What asking-price comparisons and price drops mean
Compare a listing with the median asking price of matching cars at other dealers. A price drop means this exact listing previously had a higher advertised price.
Asking-price comparisons
We compare matching model year, make, model and trim in the same state, within a fixed 20,000-mile band (for example 40,000–59,999 miles). Recorded drivetrain, fuel and sale condition must also match. Missing trim, mileage, drivetrain, fuel or sale condition means no comparison; we do not infer them. A state is not a local driving radius.
The comparison uses at least eight other cars from at least two other dealers. It excludes this car, its VIN and every listing from its selling dealer. Duplicate VINs in the group are excluded, and no single other dealer may supply more than half of the remaining comparisons. Prices outside half to twice the initial median are excluded before computing the final median.
Below or above comparison median means a gap of at least 8%; a smaller gap is labelled near the median. Gaps greater than 40% receive no assessment. A comparison is not a valuation or a recommendation: physical condition, accident history, options and dealer fees can differ. We no longer label these differences Good price, Great deal or Hot find.
The comparison index refreshes hourly and expires after three hours. That refresh does not verify each dealer price. Missing facts, insufficient matching evidence or an unavailable index means no assessment. Cohorts larger than 1,000 cars are omitted rather than sampled. The listing chart uses the entire qualifying comparison group plus this car, not the suggestions shown farther down the page.
Price drop
When we observe a lower advertised price on the same listing, we keep its previous price and show the difference. A price drop is a recorded change, not proof the car is a bargain. Confirm the current price, availability and all fees with the dealer.