I was initially thinking of building our own karts. I wanted a live axle setup with disc brake and 5hp Briggs flathead or a Predator 212. Once I started looking at parts and making a list with prices, I decided I could easily have $300+ pile of parts (less motor) a $100+ pile of steel in the floor and still have to build it.
I began looking at craigslist and quickly decided to just buy a used kart. I picked up each of our karts (Manco American Expresses) for under $400ea and mine (Margay Puma FC) was less than $250, but it was a cobbled mess and I'm spending a lot of time restoring it. That's ok because I like to have a "project" anyway.
I'd say first thing is think about and list out the features you want in a kart and what you are intending to use it for. Then look around for what existing karts fit your needs and what mods you'd need to do to get it where you want it.
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