USED CARS IN DEMAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21251, 3 August 1932, Page 13

USED CARS IN DEMAND

A MARKED IMPROVEMENT BUYERS SEEK LIGHT MODELS MANY CASH DEALS COMPLETED A definite improvement in the demand for second-hand motor-cars, at prices ranging from £2O to £2OO, has occurred in Auckland in tho past few weeks, according to tho majority of agents in business in the city. Prices for used models are keen at present, and several agents reported that they had no difficulty whatever in disposing of all types of cars, with tho exception of the heavy American models, which arc difficult to sell on account of the higher running costs. " Business in second-hand cars is so good in Auckland and tho surrounding districts at present that there is almost a shortage of suitable types, particularly light closed cars in good order," an agent said yesterday. " Last week three local dealers went to Wellington in search of used car bargains, with the idea of bring- ;

ing them back to Auckland and reselling at a profit." Another firm reported that, since the peak period in December, 1929, when they had £9OOO to £IO,OOO worth of used cars in stock, they had reduced their holdings until at present they had less than £2OOO worth. Good used cars were no longer a drag on the market, as they had been a.year ago, but, if cheap, were readily saleable. Light motor-vans, up to 15c\vt., and light English cars, both open and closed, of recent models, were practically unprocurable. Dealers wero also selling freely light six-cylinder and most four-cylinder American cars, particularly the closed type. In the last three months, business in used cars had been steady, and thore had undoubtedly been a much keener inquiry in tho past few weeks. Prices were fairly low, and cars that a year ago would have bee|i offered at £l5O, were available at under £IOO. Tho type of deal being made at present was, generally, very satisfactory, an agent said. A surprisingly large number of purchasers were paying spot cash, and most of those who bought under hirepurchase agreements had . paid substantial deposits and had agreed to clear off tho balance in shorter periods than usual. People were not buying unless they could afford to do so. In English cars, there was a steady demand for models dating back to 1928. American open cars were not attracting buyers unless the price was very low, but the more economical type of American saloon was selling well to travellers. The greatest number of buyers were business men who found a car essential in their work, while middle-aged to elderly people, with comparatively small but assured incomes, were taking most of tho new light cars, or recent models with a few months' use. The position was summed up by an agent who said that " sane" transport was the order of the day. People were realising that they could buy a good used car cheap, and run it at little expense.