Weird.

It looks like they have (up to) two separate sets of photos: one at Google-res and another at high res, with the software switching between them depending on zoom level. Maybe that's the reason for the brightness change when you zoom in on the link I posted earlier.

I know there are gaps in the data - some areas have no coverage, areas much bigger than the missing section in PJ's screenshot. Apparently Microsoft acquired some 170 terabytes of data in June 2012, so hopefully it's an annual-budget-schedule-driven thing, and they will add another chunk of high-res coverage next month. Don't hold your breath on getting your new car back, though, Bill. :)