How to value a vehicle... help?

[Land Rover Widow]

Hi Everyone,
I'm wondering if you might be able to help. As always, the back story. My late partner, Simon, died in 2011. Due to a family member being quite difficult the matter of resolving his estate has been very complex and drawn out.

I was under the impression that we would be able to retain possession of one of his vehicles, a series 2a that was bought with the view to keeping, restoring and eventually being passed to our son. It was purchased just before Lucas' first birthday as Simon's gift to him, this was a month before Simon died. I've been advised that due to the estate being insolvent all assets need to be sold, including vehicles registered in his name (obviously it can't be registered in a minor's name so we left it in Simon's). While I don't think 99% of people would dispute the vehicle being meant for Lucas, that one family member would. After consulting a lawyer we have agreed that if we are to retain it I need to purchase it from the estate at a market appropriate rate.

That's where I am stuck. The series has been neglected. It's not as beautiful as it was when purchased (I want to say for about 3k). The tyres are degraded/flat, it isn't running and no it's not just the battery. The keys have disappeared somewhere in the four house moves since his death. I also can't find similar vehicles for sale locally to see what others are asking.
Edited to add, it is unregistered and would not pass the inspection in it's current condition. When purchased it was registered and running

This is the vehicle as it looked in 2011...unfortunately I don't have recent pictures and it's in storage
DSC_0247.jpg Photo by LSD_AUTO | Photobucket (http://s1141.photobucket.com/user/LSD_AUTO/media/series109/DSC_0247.jpg.html)

Sentimental value aside, what is a fair price to pay?

Sarah

[Bearman]

Hi Sarah, Sorry to hear of the situation you are in. Unfortunately estate distribution seems to bring out the worst in some family members. I am no expert in valuing and I would imagine that the executor would want something in writing from a person with suitable qualifications/experience in dealing with land rover buying/selling. Maybe someone in your area will advise of a reputable dealer or mechanic who could do it. Just my personal opinion, but I would think that if the vehicle is in the state you describe it will not be worth anywhere near the amount you paid for it initially. It does look nice in the original photos and the "plus 35" badge on the grille indicates it could be a relatively rare vehicle, but don't tell the family member that. Good luck and hope it works out well.....Brian

[JDNSW]

You will certainly need a value from a "professional" who has some status to satisfy the 'difficult' person.

A good place to look may well be an insurance assessor - there are probably some locally associated with motor insurers. These are required to value vehicles for insurance companies to decide whether to write off or repair. Any motor insurer should be able to give you some names, or perhaps even in the phone book. I have no idea what they would charge, but if you give your story, I suspect many would be reasonable, although having to pay something will give credibility to the amount.

It is, as you probably realise, very difficult to get a realistic value on anything such as a Series Landrover, since the market is very 'thin', but an insurance assessor will be accustomed to going on the low side, which is probably what you want.

John

[strangy]

Perhaps a call to Shannon's insurance could help.
They could at least:
1/ Suggest a market value regardless of being unregistered.
2/ Offer an appraisal to satisfy estate.
3/ provide a contact for an appraisal if they are unable to help.

[jimr1]

My mate' neighbor died a while back , he also had an old series 2a in his shed , he brought It as a project . His wife wanted to get rid of just recently . Now his son thought It was worth $5,000 . So my mate phoned me and asked me . My question was does It run ? No It's in bits , I said if anyone pays that , they must have rocks in there head . In the end they got an offer of $1,500 . He asked me what did I recone . I told him to tell her to take the money with both hands . For me even that was too much !!..Jim :)

[LandyAndy]

Hi Sarah.
Great to hear from you again.
Its really low of the family if they cant let you have that Landy for Lucas.
In reality one could say its worth nothing as its not going/neglected.However its in great condition for its age and an enthusiast will pay good money for it(perhaps remove that plus 35 badge;););) and replace it later).I wouldnt use Shannons,they could value it too high.Perhaps ring an old school Landy expert,Im thinking Kevin Falconbridge(Rovatech Bently).Perhaps he could help with a written evaluation of its worth more to help you,ie low price $1500 or something,plus an estimate to make it roadworthy.It could be enough to satisfy the vampires in the estate.:(:(:(:(:(:(
How are you and Lucas going???? Hoping your new relationship has worked out.
Andrew