New: compare the complete package
Confirm the model year, exact battery and charger, accessories, and written warranty. Ask which local shop will handle service and whether delivery and setup are included. A new cart still needs to match your route, passenger load, and storage space.
Used: inspect the individual cart
Request the serial number, service records, photographs of the frame and battery area, and a demonstration of steering, braking, and charging. Ask for battery testing appropriate to the battery type. Arrange an independent inspection when the cart is far away or its condition is unclear.
Refurbished: ask what that word includes
Refurbished can describe very different amounts of work. Request a dated list of replaced and inspected components. New seats and paint do not tell you the age of the battery, brakes, or frame. Ask whether any warranty comes from the manufacturer, refurbisher, or seller.
Battery choice: ask better questions
Compare usable capacity, charging needs, battery age, and warranty terms for the specific pack. Published range is a reference under stated conditions, not a promise for your route. Passenger load, hills, temperature, tire choice, and battery condition affect how far a cart can travel.
Choose around the job
If you need road use, verify vehicle eligibility before comparing cosmetic features. If you need six seats, check capacity and payload rather than adding a rear seat to an unsuitable platform. If you use a golf course, confirm its rules before buying.