Should You Rent or Buy a Golf Cart for Your Vacation?

When you’re planning a vacation to a resort, campground, or lake community, a golf cart can completely change the experience. It’s convenient, fun, and makes getting around easy. But before you hit the road, one question always comes up: should you rent a golf cart for the trip, or buy one to keep for future adventures?

The answer depends on how you plan to use it, how often you travel, and what kind of long-term value you’re looking for. Let’s break it down.

Renting a Golf Cart

The Pros

• Short-term savings: Renting is ideal if you only need a golf cart for a week or two. You get all the convenience without the upfront cost of ownership.

• Zero maintenance: The rental company handles all upkeep, charging, and repairs. You just pick it up, drive, and drop it off.

• Try before you buy: Renting gives you the chance to test different models—like the EZGO Liberty or Express 4—before making a purchase.

The Cons

• Limited customization: Rentals are typically basic models without upgraded seats, lift kits, or sound systems.

• No long-term value: Once the trip is over, the money you spent on renting is gone.

• Availability issues: During peak vacation season, rental carts can sell out quickly, especially near popular lake and beach destinations.

Buying a Golf Cart

The Pros

• Year-round freedom: Owning a cart means you can use it anytime—for vacations, neighborhood rides, or even around your property.

• Customization options: Choose your color, add a soundbar, upgrade to lithium batteries, or install street-legal accessories. Your cart becomes truly your own.

• Long-term investment: A well-maintained cart can last 10 years or more, and resale values stay strong—especially for EZGO models.

The Cons

• Upfront cost: Buying a new or used golf cart requires a higher initial investment.

• Maintenance responsibility: You’ll need to keep up with battery care and regular service, though lithium models like the EZGO ELiTE line are virtually maintenance-free.

• Storage and transport: If you don’t have space at home or a way to haul it to your destination, owning can be less convenient.

The Hybrid Approach: Rent First, Then Buy

Many vacationers rent a golf cart once or twice, then realize how useful it is year-round. That’s why Lake Erie Golf Cars offers both options—short-term rentals and new or used cart sales. You can test drive during your trip, then decide later if ownership makes sense.

So Which Option Is Right for You?

• Choose to rent if you only use a cart occasionally or are flying to your destination.

• Choose to buy if you take multiple trips a year, live in a golf-cart-friendly community, or want long-term value.

Either way, the freedom of having a golf cart on vacation is unbeatable.

Ready to roll?
Contact Lake Erie Golf Cars to reserve your rental or explore our lineup of EZGO Liberty, Express, and Cushman vehicles. We’ll help you find the perfect fit for your next getaway.