The purpose of this post is to ask if any members in the Memphis area can point me to a qualified individual that can provide appraisal service on an 87 El Camino. It is part of an estate and I need to get an accurate value assigned to the vehicle for the estate settlement.

Thanks for you help.

Larry
87elkychoo

Larry,
I take it the '87 is located in Memphis?

Yes it is. Well, actually in Millington, just north of Memphis on Hwy 51.
Larry

Sorry, I was hoping it was between Memphis and Chattanooga so I could help. I guess it's just outside the Naval Air Station in Millington, TN.

It's a tough shot to Memphis from Chattanooga. Basically you have to go to Nashville and hang a left. It's about a five and a half hour drive each way.

If I were to offer you a Plan-B, it would be to print some of the Bethany Auto Sales Ads of their very clean, relatively high dollar, El Caminos and see if that would help set a value estimate. I'd add 20-25% for the Choo Choo package, assuming the Choo Choo Customs, Inc. "Recertification Sticker" is still intact. I've found that El Caminos/GMCs have much more interest/value in different areas of the U.S. (e.g., I don't believe they bring as much money in Tenn-KY-Ala-GA).

Just my opinion.
Good luck,
-dan

Dan,

Thanks for your reply. I certainly didn't want you to make that trip. I was hoping that there was someone in the area that could help out.

I have checked out the vehicles at Bethany and you're right they are priced high. This vehicle is not in excellent shape like the ones at Bethany. It had some hail damage that was repaired but now is showing some signs of corrosion under the bondo on the hood. The engine is new. The original only had 45,000 miles on it but was replaced by the Chevy dealer in Millington with a new GM engine about 8-10 yrs ago (4000 miles). The interior is good.

My guess is that with the body work that it needs and the standard rebuild items that it needs due to sitting out for 16 yrs like rubber, brakes, ball joints, rocker arms, shocks, etc. the vehicle would probably just be valued at "book". $3000-$3500.

I just wish that there was someone in the Millington area that could make an educated appraisal.

PS. you're right. it is just outside of what used to be Naval Air Station. My dad, my brother and I are all retired Navy. My dad still lives there but my brother and I are in Florida.

Thanks

Larry

Sounds like you've got a handle on it.
Thanks for your's, your dad's and your brother's service to this great country!
-dan
USNR (ret)

Dan,

Thanks for your reply. I certainly didn't want you to make that trip. I was hoping that there was someone in the area that could help out.

I have checked out the vehicles at Bethany and you're right they are priced high. This vehicle is not in excellent shape like the ones at Bethany. It had some hail damage that was repaired but now is showing some signs of corrosion under the bondo on the hood. The engine is new. The original only had 45,000 miles on it but was replaced by the Chevy dealer in Millington with a new GM engine about 8-10 yrs ago (4000 miles). The interior is good.

My guess is that with the body work that it needs and the standard rebuild items that it needs due to sitting out for 16 yrs like rubber, brakes, ball joints, rocker arms, shocks, etc. the vehicle would probably just be valued at "book". $3000-$3500.

I just wish that there was someone in the Millington area that could make an educated appraisal.

PS. you're right. it is just outside of what used to be Naval Air Station. My dad, my brother and I are all retired Navy. My dad still lives there but my brother and I are in Florida.

Thanks

Larry

I echo ElkySS in thanking you for your service!

and also, since I see you are in Florida, have you visited the Region 6 (Florida) forum yet? You should....we are planning a meet and greet Sept 18th at Old Town in Kissimmee, not far from you in Apopka, and all the details are there. This was postponed due to Hurricane Charley, so there is time for you to join us....

Larry,

I'm an estate and probate lawyer also admitted in Tennessee. It doesn't sound like the car is too terribly special. Are you looking for a legal answer to the question of who can appraise it? Or is this part of some sort of family settlement? To be honest on a car like that if I was the lawyer I'd either just go for the low book or get an affidavit from a used car manager at Dobbs or something.

A probate judge won't require a full bore "qualified" appraisal on a fairly pedestrian car. Something like that he may even let me appraise as an officer of the court, a member of NECOA, etc.

Brad