New To Go-cart

[Darren Phillips]

Hello everyone, I’m new to this posting threads cos I know how brutal and bullying people can be to others, but I thought I’d give it a try.
I live in Sweden and my 16 year old son is wanting to get into competitive racing go-carts. We are in process of buying him a cart and have been offered to buy a “test cart”. The guy selling it claims it’s a factory testing cart which hasn’t been driven very much maybe 5hrs or so. He’s willing to sell it at a cheaper price.
Now I don’t know much about carts so that’s why I thought I’d reach out to people of experience.
What do you think? Is it a good deal or should I stick with paying the extra and getting my son a new cart?
my gut feeling is saying I’m being tricked into buying a lesser cart, one which hasn’t been “approved” or however you say it. How many hours do engines last? What are the pitfalls I should look out for when buying a new cart?
Forgive me if I sound dumb, maybe I am I. This area of expertise. Just a dad wanting the best for his son and worried about his health and safety.
Hope you can give me some good advice.

 

[Master Hack]

Welcome! We are a purdy friendly group, we only get brutal in the face of extreme stupidity. So far you have not exhibited that trait. Our junkyard dog has died so you'll be ok. I am not a competitive racer so I'm not much help, but the story sounds a bit "fishy".
Usually competitive racing has rules. The rules can vary from class to class. You need to decide what class and where you plan to race, get a copy of the rules and see if the "test mule" meets the qualifications to pass tech inspection. Thats all I got. There are people here that are more knowledgeable than I, and I'm sure they will chime in here soon. You'll be safe here we don't bite. Good luck!
BTW its KART not cart. The grammar police might get on ya for that.

 

[Denny]

Welcome! I am of no help to you, I’m sorry.

 

[panchothedog]

Take the advice of Master Hack. Go to where you plan to race and see what they are running. Many rules are very specific and restrictive. Nothing wrong with buying a used kart. Probably a smart move for your first one. Check for cracks in the frame and at welded joints. Look at the underside to see if it is scraped up excessively. Grab the front wheels and rock them to check for sloppy spindle bushings. If the track you visit ( and intend to race at ) has good attendance, there is certain to be used race karts ( already set up for that track and organization) for sale there. Brand new racing karts are quite expensive.

 

[JimD]

https://4cycle.com/karting/ Master Hack is giving good advice -- the site I put in the front of this reply is where you would go for good racing advice. Find out where the nearest track to you is and go there and meet some of the people around the track and start there for getting good advice. Look for yourself and see what the engine is they are racing with- 4 cycle or 2 cycle, Honda's, clone, Briggs, and what class would he fit best in for a new person just testing the waters I would watch several races and see how rough they drive and if the officials do anything about rough driving. Like any sport there are good drivers that don't mind sharing info and there are some that would not give you the time of day. Karting gets expensive fast if you want to be on the podium. Your son is 16 and girls start getting into the picture and you cannot take a date to the movies in a go kart. Most of the good drivers you will find at the track have already been driving for 10 years, he has a LOT of catching up to do. Karting is where you have to start and have 3 years before you can move up in the chain for the next step in racing and like I indicated he is already 10 years behind most of the other drivers. Visit the closest track that is where you will get the best information. We drive a lot different over here than they do in Europe and safety is a big thing and insurance and medical personnel at the track --over here much more relaxed and most of our racing is going around an oval. GO TO YOUR LOCAL TRACK AND SEE FOR YOURSELF.