If you’re looking at some racing go karts for sale, here’s some topics to think about, and some random thoughts to help you out.
If you’re dead keen on buying your first racing go kart, then you must make sure you go for some test drives. Go to your local go kart track and take them out for a spin (they’ll charge you of course), and make sure you get to see the difference between 2 and 4 stroke karts. Just find out what’s best for you.
Do your research before you part with any money for a racing go kart – you need to know what’s available out there for you. Here’s a couple of things you should consider before buying a kart:
If you’re considering buying a used kart, choose roughly how much you want to spend, and take your time with the research. You’ll probably need to spend between $800 and $1500 – maybe more – for a basic “rolling chassis”, which will include a gas tank, axles, rims and chassis itself. Maybe one or two other parts.
On the other hand, if you want to go for a new go kart, then there are other costs to think about. Buy a new chassis and engine, and you’ll crank up the total cost of your go kart. When you’re buying a new chassis, you need to think about what brand you prefer. The better known the brand is, the more expensive its going to be.
So, like with any sport, karting has a heap of choices. We already talked about new vs. used. There’s oval vs. sprint vs. endure. Also 2 stroke vs. 4 stroke. Sometimes making the right choice can be a bit daunting to new go karters. So, I’ll list some choices here for you so you can make a better informed decision.
The first thing to consider is how much you want to pay. Remember this – you get what you pay for – and that is absolutely true when it comes to go karts. It all comes down to you deciding how much time and effort you’re going to put into your new hobby.
Are you prepared to give your new hobby at least a year of serious commitment and are you determined to win as many races as possible? If you are, then you should seriously consider buying NEW equipment. It might seem cheaper to get 2nd hand equipment but believe me, when you start fixing up a used kart, the dollars soon add up and it will end up costing you more than a new one.
But if you do insist on buying used gear – watch out for this one. Don’t spend too much. Your average go kart loses value quite fast, so a 10-year old kart is worth almost nothing and anything over 5 years old isn’t much better!
Few other points:
Is there a dealer to give you support in your area?
Your kart will be more valuable if it’s a brand that’s sold locally. So make sure it is, and make sure you can get parts for it!
Will your dealer help you set up your go kart properly – chassis, etc?
Are your kart spares expensive? Watch out – the costs add up!
If you spend loads for your kart, it’s likely to de-value pretty fast, so watch out for that. Kinda similar, if your kart is a fancy brand, you’re likely to face the same problem.
Before you spend a cent, I trust this article has given you a few things to think about!
Good luck!