Finding a used 2016 club car is honestly one of the best moves you can make if you're looking for a reliable golf cart that doesn't feel dated. It's that weird sweet spot in the market where the technology is modern enough to be efficient, but the price tag has finally settled into a range that won't make your bank account cry. Whether you're looking to cruise around the neighborhood, haul gear at a job site, or actually play eighteen holes of golf, this particular model year holds its value better than almost anything else in its class.
I've spent plenty of time around these machines, and there's a reason why you see so many 2016 models still buzzing around golf courses and gated communities. They were built during a time when Club Car had really dialed in their "Precedent" design, focusing on durability and rider comfort without overcomplicating things with too many tablets or fragile electronics.
The Magic of the Aluminum Frame
If there is one thing you need to know about the 2016 club car, it's the frame. While a lot of other brands were still sticking with steel frames that eventually turn into a pile of rust—especially if you live near the coast or use your cart for chores—Club Car stuck with their AlumiCore chassis.
It's a rustproof, ladder-style aluminum frame. This is a huge deal for the long-term health of the cart. You can find a 2016 model that's been sitting outside in Florida for years, and while the seats might be cracked and the plastic faded, that frame is going to be as solid as the day it left the factory. This makes the 2016 an ideal "bones" cart for people who want to buy something used and fix it up over time. You don't have to worry about structural integrity, which is a massive weight off your shoulders when buying used.
Gas vs. Electric: The 2016 Dilemma
Back in 2016, you basically had two main paths: the EFI gas engine or the electric IQ system. Both are solid, but they offer very different experiences depending on how you plan to use the thing.
The Subaru EFI Gas Engine
If you went with the gas-powered 2016 club car, you likely ended up with the Subaru EX40 engine. This was a bit of a game-changer because it featured Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). Before this, golf carts were mostly carbureted, which meant they could be finicky in the cold or if they sat for too long with old gas in the tank.
The Subaru engine in the 2016 model is surprisingly quiet for a gas cart and has plenty of pep. It puts out about 14 horsepower, which is more than enough to get you up a steep hill even with four people on board. Plus, you don't have to worry about charging it; just keep gas in the tank and change the oil once in a while.
The Electric Precedent i2
On the flip side, the electric 2016 club car used the Excel/i2 system. Most of these came with the E.R.I.C. charging system, which stands for Efficient, Reliable, Intelligent, and Connected. It's basically a smart charger that monitors the state of your batteries so you don't accidentally cook them or undercharge them.
The beauty of the electric version is the silence. There's something really peaceful about cruising around at dusk without the drone of a gas engine. However, if you're buying a 2016 today, the original batteries are almost certainly dead or on their last legs. You'll want to factor the cost of a new set of lead-acid batteries—or better yet, a lithium conversion—into your budget.
Styling and Comfort
Visually, the 2016 club car Precedent hasn't aged a day. Club Car hit a home run with the body style, featuring that signature wrap-around bumper and the sleek, rounded front cowl. It's a design that looks just as "current" today as it did eight years ago.
The seats are generally pretty comfortable, though by now, many used models might have some wear and tear. One of the best parts about this specific year is the "Monsoon Top." It's a canopy designed with built-in drainage gutters. If you get caught in a sudden downpour, the water is funneled away from the passengers and out the corners of the roof rather than just dumping onto your lap when you take a turn. It's a small detail, but it's one of those things you really appreciate when the weather turns sour.
Why They are So Easy to Customize
One reason the 2016 club car remains so popular is the aftermarket support. Because the Precedent body style was used for so many years, there is an endless supply of parts and accessories available. You can basically build an entirely new cart using a 2016 frame.
Want to turn it into a beastly off-roader? You can find six-inch lift kits, 14-inch wheels, and brush guards on almost every golf cart parts website. Want a luxury neighborhood cruiser? You can swap the seats for premium stitched vinyl, add a Bluetooth soundbar, and install a street-legal light kit with turn signals and a horn.
I've seen people take a beat-up 2016 club car and turn it into something that looks like it cost $15,000. Since the mechanical bits are so straightforward, even someone with basic tools and a YouTube tutorial can handle most of these upgrades in their driveway over a weekend.
Common Issues to Watch Out For
No vehicle is perfect, and the 2016 club car does have its quirks. If you're looking at a used one, keep an eye on these things:
- MCOR Sensor: This is the "Motor Controller Output Regulator." It's basically the throttle sensor. If the cart feels jerky when you start moving, or if it suddenly loses power while you're driving, the MCOR is usually the culprit. It's a relatively cheap and easy fix, but it's a common annoyance.
- Bushings: The front-end bushings on these carts tend to wear out, especially if they've been driven on rougher paths. If the steering feels "loose" or you hear a lot of squeaking when going over bumps, you'll probably need to spend $50 on a bushing kit and an afternoon under the front end.
- Battery Corrosion: On the electric models, the battery cables can get pretty nasty if the previous owner didn't keep them clean. Check for that white/blue fuzzy stuff on the terminals. If it's really bad, it can eat through the wires or even damage the battery posts.
The Value Proposition
Right now, a 2016 club car sits in a great spot for value. You're getting a modern EFI engine or a smart-charging electric system for a fraction of the price of a brand-new Onward or Tempo model. Most people can't even tell the difference between a 2016 Precedent and a much newer model once you put a fresh set of hubcaps or a nice seat cover on it.
Because of that aluminum frame we talked about earlier, these carts have a high "floor" for their value. They rarely drop below a certain price point because even a non-running one is still worth money as a project base. If you buy one today, take care of it, and decide to sell it in three years, you'll likely get most of your money back.
Is It Right for You?
So, should you pull the trigger on a 2016 club car? If you want something that is proven, easy to fix, and holds its value, the answer is a resounding yes. It's a workhorse that doesn't feel like a relic.
If you're a "buy it and forget it" type of person, look for a well-maintained gas model with the Subaru engine. If you enjoy a project and want the latest tech, grab an electric one and swap the old lead-acid batteries for a Lithium-ion pack. You'll end up with a cart that out-accelerates brand-new models for thousands of dollars less.
At the end of the day, the 2016 model year represents everything Club Car does well. It's sturdy, it's functional, and it's just a lot of fun to drive. Whether you're hauling kids to the pool or hauling mulch to the garden, it's a machine that just works. And in a world where things seem to break the moment the warranty expires, there's something really refreshing about a cart that's built to last for decades.