The Hidden Complexity of CarVer Score Calculation
How we rate every vehicle across safety, efficiency, value, features, warranty, and practicality.
Last reviewed: March 2026
Important Disclaimer
CarVer is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorised by ANCAP, manufacturers, or any regulatory body. Our scores are independently calculated using publicly available manufacturer specifications and are provided for general guidance only. They should not be relied upon as professional advice. Always verify information with official sources before making purchasing decisions.
The Six Core Scores
Each vehicle in our database receives six independent scores. These are calculated algorithmically from manufacturer specifications - no human bias, no paid placements.
ANCAP rating, airbags, active safety features
Fuel consumption, emissions, EV range
Price-to-features ratio, warranty, servicing
Tech, comfort, connectivity inclusions
Years, kilometres, capped servicing
Space, towing, seats, ground clearance
Safety Score Calculation
Safety is heavily weighted toward ANCAP ratings, with bonus points for active safety features.
Efficiency Score Calculation
Efficiency compares fuel/energy consumption against segment averages. EVs automatically score higher.
Value Score Calculation
Value measures what you get for your money compared to segment competitors.
Warranty Score Calculation
Practicality Score Calculation
Overall Score (MCDA)
Our overall score uses Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), a weighted scoring system that can be customised based on user priorities:
Default weights: Safety (25%), Value (20%), Running Costs (20%), Performance (15%), Features (10%), Reliability (10%)
Users can adjust weights in comparison mode to match their priorities.
Reliability Score
Our reliability score is an estimate calculated from publicly available data sources:
Important: This score is an indicative estimate only and is not a guarantee or prediction of vehicle reliability. Owner satisfaction data is sourced from ProductReview.com.au and displayed with attribution. We do not scrape or reproduce individual reviews.
Depreciation Estimates
Depreciation percentages are based on historical market trends for similar vehicles:
- Year 1: Typically 15-25% depending on brand and segment
- Year 3: Cumulative 35-50% from new price
- Year 5: Cumulative 50-65% from new price
Estimates only. Actual depreciation varies significantly based on condition, kilometres, market demand, colour, and economic factors.
True Cost of Ownership
Our true cost calculation includes:
- Depreciation: Estimated value loss over ownership period
- Fuel/Energy: Based on 15,000 km/year standard assumption
- Insurance: Estimated average for vehicle class
- Servicing: Based on manufacturer scheduled service costs
- Registration: State-based registration fees
- Tyres: Estimated replacement costs
Standard assumption: 15,000 km/year. Adjust in calculator for your actual driving.
Stamp Duty Calculations
Stamp duty is calculated based on state government rates:
Rates as at March 2026. EV incentives and luxury car tax may apply. Verify with your state revenue office.
Cost Per 100km
Running costs are calculated using:
- Petrol/Diesel: GVG fuel figures × average price ($1.95/L default)
- Electric: Energy consumption × average electricity ($0.30/kWh default)
- Hybrid: Weighted average based on typical usage split
Fuel consumption figures from Green Vehicle Guide (ADR 81/02 test cycle).
ATO Cents Per Kilometre
We compare against the ATO's cents per kilometre rate for work-related car expenses:
88¢/km
FY2025-26 rate for all vehicles
This ATO benchmark represents an average cost including fuel, depreciation, registration, insurance, and maintenance. Cars costing less than this to run are highlighted as efficient.
NVES Impact
The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) came into effect January 2025. We indicate:
- Compliant: Vehicles meeting current CO2 targets
- Credit earning: Low emission vehicles earning credits
- Credit using: Higher emission vehicles using credits
NVES may affect future pricing of high-emission vehicles. Source: infrastructure.gov.au