A golf cart auction can be cheap, but auction carts are normally sold as-is, usually with no warranty, so buyers should inspect the batteries and drive system closely or buy from a dealer that backs the cart. This guide compares an auction, Gumtree and a dealer for a used golf cart in Australia, and gives you a checklist to use whichever way you buy.
Auction, Gumtree or dealer: the short answer
| Feature | Golf cart auction | Gumtree or private seller | Dealer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Often lowest | Low to mid | Highest, but includes checks |
| Warranty | Usually none | Rarely | Yes, stated on the listing |
| Test drive | Often not possible | Usually possible | Usually possible |
| Battery history | Often unknown | Ask the seller | Stated on the listing |
| Moving the cart | You arrange it | You arrange it | Delivery available |
Buying at a golf cart auction
Auction carts are typically sold as seen. You may not be able to drive the cart, charge it or see its service history. The risk is a tired battery set, which is the most expensive part to replace, so allow for that cost before you bid. You also arrange and pay to move the cart.
Buying from Gumtree or a private seller
A private seller can offer a fair price, and you can usually drive the cart first. Ask how old the batteries are, whether the cart has been serviced, and why it is being sold. There is rarely any warranty, so check the cart carefully against the list below.
Buying from a dealer
A dealer costs more, but the cart is checked, the listing states the battery and warranty, and delivery is arranged. We list 7 used and ex-lease carts from $4,990 to $11,490, plus an ex-demo MGI Zip Navigator AT remote buggy at $1,490.
| Used cart | Price | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Used Yamaha G29 2-Seat Ex-Lease Golf Cart | $4,990 | 1-Year Australian Manufacturer Warranty |
| Ex-Fleet E-Z-GO RXV 48V Lithium 2-Seat Cart (Refurbished) | $6,490 | 12-Month Vehicle / 3-Year Battery Warranty |
| Used Club Car Precedent 2-Seat Ex-Lease Golf Cart | $6,490 | 1-Year Australian Manufacturer Warranty |
| Used Yamaha Drive 2-Seat Ex-Lease Golf Cart | $7,490 | 1-Year Australian Manufacturer Warranty |
| Used E-Z-GO RXV 4-Seat Ex-Fleet Lithium Golf Cart | $8,990 | 1-Year Australian Manufacturer Warranty |
| Used Club Car Precedent 4-Seat Ex-Lease Golf Cart | $9,990 | 1-Year Australian Manufacturer Warranty |
| Used Club Car Tempo 2-Seat Lithium Ex-Lease Golf Cart | $11,490 | 1-Year Australian Manufacturer Warranty |
Delivery is a flat $495 Australia-wide by tail-lift truck. See all used golf carts for sale.
A 10-point used golf cart checklist
- Battery age and health. Ask for the age and, for lithium, the health reading.
- Motor and controller. Listen for grinding or whining and look for error codes.
- Brakes. The cart should stop straight and hold on a slope.
- Tyres and wheels. Check wear and cracks.
- Chassis and rust. Look under the cart and around the suspension mounts.
- Steering. There should be no excessive play.
- Seats and body. Check for splits and sun damage.
- Charger. Make sure the right charger is included and works.
- Serial plate and paperwork. The details should match.
- Test drive. Drive it up and down a slope, if you can.
What a used cart warranty should cover
Compare warranties line by line. Our ex-fleet E-Z-GO RXV 48V lithium cart lists 12-Month Vehicle / 3-Year Battery Warranty, and our ex-demo MGI buggy lists 12-Month Australian Warranty. An as-is auction sale covers none of this.
What to budget on top of the purchase price
The advertised price is not the whole cost. For a used cart, plan for these:
- Delivery: a flat $495 Australia-wide by tail-lift truck when you buy from us.
- Batteries: if a cart needs a new set, our 48V sets run from $1,764 to $3,127. See the battery replacement cost guide.
- Insurance and registration: if the cart will go on a public road, rules and costs depend on your state.
- Accessories: accessories and parts are 5% off when your order includes a buggy or cart.
| Used cart | Price | Price plus flat delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Used Yamaha G29 2-Seat Ex-Lease Golf Cart | $4,990 | $5,485 |
| Ex-Fleet E-Z-GO RXV 48V Lithium 2-Seat Cart (Refurbished) | $6,490 | $6,985 |
| Used Club Car Precedent 2-Seat Ex-Lease Golf Cart | $6,490 | $6,985 |
| Used Yamaha Drive 2-Seat Ex-Lease Golf Cart | $7,490 | $7,985 |
| Used E-Z-GO RXV 4-Seat Ex-Fleet Lithium Golf Cart | $8,990 | $9,485 |
| Used Club Car Precedent 4-Seat Ex-Lease Golf Cart | $9,990 | $10,485 |
| Used Club Car Tempo 2-Seat Lithium Ex-Lease Golf Cart | $11,490 | $11,985 |
Questions to ask any seller
- How old are the batteries, and have they been replaced?
- Has the cart been serviced, and is there a record?
- Where was it used: a golf course, a resort, a farm, near the coast?
- Why is it being sold?
- Is the charger included, and does it work?
- Can I drive it, and can I have it inspected?
- Is there any warranty, even a short one?
A seller who answers these openly is a better bet than one who will not.
Which should you choose?
If you are happy to inspect, repair and move a cart yourself, an auction or private sale can save money. If you want a tested cart with a warranty and delivery, buy from a dealer. Either way, read our golf buggy buyer's guide, look at Club Car, Yamaha and E-Z-GO carts, and call 0480 811 308 with questions.