Technology
Canadian Vehicle Data: What APIs Actually Cover It?
Most vehicle APIs are US-centric. Here's what actually works for Canadian VINs, Transport Canada recalls, provincial listings, and cross-border data needs.
8 min read
Blog
Writing on the Canadian vehicle record — the market, the data, and the API underneath.
Technology
Corgi v3: Binary Indexes and What a Tiny LLM Learned About VINs
A GitHub issue about batch decoding led to a complete rewrite. Then we trained a 6.6M parameter model on VINs and it figured out the encoding scheme on its own.
8 min read
Technology
Free VIN Decoder API Comparison 2026: NHTSA vs Cardog vs Auto.dev
Developer's guide to free VIN decoder APIs. Compare NHTSA vPIC, Cardog, Auto.dev, and more for accuracy, speed, pricing, and real-world implementation.
13 min read
Technology
How to Decode a VIN in Python: Complete Developer Guide
Learn how to decode Vehicle Identification Numbers in Python using the Cardog SDK, direct API calls, and NHTSA's free database. Includes pandas integration and batch processing examples.
5 min read
Technology
Introducing @cardog/api: The Official TypeScript Client for Automotive Data
The official TypeScript/JavaScript client for the Cardog API. VIN decoding, real-time market intelligence, vehicle listings, safety recalls, and more - all with full type safety.
7 min read
Technology
Introducing the Cardog Python SDK: Automotive Data for Python Developers
The official Python SDK for the Cardog API is now available on PyPI. VIN decoding, market intelligence, vehicle listings, safety recalls, and more - with full type safety via Pydantic v2.
6 min read
Technology
How to Decode a VIN in JavaScript
Learn 3 ways to decode VINs in JavaScript: offline with @cardog/corgi, online with the Cardog API, or raw NHTSA calls. Complete code examples for Node.js, browsers, and edge workers.
6 min read
Industry
Canada's Chinese EV Quota Is Now Official: Import Permits Open March 1
Global Affairs Canada published the official rules for Chinese EV imports. 49,000 vehicles annually at 6.1% tariff, first-come-first-served permits, and applications open in days. Here's what it means.
6 min read
Industry
Used EV Prices Canada 2026: Tesla and Hyundai Depreciation Analysis
Analysis of 6,000+ used EV listings reveals 2022-2023 models hit the depreciation cliff at 35-55% off MSRP. Find the best values in Tesla Model 3/Y and Hyundai IONIQ 5/6.
13 min read
Guides
Alberta's AMVIC: What Protection Do You Actually Have When Buying a Car?
Alberta has no lemon law. AMVIC regulates dealers but cannot force refunds. Learn your real options under the Consumer Protection Act, Fair Trading Act, and CAMVAP.
15 min read
Guides
British Columbia Has No Lemon Law: Here's How to Protect Yourself Anyway
BC has no lemon law and minimal buyer protection. Learn your actual options for recourse, from CAMVAP to small claims, and how to protect yourself before buying.
13 min read
Guides
I Think I Bought a Lemon: A Step-by-Step Action Plan for Canadian Car Buyers
Bought a defective car in Canada? This practical guide walks you through exactly what to do: documenting issues, filing complaints, using CAMVAP, and knowing when to cut your losses.
15 min read
Guides
Bought a Lemon in Ontario? Here's What You Can Actually Do
Ontario has no lemon law, but you're not powerless. Learn about OMVIC protections, the 90-day cancellation right, and the $45,000 compensation fund.
12 min read
Guides
Canada's Lemon Laws Explained: What Every Car Buyer Needs to Know
Canada has no federal lemon law. Only Quebec offers real protection. Learn your rights by province, how CAMVAP works, and what to do if you bought a defective vehicle.
16 min read
Guides
Quebec's Lemon Law: The Only Real Protection for Canadian Car Buyers
Quebec's lemon law (Bill 29) gives car buyers real remedies when dealers can't fix defects. Learn what qualifies, how to file a claim, and what other provinces lack.
13 min read
Industry
Transport Canada Has 32,000 Vehicle Safety Complaints. You Can't See Them.
Our Access to Information request revealed Transport Canada has 32,000+ vehicle defect complaints spanning 2015-2026. They say it would take years to release them. The US publishes equivalent data daily.
12 min read
Industry
BYD Canada Lineup: Every Model Coming to Canadian Shores
Complete guide to all 7 BYD models coming to Canada: Seagull, Dolphin, Atto 3, Seal, Seal U, Tang, and Han. Full specs, pricing from $20K-$80K, and which one to buy.
13 min read
Industry
The $20K EV Revolution: BYD Seagull Coming to Canada
The BYD Seagull is set to create an entirely new sub-$25K EV segment in Canada. Full specs, pricing analysis, and what it means for Canadian buyers.
8 min read
Industry
The Lotus Eletre Just Dropped 50% in Canada — Here's What That Means for Luxury EVs
Canada's new 6.1% tariff on Chinese EVs cut the Lotus Eletre from $300K+ to $166K overnight. The luxury EV market just got interesting.
11 min read
Industry
Luxury EVs Without the Luxury Price: NIO ES8, Zeekr 001 & 8X
Three Chinese luxury EVs are coming to Canada with genuine premium features at 40-60% below European competitors. NIO ES8 battery swap, Zeekr 001 hypercar performance, and 8X PHEV range explained.
2 min read
Industry
MG4 EV: Europe's Best-Selling Hatchback Comes to Canada
The MG4 EV brings rare rear-wheel drive dynamics, 450km range, and 135kW charging to Canada. Full specs, pricing estimates, and why this European best-seller could reshape our EV market.
5 min read
Technology
How the Self-Driving Tech Stack Works
A technical guide to how self-driving cars actually work. CAN bus protocols, neural networks, sensor fusion, control systems—with real code from open source implementations.
9 min read
Guides
Best SUVs with 0% Financing in Canada
Find the best SUVs with 0% financing in Canada. Compare zero percent deals from Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, and Jeep.
5 min read
Industry
What the BYD Seagull Will Actually Cost in Canada
The '$10,000 EV' headlines are everywhere. We did the math on tariffs, shipping, compliance, and dealer margins. Here's what the Seagull and other BYD models will realistically cost when they arrive.
10 min read
Industry
BYD Is Already Approved to Sell Cars in Canada
While politicians debate Chinese EVs and pundits predict timelines, BYD has been listed in Transport Canada's Appendix G for years. The regulatory gate everyone assumes is closed? It's already open.
5 min read
Industry
Chinese EVs Are Coming to Canada: The Regulatory Map and Realistic Timeline
Canada's 49,000-vehicle quota is real, but the rollout won't be instant. Here's the regulatory map, the political blockers, and when you'll actually see cars on lots.
11 min read
Industry
2025 Canadian Used Car Market Annual Report
Comprehensive analysis of Canada's 2025 used car market: 1 million+ listings analyzed, pricing trends, provincial breakdowns, EV adoption, and what it means for 2026.
14 min read
Technology
Building a VIN Decoder: A Systems Engineering Deep Dive
How VIN decoding actually works—from NHTSA's 565 submittal system and the global data asymmetry that shaped the industry, to implementation architectures and the mathematical elegance of the check digit algorithm.
2 min read
Guides
The Color Tax: Why Paint Costs Thousands (And Varies By Vehicle Type)
Black trucks cost $3,500 more than white. White sedans cost $2,500 more than black. Yellow Mustangs cost $27,000 more than red. Color pricing makes no sense.
12 min read
Technology
How We Reduced a 1.5GB Database by 99%
A deep technical dive into optimizing the NHTSA VPIC database for offline VIN decoding across Node.js, browsers, and edge computing.
7 min read
Industry
Exploding Sunroofs: The Dangerous Defect Hiding in Plain Sight
Analysis of 5,183 NHTSA complaints reveals sunroof explosions increased 1,188% since 2010. Popular SUVs from Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota lead the problem.
12 min read
Industry
Phantom Braking: The Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car's Safety Systems
Analysis of 2.1M NHTSA complaints reveals phantom braking surged 1,280% in 2022. One manufacturer accounts for 17% of all safety system complaints.
10 min read
Company
Year in Review 2025
How we built Corgi, an open source VIN decoder, and used it as the foundation for a complete automotive market intelligence platform with real-time analytics, recalls data, and AI tools.
4 min read
Guides
Best Honda Civic Years to Buy: Complete Buyer's Guide (2012-2025)
Discover the best Honda Civic model years to buy based on real market data, reliability ratings, and 8,000+ active listings across North America.
16 min read
Industry
AutoTrader Canada Pricing: How Much Does It Cost in 2025? (Complete Fee Breakdown)
Complete breakdown of AutoTrader Canada pricing, fees, and costs. Private seller pricing, dealer packages, hidden fees, and free alternatives for 2025.
19 min read
Industry
AutoTrader Canada Review 2025: Is It Worth Using? (Honest Analysis)
Honest AutoTrader Canada review: real pricing data, inventory analysis, pros/cons, and whether AutoTrader.ca is worth it for buyers and sellers in 2025.
22 min read
Industry
Is Cars.com Reliable? Pricing Accuracy & Platform Analysis for 2025
Complete analysis of Cars.com's reliability, pricing accuracy, and deal ratings. How their methodology works, what they get right, key limitations, and better alternatives.
17 min read
Industry
EV Battery Fire Risks: Real Data Analysis (Not the Hype)
EVs have 61x lower fire rates than gas cars (25 vs 1,530 per 100k). But the Chevy Bolt's $1.8B recall was real. Here's what the data actually shows about EV battery fires.
27 min read
Industry
Hyundai/Kia Theft Recall: The TikTok Challenge That Sparked a Crisis
Over 8 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles vulnerable to USB theft. The Kia Boyz TikTok challenge caused a 1,000%+ spike in thefts, 8 deaths, and an insurance crisis. Complete list of affected models and what you must do now.
23 min read
Industry
Jeep Fire Risk Recalls: What You Need to Know (Updated 2025)
51+ deaths from Jeep fuel tank fires. 1.56 million recalled in 2013, 320,000 more in 2025. Complete list of affected vehicles and what you must do now.
20 min read
Guides
VIN Decoder Guide: What Your Vehicle Identification Number Reveals
Learn how to decode your VIN to discover your vehicle's manufacturing details, specifications, recall history, and true value. Complete guide with examples.
13 min read
Industry
Takata Airbag Recall: Complete List of Affected Vehicles (Updated 2025)
58+ deaths, 2,023 injuries from exploding Takata airbags. Still active in 2025. Complete list of affected vehicles and what you must do now.
29 min read
Industry
Ford Recall History: Most Common Issues and What Buyers Need to Know
Complete analysis of Ford's 14,915 recalls from 1966-2025. Discover the most recalled models, common issues, and which years to avoid.
22 min read
Industry
AutoTrader Alternatives: Top 5 Options for Canadian Car Buyers in 2025
Discover the best AutoTrader alternatives in Canada. Compare Kijiji Autos, CarGurus, Clutch, Facebook Marketplace, and Cardog for buying and selling vehicles online.
20 min read
Guides
Best Chevy Silverado Years to Buy: Expert Guide with Real Market Data
Discover the best Chevy Silverado years to buy based on 15,826 real listings. Expert analysis of reliability, pricing, and value across all generations.
12 min read
Guides
Best Honda Accord Years to Buy: Expert Guide to Reliable Models
Discover the best Honda Accord years to buy based on real market data. Expert analysis of 1,457 listings reveals which model years offer the best value and reliability.
13 min read
Guides
Best Toyota Camry Years to Buy: Expert Guide with Market Data
Discover the best Toyota Camry years to buy based on real market data. Analysis of 2,538 listings covering reliability, pricing, and value across generations.
11 min read
Industry
Best Toyota RAV4 Years to Buy: Complete Reliability Guide (2025)
Discover the best Toyota RAV4 years to buy based on real market data, reliability analysis, and pricing trends. Expert guide to RAV4 generations 2006-2025.
14 min read
Industry
CarGurus Alternatives: Better Options for 2025
Explore the best CarGurus alternatives in 2025. Compare AutoTrader, Clutch, Cars.com, Facebook Marketplace, and AI-powered options for smarter car shopping.
12 min read
Industry
CarGurus vs AutoTrader vs Clutch: Which Car Marketplace Is Best in Canada?
Comparing CarGurus, AutoTrader, and Clutch for Canadian car buyers. Real data on inventory, pricing, user experience, and which platform fits your needs.
12 min read
Industry
Clutch vs Traditional Dealers: Cost Analysis for Canadian Car Buyers
Complete cost breakdown comparing Clutch's certified used car model to traditional dealerships. Real pricing data, hidden fees, and total ownership costs in Canada.
14 min read
Industry
Edmunds vs KBB: Which Valuation to Trust in 2025?
Comparing Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book valuations for accuracy and reliability. Learn which tool to trust when buying or selling your car in 2025.
12 min read
Industry
How Does AutoTrader Work in Canada? Complete Guide for Buyers & Sellers
Complete guide to AutoTrader Canada: how it works for buyers and sellers, pricing models, dealer vs private listings, pros and cons, and business model.
19 min read
Industry
How Does CarGurus Work? Pricing Algorithm Explained
Deep dive into CarGurus' deal rating algorithm, pricing methodology, dealer integration, and business model. Learn how the platform sources listings and generates revenue.
16 min read
Industry
Is CarGurus Accurate? Deal Rating Analysis
Analyzing CarGurus deal rating accuracy with real market data. How the algorithm works, what it gets right, its limitations, and better alternatives for price intelligence.
12 min read
Industry
TrueCar Review: Is It Worth Using in 2025?
An honest TrueCar review covering how it works, what it does well, limitations, and whether it's worth using for buying or selling your car in 2025.
12 min read
Industry
Lobbying and Regulatory Strategies of Major U.S. Autonomous Vehicle Companies
The race to deploy autonomous vehicles (AVs) in the United States has not only been a technological competition, but also a regulatory and political one.
54 min read
Guides
The 17-character code that runs the automotive world
How VINs encode everything from check digits to 565 submittals, and why the NHTSA's database is the only comprehensive public vehicle registry on Earth
10 min read
Technology
How we built the world's fastest VIN decoder
How we optimized the NHTSA's vehicle database to make it 100x faster and 100x smaller
4 min read
Technology
What is Cardog?
How Cardog works and what it does.
5 min read