Question 1

What is a deal score?

Accepted Answer

A deal score is a 0–100 rating that measures how good a used car listing is across five dimensions: market value vs. comparable listings, mileage vs. age-adjusted average, vehicle age, manufacturer reliability, and open safety recalls. Scores of 80–100 are STRONG deals, 60–79 are FAIR, 40–59 are CAUTION, and below 40 should be AVOIDED.

Question 2

How is the deal score calculated?

Accepted Answer

The score combines five factors worth up to 20 points each: Market Value (price vs. the median of comparable listings for the same year and trim), Mileage (vs. the 13,500 miles a year US drivers average), Age (newer vehicles score higher), Reliability (the brand's rank in Consumer Reports' 2026 predicted-reliability survey), and Recall Safety (number of NHTSA recall campaigns on the model year, repaired or not). Comparable listings share the model year and trim; cab style, drivetrain and engine are not matched, so a model sold in several cab styles is compared across all of them. The car you enter is never counted as one of its own comparables. Maximum score is 100.

Question 3

How many comparables are used to calculate market value?

Accepted Answer

At least 30 comparable listings are required for a reliable median price. If fewer are found locally, the search automatically widens — first by expanding the search radius from 50 to 100 to 200 miles, then widening the year range to ±2–±3 years, then expanding to 500 miles and nationwide, and finally dropping the trim level as a last resort.

Question 4

What do STRONG, FAIR, CAUTION, and AVOID mean?

Accepted Answer

STRONG (80–100) means the listing is priced well below market with good mileage and reliability. FAIR (60–79) is a reasonable deal worth considering. CAUTION (40–59) signals concerns such as above-average price or mileage. AVOID (0–39) means the listing is significantly overpriced, high-mileage, or has serious reliability or recall issues.

Question 5

Is the Deal Score Calculator free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Deal Score Calculator is free for up to 10 queries per session. For unlimited analysis and full AI-powered car research, visit CarClever.

#	Vehicle	Years	Reliability	Approx. used price	Value tier (editorial)
1	Toyota RAV4Best all-round value; strong resale and low ownership costs	2019–2023	Top Tier	$22k–$35k	🟢 STRONG
2	Honda CR-VExcellent fuel economy and cargo space; avoid 2017–2018 1.5T	2019–2023	Top Tier	$21k–$34k	🟢 STRONG
3	Mazda CX-5Premium interior at mainstream price; historically undervalued	2019–2023	Above Average	$20k–$32k	🟢 STRONG
4	Subaru ForesterStandard AWD standard; best visibility in class	2019–2023	Above Average	$18k–$29k	🟡 FAIR
5	Hyundai Tucson10yr/100k powertrain warranty partially transfers to used buyers	2020–2023	Above Average	$19k–$31k	🟡 FAIR
6	Kia SportageSame platform as Tucson; often priced slightly lower	2020–2023	Above Average	$18k–$30k	🟡 FAIR
7	Volkswagen TiguanLargest cargo area in class; inspect 8-speed automatic transmission carefully	2019–2023	Average	$19k–$32k	🟡 FAIR
8	Nissan RogueHigh inventory keeps prices negotiable; comfortable highway ride	2020–2023	Average	$18k–$28k	🟡 FAIR
9	Ford EscapeBudget-friendly entry point; avoid 1.5L EcoBoost, prefer 2.0L	2020–2023	Average	$16k–$26k	🟠 CAUTION
10	Chevrolet EquinoxLowest entry price in class; watch for automatic transmission shudder on 1.5T	2020–2023	Average	$16k–$25k	🟠 CAUTION

Popular Used Mid-Size SUVs: Editorial Shortlist