New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-03-21
MANY PITFALLS IN
BUYING USED CARS
Automobile "Gyp' Is Com
mon, and His Methods
Are Extremely Clever.
REPUTABLE DEALERS
ARE MUCH WORRIED
Would Welcome Remedy for
Pest Who Has Brought Disre-
pute on Their Business.

The motor car "gyp," an evolution
of the horse trader of other days, is
reaping q harvest in New York and
other large cities these days. His
operations in dsposinE of secondhand
cars are so skilfulIy carried out that
legitimate dealers II. this line are
seeking means for his elimination be-
fore the faith of the public in used
cars is too greatly shaken.
The original horse traders by pro-
fession were ypsies. In some parts
OF the country their caravans are still
to be seen, and almost invariably the
outfit includes at least one decrepit
horse, which is used for trading, with
the hope that better one may be
obtained. or that a bonus may b.
forthcoming 10 close the deal. The
term applied TO those who emulatcd
these peregrinators was "gyps:"
The "gyp" in the horse-trading line
is probably still in existence. but Of
& certainty the modern "Gyp" is here.
He specializes in secondhand motor
cars, and to greater profit and with
greater skill than the horse trader
ever displayed.
The trading proposition of the gypsy
was always far from sound, and fire.
ouently suffered from most Of the ills
to which horses arc heir. II was said
that the professional trader could so
doctor a horse for display that there
would be almost no sign Of sprung
knees, spawn, splints and other trou-
bles. Not always, however.
The motor car "gyp," on the other
hand, can take anything on four wheels
and accomplish, if necessary, a tenn
porary miracle. Under his deft han
ding worn down cylinders and pistons
are suddenly brought together and COM
preston seems nearly perfect; gears
that have shrieked and ratified begin TO
purr like a satisfied feline, nuts are
frightened so that other noises disap-
pear, and the victim gets a demonstra-
/ tion that is really gripping.
For those who invest in used cars
/ there is no royal road to satisfaction,
but the chances Of disappointment can
be measurably avoided. Reputable
dealers in new cars find it necessary to
trade in used cars in order to make
+ sales. Usually they allow only what
they consider the value of the old ma
chine. and sell it for the same amount,
or even q little less, to avoid tying
up capital.
In MANY cases dealers in new cars
take in used cars Of the make they sell
and have the old material overhauled
in their service quarters or shipped 10
the factory for the same purpose. These
cars are then sold with a guarantee,
usually Of a year. Such q car, IN the
opinion Of experts, makes the safes
purchase for the man who can BRING nc
technical knowledge to bear on what Is
offered to him. And, by the way, oig
percentage of motorists start with
secondhand cars, fearing the cohse-
ouences Of ineXperience. ~
There are also dealers who handle
nothing but used cars and who have
cspital invested in quarters and stock
Most of these do more or less over,
hauling of the cars they take in and
/ eve value for the money received
Here there is a fair guarantee OF value
tboueb possibly not of satisfaction
! The car that is brought in usually mas
] Something the matter with 1t, and me
/ trouble may recur after it leaves the
The "gyp" is none Of these that has
hem described His Office IS usually
ynder his hat. and his place Of business
;e as variable as the breeze. lie knows
| The used car field thoroughly, has a
good eye for values. and the me o'
cars he "handles" includes every type
rnnabout. touring cars of all passenger
capacities, limousines, etc
! lie sees. for instance, fairly goon
looking touring car of the vintage OF
/ io11 in the hands Of dealer. How
INCH ." he asks. "I1l sell 1t for 5000;
The dealer answers. A discussion iol-
lows: there may be two or three VlsltS'
ord The dealer, anxious TO make sale,
al last agrees to sell for S9oV, ~ !.
see" the customer says: tnlhk II
viii lust suit friend of mine"
The next day the offering IS blaT,
oned. private party compelled TO sen
his 1914 car, cost $4,000, for Sl'OoO;
complete equipment; looks Ike new
etc A. Sharp. Hotel Pluto" lie hires
a room. the lowest in price, at the hotel
FAMED and the trap is set. Must be
ali right. if he lives at that hotel" the
bargain hunter soliloquizcs. lie calls
ooh yes" the "gyp" says. Ny car
;s down at Mr.. So-and-So's shop. !
thought he might find a customer.
WeTI 90 there" They reach the
dealers place, and the "gyp" talks
gliblv about the bargain. My chauf-
four kept her in perfect condition ne
AYERS. "Of course, the tires are worm
but they'll run for long time yet. !
suppose I'm crazy 10 let her go Al that'
And so on. But he'll take $500, and
from that down. but it must be cash
| When these sales are made the dealer
has 10 hear the complaints, but IN SELF