Our Methodology
The Number Should Come With an Explanation.
Live Valuation Estimates
Our existing engine combines eligible market listings, available auction evidence, historical valuation context and configured adjustments. Some outputs are modeled estimates. Historical estimates are not independent completed-sale evidence.
Reviewed Monthly Guide
Guide 1.0 uses only verified, permissioned records entered into the guide evidence register. It groups exact catalog configurations by condition and region, then publishes the median only with at least three observations per channel.
Identify the Original Vehicle
Use the manufacturer’s year, make, model, trim, seating and powertrain. A replacement body or lithium conversion does not change the original chassis year. Unknown models and uncertain identity need further review.
Assess the Configuration
Record factory equipment separately from later modifications. For batteries, consider chemistry, capacity, installation age, state of health, charger and transferable warranty. Added cost does not automatically equal added resale value.
Document Condition & Classification
Mechanical condition, cosmetic wear, frame condition and required repairs matter. Vehicle classification is recorded separately from equipment: a light kit or seller’s street-legal claim does not establish documented LSV status.
Separate the Market Evidence
Completed retail, trade-in and wholesale transactions are distinct channels. Asking prices describe seller expectations. Prior calculated estimates are not proof that a vehicle sold at that price.
Explain Confidence & Gaps
Live reports describe their matching quality and available evidence. Broad matches and modeled estimates require more caution. Missing data should lead to visible uncertainty or manual review, not an invented precise value.
Preserve the Reference
Live estimates reflect the engine and evidence available at calculation time. Published guide editions preserve the month, revision, methodology and supporting evidence identifiers. A correction is published as a new reviewed revision.
Monthly Publication Rules · Guide 1.0
- Evidence window: the 180 days before the first day of the edition month. Newer transactions are reserved for later editions.
- Each value is the median of at least three observations for the same catalog configuration, condition, region and channel. This minimum is a publication rule, not proof of statistical accuracy.
- Source record identifiers prevent duplicate evidence. Verified sources and permission confirmation are required. We do not publish customer contact or loan information.
- No supported observations means no published value for that channel. Listing observations remain separate from retail transactions.
- Loan references require a supported entry and a documented administrator review. The lender chooses its own basis and advance limits.
- Drafts require human review before publication. Published editions remain unchanged; corrections receive a new revision.
Use the Right Level of Review
Automated estimates and guide references are guidance. They are not certified appraisals, guarantees of resale proceeds, insurance settlements, legal opinions or loan approvals. We do not claim universal lender acceptance or appraisal certification. A physical inspection and qualified independent appraisal may be appropriate for an unusual or consequential transaction.