Once I hit my target weight(about a year from now), I will be buying a go kart as a reward.
I will probably buy one used, since they seem to be about half the price as new ones.
Is there anything I should look for in particular?
I’ll be 6’ and 250lbs, using it on flat Florida terrain. I’d like to know what sort of safety features to look for, what brands are reputable, and what sort of speeds are attained by different powerplants.
I’m looking to spend about $500, used.
Thanks.
Speaking as a similarly sized human, isn’t 250 lbs pushing the weight carrying capacity limits of an inexpensive go kart’s capabilities?
I figure I’d get a two-seater bench model 
When you say “go kart” are you refering to a kid’s toy or an actual racing kart. Big differance.
What are you planning to do with it?
Racing karts are pretty advanced creatures, generally powered by 100cc or bigger water-cooled Yamaha two-strokes. You can get “shifters” or single speeds. Speeds can be in excess of 120mph (or so I hear). Check some out at “www.jarnotrulli.com” (I don’t have the plug-in for the site, but I was there some time ago and he had some serious karts for sale) These are the starting points for serious racing driver careers. Senna, Schumacher, Trulli and a bunch of other top guys all started in karts.
I really don’t know too much about it actually, but will be in the market for one myself in the next couple years. I plan to get a “starter” kart, race it myself locally and get a feel for the scene. Then, I’ll turn the kart over to my kid (age classes start at 8 I believe) and let him race/get experiance. Ultimate goal: Formula One, baby! There is a pretty good race schedual in the nearest city, and in Southern California and Vegas they race all the time. Many different classes and skill levels are available. One place to start looking/asking around is motorcycle shops or kart shops (if there are any). I was told to expect an investment of $2-5k, depending on how serious I wanted to get. Speed is a question of money. How fast can you afford to go? I’m 230lbs, so I have accepted the fact I will never be competitive (the fast guys are all about 120-140lbs), but it would be a hoot anyway.
Other powered carts can be found using basicly lawn-mower engines and are for puttin’ around. I’ve seen them for sale at Harbour Freight or you might find one used around your area. Might be kinda hard to find used if they are anything like kid’s mini-bikes however. My experiance with them is that they are so popular that they never hit the open market. Little brothers and sisters get them, kids in the neighborhood all get first crack when they go up for sale, or they simply “vanish” into the back of the garage when Jr. grows out of it. Hard to find.
Sorry I can’t be more specific with brand names or prices, but I haven’t done all my research yet either. Have fun and good luck!
Overheard in the public restroom: “That’ll leave a skidmark all the way to the treatment plant!”