How Long Does Vehicle Appraisal Take?
3 Answers
Vehicle appraisal typically takes around 20 days to produce the appraisal results. Below is relevant information about traffic accident appraisals: 1. Definition: Traffic accident appraisal is an investigative activity conducted by traffic management departments of public security authorities. It involves assigning or entrusting specialized technical personnel or qualified appraisal institutions to conduct inspections, analyses, and determinations to address specific technical issues in traffic accident cases. 2. Content: There are 12 types of traffic accident inspections and appraisals: forensic appraisal, assessment of minor and severe injuries, injury mechanism appraisal, disability rating, alcohol content testing, vehicle safety performance inspection, mechanical failure appraisal of accident vehicles, vehicle type identification, trace evidence appraisal, fingerprint identification, micro-material identification, and physical evidence appraisal.
Last week I went for a vehicle appraisal, mainly to sell my old car, and it took a full two hours to complete. Upon arrival, the technician asked me to wait while they first checked the exterior for scratches, then tested if the engine started smoothly, followed by inspecting the brakes and tire wear, and finally scanning the electronic systems for faults. Since my car was seven years old, the technician explained that older vehicles require extra time to diagnose potential issues like chassis rust or fuel line leaks—if everything checks out, the process is faster. I passed the time drinking coffee and reading, and was even called for a test drive to confirm handling feel. In short, appraisal duration depends on the vehicle's condition: a new car might wrap up within an hour, while accident-damaged or problematic vehicles could take half a day or longer. I recommend scheduling outside peak hours to avoid unnecessary waiting.
Having worked in the auto repair industry for ten years, I often spend at least half an hour on vehicle inspections, but the exact time depends on the type. Basic inspections only check the surface and main components, such as lights and brakes, and can be completed within half an hour; comprehensive evaluations take longer, like scanning for fault codes, checking the suspension system, and testing engine performance, which take at least an hour and a half. Different vehicle models also affect the time—electric cars are quicker due to simpler systems, while older models take longer as parts may need disassembly for inspection. If the shop is crowded or the technician lacks experience, the process can drag on, but customer safety comes first, so rushing is not an option. Sometimes, quick inspections might miss details, like hidden electrical issues—I’ve had to deal with rework troubles before. So, booking an appointment in advance is a smart choice.
