Fourth.—What kind of service does the agency in your vicinity give? Do they take any interest in the cars they sell after they are in the hands of the purchaser?
Fifth.—The amount of interest taken in your purchase by the agent or service station usually determines the amount of depreciation at the end of the season.
Sixth.—If you are purchasing your first car some little adjustments will be required, and conditions will arise that require understanding and attention. You, therefore, must acquire either a functional and mechanical knowledge of the operation, or depend on the agent or service station for help.
Seventh.—You will probably say that you can get along without such help. You probably can, but what will be the results? Will you be required to stand a loss in the long run resulting from excessive repair bills and depreciation which could have been prevented to a great extent?
Eighth.—Remember that an agent can fool you when you are buying, but that you cannot fool him if you wish to sell or trade in.
Ninth.—Remember that this book, The Automobile Owners’ Guide, was written to assist you in just such cases as we have presented, and that by spending a little time in study you can acquire a working knowledge of your car, and become independent of the service station and the agent, which will result in a big saving in both repair bills and depreciation.
PURCHASING A USED CAR
How to Estimate Its Value
The question is often asked, Does it pay to invest money in a second-hand car? The answer may be either yes or no, and depends entirely upon the condition of the car.
For example, A and B purchase a new car at the same time. A is rather conservative. He is also a careful driver and gives his car the best of attention. B is a careless driver and pays little or no attention to adjustments and lubrication.
A has seen to proper lubrication and has kept the parts properly adjusted and tightened up, and his careful driving has kept the alignment in perfect condition. His car at the end of the first season requires a little overhauling which will put it in as good condition as it was when it was new as far as service is concerned, and it is worth 85 to 90 per cent of its original value.