4 Tips for Buying Your First Kart
May 27,2022
If you want to buy two seater go carts or top electric dirt bikes, in the meanwhile, you are a novice. Maybe this blog can give you some references. The following content can help you choose a childrens go cart, let’s get started.
Maintenance History
Much like a regular vehicle, a second-hand kart should come with a comprehensive maintenance history. Here’s a solid list of regular maintenance items that the owner should be able to show a record of or at least speak to:
- Using a trickle charger to keep the battery in good condition when not being used
- Changing engine oil every 10 hours of use or so
- Replacing the air filter every year or when particulate matter is visibly restricting the filter
- Servicing the torque converter on a regular basis to ensure proper operation. This could include adjustments or new belts.
- Maintaining or replacing the chain as needed
Racing History
If the kart you’re looking to purchase has been regularly raced, you need to be on the lookout for the frame damage noted above, as well as wear and tear on the motor and other components. Racing is tough on the kart and regularly raced karts are often bruised and battered machines with plenty of battle wounds to show for it.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially if the driver was religious about maintenance and kept his kart in good condition. If the kart was a winner, there’s a good chance that it was kept in exemplary condition because poorly maintained karts don’t win races!
Driver Profile
Each driver in a series will have a completely different style of driving. Some are more aggressive and willing to shunt other drivers for a position in a corner, while others are more passive and will back off to avoid a collision. While speaking to the current owner, try to guide your line of questioning towards learning more about their personality and what their driving profile is.
You may have to play a sleuth here but trust me, asking questions and letting people speak is often a revealing exercise.
Price
When it comes to price, the real mantra you’ll need to stick to is “do your research“. Since there isn’t a single source for pricing, you’ll have to research what others are selling their karts for on the open market.
It’s also important to remember that karts are often heavily modified and these modifications often command a price increase over something that is stock. However, depending on the quality of the modifications, the opposite can also be true and they can drop a karts price.
Generally speaking, the older the chassis is, the cheaper it will be to pick up. Typical marketplaces for Go-Karts include eBay, Craigslist, and Go-Karting message boards. Overall, you’ll have to do some work here to ensure you are not taken advantage of but the resources are absolutely there to get it done.
One last piece of advice I would like to leave you with is the following: always inspect the go-kart as thoroughly as you can and don’t be afraid to negotiate if you think that the owner has listed it above the market price. Good luck!