NOTES FOR THE OWNER-

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 11 May 1929, Page 3

NOTES FOR THE OWNER-

DRIVER

SECOND-HAND CARS

ADVICE TO THE UNWARY BUYER

(By n Special Correspondent.)

The second-hand car market is notable for two things: (1) It cun yield some of the most wonderful bargains in cars that it is possible to imagine; (2) it can let a purchaser in for as nasty an old crock as it is possible to imagine. Having thus outlined broadly the uneven possibilities of the sec-ond-hand car market, an attempt may be made to indicate the best way of avoiding unpleasant possibility No. 2 and of attempting to achieve pleasant possibility No. 1. To begin with, the advice cannot be too often reiterated that the only safe method of buying a. second-hand car in the “open market” that is, publicly offered for sale, is to deal only with a reputable firm —• preferably a local one. The advantage in dealing with a local man is obvious —he is always on the spot to rectify any matter coming within the scope of fair dealing. Naturally the local dealer cannot be expected to do much for a car costing the purchaser about £2;“>, for which no sane dealer would give his guarantee, but it may he assumed tluit if this guarantee is forthcoming for any used car, the purchaser will be fairly dealt with if serious faults develop. The first tiling to he remembered by the second-hand cai purchaser is, therefore, that if a dealer will not guarantee the car he sells, for a period—usually six months—it is a vehicle that is dear at any price. SOME OE THE RISKS Some of the dangers that are run by the unwary buyer of used cars may be illustrated as a stern warning. It is not generally known that tlieie exists in London a fraternity of niotoi traders” who buy cars (to sell again afterwards at a profit) merely on the strength of the engine’s note as tlio car passes their stance. If the engine docs not clank too much they know they can dispose of the car with advantage to themselves to some buyer with more money than common sense. These old mechanical crocks are smartened lip with paint to hide .tlicii senility and various “rejuvenators” are applied to the mechanism. That telltale indication of had wear, a noisy gear-box is disguised by the intiodiiction of heavy oil, while leaky indicators are temporarily induced to hold water with the aid of sawdust. The great aim is to make the car pass muster till the cheque is paid over. If it docs go to pieces the next day there is no restitution for there is no warranty. Yet people buy such cars and imperil their own and other people’s lives on the road by running them. In addition to the safeguards provided by purchasing a car from a reputable dealer, the second-hand market may be confidently approached in two other ways.

WHEN BUYING IS SAFE

One of these is to buy a car, the previous history of which is known to the prospective purchaser. I'or instance, there are cases of people witlion one’s own circle of acquaintances who dcH ire to sell their car to buy a newer model. If the same man has had the ear in his possession since it was new and it has not been involved in any bad accidents—an accident sufficient, for instance, to strain the chassis badly —it is usually safe to buy it. In this connection, however, the prospective purchaser will do well to compare tlie price asked with tlie price of a new car. Obviously there is no point in paying £IOO for a second-hand car, when a new car, free cf all possible “snags” can be purchased for a few pounds more.

EXPERT GUIDANCE

Perhaps the best way of proceeding to buy a second-hand car is to obtain an impartial examination of the vehicle selected by an expert. Such an examination can be obtained from any firm of motor engineers at a fee to be agreed upon. This small additional cost to the purchase price is money well spent, for the expert will not only indicate whether the car is worth the money, hut will he able to estimate its probable further span of useful life. But the best advice that can he given to those who contemplate the purchase, of a second-hand ear, is to change their mind and liny a new one instead.