The Mail-Journal, Volume 13, Number 14, Milford, Kosciusko County, 28 April 1976 — Page 27

Trade-in value of car can increase

High car prices aren’t always bad. That’s a statement most would agree with when they are selling their own cars as used. In most cases, the elevated prices of new cars have had a corresponding hike in the value of the used vehicle. This is particularly so when the older car appeals to a buyer. An expert w»y* A survey of professional buyers who work for new and used car dealerships revealed some “tricks of the trade ' that help them determine prices of cars. Said one expert, ’ A used car that’s in top condition can bring as much as SSOO more than a nearly identical car that’s been neglected. In fact, if the neglect is severe enough, the trade-in may have virtu- J ally only scrap value — even if it's a fairly late model car ” Physical looks of the car are important but appear ance must be more than cosmetic deep, another expert claimed. A fresh paint job might look nice at first glance but if it's hiding damage, it could hurt the sale. Do it promptly His advice, “As soon as a minor bump, nick or rust spot appears have it attended to by a good pro fessional repair man." Also, keeping a car clean at all times is the best protection against premature paint wear. Again, if you do need a paint job, a

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quality job by a well-equip-ped shop could pay off at trade-in time. * Engine rendition * Engine condition is the next most suspect question of the potential buyer. A Pennsylvania used car man remarked. “I have a lot of customers who are trading in older cars because they are having chronic starting trouble. And you can bet the first thing they look for in their newer purchase is starting ease. Investing in a good set of plugs and making sure the battery is operating strong is a good investment before trade-in.” Have a check done A California used car dealer advised, “ i A reverse twist on an old habit could bring in extra dollars, too. Smart buyers want to have their mechanics look over a car before they purchase to make sure there aren’t any obvious and expensive defects. As a private seller, you might be smart to have your mechanic look over the car to take care of defects like obvious oil leaks that could kill a sale." A Florida dealer says the first look a prospective customer gets at a car may be the most critical one. On that basis, it would pay the owner either to send his car to a professional reconditioner or be prepared to exert a little extra elbow grease of his own.

Naturally, the car should be cleaned and pol ished, inside and out. Upholstery should be cleaned I with a good shampoo, glass and metal surfaces made spotless. » Gauge* and tight*, too A gauge that is not operating or a light that is out can stick out like a sore thumb. It may cost , only a matter of a few dollars to repair an item that could squelch the whole deal. An Indiana salesman says, “Level with the buyer. and do both yourself and the future owner a favor.” p (Solution for page 8 crossword' » 'starts sparks HIGHON NE W O I L o rJm our nBo t o E e BP a w n||c oß|v w H C sJBI S I NG O L A vWb V A i Ha m p NO Nji I E S SMS E E IN oBAiYsIF. t.N T SOTO S|A E S c fßh T B* 6 B jM B 8 O R O||e I LJ NBfkA o RET I.R-I. *. I . C . A . RS PETTY S TRUSTY Kilometers as well as miles on late models Due to Canada's Conversion and pending U.S. conversion to the Metric system, some of the new 1976 model speedometers are calibrated to show both miles per hour and kilometers per hour. A kilometer is approxi mately 60 per cent of a mile. The needle indicators on the new' models show both at a glance: miles in black and kilometers in blue.

Are your wipers in good shape?

As with so many other vital components on your car. your windshield wipers are most likely to fail just when you need them the most — like during the next storm. In the summer, heat, smog, and even your service station attendant's windshield washer spray are working together to reduce the efficiency of your wiper system. It's no wonder, aftf r sitting quietly on your windshield and deteriorating day-in and day-out. that they often fail to do their job. Check when raining The best time to check your windshield wiper system is during a rainstorm. Or you can check it the next time you go through a car wash. Yqu can also perform a good check while someone sprays your windshield with a garden hose. However you choose to check your wipers, you should check them on both the fast and slow speeds. If any trouble symptoms are present, you should replace as much of your wiper system as is necessary’ to eliminate the problem In many casts, all that is needed are new squeegees (the rubber parts that contact the windshield'. Replace both blades When you do replace all or part of your wiper blades, make sure you replace both sides at the same time. If one wiper is shot, it’s a good bet the

other one is about to go, too. Safe vision during hazardpus road conditions is too important to risk for a few dollars. Here are five visible or audible indicators that will signal the need for attention to your windshield wipers. Clear driving vision is especially important during the bad weather season. Check for the following signs of malfunctioning: 1. STREAKING — arcs of unwiped moisture within the wiping area. 2. HAZING -a thin, hard-to-see-through film covering most or all of the wiping area even after the blade has just been wiped. 3. CHATTERING -a "stuttering” motion of the blade accompanied by a “chattering" noise as the blade sweeps across the windshield, with some areas left unwiped. 4 SCALLOPING —a ragged outer edge in the wiping pattern. 5. RATTLING — no visible signs of problems, but the wiper blade sounds as if it were very loose. Can be reduced or eliminated by switching to polycarbonate blades. I \NECESSARY IDLING of the motor gets you nowhere. yet it consumes fuel. Waiting for the wife or the kids to be picked up, with the motor running, is an example. Let your conscience be your guide here.