Would you buy a car without test driving it? No way, right? It’s the same for a new or used golf cart. Each has different advantages and custom options, and each can offer a completely different ride. Test driving different golf carts can also help you find out exactly what type of golf car best suits your needs. A test drive is also important because you want to make sure you are purchasing a quality golf car. During your test drive, listen for out of the ordinary noises, look for any leaks, and, by all means, bring someone who knows golf carts along for the inspection. If you are buying used, you are typically buying without a warranty, so this step is particularly important.

Do your research before you test drive. It is important to know a few things and make a few decisions prior beforehand. For instance, you need to determine if you want gas or electric. They both cost about the same to maintain. With electric, you will spend your maintenance on replacement batteries every 5-7 years, and with gas, your money will be tied up in oil changes, belts, fuel and filters. Electric is more maintenance-free, less noisy and eco-friendly. Gas doesn’t require charge time, is more powerful, and because it is more powerful, can be made street-ready.

Before you shop, think about what is important to you. You can always customize your cart, but it is usually cheaper if your cart already has what you want. For example, maybe you want a windshield or lights for night driving. Also, size matters. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Make sure you look at golf cars that are large or small enough to suit your particular set of needs. Consider what brand is the best to buy. The world’s top golf cars include GEM electric, Club Car and E-Z-GO. And, if you plan to buy a new cart, compare manufacturer warranties. Not all are created equal.

After you have done your homework, consider a visit to Gulf Atlantic, which is located on Pioneer Trail in New Smyrna Beach. Gulf Atlantic Vehicles has served New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, Edgewater and the surrounding area since 1965 and offers all of the top golf cart brands. We also inventory a wide range of parts and accessories to customize your cart any way you like, and as a licensed car dealer, we can make any new or reconditioned golf cart street legal.