Golf Cart Financing Calculator
Financing Summary
Understanding Your Golf Cart Financing Options
Investing in a high-quality golf cart, whether it's a Club Car, EZGO, or Yamaha, is a significant financial decision. Many owners prefer financing over a lump-sum payment to manage cash flow and acquire higher-end models featuring lithium-ion batteries or street-legal modifications.
Key Factors in Golf Cart Funding
When using our golf cart financing calculator, you should consider several critical variables that influence your final expenditure:
- Cart Sale Price: The total sticker price including any upgrades like custom lift kits, upgraded seating, or entertainment systems.
- Cash Trade-in Value: The equity you have in your current vehicle or the upfront capital you are willing to apply to reduce the funding principal.
- Annual Finance Percentage: The cost of borrowing funds over the year. This is often influenced by your credit history and whether the cart is new or pre-owned.
- Contract Length: Typical terms range from 24 to 60 months. Longer terms lower the monthly installment but increase the total expenditure over the lifecycle of the contract.
Realistic Example Calculation
Imagine you are purchasing a new street-legal electric cart for $15,000. You have an older model worth $3,500 for trade-in. You secure a contract with a 6.5% Annual Finance Percentage over a 48-month duration.
- Total Funded: $11,500
- Estimated Monthly Installment: $272.71
- Total Lifecycle Expenditure: $13,090.08
Common Questions Regarding Golf Cart Loans
Is it better to finance or pay cash?
Financing is ideal if the percentage rate is low, allowing you to keep your capital invested elsewhere. However, if rates are high, paying cash avoids the extra cost of capital.
Do golf carts hold their value?
Quality brands like Club Car and EZGO retain significant value, making the "Cash Trade-in" a powerful tool for your next upgrade. Lithium battery models generally hold higher resale value than traditional lead-acid versions.
What credit score is needed for financing?
Most specialized golf cart lenders look for a score above 660 for competitive rates, though subprime options exist with higher finance percentages.