Opinions needed on this golf cart

Craigslist


(google map)
1980 Ez-Go golf cart
New tires
Robin 244cc
Engine rebuilt
Top end kit (cylinder, piston, rings, wrist pin, gaskets)
Front and rear seals
Good battery
Fresh paint
New upholstery
Please include a phone number if you're interested
$1500 obo

Ok so Santa is looking at buying this for a 10 and 8 year old. We have a nice path around the property and this would be pretty awesome I think. What are everyone's experiences and opinions of this?

I spoke to the owner who said they have several golf karts. THey like to buy them and fix them up so this one has been completely overhauled. I'm nervous. It's a lot of money if this thing is a dud.

Three-wheeled ATV's were banned because they were dangerous, but I don't think that is really applicable here. The golf cart is broader, more resistant to tipping, has a superstructure to prevent overturning, and probably does not have the oomph to do dangerous maneuvers with. The thing I would be concerned with is the ease of slipping sideways off the seat and out. I would probably add some sort of side rails if I were letting my grandkids use it.

Something I am not seeing in the ad, is it gas or electric?  How fast will it go?

I am assuming it is electric, so how far will it run before it needs to be recharged.

These are some things I might ask the seller if I were thinking about buying it.

Elle - Nice idea, but I'd say no.

1) A three wheeler is easy (or at least easier) to tip.  I think that's a sunshade, not a roll cage, so I wouldn't put much faith in it providing protection.  There might be seatbelts too?  I doubt it...I would be very worried about two boys with no seatbelts.
2) Its a two-stroke engine.  So its exhaust is unpleasant, and I wouldn't want to encourage young lungs to breath it in.  Old two-strokes seem particularly bad in comparison to modern two-stroke engines.  You'll also need to keep fuel mix around ... maybe not a big deal if you already have a lot of chainsaws!...

I was going to complain about Robin engines ... but it seems they are now owned by Subaru are parts seem quite available.

Other than that,  $1500 for a cart in what seems good condition ... that's a pretty good deal.  You might end up using it...

My personal bias is no.  I have never met your children , but my observation of my neighbors generally well behaved children is that Kids will take it off the designated path, and  Kids will take it on a public road.

John F Dean wrote:My personal bias is no.  I have never met your children , but my observation of my neighbors generally well behaved children is that Kids will take it off the designated path, and  Kids will take it on a public road.

It would be quite a hike for them to make it to a public road so that's not my big worry really. Though my husband pointed out that while our kids would be great on their own when cousins and friends came around it could get dangerous. So, I think we'll pass but I'm sad because I'd love one!

Edited to add:  I am glad that you decided to pass on getting the golf cart for your kids.  It still would make a fun family thing.  My grown kids loved to borrow ours.

elle, I was going to suggest adding seat belts until ...

I am not sure that a 10-year-old has long enough legs to reach the gas pedal or the brake.

If you are getting the cart for a family thing where you are the driver that might work.  Otherwise please check to see if your son can safely reach the brake pedal without having to stand up or sit on the edge of the seat.

Anne Miller wrote:
I am not sure that a 10-year-old has long enough legs to reach the gas pedal or the brake.

!  Good catch Anne!  That is definitely a safety issue!

My grandkids (6 to 13) love ramming around their hilly terrain on their 4-wheelers. They have been trained to be safe on them, and appear to be responsible... not that I like it or like the noisy machines tearing up the fields, but it's not my place.

Glenn Herbert wrote:My grandkids (6 to 13) love ramming around their hilly terrain on their 4-wheelers. They have been trained to be safe on them, and appear to be responsible... not that I like it or like the noisy machines tearing up the fields, but it's not my place.

We have an obstacle course with tractor maintained path around our property. Right now my kids have one of those little ride on cars they cruise around in but they are going over the weight limit on it. They have been respectful and stayed on the path with their current little car but to be honest that's probably because that thing can't handle going off road.