When playing golf you need to know that you are using the best equipment available on the course. When you are first starting out you never know where your balls may end up and using a golf cart can save you a great deal of effort trying to find them. Golf carts come in a vast range of styles and varieties and one the best you can buy is the Club Car golf cart.

If you have spent any amount of time on the golf course, then you have almost certainly considered buying your own golf cart at one time or another. Owning your own golf cart can not only represent a major savings of money for some more serious players, but is also an opportunity to customize your golf experience to a great degree. Even if you aren't a golfer, there are some situations in which owning your own cart is beneficial. If you wish to purchase a golf cart but don't quite know where to begin, here are some of the most common considerations that must be evaluated before making your purchase.

The first consideration is the type of terrain on which your cart will primarily be used. Golf carts are typically either electric or gas powered. Gas engines are more powerful, and as such are suitable for heavier terrains, but also cost more and are more complex to maintain. New electric golf carts typically cost $2000 less than their gas counterparts, but if you're traveling along rough trails, a gas golf cart is worth every penny.

Also, decide whom your primary passengers will be. If the cart is only intended for you and one other, purchasing a two-seater either lets you get away with a smaller cart, or allows for possible cargo space. On the other hand, a cart for the entire family might require a full four seats, leaving less space for a bed and other extra features.

Depending on your primary use, you may also wish to evaluate utility golf carts. Utility carts feature beds for carrying cargo, gates and other amenities that make them ideal for non-sport uses. They are also more rugged, capable of navigating rougher terrain. Some even feature hitches for pulling small, specialized trailers.

Finally, consider extras and upgradability. Many extra touches can transform your golf cart from a rugged utility vehicle to a comfortable place to relax between swings. Windshields, dashboards and glove compartments can make the cart feel more like a traditional vehicle. Some carts are even street legal, featuring the necessary head and breaklights or, at the very least, including space for future upgrades.

Once all of these considerations have been evaluated, you must also decide whether to buy new or used. New carts will of course cost more, but should also provide the peace of mind of a manufacturer's warranty. Older carts, on the other hand, may allow you to purchase a higher-end model which you simply could not afford were it new.

If purchasing used, here are a few pointers to bear in mind. If the cart is electric, lift its seat and investigate the battery for corrosion and other damage. Check the tires for hairline cracks, swelling and tread wear. Be sure to inspect the golf cart body to see if there is any damage, rust or scratches. Finally, purchase a golf cart by a company with an established reputation. Buying a generic used cart introduces too many unknowns into the equation.

Golf carts are incredibly rugged, versatile vehicles. Whether you're spending a day on the course or a weekend traveling about the ranch, there is a golf cart available to comfortably and effectively meet your needs.