Page 23 Advertisements Column 2

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28606, 7 June 1958, Page 23

CAM FOK SALI BUYING privately CAN BE COSTLY An ’'ltem Of Interest” by alan McGillivray It was stated in this column in the last issue of "Items Of Interest” that the dealer, who did not insist on taking' a trade in on a new cSr, could be unconsciously causing some person a great deal of worry, and frequently quite a consmerable sum of money. When a used- car is purchased from a dealer, the new owner may find certain defects which he considers should not be found in a car for which a high sum has been paid. He will thereupon call on the dealer, and point out said defects which is causing him great concern, and m many Instances the faults will be rectified at no cost to himself. Admittedly, not all dealers will stand by a car to this extent, but I venture to say that all reputable dealers are genuinely interested in seeing that the cars they, sell do give a service commensurate to the price paid for the car. Consequently, purchasers are protected to some degree when buying from these dealers. What is the position when a car is bought direct from the owner? When a car is sold privately, some owners will state frankly that the car is being sold as it stands, and will make no representation as to it being reliable, or free from being in need of an overhaul; this person will demand a high price for his car, and will cite a similar model at some garage at the same price to justify the figure required. This person may appear callous, as he will not assure the purchaser that the car is in sound condition, but still insists on the highest price possible. However, he is being honest, inasmuch as he is not selling his car with a lot of promises aS to what it will or will not do, so that the purchaser is buying on his own appraisal. Then there Is the other private seller who guarantees his car to be the best maintained car in town. This person will produce Warrants of Fitness since the car was first registered to prove the mileage is correct. He will produce a log book to show regular oil changes and greasing throughout. He will state that there is not one defect in the car, and conseqently will guarantee it to be even better than a new car. In fact the writer'often wonders why this type of seller is willing to buy a new car and take the chance on it not being as good as the older model.

The vehicle eventually changes over to the new owner, who then submits his purchase to his serviceman for a general check tq see that everything is as was represented, and the report is frequently as follows.! Front wheel bearings peed replacing, brake drums are oval, a bearing in the gear box is faulty, king pins are showing signs of wear, valves in need of refacing and the cylinders and pistons require decarbonising. All these items are minor details but will involve an expenditure of upwards of fifty- pounds. The disgruntled purchaser now returns to the seller to find out what he intends doing about meeting the account for putting the car in the condition he stated it was in. The previous owner is only being asked to carry out the terms of his guarantee, in which he stated the car to be in perfect condition, and de-' manded and accepted a price accordingly. Now. though the new owner has only driven the car as far as his serviceman’s garage, he will be told he has abused the car through bad driving, that it was in perfect condition when he bought it, and that any repairs required could only be necessary because of his own neglect. When challenged about the guarantee, the ex owner will state it was impossible to issue any guarantee with a second hand car, and that the word “guarantee” was used as a figure of speech only. In fact the ex owner disclaims any responsibility for the cost of even the smallest adjustments or repairs, and is most indignant that the new owner should have the audacity to make any claims on him whatsoever. After all he sold a second hand car, and even if the price was in excess of the new figure, he could not be expected to meet another person’s accounts on a car he had no further interest in. The above is not an infrequent occurrence, and the writer can only advise purchasers of such cars, to have them thoroughly checked over by the agent of the car, or a most competent serviceman, and in this way only, a measure of safety is assured. In conclusion the writer definitely suggests. Do not accept a guarantee from aprivate seller, as in nearly every Instance it means nothing, and is rarely ever carried out to the meaning that the word “Guarantee” implies. THESE CARS CARRY A GENUINE GUARANTEE. The following cars are guaranteed to have’ no defects, other than those declared when being offered for sale. Should any fault or defect be located within seven days of

delivery, all costs in excess of £lO to effect repairs will be paid for by Alan J. McGillivray. 57 SINGER “Gazelle.” This is as new and will give the new owner many miles of trouble-free motoring. 56 STANDARD “10.” Another popular car, fitted with radio and heater. This is a one owner car, -and can be recommended throughout. 56 FORD “Anglia.” There are two of these difficult to obtain cars available, and both cars are in exceptionally well maintained condition. 55 FORD "Prefect.” This is a four door model and there is nothing to spend on this car anywhere. The previous owner is taking delivery on a new car secured on sterling funds. 54 MORRIS MINOR. There is nothing to be said about this grand little car as an inspection will speak for itself. AUSTIN “A 30.” One four door, and one two door model to choose from. Both cars will please in every way. The above cars are only a few of the cars available, so call and see what others are offering. Open Friday Evening. BUYING OR SELLING, always call on ALAN MCGILLIVRAY, 98 Oxford terrace, •Phone 62-309. 3102