looking at a kart saturday. ...need advice.

[Bucket]

So I found this kart local. He is asking $150....said it needs a clutch. 6hp. Anything special I should look for?

 

[Gbag]

I would definitely check the type of brakes and their condition. When I bought mine the guy said the brakes worked and I forgot to check. $40 dollars for new brakes...

 

[Hellion]

Sure. Look for overall completeness. If parts are missing that he didn't mention, start deducting the value (more or less) of those items from his asking price.

Check compression on engine. The pull cord should give only with firm pressure. It should feel like a known-good engine (something we're all usually familiar with).

If the kart isn't running and/or was left with stale, rancid gas in the tank and it gummed up the works, you might bring some aerosol starting fluid that you can spray directly into the carb and see if it will spark and fire on the fluid.

$150 is not a bad price though for what it is.

 

[chancer]

I would buy almost any Kart For 150 bucks or less. But they are rare at that price in Ca.

 

[B_Bimmer]

I would buy almost any Kart For 150 bucks or less. But they are rare at that price in Ca.

So would I if it's close.

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Same here. For 150 if it's all complete I'd take it.

 

[OzFab]

Don't forget, guys, different karts have different values depending on location; what you pay $150 for may only be worth $50 somewhere else; think about it, if he buys it for $150 & needs to spend $100 getting it up the scratch but, can only resell it for $200, is there much point?

My advice to the OP is check similar listings in your area & compare prices vs condition

 

[Bucket]

Good point Oz. I've been looking around a bit and $300-$350 seems to be the going rate for a good looking, clean kart that "runs but could use". So, if this is all together, and only needs a clutch, $150 seems in line.

 

[Hellion]

Well don't forget to haggle--it's a dying art. $150 as a starting price is certainly well within the comfort range.

I wouldn't hesitate on it much as it's likely to go "poof" and be sold out from under you. Btw, is it a Murray kart?

 

[Jr. Mechanic]

Yup, Id check to see if all the parts are there, and if they are, maybe try to take it down a buck or two. I only say this because the best clutch for a go kart, a torque converter, (A good one) is at least 100 bucks. thats 2/3 the price of the whole kart

 

[OzFab]

It was probably released with a TC anyway; big wheels + small engine either means super low gears or TC... a cent clutch won't last long...

Good point Oz. I've been looking around a bit and $300-$350 seems to be the going rate for a good looking, clean kart that "runs but could use". So, if this is all together, and only needs a clutch, $150 seems in line.

Good for you

In that case, $150 does seem reasonable...

However, just by looking at that one pic, I can tell you, it's gonna take more than "only needs a clutch"...

 

[Bucket]

Just got back...ended up setting on $100 for the kart. Everything seems to be there. Gonna need a good cleaning. They could get it to fire on starting fluid but it wouldn't stay running. One tire looks lile its going to need a tube. All in all I think it will male a good project. I'll post pics later.