8 Best Places to Buy Go-Karts

If you’re slowly getting the hang of go-kart racing and are visiting your favorite karting track regularly, you may have come to a point of wanting to buy your first go-kart. If that’s the case, then it’s quite possible that you’re a little overwhelmed about where to buy go-karts. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the best places to buy a go-kart. 

Where to Buy Go-Karts? Here’s a List of the Best Places!

With the increasing online presence of retailers, digital marketplaces and online businesses, buying go-karts has become much easier. There are many different places to buy your go-kart. You’re able to find and purchase your go-karts at dealerships, manufacturers, race tracks, online marketplaces, or through classified ads, forums and within your community. Almost all of these options can be accessed online or visited in person. Furthermore, these places are also suitable for selling your go-kart if you’re looking for an upgrade, instead. 

1. Buying Go-Karts from Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces remain one of the best ways to buy go-karts. There are plenty of options available on the internet, whereby each website has their own benefits. Some of them are e-commerce vendors, personal sellers or bidding platforms. The most popular online marketplace websites are Amazon, eBay and Craigslist. Besides these four, there are also smaller and more specialized marketplaces that are an option.

The great thing about an online marketplace such as Amazon or eBay is that they’re accessible 24/7. You’ll also be able to search for new and used go-karts anywhere in the world and with a shipping option, can be delivered right to your doorstep. Larger online marketplaces also offer buyer protection and easy payment facilities. This means that if the seller does not comply with the terms, you’ll be able to return the item for a refund.

The biggest downside is that you won’t be able to take the go-kart for a test drive. You’ll have to rely on research and reviews. Certain sites, apart from the top four don’t offer any guarantees, which can make the purchase very tricky. However, selecting a seller with good reviews and doing proper research is always the key.

I’ve personally used eBay and Amazon before to purchase go-karts for a project to fix them up and never had a problem before. Since e-commerce and online purchases are more common, buying a go-kart online through marketplaces is one of the best options out there.

2. Buying Go-Karts from Dealerships

Dealerships are still a popular location to buy go-karts. There are many dealerships available and they usually offer a wide range of off-road and racing go-karts. Some dealerships even have the option to accept online purchases that include delivery to your doorstep.

You’re able to do a little research and find the most suitable go-kart dealerships near you and pay them a visit. One of the best benefits that a dealership has compared to online marketplaces is that you can physically inspect and test the go-karts. There’s nothing better than taking a go-kart for a spin.

While they offer a decent range, they don’t offer as wide of a variety then a marketplace. If you have a specific make and model in mind, you may need to drive out a little further or order from a different location. Also keep in mind that the pricing of go-karts in a dealership is usually a little more expenses to cover rental and staff costs.

Overall, dealerships are a great place to look and buy go-karts due to the fact that you’re able to test it before you make a purchase. You may have to spend slightly more or travel a little further, but you can almost always be assured that you get what you pay for.

3. Buying Go-Karts from Classified Ads

I bet you still remember looking into the classified ad section of your local newspaper to spot any great deals. While you still may find some great offers in newspapers or magazines, the more popular route is to look at online personal ads.

Websites like Craigslist, Facebook and LetGo allow you to find go-karts through their classified ad listings. They are similar in a way to eBay and Amazon, whereby classified ad listings are usually more focused on the personal sale of used go-karts. The most popular classified ad platform is Craigslist, which focuses on items that are close to your locale.

The great thing about classified ads is that you’re usually able to negotiate on the final sale price and can get used go-karts for relatively cheap. There is a wide variety of available options in your area and you can easily access the website 24/7. You will usually have to travel to the location of the seller, but that also means you can inspect the go-kart and take it for a spin.

Some things to look out for are that there is usually no guarantee or warranty provided by the seller and listings on the website aren’t always regulated. Transactions are also mostly limited to cash and you’re required to travel. All things considered, online classified ads are a great method for mainly buying a used go-kart.

4. Buying Go-Karts at Karting Tracks

Most people are unaware of this but some karting tracks sell new and used go-karts. Of course, this isn’t available at all locations but there are some that have an in-built showroom or garage. While the selection of go-karts are usually limited, you’re able to inspect and test drive the go-kart upon request.

Go-karts that are sold at race tracks are usually carefully inspected before they’re listed and some even offer a limited warranty for reassurance. You can also rest assured that you can always return to the go-kart track if there are any issues down the road.

Although you may have to travel to the go-kart racing track if you wish to take a look and buy a go-kart, you can almost be sure that it’s in good condition. They usually offer to sell other people’s used go-karts or their own older go-karts that have been replaced with newer versions. Some race tracks also sell new go-karts directly partnering with manufacturers or wholesalers.

The next time you’re at your local race track, keep an eye open for their selection. Perhaps you’ll be able to buy a go-kart that is to your liking.

5. Buying Go-Karts from Manufacturers

The best place to buy a go-kart used to be directly through manufacturers. This trend has now changed through the rise of online marketplaces and distributors. While it’s certainly still possible to buy a new go-kart directly from a manufacturer it’s not that common anymore.

Manufacturers such as Sodikart, Tony Kart, Margay Racing and others have shifted into mostly recommending which dealership their go-karts are purchasable at. This allows them to focus on go-kart development and manufacturing, rather than direct-to-consumer sales.

However, there are still opportunities to purchase directly from manufacturers. Some of the top go-kart brands have an online shop, local showroom or participate in expos and events where you’ll be able to buy a go-kart. A purchase will most often mean a warranty and a form of buyer protection in the event of any issues.

Keep in mind that this method is not very common anymore. Finding a showroom may also mean that you could end up travelling quite a bit, in order to find the go-kart that you desire. Showrooms usually have qualified sales people that are able to assist and guide you with your purchase.

6. Buying Go-Karts at Expos

Once in a while, there are national and international go-kart expos in popular cities around the world. One of the most famous ones is the Karting Expo held at Adria International Raceway in Italy. There are also smaller exhibitions that are usually held on a local scale in major cities.

The great thing about expos is that they feature a wide variety of manufacturers and distributors. This will give you the chance to connect directly with some of the leading brands through a sales representative who is able to answer all your questions. If you’re lucky, some of them also offer various discounts and promotions during an expo or event.

On the other hand, buying a go-kart at an expo can also present a challenge. Getting your new go-kart home requires you to plan ahead and think of a way to transport your go-kart home. Unfortunately, go-kart expos are not all too common and when they come around, they are usually held in larger cities.

Another idea that you can take advantage of is events. Smaller events may take place from time to time where you can buy a go-kart. While they don’t happen too often, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for them.

7. Buying Go-Karts from the Community

Another common place to buy a go-kart is within your community. This could be amongst your friends, go-karting buddies, colleagues, neighborhood or people at your local race track.

One great benefit that buying your go-kart within your community has, is that you may know the seller personally. This could mean that you know how he or she has handled the kart and also ensure the person’s trustworthiness. However, knowing your seller personally could also be a disadvantage. The sale may get in the way of your friendship if you end up disappointed or the go-kart doesn’t meet your expectations.

There are also a limited amount of offers in your community compared to online marketplaces. While your potential go-kart may be close to your location, it takes quite some time to come across a go-kart that you really like. It’s usually one of those situations where you spot a great offer from time to time, but not necessarily when you look for it.

I personally try to avoid purchasing a go-kart from within my community, unless I know the person well and it’s a project or hobby go-kart. Whether this is suitable to you depends on your preference.

8. Buying Go-Karts on Forums

Forums can also be a great place to buy go-karts. Some go-kart forums on the internet have a well established marketplace where people are able to sell and buy their go-karts. Other forums who don’t have this option usually allow users to open a thread in a sub-forum that facilitates this feature.

Buying a go-kart from a forum requires you to rely on the seller’s trustworthiness. Users who are trustworthy usually have a good feedback score and are reputable forum contributors. While this serves as a good reference, this is not always a guarantee for a good sale. As forums are usually not as regulated as online marketplaces, certain people don’t always have the outcome they wish for.

While go-karts sold on forums are usually used go-karts they are commonly sold for a much cheaper price. However, it also comes with certain other shortcomings. You probably won’t be able to pay for your go-kart through online payment methods and may even have to self-collect at the seller’s premise.

I personally don’t recommend buying a go-kart through a forum, but I know some people who do this regularly. It all boils down to preference.