Legacy v1

MCP Server

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Connect your AI applications to Cardog automotive data through the Model Context Protocol.

Docs for the previous API generation. v1 endpoints keep working, but new work should target v2. See v2 MCP Server guide.

The Cardog Model Context Protocol (MCP) server gives AI applications access to vehicle listings, market analysis, recalls, fuel prices, and charging station data. It works with Claude and other MCP clients.

Server URL: https://mcp.cardog.io/sse

Quick Start

With the Claude Code CLI:

claude mcp add cardog https://mcp.cardog.io/sse --transport sse

When prompted, enter your API key from Account → API.

Cardog tools are now available in Claude Code. Try:

claude "What's a fair price for a 2022 Toyota RAV4?"

Claude Desktop

Add to your Claude Desktop config:

macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

Example

1 keys
"response": {
"mcpServers": {
"cardog": {3 items}
}
}

Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your API key. Restart Claude Desktop to load the configuration.

Claude Web/Mobile

  1. Go to Settings → Integrations → Add more
  2. Enter:
    • Name: Cardog
    • URL: https://mcp.cardog.io/sse
  3. Add your API key when prompted
  4. Enable tools in new chats

Authentication

The MCP server requires a Cardog API key. Provide it in one of three ways:

MethodFormat
Query Parameter?api_key=YOUR_API_KEY
Authorization HeaderAuthorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY
Custom Headerx-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY

Get your API key from your account dashboard.

Available Tools

Inventory & Listings

ToolDescription
search_listingsSearch vehicle inventory with filters for make, model, year, price, mileage, body style, fuel type, and color

Market Intelligence

ToolDescription
get_vin_analysisMarket analysis for a VIN, including pricing position and comparable vehicles
overviewMarket statistics for a make/model/year: median price, inventory count, price ranges
price_distributionPrice histogram data showing where listings cluster
get_odometer_analysisMileage vs price correlation for depreciation analysis
get_geographic_analysisRegional price variations by state/province
get_market_trendsTime series data showing pricing movements
get_listing_market_positionIndividual listing market analysis
pulseOverall market health indicators

Vehicle Research

ToolDescription
search_lineupsAvailable models for a manufacturer
get_model_yearDetailed trim levels and specifications for a specific model year
search_recallsSafety recalls from NHTSA (US) and Transport Canada

Energy & Infrastructure

ToolDescription
search_electric_stationsEV charging stations with connector type and power filtering
search_gas_stationsFuel stations with current prices

Example Usage

Finding Vehicles

You: "Find me a used Toyota RAV4 under $30,000 with less than 50,000 miles"

Claude calls search_listings with the matching filters and returns vehicles with price, mileage, year, trim level, and dealer information.

Market Analysis

You: "What's the market like for 2022 RAV4s?"

Claude calls overview and responds with market statistics: median price, inventory count, price ranges, and percentile breakdowns.

VIN Check

You: "Check this VIN: 2T3P1RFV8NC123456"

Claude decodes the VIN, identifies the vehicle configuration, and reports its market position against comparable listings.

Safety Research

You: "Are there any recalls on 2020-2023 Honda CR-Vs?"

Claude searches NHTSA and Transport Canada and lists active recalls with campaign numbers, affected components, and remedy status.

Tips

Unit Conversion

The API uses kilometers for odometer values. Claude converts when you give miles (50,000 miles ≈ 80,000 km).

VIN Validation

VINs are 17 characters and cannot contain I, O, or Q. Position 9 is a check digit. Claude validates VINs before making API calls.

Combining Tools

One query can chain several tools:

  1. Search → Find matching vehicles
  2. Overview → Compare prices to market statistics
  3. Recalls → Check safety history
  4. Odometer Analysis → Understand depreciation

Building Custom Agents

The MCP tools read the same data as the Cardog API, which you can call directly.

Support

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