, depending on the purchase price, down payment, interest rate, and loan term. A typical 48-month loan for a $7,000 cart with 10% down payment and 7% interest rate would result in monthly payments of approximately $150.
How much does golf cart insurance cost?
Golf cart insurance typically costs $100-$300 annually, depending on coverage level, location, and usage. Basic liability coverage is on the lower end of this range, while comprehensive coverage with theft protection is more expensive. Many homeowner's insurance policies offer golf cart coverage as an add-on for neighborhood use at reduced rates.
How much value does a golf cart lose each year?
Golf carts typically depreciate 10-20% in the first year and 5-10% annually thereafter. Premium brands like Club Car and E-Z-GO tend to hold their value better, depreciating more slowly than value brands. Well-maintained carts with regular service records depreciate less than neglected ones.
What is the cheapest golf cart you can buy?
The cheapest new golf carts start around $4,000-$5,000 for basic 2-seater models from value brands. Used golf carts can be found for as low as $1,500-$2,500 for older models (8+ years). For the best budget option with modern features, ICON and Evolution offer new electric carts starting around $7,000-$8,000 with lithium batteries and street-legal packages included.
Is it worth buying a golf cart?
Yes, a golf cart is worth buying if you live in a golf cart-friendly community, retirement area, or large property. Golf carts save on gas costs for short trips, are cheaper to insure than cars ($100-$300/year), and well-maintained carts hold their value for 15-20+ years. Check our best golf carts for 2026 to find the right model, and review your state's golf cart laws before purchasing.
How much does a 6-seater golf cart cost?
Six-seater golf carts typically cost $10,000-$16,000 new, depending on the brand and features. Used 6-seaters range from $5,000-$9,000. The extended frame, additional seating, and heavier-duty suspension add approximately $3,000-$5,000 to a comparable 2-seater. Popular 6-seater models include the Club Car Onward 6, E-Z-GO Liberty 6, and ICON i60. See our brand rankings to compare.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Golf Cart at the Right Price
When asking "how much is a golf cart," the answer varies widely based on your specific needs and preferences. By understanding the factors that influence pricing and the ongoing costs of ownership, you can make a more informed purchase decision that aligns with your budget and requirements.
From basic models for the golf course to fully-loaded street legal carts for neighborhood transportation, there's a golf cart at virtually every price point. With proper research and smart shopping, you can find the right balance of quality, features, and affordability.
Next Steps
- Best Golf Carts - See our top 10 models for 2026
- Best Golf Cart Brands - Compare all major manufacturers
- Brand Comparisons - Head-to-head matchups like Club Car vs E-Z-GO
- Electric vs Gas Guide - Choose your power source
- Golf Cart Weight Guide - Understand weight differences by model
- Golf Cart Laws by State - Street-legal requirements before you buy
Need help maintaining your golf cart investment? Check out our comprehensive golf cart repair guide to keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. Also check if you need a license to drive a golf cart and understand the legal age requirements in your state.
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