Buying Golf Carts from A Dealer Versus a Private Seller

Whether on or off the golf course, purchasing a golf cart can be a cost-effective and durable solution to enhance your short-distance transportation needs. If you're deciding between buying a golf cart from a dealer vs. a private seller, start by vetting the most reputable local dealer, so you know the fullest range of high-quality options available. As Tennessee's most dedicated, service-first golf cart dealer, we've compiled the essential factors to consider when purchasing a new or used golf cart.

Benefits of Buying from a Golf Cart Dealer

Only a professional, experienced golf cart dealer can provide a full-service experience before and after the sale. With an extensive line of new golf carts, dealerships can start you off with a fresh start, as you'll know the cart's entire service history and receive a title andmanufacturer-backed warranty. You will also receive a title for a cart purchased from a golf cart dealer, allowing you to register the cart as street legal. Carts purchased from a private party typically do not have clean titles or titles at all.

Purchasing a golf cart from a dealer also gives you access to more reliable pre-owned models if the dealer has a well-equipped service department and experienced technicians. You'll also have a greater chance of obtaining only lightly used inventory because dealers often attract customers looking to trade recent models in for an upgrade. High-quality dealers also carry the OEM parts and accessories needed to keep your golf cart running in peak condition for years to come.

If you're considering all your options, golf cart dealers will have the financing options necessary to expand your buying power. Above all, an experienced, reputable, and truly local dealer is just about the only way you can choose from the widest possible range of options in one place.

The downside is that you'll never know if a once-in-a-lifetime deal is waiting for you just around the corner — but in our experience, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Many private-party buyers also take on extra time and hassle to get an "as is" purchase into better condition. If you're looking for the smoothest and most stress-free buy, golf cart dealers are the way to go.

Advantages of Buying from a Private Party

Of course, finding a good deal in the open market is possible. Compared to cars, it's far less likely that used golf carts will have a history of major damage, whether by neglect or high-speed collisions. Still, it's certainly possible that an inexperienced owner has caused significant damage to their golf cart, especially street legal models. You'll also be more or less on your own for future service work, meaning time lost on research and rare-parts hunting instead of taking your loved ones on a ride with something more turnkey.  

Exploring private-party golf cart sales means limiting your search to almost nothing but used options. This could be beneficial, and a private seller doesn't have overhead expenses to worry about. "Golf carts for sale by owner!" may indicate a lower immediate price, but a lot of unpaid work goes into ensuring you aren't getting a lemon.

If you do go with a private seller for your next golf cart purchase, we recommend looking for options with transferable warranties, which will give you some security if something goes wrong. Also, have any prospective option inspected by a reputable golf cart service department — and if the seller refuses, consider it a strong sign to take your business elsewhere.

Buy from a Reputable Golf Cart Dealer in Nashville

From our two convenient Middle Tennessee locations, Mikey's Motors keeps Nashville communities moving! We care more about long-term customer satisfaction than quick sales, meaning we strive to connect each customer with the golf cart models and features that most directly match their needs.

If you're considering purchasing a golf cart from a dealer, visit Mikey's Motors at our Murfreesboro or Franklin dealerships! You'll experience firsthand why we're the #1 golf cart sales dealership in the greater Nashville area.

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