Short answer

To prove the value of your mother’s vehicles in an Arizona probate, gather ownership documents (title/registration), get market evidence (online valuation guides or recent comparable sales), and obtain a written appraisal if the value is significant or disputed. The personal representative must identify and report estate assets to the court and beneficiaries; clear, dated, and written valuation evidence makes the inventory and any later accounting far easier to resolve. This page explains practical steps and legal context under Arizona law.

Detailed answer — what to do, step by step

1. Identify the legal role and duties

If you are the personal representative (executor) or planning to petition to be appointed, you have a duty to collect, preserve, and value the decedent’s assets for the estate and the court. Arizona probate law describes the personal representative’s duties in Title 14 of the Arizona Revised Statutes; see Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 14 (Probate) for statutory context: https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=14.

2. Gather basic documents for each vehicle

• Title(s) showing ownership and any liens.
• Vehicle registration and any insurance paperwork.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and odometer reading.
• Photos of the vehicle from multiple angles and interior photos.
• Maintenance records, repair invoices, and any accident/salvage reports.
• Purchase receipts or previous appraisals, if available.

3. Use practical valuation methods (choose one or more)

Courts accept reasonable, well-documented valuations. Use one or more of the following:

• Market guides: Use NADA, Kelley Blue Book, or similar consumer valuation tools to get a retail or private-party value. Print or save the result with the VIN, mileage, vehicle condition, and date. (These are not government sites, but they are commonly accepted evidence.)
• Comparable sales: Show ads or completed sales for similar vehicles (same year, make, model, mileage, condition) from local listings or dealers. Document the URL, price, seller, date, and how the vehicle compares.
• Dealer offer or trade-in letter: A written offer from a dealership gives a concrete market indication.
• Independent written appraisal: Hire a qualified vehicle appraiser (classic car or general auto appraiser as appropriate). Ask for a signed report with methodology, comparables, VIN, mileage, condition, and date. This is the strongest evidence when values are disputed or significant.
• Recent sale by the estate: If you sold the vehicle after appointment, the sale price supports the value (especially if marketed reasonably).

4. When to use an appraisal

Consider a paid appraisal when:

• The vehicle’s value is high (e.g., collectible cars).
• Heirs or creditors contest value.
• The vehicle’s condition is unusual (salvage, modified, or severely damaged).

Ask for a written report and retain the appraiser’s contact information and credentials.

5. Filing the inventory with the court and communicating to beneficiaries

Arizona courts require the personal representative to identify estate assets and report them. Local probate rules and courts may require a formal inventory or accounting. Review court materials on probate forms and procedures at the Arizona Judicial Branch self-help probate pages: https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservice/Probate. Also consult Title 14 of the Arizona Revised Statutes for the statutory framework: https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=14.

6. Handling liens, salvage titles, and transfer issues

Check for liens on the vehicle title. You can search and clear lien information through title documents and Arizona motor vehicle sources. For information about Arizona motor vehicle titles and transfers, see the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division: https://azdot.gov/motor-vehicles. If a vehicle has a salvage title or extensive damage, document the condition and use comparable sales of salvage vehicles for valuation.

7. If heirs disagree about value

Start with a neutral appraisal or multiple market evidence sources. If disagreement persists, consider mediation among heirs or ask the probate court to resolve the valuation dispute. The court will consider the quality of evidence — a detailed written appraisal ranks highly.

Sample hypothetical and how evidence would be used

Hypothetical: Mom owned a 2013 sedan (VIN ABC123) with 78,000 miles and a clean title. You are the personal representative.

1. Collect the title and registration and note the odometer reading on appointment date.
2. Run KBB/NADA using VIN and mileage; print the private-party and trade-in values with date.
3. Search local classifieds for comparable 2012–2014 sedans with similar miles and condition; save URLs and screenshots.
4. If any heir questions value, hire an independent appraiser to provide a short signed report stating the fair market value as of the date of death or appointment.
5. File the inventory with the probate court including a one-line entry for the vehicle with the chosen valuation method and attach the valuation support.

Helpful Hints

• Act quickly to document condition and mileage; values change over time.
• Record the exact date you establish value (date of death is common, but courts sometimes accept date of appointment or date of sale — note which you used).
• Keep originals and make certified copies of titles and appraisals for the court and heirs.
• If you sell a vehicle during probate, keep the sales contract, buyer contact, and bank deposit records to show the actual realized value.
• When in doubt about forms and deadlines, consult the local probate clerk or the Arizona Judicial Branch self-help pages: https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservice/Probate.
• For title transfer rules and lien searches, use the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division: https://azdot.gov/motor-vehicles or contact them for specific procedures.
• Keep communication written (email or letter) when notifying heirs about proposed values or sales to reduce later disputes.

When to get legal help

Get an attorney if:

• Values are substantial or contested.
• Multiple heirs dispute the personal representative’s actions.
• There are title or lien complications, or potential creditor claims.

If you need an attorney, look for one experienced in Arizona probate law (Title 14 matters) and vehicle transfers.