Elan Mira A3 - How much $$

[Judy]

Has anyone purchased a gently used Elan Mira A3 lately, from a private party?  One of the items in my ex's "estate" is an A3.  I know what the four Web sites (Acculaw, etc.) say they'll sell them for, but generally that's different than a private sale.  I'm trying to get an idea what it's worth so my kids can sell it.

[Janiece Young]

Judy, there's one in the classifieds going for $2,500.

[Judy]

I see a lot of them in classifieds going for 2500, but I'm curious what they're really going for, bottom line, not asking price.  The ex's sisters are having a wake for him on Saturday and I understand a lot of CRs will be there.  They're actually going to auction off his writer at the wake.  (I'm not involved in any way, btw.)  I just want to be able to tell the kids (they're 24 & 21) a bottom price they should accept for the writer.  Purchased in '06, seriously in very clean condition, hardly used at all.

[Janiece Young]

Geez, I'd think close to that then.  I wouldn't go down too much.  You could also try looking on Craig's List or ask on Depoman.

[Judy]

I've got a couple of days to do some digging.  Thanks.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

I have a Mira A3 and I'd sell it for 2,000 if anyone wanted it.  I don't have it for sale, just a backup. That price sounds good to me. The machine is only 3 years old and I haven't used it the last year.  That's just me, though.

[Karen Margolis]

I looked in the completed listings on eBay, and the last A3 sold for $2,000.

[Judy]

Thanks.  Now I know what figures to tell them, "Don't take less than $2,000."

[Tami]

Judy, I think Clay actually bought his lightly used (agency owner) A3 for $1800.  I found it listed on here a long time ago and told him about it.  I thought it was a great deal at the time.  I think Stenograph only offers $1,000. for a trade-in on them.  

At least he saved you a cab fare this time.  Sorry.  I couldn't resist.  ;)

I still crack up when I think about that story. 

[Judy]

That's pretty funny. But he did get the last laugh:  I had to pay for the "final arrangements."   Seriously, how do you ask your 21 & 24 yo kids to pay for their dad's funeral expenses?  

I have it on e-bay right now.  Hopefully it'll sell.  They are both in need of some cash.  Bryanna just moved out yesterday morning -- moved to Georgia!!! (she was supposed to leave the day after he died) -- and Robert just bought a English Bulldog (cute little guy).  I have it starting at $1800, with a Buy It Now of $2,250.  If it sells somewhere in between, they'll be happy.

I looked at the trade-in price on Stenograph and even if I put mine in and his in, it still didn't entice me to buy a new writer at this time.

[Mary Jo Cochran]

Judy, be sure to go through his things to see if you find any life insurance policies.  Hopefully, he did, leave some insurance for his kids.  He may also have one for in case he died to cover his final expenses.  If you have access to his online banking for check voucher, look for payments for insurance.  You are a good ex-wife!!

[Judy]

Certainly not a good ex-wife (ask anybody that knows me and anything about our divorce), but trying to be a good mother.

And, no, we've been through his things several times (to the detriment of my health).  There were no insurance policies.  He had everything through USAA, so they would have informed my daughter when she had to call them.  We believe we've found the one and only bank account.  My ex was not what you would consider a particularly thoughtful individual as far as putting his affairs in order.  My kids' estate will consist of a 2003 diesel dually (to pull his 5th wheel that is in such disrepair it has to be sold for scrap metal), his Mira, and a video camera (got $500 for that through e-bay yesterday).  

One thing this has taught my husband and me:  At the very least, get an insurance policy to take care of your remains so the kids aren't saddled with the expense, not to mention having to guess on the issue of cremation vs. traditional burial.  Sitting down at the "mortuary appointment" is not a particularly enjoyable task.  And, dang, if you are one of the elite and CAN go to Arlington, have your paperwork in order!

[Mary Jo Cochran]

As a last resort, did he have Autosouth (AAA)?  He may have a tidbit policy.  Sounds like he was a real selfish guy.