MOTORS & MOTORING

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXVI, Issue 3439, 5 March 1932, Page 3 (Supplement)

MOTORS & MOTORING

TESTING SECOND-HAND CARS

THESE ARE DAYS OF OPPORTUNITY.

It is m the slack time between the end of what is called the season, and the first deliveries of the next year s models tkat the bargain hunter among the cars advertised for sale secondkand gets his best chances. At this season there are generally more cars offered at interesting prices than at any other time of the year, and this year there are, or should undoubtedly be, mere opportunities of finding really satisfactory machines than at any time since the war. The reason for this is as obvious as it is painful. A good many of those who suffer the most acutely under the new taxes are being compelled to give up their cars, at all events until the times mend. There are more cars to be found at low prices, and there are, if half of what one hears is true, better cars than has ever been the case before. It is certainly a distressing fact, but it has its comforting side for the pretty numerous body of motorists, chiefly old timers, who would rather spend £IPP or £l5O on a second hand car of high degree than on a new one ©f more lowly origin. It is not snobbishness—or if it is, it is the snobbishness that likes the best of everything —so much as foresight. Cars turned out in small numbers from a factory with a big name may depreciate all too rapidly in market value, but at the end of three or four years they can usually be sold again for at least as much as their newer and younger rivals. It would be very unjust if it were not so.

- - THE FAKED CAR. Aftaosgh the quality of the used car to be disposed of just now is probably higher than it has been in previous years, mileage less and general condition better, most of the commonsense rules governing the choice of a satisfactory second hand car must still be obeyed by the cautious buyer. It is still possible to fake crocks for the open market, and the faker is always with us, even if his address is no longer in such fashionable regions as in older days. It is still the height of folly to buy any used car on sierht, unless it is the aroatety oFa Mend 6r offered to you by a firm of high standing and irreproachable antecedents in this particular matter of second hand dealing. Indeed, if you are looking to dealers for a bargain, it is always the best plan to leave it to your focal man to find and supply what you want It is of far greater moment to him that you should be satisfied than it can be to any other firm to whom your continued custom is not a bait.

HOW TO EXAMINE A USED CAR. Every used car that is strange to you must be suspected of a hard life in the hands of its previous owner or owners, and while you listen with sympathy to the story of its virtues and achievements, you should not be swayed by them. You are concerned solely with the symptoms of wear and ill-treatment of the kind that mean repair bills in the near future. Begin by examining the tyres, not necessarily for evidence of age but to assure yourself that the front wheels are tracking properly. It is not enough to look at the front tyres only. It is not inconceivable that if these have worn unevenly the owner may, at the last moment, have shifted them to the back wheels, giving the front ones an equally worn pair. Uneven wear means wheels out of alignment and, in addition to rapid tyre destruction, heavy and unsafe steering.

STEERING AND QUICK STARTING. •■■Steering gears nowadays wear far better tham they did even a few years ago, b»t you should still satisfy yourself tkat there is no noticeable slackness anywhere. Pay special attention to the condition of the stub-axles and the joints at either end of the distaaee rod. You should be able to

judge of the condition of the springs Dy eye , "set" springs or cracked leaves usually giving the car a visible list.

Start the engine from cold and take careful note of what preparations are necessary for this operation—flooding, strangling, pre-heating by means of hot water in the radiator or poured over the inlet (what memories are called upon by the sight of that steaming kettle spout!) and so on. A reluctant starter is usually a bad, choice, particularly if much winter driving is done. As soon as the engine is running listen for the regular short hiss that betrays a serious compression leak. If you hear it, make a note of it but do not condemn the car immediately. It may be that the pistons are purposely a slack fit and when the engine is warm the blow-past may disappear. If at the end of your trial run, it can still be heard you would be well advised to look for another car. The leasft you can expect is excessive oil consumption.

CHOOSE A FAMILIAR TEST ROUTE. As soon as the engine is warm take the car out on to the road, if possible along a stretch with which you are familiar, and drive it gently until you are satisfied that it is in a fit condition to be fully tested. Then drive at or near the maximum speed claimed on all gears, keeping a lookout for undue vibration or, what is worse, periodic thrash. Notice also whether there is any drumming or tremor on the over-run, when the car is slowing down against the throttle. By the time you have satisfied yourself that your favourite hill is properly disposed of and that reasonably swift changes up and down can be made at high speeds, you will be iamiliar with the working noises of the engine and be able to distinguish between what is permissible and what i s no t—such as excessive valve-clat-ter or gudgeon pin knock. The latter, as also big-end looseness, may most conveniently be detected by driving a short way uphill on too high a gear.

Be careful to make sure that the brakes work readily and are in good condition. You can usually judge of the wear on the linings by the position of the adjustments on the rods or cables, and by the pedal travel. Take note of the behaviour of the car over rough surfaces and at high speeds, and make sure that it steers lightly and easily in all circumstances. Finally, go over the bodywork carefully, in search of wear that may lead to expense, and verify the working of the electric 6utnt, particularly of the lights control whether of the dip and switch, dim only, or whatever system may be adopted. Do not forget the screen wiper, the speed indicator, the ftael gauge and the ammeter.