How Long Do Car Appraisals Take? | Golden Wheels Inc.

If you’re buying, selling, or refinancing a vehicle, you may be wondering: how long does a car appraisal take? At Golden Wheels Inc., this is one of the most common questions we hear from clients. Whether it’s for insurance, financing, or settling an estate, a car appraisal is an important step—and the good news is, it usually doesn’t take as long as you might think.

Average Time for a Car Appraisal

On average, a professional car appraisal takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours. The exact time depends on factors such as:

• Vehicle condition – A newer car in good condition is typically faster to appraise, while older or damaged vehicles require a closer inspection.

• Type of appraisal – A standard appraisal for resale may be quicker, whereas insurance or legal appraisals may involve more detailed documentation.

• Additional research – If comparable sales data or historical records are needed (such as for classic or collector cars), the process may take longer.

At Golden Wheels Inc., we pride ourselves on providing thorough, accurate, and efficient appraisals, so you get reliable results without unnecessary delays.

Step-by-Step: What Happens During an Appraisal

1. Initial Walkaround – The appraiser inspects the exterior for dents, scratches, paint quality, and signs of accidents or repairs.

2. Interior Check – Seats, dashboard, electronics, and overall condition are evaluated.

3. Mechanical Review – While not as in-depth as a mechanic’s inspection, we look at the engine bay, odometer, and basic functionality.

4. Documentation Review – Service records, ownership papers, and accident history are factored into the value.

5. Market Research – Current market conditions and comparable sales are analyzed to give you a fair, accurate appraisal.

This process ensures your appraisal isn’t just a number—it’s a professional valuation you can trust, and accepted by Ministry of Ontario, and legal courts.

Same-Day Appraisal Results

One of the benefits of working with Golden Wheels Inc. is that in most cases, you’ll receive your appraisal results the same day. For standard vehicles, we can usually provide the report within 24 hours. For more complex appraisals—such as classic cars or vehicles involved in legal disputes—it may take up to a few days to finalize.

Why Choose Golden Wheels Inc. for Your Car Appraisal?

• Experience you can trust – Our team specializes in appraisals for insurance, resale, financing, estates, and legal purposes.

• Fast turnaround times – Most appraisals are completed within hours, not days.

• Accurate valuations – We use real market data and professional expertise to ensure fair results.

• Convenient service – Located in the Greater Toronto Area, we make the process easy, transparent, and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

So, how long do car appraisals take? In most cases, less than two hours for the inspection and about a day for the final report. At Golden Wheels Inc., we know your time is valuable—that’s why we work quickly and carefully to provide reliable appraisals that stand up to insurance companies, lenders, and legal requirements.

If you need a fast, professional car appraisal, contact Golden Wheels Inc. today.