What Should We Do With My Dead Uncle's Car

"FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
09/27/2016 at 21:09 • Filed to: None

My uncle passed away somewhat unexpectedly two weeks ago. He left no will, had no wife or children, and lived in NC which is a decent hike from the next-of-kin: my dad in PA and my aunt in NJ. My brother and aunt are cleaning out his apartment today and have discovered that he owned a 2009 Chevy Equinox with 87,000 miles. He used it for landscaping, so the interior is a mess, but mechanically it appears to be in good shape based solely on a drive around the block. They found a clear title for it, so it will be signed over to my aunt in a few weeks when the state processes the estate. So two things:

1. Nobody is hanging around in NC that long. My uncle lived in Section 8 housing, so the landlord wants to turn the apartment around and needs the car gone. Any ideas on how to store it? I’m thinking a garage unit at a mini-storage since no one will be there to make sure it doesn’t get broken into.

2. Nobody in the family has a need for this car. I’d take it just to have a third vehicle, but I don’t have the time to fly to NC and drive it back to TX. It is worth too much donate to charity, but not enough to try to eek every last penny out of. I suggested that my aunt just fly down for a day and drive it to Carmax in Raleigh once she has the title. In my experience they give a decent enough offer to not make it worth the hassle of private party sale. Any other ideas?

Thanks for dealing with my long-winded story!

DISCUSSION (22)

Sam > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
09/27/2016 at 21:15

If you don’t desperately need the money, you could donate it to a charity. They’ll happily come and tow it for you for free, as well.

Land_Yacht_225 > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
09/27/2016 at 21:17

Sure, give it to meeeeeeeeeeeee! So that I may hawk it to CarMax for Mercedes repair money ....um...I...ahem...I mean crack money!

But in seriousness, just cash it out at Carmax. Take whatever they give you and be done with it.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
09/27/2016 at 21:20

Burn it.

LongbowMkII > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
09/27/2016 at 21:20

Carmax.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Sam
09/27/2016 at 21:31

Yeah it’s crossed my mind. I’m guessing it is worth around $5000. Nobody desperately needs the money, but it would be nice to sell to help offset the travel costs of dealing with the estate and cost of the memorial service we are planning somewhat. My aunt is pretty well off, so donating it and claiming it on her taxes would be probably be a benefit to her as well. Any charity you know of that would be better than others?

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
09/27/2016 at 21:33

On one hand it’s an Equinox so the urge is there. On the other hand it would be like burning a few thousand dollars.

Also, a Captiva is even crappier than an Equinox.

XJDano > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
09/27/2016 at 21:55

I have a hand me down 05 LS and its alright as a work car. The interior is actually pretty small for what it is.

good luck with the sale.

Jack Does Cars > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
09/27/2016 at 22:05

Where in NC, because I may be able to help you.

Sam > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
09/27/2016 at 22:08

Depends what you’re in favor of supporting. The American Cancer Society accepts them, so does Habitat for Humanity and the National Kidney Foundation . Just make sure to do some research before you donate, as some charities can be... less than charitable.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
09/27/2016 at 22:10

1. some storage places have boat/car parking in a lot under CCTV. better than left on the street. Not sure on rates.

2. sometimes just easier to drop it at carmax, than waste a few days for a few hundred bucks more.

Would recommend interior clean with vac and steam vac. little cleaning can go a long way.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Jack Does Cars
09/27/2016 at 22:11

I’m not there with them right now myself, but it’s in Pittsboro.

shop-teacher > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
09/27/2016 at 22:20

I think your plan is a good one.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > shop-teacher
09/27/2016 at 22:24

Thanks. Some good ideas here though too!

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
09/27/2016 at 22:43

Clean it then Carmax. I’d imagine you’d get more money out a clean car than a dirty one.

cbell04 > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
09/27/2016 at 22:56

Sorry about your loss. I’m nearby pittsboro if you end up needing something feel free to reach out. I can’t promise anything but always willing to help if I can.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > cbell04
09/27/2016 at 23:38

Thanks! So far everything seems to be going OK. If I make it up for the memorial I might give you a shout.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
09/27/2016 at 23:54

RallyX

Jack Does Cars > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
09/28/2016 at 07:01

I’m about half an hour from Pittsboro as well. I’d be happy to help if necessary.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
09/28/2016 at 07:41

It’s an Equinox. Demo derby it.

Then again, being a dead relatives car and all, do the CarMax thing.

Sovereign, Purveyor of Coupes > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
12/23/2016 at 22:26

It’s always worth enough to eek every last penny out of.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Sovereign, Purveyor of Coupes
12/24/2016 at 00:03

Yeah. Speaking of which I need to follow up on what the status is on getting the title.

Sovereign, Purveyor of Coupes > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
12/24/2016 at 19:58

I do not envy dmv paperwork.