The cost of a go kart can range from a couple hundred bucks up to about $15,000 if you're buying new. There is such a wide range of options, it's hard to put just one price on it. And many other factors play into teh overall cost. After all, you get what you pay for. Sometimes buying a cheap go kart means paying way more over tiem tryign to fix it.
Go Karts that cost under $1000
If your budget is under $1,000, you're probably looking at used karts. There are a handful of new karts in the $900 range, but they're base models with no features. Under $,1000, you'll find options like the Trailmaster Mid XRS.
The Trailmaster Mid XRS is a great first go kart. It's prfect for families with small to medium sized children. But it doesn't have many feature on it. It's basically a frame, and engine, and a seat. You will be missign out on the electric start, bucket seats,s bigger suspension, lights, horn, and more. It's a very absic go kart reminscent of something we drove aroudn the yard back in the 1990s.
You may also find soem go karts at big box stores under a thousand bucks. Places like tractor supply or walmart. These karts under $1000 are not worth it! Steer clear, for sure. Some minimumw age stock boy in the back put that kart together with no instructions. The store doesn't sell parts. You probably won't get a real warranty. And tehre's no technical support. You'll end up paying $150 per hour to have a shop work on it and you may not ever find parts- which means you'll have a $1,000 y ard ornament.
Go Karts with real features and high quality
Defintely buy your go kart from a dealer, or find a a high quality brand and look for one used. Trailmaster qulity is so high, you can find the nicer models that are a couple years old and still be close to the new price. The Mini go karts range from $1699 to $1999 right now. We have recently seen used ones abotu 2-3 years old in great condition for $1200 or more.
Consider the long term cost of the kart you want to buy. The cost includes regular mainteance, parts availability, warranty coverage and technical support. The cost will be much lower if you're mechanically inclined and work on your go kart yourself.
A good warranty can significantly reduce the overall cost of your kart. Go Kart Masters has the only one year warranty that comes free with every gokart. Don't get tricked into paying hundreds for a warranty that you could get for free.
Maintenance Costs on a go kart
On an averga go kart, you'll spend a couple hundred dollars a year ot keep it good shape. We willt ake an average based on a Mini XRX, and Mid XRX and a 200 XRX. Here a breakdown of regular mainteance costs for a year.
- 1 quart of synthetic oil $15
- 1 air filter $30
- 1 fuel filter $10
- 2 sets brake pads $40
- fuel stabilizer $13
- chain lube $12
- 1 drive belt $50
- 1 drive chain $40
yearly expected costs: $210 on average plus fuel costs and repairs
Cost of buying used
We recently worked with a client who bought a Trailmaster Blazer 200R, used. He got a great deal at $1000. But by the tiem he had it running, he should have bought a new one. He needed a carburator, carburetor studs, an air filter assembly, fuel lines, thorttle plate, governor springs, a new muffler, seats, and wiring harnesses. Not to mention all the hours he pour into it- he should have paid the $2200 for a new onw that worked great right out of the box.
Sometimes used karts have electrical issues! That can be difficult to diagnose and expensive to replace all the components.
When you buy used, you never really know which aftermarket parts the previous owner used. Mayeb they swapped the engine, or put a new exhaust on it, You'll be left try to guess what wrong with the karts and whcih parts to put on it.
The real cost of a go kart
Realistically, a new off road go kart for kids or adults is going to cost you somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000 plus a couple hundred bucks a year in upkeep. If you're not prepared to pay that price, remember that the cost of a cheap go kart is always more than the up front price.
