Ken Nix’s automotive background

Ken Nix has been appraising vehicles since 1989, beginning with dealership vehicle and trade-in valuations. Before moving into independent diminished value and total loss appraisals, he spent more than 18 years in automotive sales, with much of that time appraising vehicles for the dealerships where he worked. He obtained his Oregon state-issued vehicle appraiser certificate in April 2010 and began producing diminished value and total loss appraisals for insurance claims.

Ken grew up around a Chrysler dealership owned by his uncle. His mother worked as the office manager, another uncle managed service, and his cousin worked as a mechanic. That family background grew into a lifelong interest in cars and a career built around understanding their condition, equipment and market value.

His dealership experience means he has evaluated vehicles as part of actual buying, selling and trade-in decisions. Today, he brings that market experience to Oregon-specific diminished value appraisals.

Ken is the founder and previous owner of VolkswagenOwnersClub.com, MyFastGTI.com, JettaJunkie.com, with a combined membership of over 60,000 automotive enthusiasts.  Ken has received manufacturer product  training directly from Ford, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Pontiac, Honda, Plymouth, Mazda, Geo, Oldsmobile, Toyota,  Mercury, Lincoln, Volvo and Volkswagen.

Since 2004 Ken has had a National reputation for his vast automotive knowledge. In 2005, over 40,000 people read his Passat “Secrets” and he gained global fame as an expert on the Volkswagen Passat. In 2006 Ken founded MyFastGTI.com and was recognized by Volkswagen in Business Week. 

In 2007 Ken was employed by Diversiform Inc., where he worked directly with AAA repair facilities throughout the U.S. to increase their Customer Service Scores. Ken consulted with many Automobile Dealerships and Dealer Groups across the nation, including but not limited to Champion Toyota, Red McCombs, Lanphere Enterprises, Skyline Ford, Tonkin, Jim Norton Toyota and Crestmont Toyota and Volkswagen,  developing and integrating Marketing and Customer Satisfaction tools for their Service facilities.

In 2008 Diversiform Inc. was acquired by Reynolds and Reynolds Inc., Ken was retained by Reynolds and Reynolds until they closed their offices in Beaverton Oregon, late 2009.  After months of study, in April 2010 Ken became an Oregon state-certified vehicle appraiser. His work focuses on Oregon diminished value and total loss appraisals.

Practical advice when choosing an appraiser

• Ask about relevant credentials and the scope of the appraisal.
• Get a clear written price and explanation of additional fees.
• Ask about potential conflicts of interest.
• Understand what support is included after the report.
• Do not assume any report guarantees acceptance or a settlement.

Have a vehicle for us to review?

Austin Nix is the primary contact for DVOO and an appraiser and public adjuster. Begin with the full estimate form so he can review the information before recommending a service.

dvooaustin@gmail.com · 503-420-3333

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