Thanks for stopping by!

We got your note through our website and wanted to say welcome to the TDT Family. We are here to help you with your vehicle inspection or appraisal process. If you haven’t already been contacted, rest assured Steve will personally contact you either by phone, email, or text message shortly!

Here is how the process normally works but we are flexible. No rules here, just plain devoted customer service information.

  • It’s best that you let the seller know that you want an inspection and work that our ahead of time. We normally need a day or so notice.
  • YOU ARE DEALING 100% WITH STEVE… NO MIDDLE MAN HERE!
  • We do not offer a variety of “inspection levels” like other inspection companies. You get the full inspection of the vehicle with TDT, no gimmicks, no add-ons, no upsells. Don’t be shocked… Our prices are higher because of our experience level and depth of inspection. Each inspection takes at least 2 hours. We are not just kicking tires and taking photos like some other companies.
  • Your inspection results usually are available the same evening if not then the next morning after your inspection!
  • We are always available for follow up questions after you have had a chance to review your results.
  • Our inspections usually provide you with 150+ photos, video of the body, interior, features and options being tested and a video of the engine and exhaust and of course a test drive (not filmed) and our full 5 page checklist style report.
  • We can provide you with a range of value appraisal with your report for free or you can choose to have a firmer appraisal down to the dollar for an additional charge.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Inspections & Appraisals

01.) What documentation will I receive, and how is the inspection report delivered?

You will receive a full detailed inspection checklist that is easy to read and understand (no handwritten inspections). The report includes 100 to 150 photos (sometimes more) and video covering the body, features, options, and the engine running through the RPM ranges. For modern vehicles, a FULL factory-level diagnostic scan of the onboard electronics is also included. The inspection results are delivered through Dropbox via a private link that only the client receives, requiring no account or messy login.

02.) How do I know what specific type of appraisal I need?

The required appraisal type depends on the purpose of the valuation:
Fair Market Value (FMV) Appraisals are used to determine what a vehicle would sell for in the open marketplace under normal conditions. They are often requested by banks, courts (bankruptcy/divorce), insurance companies, and consumers buying a vehicle.
Replacement Value Appraisals determine the highest amount required to replace a property with one of similar age and quality. They are needed after a catastrophic event like a fire or total loss and may be requested by an insurance company or court.
Diminished Value (DV) Appraisals reflect the loss of value after a vehicle has been in a major accident or after major repairs. These are often required by insurance companies and courts to prove loss of value, especially if a standard formula (like 17c) is inadequate.

03.) How does Steven Paul’s unique experience qualify him across diverse vehicle types?

Steven Paul’s qualifications cover distinct vehicle markets through specialized experience:
Semi Trucks and HD Equipment: His expertise comes from six years in the U.S. Army as a heavy equipment technician, where he inspected, repaired, and valued equipment ranging from cars to 77-ton battle tanks. He has over 20 years of repair and pre-purchase truck inspection services.
Used and Luxury Cars: He gained experience by inspecting and valuing lease return vehicles for Adesa Auto Auctions for five years, assessing damage and residual value.
Classic Cars: His classic car background began in childhood, growing up around classic cars and helping in a body shop performing restorations.
RVs and Motorhomes: His knowledge is rooted in personal experience owning many campers, coupled with his heavy equipment background, and he is NRVIA Level II certified.

04.) What are specific methodologies utilized for the different vehicle appraisal types?

All appraisal services follow USPAP guidelines and use IRS, court, and insurance approved methodology. The specific methodology used involves gathering data from the open market:
• Appraisals use current market data from trusted sources.
• They also use comparables from the open market for sold and listed values.
Fair Market Value appraisals typically take 8 hours to inspect, research, and write.
Diminished Value appraisals typically take 12 hours to inspect, research, and write.
Replacement Value appraisals require the appraiser to assess the damage and then assess the cost to replace that vehicle in the open market at the highest similar value. This process usually takes 12 hours to research and write.

05.) Where are vehicle inspection services offered?

TDT Vehicle Inspection & Appraisal Services, provided by Steven Paul, offers thorough, independent pre-purchase inspections and vehicle appraisal services for a wide variety of clients, serving regions including St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City, Missouri, as well as Southern and Northern Illinois, Indianapolis, and Memphis areas. The inspection services cover used cars, classic cars, luxury vehicles, RVs (motorhomes, campers, 5th wheels), and commercial vehicles (semi-trucks, HD equipment), all performed personally by Steven Paul, who explicitly DOES NOT utilize contractors. Additionally, TDT provides three primary types of vehicle appraisal services—Fair Market Value, Replacement Value, and Diminished Value—which follow IRS, court, and insurance approved methodology.

06.) Do you perform the inspection and also perform the fixes should an RV need any?

Steven Paul only provides inspection services. No repairs are made unless it’s something simple like tightening a drain pipe or fitting by hand.

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