Our methodology combines 5 scoring modules, 150,000+ real listings, and government data to deliver accurate vehicle intelligence
Every vehicle receives a score from 0 to 100 based on five independently calculated modules. The final score is a weighted average.
Compares the listing price against real market data from 150,000+ active Canadian listings. Adjusts for province, season, mileage, and condition. A vehicle priced 15% below the market median scores higher than one priced at or above market.
Based on historical reliability data by make, model, and year. Factors include known mechanical issues, drivetrain longevity, and manufacturer warranty coverage. Toyota and Honda consistently score highest; European luxury brands score lower due to higher repair frequency.
Estimates 5-year maintenance and repair costs based on make/model averages. Includes oil changes, brakes, tires, and common repairs. Luxury vehicles with expensive parts score lower. Budget-friendly vehicles with cheap, widely available parts score higher.
Counts and classifies all active safety recalls from Transport Canada and NHTSA. Recalls are weighted by severity: critical (fire/crash risk) has 4x impact vs. low (labeling). Vehicles with zero active recalls receive the maximum score.
Read the complete Cardaps Safety Score methodology →Measures how quickly vehicles of this type sell in the current market. SUVs and trucks score highest in Canada. Adjusts for regional demand (AWD premium in Quebec/Alberta) and seasonal patterns (convertibles drop in winter, 4WD rises).
Vehicles are classified into four tiers based on estimated dealer profit margin and absolute profit. Aligned with Canadian Automobile Dealers Association standards.
≥$3,500 profit AND ≥10% margin
≥$2,000 profit AND ≥8% margin
≥$1,000 profit AND ≥6% margin
Below thresholds
Quebec's used car market has unique dynamics that require specific adjustments in our valuation models.
Quebec used car prices are historically 6% below the national average due to market dynamics and competition.
Mandatory mechanical inspection for private sales. Cost factored into market value estimate.
Quebec language law requires French-language documentation. Compliance cost (~$850) factored for dealerships.
Mandatory Dec 1 - Mar 15. Vehicles sold with winter tires are valued higher. Vehicles without are discounted by estimated tire cost.
Quebec market shows 18% average negotiation discount (vs 15% elsewhere). Our estimates account for this spread.
How Cardaps calculates scores and values
The Cardaps Score is a 0-100 rating that combines five independently calculated modules: price competitiveness (25%), reliability (25%), maintenance costs (20%), recall safety (15%), and market demand (15%). A score of 80+ is considered Excellent.
We analyze 150,000+ real Canadian dealer listings daily. For each make/model/year, we calculate the median, average, low, and high prices. We then adjust for province, mileage, condition, and seasonal factors. Quebec vehicles get additional adjustments for SAAQ costs and 6% baseline discount.
Cardaps classifies vehicles into four tiers: Hot Deal (≥$3,500 profit, ≥10% margin), Strong (≥$2,000, ≥8%), Good (≥$1,000, ≥6%), and Avoid (below thresholds). These align with Canadian Automobile Dealers Association profitability standards.
Cardaps aggregates 10 verified Canadian sources: NHTSA vPIC for VIN decoding, Transport Canada for safety recalls, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) for fuel economy, Statistics Canada for market data, IBC for insurance claims, SAAQ for Quebec vehicle records, Bank of Canada for inflation adjustments, and 150,000+ verified Canadian car listings from multiple market sources. All government data is from official open data portals.
Yes, Cardaps is genuinely free for consumers. There are no signup fees, no transaction fees, and no hidden costs to use the Price Estimator, VIN Decoder, Recall Check, Fuel Economy lookup, or Vehicle History summaries. Premium features like full multi-source vehicle history reports are available via optional credit purchases. Dealer subscriptions are paid - they pay us so consumers can use the platform free.
Quebec valuations apply five Quebec-specific adjustments: 6% baseline market discount (Quebec prices historically run below national average), mandatory SAAQ inspection costs, Bill 96 French-language compliance costs (~$850 for dealers), winter tire economics (mandatory Dec 1 - Mar 15), and an 18% negotiation discount (vs 15% elsewhere in Canada). These adjustments make Cardaps the most accurate free valuation tool for Quebec used vehicles.
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