What is an MCP server?

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard created by Anthropic that lets AI assistants connect to external data sources and tools. CarScout's MCP server gives your AI assistant real-time access to used car market data, NHTSA safety records, and dealer inventory.

Which AI clients support MCP?

Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, Cline, and any client that implements the MCP specification. The list is growing as more tools adopt the protocol.

Do I need a CarScout subscription?

Not for public market research tools. You only need an active paid CarScout subscription and API key for account tools like scouts, alerts, limits, and feedback. CarScout is paid-only: $5/week, $15/month, or $99/year, with no free trial.

Is my API key secure?

Yes. CarScout never stores your API key in plaintext. We store only a SHA-256 hash. The key is shown to you exactly once when generated. If you lose it, revoke the old key and generate a new one.

Can I use the MCP server with ChatGPT or Gemini?

CarScout works with MCP clients that support remote HTTP servers. Check your client documentation for current MCP support and auth capabilities, then connect to the CarScout remote URL shown on this page.

What data can I access through the MCP server?

Public tools cover NHTSA safety recalls and consumer complaints, VIN decoding, and market pricing trends for 1,100+ vehicle models. With an API key, you can also create scouts, review alerts, check plan limits, and submit product feedback.

Are there rate limits?

The MCP server uses the same rate limits as the CarScout API. Normal conversational usage will not hit any limits.

Is my data shared with the AI?

Your search results and preferences stay in your account. The AI assistant accesses your data through authenticated API calls, the same way the CarScout website does. CarScout does not send your data to any third party.

Revoke your API key in Settings, or remove the MCP config from your AI assistant. Either action immediately stops access.

How do I rotate my API key?

Go to Settings > Account in your CarScout dashboard. Click "Revoke" next to the key you want to replace, then click "Generate API Key" to create a new one. Update your MCP client configuration with the new key.

Model Context Protocol

Your AI assistant. Your car search.

Connect CarScout to Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, or any MCP-compatible AI assistant. Use public market research tools immediately, then add your API key for scouts and alerts.

Setup in 3 Steps

Public tools work without auth. Add your CarScout API key only if you want saved scouts, alerts, plan limits, and feedback tools.

Optional: generate your API key

Go to Settings, click "Generate API Key" in the API Access section. You only need this for scout and alert tools. Public research tools work without auth. Copy the key immediately; it is shown only once.

Add to your AI assistant

Select your client below. Replace YOUR_API_KEY with the key from Step 1. For public-only access, remove the auth header or the ?key= query parameter instead.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "carscout": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "mcp-remote",
        "https://mcp.usecarscout.com/mcp?key=YOUR_API_KEY"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Paste into your config file: Settings > Developer > Edit Config. Requires Node.js for npx.

Start searching

Ask your AI to find cars, compare the market, create scouts, check alerts, and research vehicles. CarScout tools appear automatically after restart.

Available Tools

Your AI assistant can use these tools automatically based on your questions.

get_market_data

Public

Get pricing trends, average prices, listing counts, and price ranges for any make, model, and year combination.

"What is the average price of a 2021 Honda Civic right now?"

decode_vin

Public

Decode a 17-character VIN to get make, model, year, engine, transmission, drivetrain, and manufacturer.

"Decode this VIN: 1HGBH41JXMN109186"

check_recalls

Public

Look up NHTSA safety recalls and consumer complaints by make, model, and year.

"Are there any open recalls on the 2020 Ford Explorer?"

create_scout

Account

Create a saved search with email alerts. Get notified when new listings match your criteria or prices drop.

"Set up a scout for 2020-2024 RAV4s under $28,000 near Brooklyn"

list_scouts

Account

View all your active scouts, their criteria, and how many alerts each has found.

"Show me my active scouts"

get_scout

Account

Get full details of a specific scout by ID, including search criteria and dormancy status.

"Show me the details of my RAV4 scout"

update_scout

Account

Change a scout's name, search criteria, or alert preferences.

"Raise the price limit on my RAV4 scout to $32,000"

delete_scout

Account

Remove a scout you no longer need. Stops alerts immediately.

"Delete my Honda Civic scout"

get_alerts

Account

View matches found by your scouts. See new listings, price drops, and relevant inventory.

"Show me my latest scout alerts"

dismiss_alert

Account

Dismiss a match you are not interested in. Keeps your alert feed clean.

"Dismiss the 2021 RAV4 at $27,500"

check_limits

Account

Check how many scouts you can create on your current plan.

"How many scouts can I create?"

submit_feedback

Account

Report a bug, request a feature, or send general feedback to the CarScout team.

"The market data looks stale for Toyota Tacoma. Please investigate."

Example Conversations

Real examples of what you can do with CarScout connected to your AI assistant.

Finding a car

I'm looking for a reliable SUV under $30,000. What are my options?

Let me compare current market data for a few strong SUV options under your budget. [Uses get_market_data] Here are your strongest options right now: 1. 2021 Toyota RAV4: avg $27,400 (842 listings) 2. 2022 Honda CR-V: avg $28,100 (612 listings) 3. 2021 Mazda CX-5: avg $25,800 (534 listings) The RAV4 has the most market depth, which means more negotiating leverage. The CX-5 offers strong value per dollar. If you want, I can help you narrow this to one target and turn it into a scout.

Checking a specific car

I found a 2019 BMW X3 at a dealer. VIN is WBATS5C5XKA123456. Is it a good deal at $28,500?

[Uses decode_vin, get_market_data, check_recalls] That VIN decodes to a 2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i with AWD and a 2.0L turbo. Market context: The average price for a 2019 X3 is $29,200 across 387 active listings. Your price of $28,500 is about $700 below average. Recalls: There is one open recall (NHTSA 22V-847) for a rearview camera issue. The fix is free at any BMW dealer. Ask whether this was already addressed. Overall, the price is fair to slightly below market. The recall is minor but worth confirming before purchase.

Market research

How have Tesla Model 3 prices changed recently? Is now a good time to buy?

[Uses get_market_data] Tesla Model 3 pricing trends (2021-2023 model years): - 2023 Model 3: avg $31,200 (down 8% from 3 months ago) - 2022 Model 3: avg $27,800 (down 12%) - 2021 Model 3: avg $24,500 (down 15%) Prices have been declining steadily as new inventory increases and Tesla continues to cut MSRP. The used market follows those cuts with a lag. If you can wait 2-3 months, prices will likely drop further. If you need one now, the 2022 model year offers the best value with most of the same features as 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to connect?

Use public research tools right away, or add your API key to unlock scouts and alerts.

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