This will serve as a budget friendly guide on how to find cheap go karts for sale instead of the expensive high priced models. Buying used go karts can be smart especially if you are unsure whether it is going to be something your child or you will like.
A new go kart can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Chances are if you want a motorized cart then you are looking at over hundred $100 and probably more like $300.
Pedal go-karts and battery operated machines are the least expensive and will probably not cost a hundred big ones.
The easiest way to get a go cart on an extremely low budget is to make your own go cart. A homemade go cart with parts that you have scraped together can be a one of a kind and a great companion.
Testing out a used kart is a great way to find out if your desire is there for such a machine. Before you start your searching you need to decide how much you are willing to spend. Newer go carts can cost as much as $2000 while a used go cart can be safely priced at half the original amount.
You Can Build Your Own Go Cart for Less Than $100
All you need is a frame, engine, wheels/tires, pedals, transmission and steering. This may sound like a lot but used parts can be found online at Ebay, Craigslist and classifieds or ATV trader.
You can convert a vertical shaft lawnmower engine and make your own go kart run like a scolded dog.
START SEARCHING LOCALLY
- Start your search locally at pawn shops, sporting good stores, ATV retailers and even yard sales. These are great places to find homemade or pre owned go carts and it allows you to visually inspect the buggy before you purchase.
- Be cautious when buying online as this can lead to a bad investment. Sellers are often negligent in their ads or they will try to mislead you on purpose.
- If you are going to buy online make sure it is close enough to drive and look at in person without spending too much time.
Check Local Classifieds
Local classified ads in the paper and online places like Craigslist offer a host of buying options.
This allows you to visually inspect the go kart before finalizing any purchase. Make sure you test drive the cart and check to see the steering, brakes and tires are all in good working shape.
Find Go Carts & Parts at Flea Markets
The flea marketwas always a gold mine for me as a kid. My parents would take me to the flea market at least twice a month and I always found good stuff. Go-karts parts and accessories are always abundant at a flea market or yard sale. Parts and accessories can be acquired for very little money. If you are a mechanic or know one then this is the place to go.
If you look hard enough you can find a used go-cart engine for $20 or $30. The good thing about these places is you can and should NEGOTIATE! Talk them down and try to get it as cheap as possible. You have nothing to lose.
Click Here to find a Flea Market near you!
Buying used go carts for sale is less of a challenge at these places. It also allows you to bargain the price down by offering to pay cash for the buggy. COLD HARD CASH ALWAYS MOTIVATES A SELLER!
Sellers are more motivated to sell when cash is involved instead of a possible credit card purchase or check clearing issue that takes time.
Newspaper Ads
Try running an ad in the local newspaper classifieds for a used go-kart. Tell them what you are looking for and the chances are good someone will read that and perhaps make you an offer you can’t refuse. Maybe someone has not gotten motivated to list their go-cart in the paper because they are lazy but come across your ad wanting a go kart for sale.
Inspect what you expect
Go Cart Buying Tips
Inspect the go cart parts.
Look for dents and rust on the frame. This would indicate a poorly cared for kart as well as an aggressively driven one.
Smell the oil dipstick to see if it smells like gas. If so then leave and find another kart for sale. This means there is a leak and a potential for way bigger problems than you want to deal with.
Test drive the kart and always ask these 3 questions before you buy:
1. Has the go cart ever been wrecked?
2. Has it ever been painted?
3. Why are you selling?
Once you have all of this answered make sure you know the make and model of the go kart so you can do some online research and find out all you can about that particular model.
So there you have it, the basics of how to find cheap gas or electric go karts that are bound to give back to you and your family a lot more than they required in the first place. It is truly one of those great all-American sports (even if you are not in America).
Happy riding – And happy shopping as well.
I hope these go cart buying tips can help you to find a great deal on go carts for kids or adults which will provide many years of speedy and fulfilling racing. That’s what it’s really all about!
