Whether you want to race pro or get a recreational go kart, you need to find a place that sells them. Many go kart dealers are part shops and also deal in a genre called power sports. That means they also deal in dirt bikes, ATVs, and other gas powered small-engine machines built for speed. Below I will share where to find a kart dealer, alternatives to buying, and some basic considerations when buying a go kart. I will also share my experience with the go kart dealers near me.
Go Kart Dealers Near Me – Buy a Go Kart
Use the map below to find “Go Kart Dealers Near Me”…
How Does The Go Kart Dealer Near Me Work
Your local go kart dealer works like any other store. You can purchase or finance a go kart from them. There are no special licenses required for purchase unless you are purchasing some type of street legal go kart. In addition to karts, many pedal kart dealers also sell replament parts.
Many dealers have options to order online and you may find options for either pick-up or delivery. You can also choose to purchase kits, in which you build the kart, but also find karts that are completely put together for you. There are go kart dealers near me, who sell both new and used karts. If you are buying a used go kart, there are certain inspection points, you will want to make before purchase.
The thing I really like about a go kart dealer, as opposed to ordering online, is the ability to test drive a kart. There is nothing like actually taking a kart for a test drive, before deciding to purchase it. Additionally, you may find other advantages like a warranty, maintenance, and membership perks. Some shops will also offer a discounted kart setup.
The types of karts you will find will depend on the market and the type of dealer you call or visit. There are essentially two broad categories of go karts: recreational and pro karts.
Go Karts for Recreation
Generally, recreational go karts are found at extreme power sport dealers. These are shops that sell dirt bikes, UTVs. ATVs, snowmobiles, Jet Ski’s and other power sport equipment. These electric go karts are more geared for off-road like grass, gravel, and mud. You may find some, like a Carter Brothers, with roll cages and other dune buggy-like features.
Pro Go Karts For Racing
Pro go karts are found at specialty go kart dealers. These are places that deal specifically in track oriented karts, built for racing. These karts are typically lower to the ground, have body panels, and are built with specialty racing parts for maximizing grip, speed, and safety on the track.
Alternatives to Purchasing a Go Kart From a Dealer
Dealers are great because you can test-drive a kart. Also, most dealers know their products and models well. This means you can ask more pointed questions and get better answers for what you are looking for. There are alternatives to buying go karts at a dealer though. Primarily you can find go karts on Amazon, eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, classified ads, forums, direct from a manufacturer, expos, and even from local go kart tracks.
EBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are also good for finding go karts. The downside is that you will find a lot of used karts which may have issues. Unless you are local to the person selling the vehicle you may not be able to fully test drive or inspect the kart before purchase.
If you are considering buying a used go kart, then let’s stop and discuss how to evaluate buying a used go kart…
How To Inspect a Used Racing Go Kart
- Don’t buy a used go kart, because it is on sale, inexpensive, cheap, or just in general a great deal. It may be discounted for a reason. Cost alone is not enough to justify the purchase.
- Don’t always trust what someone tells you the age of the kart is. I am not suggesting that a dealer or private seller is lying, but in some cases they aren’t the original owner and may not actually know the age.
- Lift the front of the kart and then see if you can move the front wheels up and down. If there is play in the wheels try and figure out if it is caused by the bearing, spindle bearing, or something else causing the movement.
- Lift the kart and spin all of the wheels. The front wheels should spin quietly and the only noise from the rear wheels should be the chain and clutch (if kart has a floating rear rotor, you would hear the rotor). If noise is coming from the bearings, it’s not a deal breaker but will need to replace them. If there is a floating rear rotor, check the pins and make sure they are still good.
- Check the brakes and all of the components of the brake system. Check the brake line and look for any signs of leaking brake fluid. You also want to push down on the brake and ensure that both sides of the calipers move. Feel under the master cylinder and calipers checking for anything that feels wet. There are some types of go karts that are airless brake systems with no master cylinder which may or may not have a reservoir. All in all if the brakes are performing and there is a master cylinder reservoir, remove the cap and check the fluid. The fluid inside should be clear, if not it needs to be flushed out. If you purchase the go kart, the first thing you should do is take apart the entire brake system.
- Ask the dealer or seller to put the same amount of air in each of the tires. Set the kart on a level surface and point the front tires straight. Roll the kart and see if it rolls in a straight line. If when you set the kart on the ground and the tires don’t want to center there may be an underlying problem. It could be something that needs to be tightened, a bad bearing, a bent spindle, or a bent king pin. You will need to do more diagnosis to determine the issue.
- Check the chassis bottom for scrapes and flat spotting. If there is significant scraping do not purchase the kart.
- Check the motor and make sure it runs. If you plan on racing this kart, you need to make sure the motor is current and meets your racing specs. Ask how many hours are on the motor and if/when it was last rebuilt.
Inspecting a used kart thoroughly will help you avoid safety issues and costly repairs after purchase. If you end up buying a used kart, take it to a local kart shop and have them do a front end setup i.e. toe, castor, camber and Ackerman.
How Much Does a Go Kart Cost at a Dealer Near Me?
Purchasing at a dealer is often more expensive than purchasing from an online marketplace. Dealers have more overhead and because of that need to charge more.
On average a go kart costs between $1,500 and $2,500. There are many different types and styles though and the price will vary based on what you want. If you are looking at pro go karts to race professionally the price can get into the $10K range. On the flip side, you can find a small electric kart for kids on Amazon for under $200.
Alternatives to Buying a Go Kart.
Many tracks allow you to rent karts. You may even find options to lease a go kart for a season. Most public tracks offer the ability to rent a kart and make money for track time. if you are new to karting, you should start by renting karts and ensure that you like it before purchasing one.
Karting is an expensive and addicting hobby so you should take your time to research and be fully knowledgeable about the costs before making an investment into a kart.
Alternatives to Buying from a Dealer
When looking for a small vehicle like a go-kart, you have several options beyond the traditional dealership. Exploring alternatives can save you money and offer more flexibility. Let’s dive into these options.
Online Marketplaces and Direct Purchases
Online marketplaces have become a popular choice for buying go-karts. Platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist offer a wide range of models and prices. Additionally, purchasing directly from manufacturers is an option that’s gaining traction.
Pros:
- Variety: You can browse through an extensive inventory of go-karts, from electric models with electric start features to those with hard plastic tires or pneumatic tires.
- Price Comparison: Easily compare prices and find the best deal. Online platforms often have competitive pricing, especially during sale events.
- Convenience: Shop from the comfort of your home. You can research, read reviews, and make an informed decision without the pressure of a salesperson.
- Direct Deals: Buying directly from manufacturers can ensure you get the latest features and models. This can be an important factor for those seeking customized or lightweight go-karts.
Cons:
- Reliability Concerns: It’s harder to verify the reliability of a go-kart when you can’t see it in person. This is particularly true for used go-karts on platforms like Craigslist.
- Maintenance and Support: Dealing with maintenance issues can be more challenging, as you might not have immediate support like you would from a local dealer.
- Shipping Costs: Depending on your location, the shipping of the go-kart can add a significant amount to the overall price.
Renting vs. Buying: What’s Right for You?
Deciding whether to rent or buy a go-kart depends on your usage and budget.
When Renting Makes Sense:
- Occasional Use: If you’re not planning to ride frequently, renting can be more cost-effective.
- Testing Different Models: Renting allows you to try different models and features, like kick start or electric start, before committing to a purchase.
- No Maintenance Hassles: Renting means you don’t have to worry about maintenance or storage.
Benefits of Renting:
- Flexibility: Renting offers the chance to steer different types of go-karts, from those suited for asphalt to slick terrain.
- Lower Initial Cost: You don’t need a large sum of money upfront, which can be helpful if you’re on a tight budget.
- Ready to Go: Rental go-karts are typically well-maintained and ready for use, letting you enjoy the ride without the prep work.
In conclusion, whether you choose to buy online, directly from a manufacturer, or decide to rent, each option has its unique advantages. Consider your future needs, budget, and how often you plan to use the go-kart to make the best decision for your situation. Remember, the goal is to find a solution that best suits your love for go-karting.
Making the Right Choice
When it comes to picking the right go-kart, it’s all about knowing what works best for you. First, think about how you’ll use the go-kart. If you’re racing on slick tracks or rough terrain, the type of tires and engine, like electric start or kick start, matters a lot. For casual rides around the neighborhood, a simple pedal model might be just right.
Price is a big deal too. You don’t want to spend more money than you need to. Look for a go-kart that fits your budget but still has good reliability. It’s like buying a car; you want something that won’t break down the first time you take it out.
Don’t forget to research. Read reviews, ask people who already own go-karts, and maybe even visit a few shops. This helps you understand what’s out there and what other riders like and don’t like. It’s a good way to learn about different models and features.
Also, think about the future. Are you going to want this go-kart for a long time? If so, look for one that’s built to last and won’t be outdated quickly. Some go-karts are lightweight and easy to maneuver, which is great for beginners or younger riders.
Lastly, when you’re ready to make a decision, trust your gut. You’ve done the homework, so now it’s time to choose. Remember, the best go-kart for you is the one that feels right and meets your needs. Whether it’s for fun, racing, or just cruising around, make sure it’s something you’re excited to ride and stop to admire every once in a while.
Go Kart Dealers Near Me – Conclusion
Go kart dealers are a great place to pick up a new or used kart. Unlike buying online you can get a test drive, a warranty, and often other perks like a discounted setup. The downside of course may be that you will pay a bit more with a dealer and can not price haggle on prices.
You do however get a much more informed seller who can help you make sure the kind of kart you are buying meets the budget and type of driving you want to do. This is what I have learned from the go kart dealers near me.
