Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1914-08-30
HOW TO PICK OUT
MUCH USED CARS
List of Directions to Those
Buying Second Hand
Automobiles.

Edward Roskam, president of the
Roskam- Scott company of New York,
one of the pioneers in the used auto
mobile business, has prepared list of
directions for the benefit of those about
to purchase second hand cars. Mr..
Roskam states:
1.-THE constantly increasing demand
for used cars since 1900, especially
those of high grade make, encourages
me to believe that this branch of the
automobile business will soon outstrip
the sales record of new high<grade
cars.
Far sighted buyers, men who have
owned cars since the pioneer days, ap-
preciate the wisdom of purchasing a
high grade car which has had intelli
gent use at the hands of a former
owner. when such car can be bought
at great reduction from the original
purchase price.
ut will no doubt surprise the auto
mobile buying public to learn that used
cars are being exported in large num-
bers to the far east.
In the early years the automobile
buying public was very suspicious of
used cars and used-cafS dealers, but
today used-car concern with repu-
tation of handling high grade cars has
very little trouble convincing prospect
i've purchasers that they can safely in
vest in a used automobile.
In former years irresponsible deal
crs would overhaul a car with the fol-
lowing class of work:
when tightening up bearings, they
would use sheet tin for shimming.
which would last about so miles, after
which mileage the motor would be just
as noisy and would no doubt cause
more damage than without shims on
account OF the oil grooves being
clogged.
IN the case of a crack ed cylinder
7 they would use smooth on a prepare
ton which hardens quickly. but does
not last long.
Wheel bearings would be frightened
by using sheet-iron washers.
Timing gears would be quieted by
using graphite. grease. etc. which
would very often run into the crank
case and clog up the oil grooves. in
time burning out bearings etc. and
causing serious damage.
Unless abused, u late model car can
be easily repaired and put in first class
condition, providing nothing has been
damaged or broken. If the purchaser
OF used automobile viii take the car
in question for a demonstration. and
observe the following workings, he can
be very nearly satisfied as to the con-
dition OF the car:
First, let the denonstrator put the
ear in first speed, run it for Il short
distance, hear how 1t sounds, then shift
to second speed see how second speed
acts. then third, notice if third speed
is quiet or noisy. then fourth (Which
is generally direcD, notice how quiet
that is and whether it has any power
running on fourth.
Notice whether there is any play
in the driving shaft. by slowing down
and throwing in clutch.
Notice if motor knocks when slow
ing down and advancing to gas en-
high gear.
After above tests have been ma de,
stake ear to a grade, stop at the foot
of the hill and repeat the tests along
lines described above
1T is not essential to take heavy
grade on high. II it does the WORK on
second or third speed without an eff
fort you can very clearly determine
the capabilities of the car in question.
Jack up wheels and test wheel bearing
IF ear stands up under test as out
lined above, l see no reason Why a
man should go wrong. in purchasing it.
But lon't buy from any but a repu-
table house.
Don't buy a car unless ii has been
overhauled or is guaranteed perfect.
Don't buy a low priced. cheap car;
rather buy q new one as your loss will
be less when YOU want to sell
Don't buy Il car unless you are sure
Of clear title. as there are a great
many automobiles bought on the in
stallment plan and resold before the
mortgage has been liqufdated"