getting an appraisal, looking for a few tips...

[bigpapajoe]

hey all, im finally getting an appraisal on my 87 alfa veloce, and want it to be in as good of a condition it can be when they come to look at it.

1) I just installed a new top, and the rear window is clear. The only problem, there are minor "crinkles" (kinda like dings) in the window when it is latched. My dad said to put it out in the sun for a day and itll fix it, but I was wondering if that was good advice...is what is happening to my window normal? things to do to prevent it?

2) my seats are all beat up, but will be replacing them in December...is it better to cover them with a towel neatly or just leave them how they are?

3) some of the lights in my console have burnt out. was planning on changing them out in december. does this really matter, or should i do it now?

maybe im paranoid but these are things i was wondering anyway...now is just the time I need to know

thanks!
Joe

[he3r0]

3) some of the lights in my console have burnt out. was planning on changing them out in december. does this really matter, or should i do it now?

depending whitch lights.
i will be concerned if my oil pressure indicator was
burned out, or ehx sensor,

[bigpapajoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by he3r0 3) some of the lights in my console have burnt out. was planning on changing them out in december. does this really matter, or should i do it now? depending whitch lights. i will be concerned if my oil pressure indicator was burned out, or ehx sensor,

[powerdoc]

Why the appraisal? Think of it like a house, you want the foundation and the walls to be sturdy; appliances can be replaced at a price, but if the foundation is cracked you have to rebuild it. When you look at a car to buy, at what do you look?

[redalfalvr]

I'm guessing you're getting the appraisal for "classic car"insurance...

That being said:

1) "crinkles" in the new rear widow could just be from shipping. The plastic was folded in the box and it may take a while for the folds to work their way out. Also, when I had to replace my top (never hit the back window to dislodge ice when it's 20 degrees outside), none of the local upholstery shops wanted to do it because, "alfas never look right...".

2) If you throw a towel over the seats, they may lift the towel to look and think you're trying to hide something. Just tell them you're going to replace the upholstry and offer to send them pictures when you get it done.

3) A few indicator lights that would be expected to burn out now and then shouldn't matter.

Good luck :-)

[bigpapajoe]

redalfalvr has got it right, its for the insurance

thanks for all the help, guess im just kinda nervous...

regards,
joe

[Alfa8486]

Joe,

We had our '86 appraised last year for insurance by an appraiser who specialized in classic cars. Here are a few thoughts that might help:

• Have all your receipts available as well as a list of what you've fixed/replaced.
• Skip the towel over the seats or seat covers entirely. If you have an example of what you're going to recover them with, have that available.
• Don't worry about the interior lights. The appraisal wasn't like a safety inspection at all. He primarily wanted to see the condition of the car, whether all the parts were there, took a look at the engine bay, trunk, etc.

We spent a good hour talking cars and the appraisal itself was very informal. I got the feeling he was more interested in how serious/committed we were to the car, so given your concern, you'll probably do quite well.

Let us know how it turns out!

[espresso veloce]

What is the advantage of "classic car" insurance on an '86 Spider as a daily driver? I am also thinking about consolidating my insurance, as I have 3 vehicles with 3 companies.

Tim

[RedSpider]

I'm not sure you have any advantage or even leverage with an appraisal with your regular/ordinary vehicle insurance policy. They're going to give you "book" value unless you have some special rider set up. But, if you have one of the companies that insure for stated value and the value of the car is beyond what would ordinarily be expected for your particular vehicle an appraisal will help. Some of these companies may even require an appraisal up front if you think the vehicle is worth more than the company thinks it is. In any case, with stated value, it would be good to have an appraisal as well as photos.

Best advice: get quotes from several companies. You'd be surprised at the difference in rates. On the other hand, most companies that insure special interest (classic/exotic) cars are in the same ball park. They do, however, differ quite a bit on the use and storage of the vehicle.

[bigpapajoe]

ah, I forgot to mention how it went...

I personally think the appraiser appreciated its rareness, and that was reflected in the price he gave...

But just for good measure I want to see what y'all think about it. For my s3 spider veloce whose paint and overall condition is in perfect condition (minus a ripped seat and a minorly bumped nose from the PO), 52k miles and quality sound system -

$11,500...More than twice of what I paid for it...

good or bad outcome?

[rogerspeed]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigpapajoe ah, I forgot to mention how it went... I personally think the appraiser appreciated its rareness, and that was reflected in the price he gave... But just for good measure I want to see what y'all think about it. For my s3 spider veloce whose paint and overall condition is in perfect condition (minus a ripped seat and a minorly bumped nose from the PO), 52k miles and quality sound system - $11,500...More than twice of what I paid for it... good or bad outcome?

[bigpapajoe]

thats exactly what Ive been thinking...higher cost higher insurance... But I guess since its purpose was to come up with a value in case someone slams into me and totals my car it gives me something to bargain with, Its not too shabby...but then again, thinking about how much itll cost to maintain is kinda on the "11,000 reimbursed as opposed to the 20,000 paid" side.

guess well have to see how much the cost goes up

[Hooligan]

That's terrific. That kind of car goes for about $6-8k on eBay nowadays. At this point, it probably won't depreciate THAT much more...

[rmatteo]

Joe,

You should double check whether your policy is "stated value" or "agreed value". If the policy is agreed value, you'd get the $11,500 if there was a loss. If it is a stated value, $11,500 is really a cap, as you'd get the lesser of the stated value or the actual value of the car.

[MrT]

Ooooh, what a subtle difference. Sort of like a snake bite.