How We Score
The CarCheckr
Scoring System
Every score is built from independent data, not manufacturer relationships or advertising revenue. Here is exactly how we do it.
The Framework
Five Categories, 100 Points
Each category is weighted to reflect what matters most to real-world car buyers. Performance carries the most weight because it is the hardest to fake with marketing.
Performance & Dynamics
How the car drives, accelerates, handles, and feels behind the wheel.
What we measure
- 0–62mph acceleration vs class average
- Braking distance (independent test data)
- Handling balance and driver feedback
- Ride quality across road surfaces
- Powertrain refinement and response
Value for Money
Whether the price is justified by what you get, and how it compares to rivals.
What we measure
- Price vs class competitors
- Standard equipment level
- Three-year depreciation forecast
- Insurance group rating
- Fuel economy vs official figures
Reliability & Quality
Long-term dependability, build quality, and owner satisfaction.
What we measure
- Owner reliability surveys (Which?, JD Power)
- Warranty claims data where available
- Build quality assessment
- Common fault frequency
- Dealer network quality
Technology & Features
Infotainment, driver assistance, connectivity, and safety systems.
What we measure
- Infotainment usability and responsiveness
- Euro NCAP safety rating
- Standard driver assistance systems
- Connectivity (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto)
- Over-the-air update capability
Practicality & Comfort
Real-world usability — space, storage, comfort, and everyday livability.
What we measure
- Boot capacity vs class average
- Rear passenger space
- Seat comfort on long journeys
- Visibility and parking ease
- Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH)
Total Available
A score of 90+ is exceptional. 80–89 is excellent. 70–79 is very good. Below 70 means meaningful compromises exist.
Where the Data Comes From
Six Independent Sources
We never rely on manufacturer-supplied data alone. Every score is built from multiple independent sources that have no financial relationship with CarCheckr.
Manufacturer Data
Official specs, safety ratings, and warranty terms
Independent Testing
Autocar, What Car, and EVO road test results
Owner Surveys
Which? Reliability Survey and JD Power data
Residual Values
CAP HPI three-year depreciation forecasts
Euro NCAP
Official crash test and safety assist scores
Running Cost Data
Insurance groups, fuel costs, and service intervals
The Process
How Every Score Is Built
From data collection to publication, every CarCheckr score goes through the same five-step process. No shortcuts, no exceptions.
Data Collection
We gather data from manufacturer specifications, independent test results, owner reliability surveys, Euro NCAP ratings, and residual value forecasts. Every data point is sourced from a named, independent organisation.
Category Scoring
Each of the five categories is scored independently against its maximum points. We compare the car against its direct class competitors, not the entire market, so a hot hatch is judged against hot hatches.
Owner Validation
Scores are cross-referenced against real owner feedback from Which? and JD Power surveys. A car that scores well on paper but poorly in owner satisfaction will have its reliability and quality score adjusted accordingly.
Editorial Review
Every score is reviewed editorially before publication. Where we have driven the car ourselves, personal experience informs the performance and practicality scores. We note when a score is based purely on data vs. first-hand experience.
Annual Updates
Scores are reviewed annually or when significant new data emerges — a major reliability recall, a new Euro NCAP test, or a significant price change can all trigger a score revision. The published date reflects the most recent review.
Our Principles
What We Will Never Do
Accept sponsored reviews
No manufacturer has ever paid for a review or influenced a score. This will never change.
Hide negative scores
If a car scores poorly, we publish it. Our readers deserve honest information, not curated positivity.
Use manufacturer-only data
Official specs are a starting point, not the conclusion. We always cross-reference with independent sources.
Score without evidence
Every sub-score has a documented data source. We don't guess, estimate, or rely on reputation alone.
Disagree with a score?
If you have data that contradicts one of our scores, we want to hear it. Every score can be challenged with evidence.
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