Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-01-25
AUTO OWNERHS|P
COSTS ARE SHOWN
Accurate Upkeep Record
Kept for Benefit of Aver
age Car Driver.
BY WALTER S. LEWIS.
In the American Motorist,

In the American Motorist.
A few owners of automobiles have
some definite knowledge Of the costs
entering into the operation of their
cars, but the great majority of peo-
pie who own pleasure cars are little
aware of the expense of their upkeep.
Some will argue that the expense is
high, while others insist it is low.
After hearing many discussions on
this subject for several years, the writer
of this article decided to keep a record
of each item of expense, as well as
other important things incident TO the
operation of an automobile. When a
new machine was purchased, therefore,
an accurate record was kept of all costs
during the first five years of ownership.
This length of time was considered a
reasonable period in which to arrive at
some definite conclusions.
Purchase Cost SI,525.
The car upon which operating ex-
penses were recorded was purchased,
fully equipped, at cash price of $1,525.
This car was the usual type of its class
"a 6-cylinder roadster-and was driven
for pleasure by my wife as we'll as my
self Although both of us had driven
cars before, we would be called average
drivers. 1t should be said, however
that this machine was kept in first
class condition, and when any trouble
occurred it was placed in the hands of
a skilled mechanic. There was seldom
any occasion for this and, except to
take out the spark plugs every six
months to give them a thorough clean
ing. never attempted to do anything
with the engine or other parts OF the
machine.
For instance, at the beginning of a
new year there may have been large
supply of good motor oil and gas
oline left in the machine from the
previous year. These were used in the
succeeding year. but their costs were
charged to the preceding year. More
ever, the prices paid for oil and gaso-
line not only varied considerably dur
ing the five-year period, but these COM
n1odities were used for different lengths
of time depending upon their quality
Variations Noted
The variation in the annual cost of
insurance was occasioned by a greater
or less number of kinds of items COW
cred and the refunds obtained from
the insurance company. These refunds
amounted to IS per cent of the total
costs during the last three years.
With reference to "other expenses"
the cost of upkeep increases as a car
second year the valves were ground
the battery was recharged and sealed
and a new tire was purchased; the
third year, in which the maximum Is
shown, two new tires and a storage bat
terry were required, worn rubber parts
we're replaced, bolts were frightened and
the entire machine was cleaned and adj
justed; in the fourth year new tire
and two inner tubes were purchased,
the water pump and speedometer were
repaired and the battery recharged, while
during the fifth year all mechanical
parts were cleaned and adjusted, the
valves were ground, new brake Innings,
piston rings and spark plugs were sub
stituted for the old ones and new tires
were also purchased.
Depreciation Considered.
Depreciation is a most important
item and should be taken into consider
alton In all calculations pertaining to
the running expenses Of an automobile.
At the end of the first year this car
was taken to two automobile dealers,
who stated that $500 would be allowed
for 1t; hence the depreciation was $500.
The cars value at the end Of each sue
ceeding year was obtained in the man.
ner described above, and by adding the
previous yearly values the depreciation
for a particular year was ascertained.
After the f1ve-year period the total
depreciation was 1850. and as the
original cost was 81 ,525 the car was
then worth SITS.
The principal reason for decreased
mileage each succeeding year was be-
cause the car was driven less and less
to my place of business, mainly on ac-
count of the parking difficulties. It
should be stated, however, that in the
Spring and Fall of each year vacation
trips were made watch in some in
stances covered more than 1900 miles.
These trips included rather distant
points from Washington, D c., such as
New England and the States of New
York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia,
Tennessee and North Carolina, where
many miles Of mountainous and rugged
roads were encountered. During the
fifth year the car was driven to within
200 feet of the summit Of Mount
Mitchell, N. c., the height Of which is
gill feet. 1t will thus be noted that
this automobile received much hard
usage, and as it was driven in Winter
as well as in Summer, and almost every
day during this five-year period. it was
subjected to the conditions of most cars
driven by the usual motorist.