How to read our valuation report

The estimate is a regression, not an appraisal

Our estimate starts from what the same model, year and odometer band actually sold or listed for on Trade Me, then adjusts for condition signals we detect in the listing. It is a statistical middle, not a certified appraisal: rare variants, modified cars and luxury models have wider error bands because there are fewer comparables.

Deal score vs recommendation score

The discount percentage compares asking price to estimate — it answers "how far below the model norm is this?". The recommendation score (0-100) is what we would act on: it additionally charges for repair estimates, unknown odometer, slow-selling body styles and low seller reputation. A car can show -30% discount yet score 55 once condition is priced in.

Condition tags: exclude, discount, note

Red tags (wreck, gearbox fault, head gasket…) are exclusions — we will not call the car a bargain at any price. Orange/gold tags carry a specific discount, often with an estimated repair cost already deducted from the estimate. Grey tags are notes: signals we saw but could not price, like an engine swap or uncertain odometer. Our AI layer reads the full listing text and merges its findings into the same tag system.

What the report cannot tell you

We cannot confirm a sale happened — an ended auction may have simply not met its reserve. Estimates do not replace a mechanical inspection, a CarJam history check, or your own test drive. Treat the report as a filter that tells you which cars deserve an hour of your Saturday, not as a purchase decision.

Put it to work

Paste any Trade Me listing link into our free valuation to get the same breakdown, or browse this model's recent outcomes right on the report page — how long same cars took to sell and how often sellers cut the price first.

Try the free valuation →

More reading: NZ used-car buying pitfall guide (www.noda.co.nz) →