Wow,

Imagine going to Europe only to get a call that your sports car was wrecked by: your mechanic! Pinnacle Auto Appraisals can help with your insurance appraisal. 

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1065122_ferrari-f40-crashes-in-houston--update?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=outbrain

You do have the right to dispute the insurance company's offer.  If you are not satisfied with the settlement amount, please contact us.  You are entitled to fair market value of your vehicle.   More often than not, the insurance company will only offer Trade-in Value.  Is Trade-in Value the same as Fair Market Value? No its not.  You are entitled to the same amount if you were to sell your vehicle in the current retail market.  Please contact us for more details and to save yourself time and hassle with the insurance company.

We receieved several calls today regarding classic car inspections and all brought up a good questions.  Should you trust the person selling the vehicle?  Several times in the past month we have found problems with the vehicle that the seller did not inform the potential buyer about.  In Houston, TX we had a guy tell our customer there was no rust not even surface rust on the frame rails.  When we arrived at the location of the vehicle, everything looked fine from the engine to the interior.  Than we had the owner lift the car up and sure enough there was surface rust.  So than the certified appraiser started looking more into the rust; so he started pulling up carpet and trunk liner and found rust holes in the passenger floor pan.  This customer that hired us to inspect this vehicle lived in michigan.  With michigan weather this would not be a smart purchase as the rust will get worse over time.  In Dallas, TX we inspected an antique roadrunner.  The seller told the customer the paint was flawless, no surface scratches or chips anywhere.  The appraiser arrived at the location for inspection and found rust bumples underneath the rear glass and rock chips on the front of the hood.  Our client was looking for a show quality classic car.  With todays competition any flaw in the paint would cause a car show judge to deduct points off your total score.  In Denver, Colorado we inspected a classic truck that was supposibly "show car quality."  During inspection of the truck we found bolts with surface rust and carpet stained from the leaking evaporator core.  In San Antonio, TX a customer hired us to do a second inspection for him as the classic car dealership said it was in perfect condition.  During inspection found trunk near quarter panel was starting to rust and rear main seal was leaking down the oil pan.

The purpose of this post is to inform you to always trust your instinct and hire a certified classic car appraiser to inspect the vehicle.  For the few hundre dollars you spend on the inspection can save you thousands of dollars in repairs.  Please contact us and one of our certified auto appraiser will assist you.

When having a classic car appraisal you can also request a thorough vehicle inspection, covering everything from paint, body, interior, frame to suspension.  If the certified appraiser finds something wrong with the vehicle they should notify you by including their findings in the appraisal report.  If you only need an appraisal for insurance coverage or an auto loan, a certified appraiser can perform a value appraisal.  

http://autos.aol.com/photos/most-repaired-cars/?ncid=dynaldusaolp00000023

We're always seeing these types of cars in our appraisals and we thought this article from AOL hit on a few trends we see...lots of vehicles needing repairs, car in disrepair, and mechanic services.

Diminished Value - Tax Deductible? 

At Pinnacle Auto Appraisers we can assist you in determining the amount of loss you can claim as an itemized tax deduction on Form 4684 of your Federal tax return. The part of the diminished value not reimbursed by the insurance company is tax deductible; and in many cases the cost of the appraisal can also be claimed as an itemized deduction as well.  Contact Pinnacle Auto Appraisers today for more information!

Were you involved in an accident that was not your fault?  You may be entitled to loss of vehicle value due to the accident.  Diminished Value is value lost due to having an accident history versus owning a vehicle without an accident history.  One of our certified auto appraisers will provide you with a detailed report on the Diminished Value of your vehicle.  Time is limited on filing a Diminished Value claim; so don't waste anymore time.

If you are looking to increase your insurance coverage on your vehicle, the insurance company may require you to obtain a certified auto appraisal.   Usually this is done when the insurance company is unable to pull a book value on a vehicle.  This is more common on exotic and classic cars.

By Jim Gorzelany | Forbes.com – Thu, May 17, 2012 7:56 PM EDT

It doesn’t take a market research maven to determine that with gas prices still hovering around the $4.00 mark, fuel economy remains of paramount importance among new-car buyers. But what if your vehicular preferences run more toward the fast and the furious – can a true sports car be both entertaining to drive and fuel efficient?

The answer, surprisingly, is yes.

While the sports car market is still populated with plenty of gas-guzzlers, there are a number of models – some of which are among the quickest rides on the road – that boast downright decent fuel economy.

And while it could be said that anyone who’s able to afford a costly sports car could well absorb sky-high gasoline prices, consider the environmental effects of choosing a “greener” alternative. According to the EPA’s figures, the aforementioned 911 Carrera S will burn an average 10.3 fewer barrels of oil and spew 4.6 fewer tons of greenhouse-gas emissions annually than will either the comparably performing Lambo or Aston Martin. Such emissions include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, which are said to be major contributors to global warming. (For fuel economy and emissions ratings for all vehicles, check the EPA’s website at www.fueleconomy.gov.)

We sorted through both the EPA’s official fuel economy ratings and posted 0-60 mph times for all sport coupes/convertibles sold in the U.S. to compile a formidable list of ten models that can reach 60 mph in well under six seconds, yet achieve an estimated combined city/highway fuel economy of 22 mpg or better. These include fleet-footed models like the Porsche 911, Boxster and Cayman, the Lotus Evora, Nissan 370Z, Audi TT, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Infiniti G37 and an unexpectedly frugal version of the venerable Ford Mustang.

While most of these cars offer the choice of either a standard stick shift or an automatic transmission, you’ll note that many models achieve their quickest 0-60 mph times and top fuel economy ratings with the latter, particularly if it’s a sophisticated dual-clutch automated manual gearbox. While such racecar-inspired transmissions can be operated by hand for a quasi-manual effect, in fully automatic mode they typically shift faster and more precisely than most humans could muster.

One caveat, however. The EPA’s ratings are based on standardized tests conducted under strictly controlled conditions on a dynamometer, which is like a treadmill for cars. Out in the real world lead-footed motorists will likely never achieve any of these models’ lofty estimates. The EPA cautions that “aggressive” driving (i.e. the manner for which sports cars are built) can reduce a vehicle’s gas mileage by as much as 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent in the city. As they say, your mileage may vary.

Given that corporate average fuel economy regulations here and in Europe are scheduled to rise significantly in the coming years, expect sports-car builders to pay added attention to their models’ mileage down the road. This will likely include expanded use of lighter-weight materials like aluminum and carbon fiber; all else being equal, decreasing a vehicle’s mass by 10 percent enables about a three percent increase in fuel economy. Expect widespread use of technology like direct fuel injection and turbocharging to help make smaller engines perform like larger ones, as well as a so-called stop-start function that automatically de-powers an engine while the car is at idle to save fuel.

We’ll also be seeing more hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric sports cars in subsequent model years. The recently discontinued Tesla Roadster proved that a battery-powered sports car could maintain top performance (0-60 mph in around four seconds) and use no gasoline at all. Porsche is currently testing a plug-in hybrid 918 Spyder “supercar” it plans to introduce in the fourth quarter of 2013. While it’s expected to break the bank at a reported $845,000, Porsche says the 918 Spyder will boast the equivalent of over 770 horsepower and get around 78 mpg (three liters per 100 km).

Now that’s really fast and frugal.

1. Porsche 911 Carrera

The latest version of the iconic Porsche 911 continues the brand’s tradition of combining stellar performance with responsible fuel consumption. Powered by a 350-hp 3.4-liter flat-six engine and optional seven speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, the base 911 can sprint to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and is estimated at 20/28 city/highway mpg. The 911 Carrera S, which packs a 400-hp 3.8-liter flat-six, is even quicker at 4.1 seconds to 60 mph, but manages similar fuel economy at 20/27 mpg.

Read more: http://autos.yahoo.com/news/10-fast-and-fuel-frugal-sports-cars.html

Houston Auto Appraiser

Pinnacle Auto Appraisers

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/05/02/end-manual-transmission/?intcmp=obinsite

The death of the manual transmission is in its throws...but rest assured companies will have the option for some time to come. Appraisals will continue and Pinnacle has Auto Appraisers who understand your vehicle.

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/04/20/two-men-and-dog-survive-186-mph-highway-crash/?intcmp=obnetwork

Photo: BimmerPost - http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=679088

Technology saves lives, here at Pinnacle Auto Appraisals we appraise BMW's that have saved their drivers lives, not a total loss - The occupants survived! Well worth the investment - BMW!

http://digg.com/newsbar/topnews/nevada_issues_nation_s_first_autonomous_vehicle_license_to_google

http://www.leftlanenews.com/nevada-issues-nations-first-autonomous-vehicle-license-to-google.html

Great advances in autonomous vehicles have led to google being granted Nevada's first autonomous (robotic) vehicle license. Pinnacle Auto Appraisals has appraisers who can help with appraising innovative and technologically advanced vehicles.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1075984_our-guide-to-every-hybrid-car-on-sale-in-the-u-s

Great future for these machines as batteries become better, and production increases. Greater range and battery life will lead to more innovation.

Did you know we offer certified auto appraisals on all types of vehicles including motorcycles, rv's and commercial vehicles?  All certified auto appraisers are trained to handle any vehicle available on the market today.  Types of appraisals and inspections we offer are total loss, diminished value, classic car, exotic car, stated value, pre-purchase inspections, dmv form, lease turn-in, bank loan, bankruptcy, donation, non-cash charitable contribution, motorcycle, heavy machinery, commercial, heavy truck and more! 

Did you know we service 44 states in the United States?  We strive to offer appraisal services to customers in Birmingham, Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, Phoenix, Arizona, Little Rock, Arkansas, Los Angeles, California, Denver, Colorado, Hartford, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Dover, Delaware, Orlando, Florida, Tampa, Florida, Miami, Florida, Atlanta, Georgia, Boise, Idaho, Chicago, Illinois, Indianapolis, Indiana, Des Moines, Iowa, Wichita, Kansas, Louisville, Kentucky, New Orleans, Louisiana, Portland, Maine, Baltimore, Maryland, Detroit, Michigan, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jackson, Mississippi, Kansas City, Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, Billings, Montana, Omaha, Nebraska, Manchester, New Hampshire, Newark, New Jersey, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Charlotte, North Carolina, Fargo, North Dakota, Las Vegas, Nevada, Cleveland, Ohio, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Portland, Oregon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Providence, Rhode Island, Charleston, South Carolina, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Memphis, Tennessee, Nashville, Tennessee, Austin, Texas, Dallas, Texas, Houston, Texas, San Antonio, Texas, Salt Lake City, Utah, Burlington, Vermont, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Seattle, Washington, Charleston, West Virginia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cheyenne, Wyoming.  We are constantly expanded out services areas so give us a call today, we'll do whatever it takes to get your certified auto appraisal taken care of.

First Look: Acura NSX Concept

Acura used the Detroit show to reveal the NSX concept, a long-awaited return of the Japanese company’s legendary supercar. The wait isn’t quite over, as the real NSX won’t debut until at least 2015, but this aggressive concept gives serves to whet our appetite. The wide, low coupe wears Acura’s signature shield front grille, with wide rear haunches, and plenty of aggressive air intakes. Propulsion will come from a new hybrid drive system: a V-6 engine powers the rear wheels by way of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while a pair of electric motors turns the front wheels. Total system power is a solid 400 hp.

Read more: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/weekend-roundup-2012-detroit-auto-show-acura-nsx-concept-2013-dodge-dart-2013-ford-fusion-102399.html#ixzz1jTdFD5ou

~ Detroit Auto Appraiser ~

GM Design Director Kip Wasenko calls it “the Corvette Duntov would have built to win LeMans.”

Now some lucky and very wealthy – person will have the opportunity to buy this hand-crafted custom 1963 Corvette unlike any other in the world, complete with a jaw-dropping modernistic design and a twin-turbo, mid-engine setup that boasts 0-60 times below 3 seconds.

The Corvette V7 Twin Turbo will be on the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Auction to be held in Palm Beach, Fla., from April 5-7.

Barrett-Jackson’s website defines the car as “a stunning reinvention or vision of the future,” and with the automotive industry's coveted GM Design Award resting snugly in its rear pocket, who can argue with that statement about this stunning vehicle?

The split window coupe has been “passionately resculpted and shaped with swooping lines and breathtaking style,” Barrett-Jackson boasts, and “the new cab forward design allows the motor to be viewed through the original rear window's openings.” In fact, the entire split-window area rises on pistons to let that magnificent motor be seen in all its glory.

And what a motor it is. The LS V8 engine has dynoed at a remarkable 1,067-hp and 915 lb.-feet of torque. Compare that to a ZR1's 638-hp and 604 lb.-feet of torque, and you have an idea of just what kind of monster is lurking underneath the Twin Turbo's sleek black exterior that features an industry first “suislide” articulating door system. We don't know exactly what that means, but if it's on this car, it has to be way cool.

Technically speaking, the Corvette features a custom tube dual ladder frame, Penske Racing fully adjustable suspension, huge six-piston Baer brakes with cross-drilled rotors, and custom HRE wheels resting inside Michelin's widest tires. It also has race-style seating from Cobra with full Crow harness system, along with conveniences like power windows and HVAC but no audio system. The only sound you'll want to hear when driving this car is the motor!

Houston Used Car Dealers

USA has probably the largest used car market and it is everyday flourishing at a rapid pace. One reason behind it is that the large market of Information Technology is based in USA. It is the hub of IT sector as well global higher education. IT professionals and students from across the globe come to USA for a definite tenure and for that small span they opt for an used car. So, there are lots of used car dealers of Nissan, Toyota or Chevrolet, who are competent as well as successful. When talking about used car dealers, Houston is a most opted for choice for people who live in and around the area. Just visit any website and you will know about the numbers of used car dealers in Houston. It proves how flourishing the market is.

The best place to look for Houston used car dealers is in the internet. There are abundant of websites providing all the information to satiate your quest. They recommend the car insurance and the best bank to go for auto loan. But when you are buying a used car, be very particular about your requirements. Carefully choose the type of car, make and the dealer. Often used cars become a recurrent expense so before making the purchase do enough ground check.

For example, before buying a car you must know about the dealer. Their reliability should be the basis of purchase. When going for an old car, you should be mentally prepared for the frequent problems arising with them and hence, even frequent visits to the dealer. So, make sure your dealer has goodwill in market for the service they provide. It is easy to choose such dealers. Reliability and goodwill comes with experience, just look for the experienced car dealers. Much of the Houston Texas used car dealers are in market for more than half a century and they have earned goodwill in this span. When dealing with them you can be sure about the service.

After ensuring your satisfaction comes insuring your car. Generally, Houston used car dealers offer useful car insurance plans extending the original warranty along with the Rental Allowance and Towing Assistance as complementary facility.

Maintenance is another important aspect of car purchase. You should always go for those dealers who have a good inventory of certified auto parts of the brand you are going to own. This is a pertinent problem with pre owned cars that their parts are tough to get. So it is advisable to be prepared to deal with the problem beforehand.

So, now you know that if you want to know about one, you will get innumerable Houston used car dealers and their contact information. And all within your easy reach. All you need is to focus your search with correct keywords, then just few clicks here and there and you are sorted.

Read More: http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/58019/used_cars/houston_used_car_dealers.html

Houston Auto Appraisal

Houston Auto Appraiser

If some of you plan on attending the Houston Auto Show this year.  Here is some additional information in case you need to plan your day to go out.

Texas Auto Insurance Information

You must have enough liability insurance to pay up to $30,000 in medical expenses for each person injured in an accident, up to a combined total of $60,000 for everyone who was hurt in an accident. You also must have at least $25,000 in coverage to pay to repair or replace the other driver´s car. Because of these coverage amounts, basic minimum liability coverage is often called "30/60/25 coverage."

Medical care and vehicle repair or replacement costs can be expensive. Therefore, minimum coverage might not be enough to cover your financial obligations if you cause a serious accident. It´s a good idea to consider raising your coverage limits. Raising your coverage limits will raise your policy premium, however.

For more information please visit the Texas Department of Insurance at: 

http://www.tdi.texas.gov/auto/youngfaqauto.html#1

Houston, Tx; Dallas, TX; San Antonio, TX; Austin, TX

1954 Hot Rod Corvette Gets a New Lease on Life

To paraphrase country singer George Jones, this is one old Corvette that's not ready for a rockin' chair.

John Muller of Arizona always liked the way first generation Corvettes looked, but motoring down the highway in the 1955 he once owned wasn't the ultimate driving experience.

Then he found a 1954 Corvette on eBay that he called "nearly a basket case."

By the time he got through with a two-year project at Hot Rod Express in Blue Springs, however, it was a different story. Hidden under that classic body now are a 5.7-liter, Corvette LS1 engine and a six-speed transmission, along with new brakes and suspension.

Unfortunately, one of his friends drove the car into an old oak tree a few years later, and it was time for another restoration, this time at Carriage and Motor Works in Kansas City, Kan.

Workers there completely took the car apart and repaired or replaced just about every body panel. In all, the work took about 1,700 hours and included a period-correct metallic blue paint on top of a fawn colored leather interior.

From the outside, clues are few that this is a super resto-mod, other than magnesium wheels and a lowered body. Under the hood, the original six-cylinder has given way to a late-model V-8.

Wow,

What a week! Had an opportunity to view a Tesla: http://www.teslamotors.com

Something to be said for a great idea and the innovation to make a difference (especially in the pocket book with gas prices). The wife and I have decided after crunching the numbers that we may be purchasing a model S...just can't get over the savings, and after the rebate from taxes, we would break even in under a year with the amount we drive.

Thank goodness we are well versed in appraising innovative vehicles. I'm very confident in not just the purchase, but the idea of resale down the road. It was really amazing to see the materials that were used: thought went into everything this company is producing.

If you're looking at something new and novel for your company, fleet, or personal use: we're here!

Have a great week!

Free Wallpaper - Tesla Motors - Model S