How to Get Sports Car Appraisals

A sports car is a big investment, particularly those from manufacturers like Porsche or Jaguar. You pay not just for top performance but the pinnacle in luxury as well. How much your car is worth in the coming years should be a concern, however, since some models will become prized collector's items while others will fade into obscurity. Get appraisals for your sports car from time to time to see its rise or decline in value.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sports car

1. Visit a dealership and have it appraised by one of the dealers there. Many dealerships have trained professionals who can tell you the approximate value of your sports car. Just be sure to differentiate between a true appraisal and a trade-in value.

2. Get your sports car appraised by an insurance company. This holds two benefits: you get your car appraised for its current value, and you get your car insured! It's always advisable to get a second appraisal from an independent appraiser, however, so you can compare quotes. This is especially true when you are looking for insurance from a number of competing providers.

3. Provide a complete list of customizations for your sports car. If, for example, you've had a lot of modifications done to your car then you need to provide information about those modifications. Any change beyond those that are considered standard for your sports car can have a profound impact on its value.

4. Exhibit your sports car at a car show. Car shows are known for having appraisers in attendance, and some may even be interested in helping you appraise your car on the spot.

5. Head to the home page of the National Automobile Dealer's Association (see Resources below). The NADA website offers one of the most complete collections of resources for car owners, including links to appraisals in your area, as well as Kelley Blue Book values for a wide variety of sports cars.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your sports car in the best condition possible. The better its condition the longer it will hold its value. Cars from makers like BMW, for example, can hold their value very well over the years, provided they are well maintained.
• If you're going to get your sports car appraised by an insurance company's appraiser, get a second opinion. This isn't to suggest that all insurance companies are going to take advantage of your car's exceptional value and overcharge you on your insurance, but it's good to know how disparate both quotes could be.

Resources

• Get quotes and appraisals from the National Automobile Dealer's Association
• RSportsCars for Sports Cars, Fast Cars & Cool Cars