New Website Offers Used-Vehicle Comparison Tool on Older Models

Based on feedback from owners, shoppers, car enthusiasts and experts, a new website is launching a comparison tool for used vehicles dating back to 2000.

Total Car Score highlighted Tuesday that it provides a ranking for every car, truck, van and crossover within the model years from 2000 to 2014.

Officials explained the “total car score” assigned to each and every vehicle is an overall evaluation combining quantitative reviews from top automotive authorities with fuel efficiency and safety ratings. They believe their comprehensive vehicle rating system can let anyone quickly and easily research and compare models from all segments.

“We understand that car buyers and dealers alike are interested in getting the most comprehensive and in-depth information they can on every car, whether it is 10 years old or hot off the assembly line. That is why Total Car Score now covers all vehicles back to 2000,” stated Karl Brauer, editor in chief of Total Car Score.

“Visitors to the site will be able to look up any model from the previous decade,” Brauer continued.

Total Car Score offered a glimpse of some of its findings from the last 14 years of data:

—According to the site, Chevrolet has consistently increased its vehicle scores during the past 12 years. In 2000, the average score for a Chevy vehicle was 59.6. By 2012, the average Chevy achieved a Total Car Score of 74.21.

—The Audi A6 has improved its Total Car Score during the past 12 years. The 2000 Audi A6 received a 72.33 Total Car Score, while the 2012 model received an 83.22 Total Car Score.

—Some models like the Honda Accord have yo-yoed in their scores over the past 12 years. The 2010 Honda Accord, at 86.32, had the highest Total Car Score in the model’s recent history.

“One of the things car shoppers will find while using Total Car Score is that the newest model isn’t always the highest rated,” Brauer pointed out.

“Buyers who are loyal to a particular vehicle nameplate will want to explore different model years to see which one scores best. This makes the site’s vast amount of automotive ratings data extremely valuable for new- and used-car shoppers,” he concluded.