Note: Borderline cases occur–e.g., an older, high-mileage but well-maintained vehicle can land in the mid band yet still be a sensible purchase. Always read the records behind the score.
CarRank is a 0–100 vehicle history metric shown on FAXVIN reports. It compresses multiple risk signals into a single number so you can compare vehicles quickly. Inputs include title brands and related events, accident and damage severity, odometer consistency, ownership and usage type, open safety recalls, service and registration activity, overall data completeness, and benchmarking against similar vehicles (age, class, mileage). Higher scores indicate cleaner, more typical histories; lower scores flag elevated risk, cost, or uncertainty in the records. The score may update as new data is reported. It's a decision aid – not a mechanical inspection, warranty, or guarantee.
Why CarRank Exists
- Triage faster. Raw records can be long and uneven; a single score helps you shortlist vehicles in seconds.
- Compare apples to apples. The standardized 0–100 scale normalizes for vehicle age, class, and mileage so listings are comparable.
- Negotiate smarter. A lower score often corresponds to verifiable history issues; use the underlying records to price repairs and risk.
- Surface hidden patterns. The score weights not just single events but their severity, recency, and frequency (e.g., repeated accidents, mileage irregularities).
- Align with market expectations. Many shoppers and dealers rely on a concise history score; CarRank uses the same 0–100 range you may see elsewhere to avoid confusion.
Rating Range & What Each Band Means
Use the bands below to interpret risk at a glance. Always review the underlying records and consider a pre-purchase inspection, especially for mid and low bands.
90–100: Exceptional History
Clean title; no accidents or only minor cosmetic events; consistent odometer readings; 1–2 owners; regular service documented; no open safety recalls, or recalls were promptly remedied.
What it means: History risk signals are minimal versus similar vehicles. Expect pricing at or above market for condition.
Next steps: Still perform a test drive and basic inspection; confirm maintenance receipts and recall closure; move decisively if the car fits your needs.
70–89: Above-Average History
Minor accident(s) with limited damage; average or slightly high mileage for age; multiple owners but normal transfer patterns; routine service with small gaps; possibly one open recall awaiting completion.
What it means: Generally solid, with a few flags that warrant verification.
Next steps: Read accident details, confirm repair quality, close any open recalls, and price for wear/tear. Consider an independent inspection if unsure.
50–69: Mixed/Needs Attention
Moderate accident history (e.g., airbag deployment or structural repairs), usage-intensive history (fleet, rental, commercial), notable mileage jumps or gaps, irregular service, or multi-state registrations with periods of inactivity.
What it means: Elevated risk relative to peers; value depends on documentation and repair quality.
Next steps: Order a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection (frame, suspension, corrosion), scan OBD-II for fault codes and obtain repair invoices. Adjust offer to reflect added risk and likely depreciation.
0–49: High-Risk History
Branded title (salvage, rebuilt, flood, manufacturer buyback (lemon law), or total loss); major odometer inconsistency; repeated severe accidents; prolonged lapses in registration/inspection that the seller cannot explain.
What it means: Substantial history-related risk and potential ownership costs; resale may be limited.
Next steps: Only proceed if you fully understand the implications, have expert inspection results, and the price reflects the condition and constraints. Many buyers may prefer to walk away.
How CarRank Is Calculated
CarRank applies a weighted model to a vehicle's history and then normalizes the result against similar vehicles (same body class, model year, and mileage). The model prioritizes event severity, recency, and repeated patterns, adjusts for data freshness and coverage, and updates as new records arrive. Certain outcomes–such as branded titles or total loss–cap the maximum score.
- Severity over count; newer events weigh more.
- Pattern detection for repeated or escalating issues.
- Peer normalization by class, model year, and mileage.
- Multi-source corroboration; penalties for data gaps.
- Hard caps for branded title and total-loss histories; dynamic updates.
What CarRank Is – and Is Not
What it is
- A concise, comparable history-risk indicator on a 0–100 scale.
- A triage tool that highlights where to investigate in the report.
- A peer-normalized metric that accounts for vehicle age, class, and mileage.
- Data-driven and dynamic: it can update when new records are reported.
What it is not
- Not a mechanical inspection, diagnostic, appraisal, or warranty.
- Not a predictor of future failures or buyer satisfaction.
- Not a credit score or driver-behavior rating.
- Not immutable: latency, missing records, or jurisdictional limits can affect coverage–always read the underlying records.
How to Use CarRank During Shopping & Negotiation
- Pre-screen fast. Favor higher scores; treat mid scores as "verify," and consider low scores only if price fully offsets risk.
- Open the score breakdown (Title/Brand, Accidents & Damage, Odometer, Usage, Recalls). Confirm severity and dates, check mileage consistency, and flag anything that materially affects value (e.g., branded title, structural damage, total loss) for pricing and negotiation.
- Target the inspection. Frame/corrosion after structural events, scan after airbag deployment, check for flood signs, verify mileage.
- Price true comparables (comps). Compare vehicles with similar CarRank, mileage, trim, and options; deduct unresolved issues, credit documented repairs.
- Set contingencies. Proceed if records and inspection align; otherwise renegotiate, require fixes/recall closure, or walk away.