As some of you probably know, I recently applied for Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income. This was a demoralizing decision for me to make, and I put it off for a couple of years, but the time has come.
The Social Security Administration sent me a letter saying that I need to get a "statement of value from a knowlegable source" for my only car, my white 78 Pinto sedan. I made a trip (difficult when you have agorophobia) to a couple of car dealers, most of them were polite (except the Ford dealer that sold the car new) and smiled and said that they haven't seen one in 20 years. I met a salesman that sold them new in 1974. We had fun chatting, but he had no idea what the car would be worth.
What is the best way to prove the value? It's not a show car, it's just a daily driver, but it presents well. I don't want it to be appraised too high, because I don't want to risk having to sell it. I discussed with my caseworker, and told her I thought the car was worth about $1800. She said that would be ok, but I still need the 'statement'. The glass is good, the paint is a 2 1/2 out of 5, it runs-drives-stops, and all the lights work. The tires have less than 10k miles. It has aftermarket wheels and a cd player, but is otherwise stock. Any advice would be helpful!
Thanks!
Chuck
do you have a carmax in your area? they will give you a price for the car in writing. it wont be a trade in price as they will buy cars without you purchasing one of theirs. of course you probably wont see a price of 1800. id think much less.
A good appraiser will help you out , tell them what you need it for your SSI application. I too have gone down that road last year for SSI and was denied because of multiple cars, trucks, boats and campers. Maybe a body shop can help you out with a price. I'm also am awaiting for the SS hearing later this April so GOOD luck. Later Doug
www.nada.com
classic cars catagory
then look up ypu car
PRICING
Original MSRP: $3,629 Low Retail Average Retail Value High Retail
Base Price $750 $1,575 $2,150
Options
4 Cylinder Engine -15% -15% -15%
TOTAL PRICE $638 $1,339 $1,828
this is what i came up with
area would have some affect on the price as well i found one in my area that shoud have been below low retail but the wanted high retail.
tou couls also try kelly blue blook but they always run very high (insurance adjuster told me that.)
Phil
Thanks for the advice guys. I'll probably take Phil's solution and go the online route and print it out.
Chuck