Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1998 14:12:33 -0800
Reply-To: Steven Minta <minta@CATS.UCSC.EDU>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Steven Minta <minta@CATS.UCSC.EDU>
Subject: What is a replacement value? (86 Westfalia)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I'd appreciate the benefit of others' experience regarding an insurance
settlement for my totaled 1986 Vanagon Westfalia:
I have been negotiating with my claims adjuster as to its 'replacement
value' (if bought in or near Santa Cruz, CA). Consequently, I looked up the
Blue Book and IntelliChoice values _as guides_ to its fair-market worth or
replacement value:
BLUE BOOK Suggested Retail
$10,200
Blue Book Trade-in Value (excellent condition)
$6,050
...for California 95060 (Santa Cruz)
1986 VW Vanagon GL Camper (Westfalia)
150,000 miles
4 Cylinder Gas , 4 Speed Manual, Rear Wheel Drive, Power Steering, AM/FM
Stereo, Cassette, Premium Sound
similarly,
INTELLICHOICE Total Vehicle Value (adjusted) Retail
$7,760
(after the severe downward adjustment for mileage of -$1400)
Next, I looked up ads in regional papers (SF Examiner-Chronicle, San Jose
Mercury, etc.) and online sources. There were only a few '86 Westys, but
the asking prices were $8000+ for what I could determine to be a
_comparable_ vehicle.
I guess the real question is "what is comparable?" When I bought the Westy
several years ago, the engine and driveline were in very good condition
(despite the high mileage, and it gave me 20mpg), the suspension was in
excellent condition, the exterior was in excellent shape, and the interior
was in nearly mint condition. The single previous owner was anal-retentive
about maintenance and care, storing it in a garage, and he virtually never
used it as a camper (just freeway long hauls to visit relatives). There was
no rust, as the vehicle was kept in CA Central Valley, with trips to the
Southwest. At purchase time, we had two different Vanagon mechanics inspect
it, they both said we were getting a really good deal at the $7900 purchase
price. Absolutely everything worked. Since then, I have treated it like a
baby, only installing a new water pump and tires.
Now, my question is: Am I wrong in thinking I should get $7500 for
replacement? I have nearly given up on trying to convince the claims
adjuster that I can't replace it for his estimate of $6800, as nice as he
is.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not whining here--I've just never been through
anything like this. My wife claims that I fell in love with this vehicle,
therefore it is more valuable to me than any purely rational claims
adjuster!
Thank you for any advice,
Steve Minta
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