Is the most convenient and cheapest way of proceeding.
Carriages are usually hired for such a time as they may be expected to last in Fashion, that is for about four or five years.
A One Horse Chaise with Two Wheels may be jobbed for £20. to £40. per Annum.
A Four Wheel Chaise from £30. to £50.
The present charge for the hire of a Coach or Chariot, (see Estimate No. IX.), Landau or Landaulett, and Harness, per Annum, is from £60. to £100. One year of which is paid in advance.
Coachmakers will build a New Carriage for this purpose, and finish it to your own fancy; exactly the same as if you were to purchase it, and will paint it at the end of two or three years, if you hire it for a longer period.
Persons who constantly require the use of a Carriage will do wisely to Hire, and not for a longer period than Three or Four Years. The frequent Repairs which are constantly wanting to Older Carriages, occasion many Inconveniences, although the expenses of them are avoided by Hiring.
Carriages are never better built than those which are made expressly to be let on a Job. A Coachmaker takes care to choose materials and workmen of the best kind for his own sake, to avoid those subsequent charges, which, as has been observed before, constitute the evil of inferior Carriages.
Mem. In the Agreement for Hiring, stipulate for the option of purchasing the Carriage at the end of the First Year, at a certain Sum, i. e. if the original price was £300., and you paid £80. per Annum, for £220. After a Year’s wear, you will be able to see pretty clearly what kind of a Carriage you have got, and whether it is worth purchasing.
Harness is usually engaged with the Carriage, which is kept in Wheels and all Repairs, excepting those which are required from Accidents.