Checking out used kart and range of prices

[Paul Hutt]

I am going to purchase a used World Formula Kart. Karting is new to me and I know just enough to be dangerous.

Two questions:

1) What should I look at when I inspect a used cart so I can detect any potential problems. (If I think it looks ok, I am then going to take it to a kart shop for them to inspect.)

2) What range of prices should I expect for a good kart that is no more than 3 years old. (I have found two for sale for $1,500 & $1,700 and all the ads say about the engines is that "the engine runs great." )

Your help is greatly appreciated.

[John Matthews]

Hi Paul,

Welcome to karting, the World Formula is a great package for beginners and sportsman racers alike.

The first thing to check on a used chassis is wear on the frame rails. Run your hand over the underside, or better yet stand it up on end so you can see the botom. All karts that have been driven will have some wear on the botom but if the rails are flat in the middle of the frame the chassis is shot. Remember, in a kart your frame is the suspension so you need all the wall thickness for it to work right.

Next thing is brakes. they should be firm when you press the pedal and the lever on the master cylinder shouldn't go past 90 degrees. Check the steering and make sure the axle spins smoothly.

As for the engine, count on doing a rebuild sometime in the next year (around $300 + parts). It should start easily and idle. It should also rev quickly when you put the throttle to it. The spec clutch is pretty tough but make sure it isn't worn out by reving the engine with the brake on. It should be able to overcome the brake when it locks up.

Unless you are lucky you will end up getting a new seat. This isn's a bad thing since the seat is the second most important chassis component and it needs to fit well. They are around $100 and a generic fiberglass one is fine in most cases.

$1500 isn't a bad price for a race ready kart, of course anything that needs to be fixed lowers that. Also, if the seller really needs the money you can sometimes get much better deals but beware of anything that seems too good. The best deal is usually from someone who's moving up classes and bought a new kart. That way you can ask set-up questions at the track and maybe even get some driving tips. Watch out for anyone who doesn't race or says they got the kart from their buddy who owed them money.

A good local shop will evaluate the kart and help make sure you aren't getting ripped off, but understand they are in the business of selling these things. Let them know that if they treat you right you will continue to give them your business as you move up in karting.

Good luck,
_________________
John Matthews
Heartbeat Power, LLC.

[Paul Hutt]

John, I appreciate the info. I am 58 years old and must be crazy.

I do not know if you knew or heard of David Clift who was one of the top karters a the senior divison that had the fastest karts but I am going to his former shop Kart-O-Rama in Sumner WA to get any kart I want to buy to get inspected. David pasted a way last year in his sleep - probably dreaming of how many victories he had.

[Alan Sheidler]

[charles hunter]

Paul, I'm also 58, look 58, feel 58 and thank God I am crazy and can't quit the sport I love!!
_________________
swampwater smyth concurs "If you aint first, yer last."

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