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New vs Used Golf Carts: Why a New Evolution Golf Cart is the Best Investment

Posted Tuesday, Mar 18, 2025

When deciding between a new vs used golf carts, many buyers are torn between the value of a brand new cart and the lower price of a used one. While used carts may seem appealing at first, a new Evolution Golf Cart offers unmatched value with its advanced features, better warranty, and long-term reliability. In this article, we’ll break down why a new Evolution cart is a smarter choice compared to used options like Club Car and EZGo.

1. Pricing Comparison: New vs Used Golf Carts

The initial price of a new Evolution Golf Cart is slightly higher than a used golf cart, but the value you get is far greater. Here's a comparison of prices for used models:

In comparison, a new Evolution D2 Classic 4 Plus starts at $6,795. For that price, you’ll get a street-legal cart, a warranty, and premium features like 9inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, backup camera, lithium battery (with an 8-year warranty), all with no maintenance hassle. The D5 Ranger 2+2 Plus is the most affordable D5 model, priced at $8,695 and offering even more features like Premium Seats, CarPlay, soundbar, LED Speakers and much more — features that set Evolution apart from other carts.

If you want to learn more about all the Evolution Golf Cart models, check out our detailed guide on Evolution Golf Carts.

2. Performance and Features: New vs Used Golf Carts

When it comes to performance, most used carts are equipped with lead-acid batteries (usually in 6V 8-battery or 8V 6-battery configurations), which typically last only 2-4 years at best. These batteries also require frequent maintenance, such as adding water every couple of weeks, which can be a hassle. In contrast, a new Evolution Golf Cart comes with a lithium-ion battery that lasts 8-10 years and requires no maintenance at all. Moreover, many used carts have a top speed of around 15 mph, or sometimes even less, while an Evolution Golf Cart can reach up to 33 mph on private roads, with a standard speed of 25 mph.

Additionally, many used carts lack modern features such as a Touchscreen display, CarPlay, Soundbar, LED Speakers, Backup camera and more.

3. Warranty and Support: New vs Used Golf Carts

Buying a new golf cart offers the peace of mind that comes with a warranty. With a new Evolution Golf Cart, you get comprehensive coverage, including:

  • 8-year battery warranty
  • 4-year warranty on the controller and charger
  • Lifetime chassis warranty

In addition, purchasing a new Evolution Golf Cart comes with a 30-day labor warranty from Coastal Carts RMV, ensuring expert service if needed.

On the other hand, used carts typically do not come with a warranty. Used carts also often have hidden issues that could cause some complications, such as:

  • Worn-out wiring or electrical issues
  • Faulty or dim light bulbs
  • Heavy steering or worn-out tires
  • Suspension wear, such as on leaf springs

These issues can result in costly repairs and frustration. At Coastal Carts RMV, we offer warranty options for used carts, so you can enjoy the same peace of mind as with a new cart. Our expert team ensures that every cart we sell, whether new or used, is in great condition and ready to go.

4. Street Legal vs Not Street Legal

A street-legal cart has a big advantage if you plan to drive it on public roads. All Evolution Golf Carts are street legal right out of the box. Many used carts, like the Club Car Precedent and EZGo RXV, are not street legal and can only be used on private properties and golf courses.

If you plan to sell your cart in the future, owning a street-legal cart makes the process much easier. A street-legal cart comes with a VIN kit, which allows you to register it for public roads. Even if you’ve only used it on private roads and haven’t registered it, the new owner can easily register it without any hassle.

At Coastal Carts RMV, we take the hassle out of the process for you. We handle the registration for your new cart, so you don’t have to deal with the DMV or any paperwork. Your cart will be fully registered and ready to drive right away, as soon as you get it delivered to your door.

In contrast, non-street-legal carts cannot be registered and are designed for private road use only. This makes them much harder to resell in future.

5. The Value of Customization

At Coastal Carts RMV, we offer customization options for Evolution Golf Carts. Whether you want LED lights, a sound system, or off-road tires, we can help. While you can customize used carts, Evolution offers much more flexibility, with available features.

For more details on customization, check out our full guide: Customizing Your Golf Cart.

6. Customer Testimonials

Our customers love their Evolution Golf Carts. From the enhanced comfort and premium features to the ability to customize, Evolution offers a better driving experience than most used carts. As one of our customers said:
> "I was hesitant at first, but after upgrading to an Evolution Golf Cart, I could never go back to a used cart. The comfort, the features, and the peace of mind with the warranty—it’s well worth the investment."

7. Conclusion: Is a New Evolution Golf Cart Right for You?

If you’re looking for the best value, reliable performance, and the latest features, a new Evolution Golf Cart is the clear choice. While a used cart may seem cheaper initially, a new Evolution will give you greater longevity, customization options, and a better overall experience.

If you have around $3,500 to spend, a used Club Car Precedent might be an option. But for a better experience, the new Evolution Classic 4 Plus for $6,795 offers everything you need and more.

Visit our website to check out our full inventory of new Evolution Golf Carts and used carts. For more details, reach out to our team for expert advice and a test drive today!

Ready to Find Your Perfect Golf Cart?

Browse our latest Evolution Golf Cart models and STAR Golf Cart models to find the perfect fit for your needs. Still unsure? Contact us or visit Coastal Carts RMV for expert advice and a test drive today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why should I buy a new Evolution Golf Cart instead of a used one?
A: A new Evolution Golf Cart offers a warranty, lithium battery, and premium features like CarPlay and a soundbar, which many used carts lack. Plus, you won’t have to deal with maintenance issues that come with older models.

Q: Are Evolution Golf Carts street legal?
A: Yes, all Evolution Golf Carts are street legal, while most used carts like the Club Car Precedent and EZGo RXV are not.

Q: What kind of batteries do used carts typically have?
A: Most used carts come with lead-acid batteries, which require frequent maintenance. In contrast, new Evolution Golf Carts come with lithium-ion batteries that last longer and require less upkeep.

Q: How much maintenance do I need for a new Evolution Golf Cart?
A: New Evolution Golf Carts require minimal maintenance due to their lithium batteries, unlike used carts with older batteries that need more frequent care.

Q: Why are used golf carts sometimes expensive?
A: Used carts may be cheaper upfront, but they often have hidden problems, lack modern features like CarPlay, and can be costly to maintain over time.

Q: Why are new Evolution Golf Carts a better investment?
A: A new Evolution Golf Cart offers more value with its warranty, lithium batteries, and advanced features, making it a better long-term investment than most used models.