AutoRank FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 14 April 2026

AutoRank turns UK vehicle, MOT, marketplace, safety and derived calculation data into quick comparison tiles. The short version: it is useful research data, not a guarantee. Always check anything important against official records, seller information, vehicle documents and a proper inspection before making a decision.

AutoRank is in beta, so calculations, coverage and page layouts may change as the data improves.

Data & Coverage
Where does AutoRank data come from?
AutoRank uses UK MOT and vehicle data, derived aggregate tables, model/manufacturer trend data, Euro NCAP-style safety data where available, tax/emissions rules, and marketplace-style listing data for some valuation and specification estimates. Some tiles are based on raw vehicle records; others are based on pre-calculated summary tables so the site can load quickly.
Is AutoRank official?
No. AutoRank is an independent beta research tool. It is not an official government service, MOT certificate, valuation certificate, insurance report, finance check, legal report or inspection report. Treat results as helpful indicators, not final proof.
Why is some data missing for my vehicle?
Some fields depend on what exists in the source data and whether AutoRank can confidently match a vehicle to a make, model, fuel type, engine size and year. Vans, rare models, imports, unusual fuel labels, private plates, inconsistent model names and very new vehicles can all reduce match quality. When AutoRank cannot find a reliable match, it may show a dash instead of guessing.
How often is the data updated?
AutoRank imports new MOT delta data and refreshes summary tables on a schedule. The "Last Data Update" tile is intended to show the latest successful import date. Some trend and monthly summary tables refresh separately because they are heavier to rebuild.
Search Page Tiles
How is the reliability score calculated?
Reliability is based on MOT outcomes and defect patterns within the matching vehicle pool. AutoRank looks at pass/fail behaviour, MOT health, recorded defects/advisories and age-normalised comparison data. It is useful for spotting patterns, but it is not a mechanical inspection of the exact car in front of you.
What does MOT health mean?
MOT health is a quick percentage-style view of how clean the recorded MOT history looks. Passes, fails, defect volume, advisories and history quality can affect the picture. A strong MOT health score does not guarantee the vehicle is mechanically sound today.
How is rarity ranking worked out?
Rarity uses the number of matching vehicles AutoRank can see in the analysed data. On the search page it is based around make, model, engine and year. On model pages the match can also include selected year, fuel type and engine size when the user chooses those filters. Bands such as Common, Scarce, Rare and Very Rare are broad guide bands.
What does "On the road" mean?
It is AutoRank's estimated count of matching vehicles still visible in the analysed vehicle/MOT pool. It should be treated as a research estimate. It may not perfectly reflect SORN vehicles, exports, imports, recent scrappage, private plate changes or records that have not yet appeared in the data.
Why do BHP, MPG, top speed or acceleration sometimes show blank?
Those specification tiles are matched from available listing/specification data. If AutoRank cannot confidently match the exact make, model, year, fuel and engine combination, it leaves the field empty rather than inventing a number.
Value, Emissions & Tax Estimates
How does the value estimate work?
AutoRank starts from a matched market value where available, then derives best, average and worst guide values using rules around vehicle age, mileage and condition-style signals such as MOT history. These are rough guide prices, not offers to buy, sell or insure a vehicle.
Why are values marked as estimates?
Vehicle value depends on condition, service history, specification, ownership history, location, demand, timing, damage, finance status and seller type. AutoRank cannot see all of that, so value tiles are deliberately labelled as estimates.
How is tax cost estimated?
AutoRank uses a rule-based approach. Cars from 2001 to 2017 can usually be estimated from CO2 bands. Newer cars use a baseline estimate where retail price is not known; where the expensive car supplement is relevant, the tax tile can include it with the list-price toggle. Pre-2001 cars are estimated from engine size. Vans use separate van rules. Always confirm real VED/tax cost with official sources before relying on it.
What are ULEZ and LEZ tiles based on?
They are simple estimated compliance indicators based on available fuel, age and emissions-standard information. Local schemes can change and may have edge cases, exemptions or paid-charge rules, so always check the relevant authority before driving into a charging zone.
Why might CO2 or Euro emissions be missing?
CO2 and Euro emissions depend on the source record and model match. If the vehicle pool does not contain the field, or if the model match is uncertain, AutoRank may leave the tile blank.
Model, Manufacturer & Trend Pages
What do the model and manufacturer pages show?
They aggregate records by selected make, model, year, fuel type and engine size where available. These pages are designed to show broad patterns: reliability, pass rates, rarity, market share, fuel breakdown, common defects, specifications, value estimates and safety data.
What does the time-period dropdown change?
Time periods filter the underlying analysed records. For example, 5 years means the tile should be based on records in that period rather than all records AutoRank has. Some longer periods are still in development because they require heavier historical summary tables.
Why can trend charts have gaps?
A gap usually means AutoRank did not have a reliable value for that model, make or fuel type in that year after filtering and aggregation. The chart should not always force a line through missing data, because doing so can imply a value that was not actually present.
How are top lists ranked?
Top lists rank the analysed records by the relevant metric, such as pass rate, reliability, count, fuel share or MPG. AutoRank may filter out weak or suspicious matches, tiny samples, unrealistic MPG values and fuel labels that would distort the result.
Safety, Limitations & Feedback
Where does Euro NCAP safety data come from?
AutoRank shows safety data where it can match a vehicle or model to available Euro NCAP-style assessment data. Not every vehicle has a match. A missing NCAP tile does not mean the vehicle is unsafe; it usually means AutoRank could not find a suitable assessment.
Can I rely on AutoRank before buying a vehicle?
Use AutoRank as a research layer, not as the final decision. Before buying, check official MOT history, V5C details, seller documents, finance/write-off checks, service history, insurance costs, tax status, local charging-zone rules and ideally arrange a physical inspection.
What should I do if something looks wrong?
Please send the registration, page URL and what looks wrong through the contact page. Screenshots are useful too. AutoRank is improving continuously, and odd data examples are often the quickest way to improve the matching logic.
Can AutoRank tell me whether a car is safe, legal or worth buying?
No. AutoRank can highlight patterns and estimates, but it cannot guarantee condition, legality, value, safety, ownership history or future reliability. The final decision should come from proper checks, documents and professional advice where needed.