io.github.carsxe/carsxe-mcp
MCP server for CarsXE vehicle data: VIN, specs, history, images, recalls, and OBD codes.
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π CarsXE MCP Server
A modular, extensible Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for querying and analyzing vehicle data from the CarsXE API, with beautiful, chat-friendly Markdown output for LLMs and chatbots.
βΉοΈ What is CarsXE MCP Server?
The CarsXE MCP server is a Node.js/TypeScript application that exposes a suite of tools for querying comprehensive vehicle data from the CarsXE API. It is designed for seamless integration with LLMs (like Anthropic Claude, OpenAI GPT, etc.), chatbots, and developer tools, providing:
- π§© Clean, modular code for each CarsXE endpoint
- π Consistent, Markdown-rich output for chat/LLM environments
- π‘οΈ Robust error handling and user-friendly messages
- π Easy extensibility for new endpoints and features
π‘ Why Use CarsXE with MCP?
Connecting CarsXE to your AI editor or chat client via MCP gives you a supercharged vehicle data experience β directly inside the tools you already use:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Ask in plain English | No need to know API endpoints or parameters β just describe what you want |
| Context-aware answers | The AI combines live vehicle data with your question for tailored, actionable responses |
| No tab switching | Get VIN specs, history, recalls, and values without leaving your editor or chat |
| Chain requests effortlessly | Decode a plate β get full specs β check recalls β get market value, all in one conversation |
| Always live data | Every query hits the CarsXE API in real time β no stale cache or outdated results |
| Works in your favorite editor | Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code, Windsurf, and any MCP-compatible client |
β¨ Features
- π€ Uses Anthropic Claude to generate comprehensive, professional answers based on the API data and user query
- π Query vehicle specs, history, images, recalls, market value, and more
- π·οΈ Decode license plates and VINs (including OCR from images)
- π οΈ Decode OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) codes
- π¨ All endpoints return elegant, grouped, emoji-rich Markdown
- π§βπ» Modular code: types, API logic, and formatters are separated for maintainability
- π§ͺ Simple to run, test, and extend
βοΈ Prerequisites
CarsXE API key (get one here)
π₯οΈ Installation by Editor
All editors use the same remote MCP endpoint. Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your actual CarsXE API key in every config below.
Claude Desktop
1οΈβ£ Download and Install Claude Desktop
- Go to the official Claude Desktop download page
- Download the installer for your operating system (macOS, Windows, or Linux)
- Install Claude Desktop by following the on-screen instructions
2οΈβ£ Configure Claude Desktop to Use the CarsXE MCP Server
a. Open Claude Desktop Settings
- Launch the Claude Desktop app
- Click on Claude in the menu bar
- Select Settings
- In the Settings window, go to the Developer tab (you may need to scroll or expand advanced options)
- Click Edit Config (or Open Config File)
b. Edit the Configuration File
-
This will open the
claude_desktop_config.jsonfile in your default text editor. -
Locate the
"mcpServers"section. If it does not exist, add it as shown below. -
Add or update the following entry for CarsXE:
{ "mcpServers": { "carsxe": { "command": "npx", "args": [ "mcp-remote@latest", "https://mcp.carsxe.com/mcp", "--header", "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" ] } } } -
Replace
YOUR_API_KEYwith your actual CarsXE API Key -
Tip: You can add multiple MCP servers under
"mcpServers"if you use more than one. -
Save the configuration file and close your editor.
c. Restart Claude Desktop
-
Close and reopen the Claude Desktop app to apply the new configuration.
It may take a short delay for the changes to take effect.
3οΈβ£ Verify the CarsXE MCP Server is Available
- After restarting, open Claude Desktop.
- Go to the tools or plugins section (usually in the search bar or under a tools menu).
- You should see CarsXE listed as an available MCP server/tool.
- Try running a CarsXE tool (e.g., get-vehicle-specs) to verify everything is working.
This will only work if your API key is associated with an active subscription.
Cursor
The install dialog will open pre-filled with:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | CarsXE |
| Type | streamableHttp |
| URL | https://mcp.carsxe.com/mcp |
| Header | X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY |
Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your actual CarsXE API key, then click Install.
Visual Studio Code (GitHub Copilot)
Install CarsXE MCP for VS Code
After clicking install, you'll need to add your API key manually:
- Open Command Palette (
Ctrl+Shift+P/Cmd+Shift+P) - Run MCP: List Servers
- Find CarsXE in the list and click on it
- Click Show Configuration
- Replace
YOUR_API_KEYwith your actual CarsXE API key:
"CarsXE": {
"type": "http",
"url": "https://mcp.carsxe.com/mcp",
"headers": {
"X-API-Key": "YOUR_ACTUAL_KEY_HERE"
}
}
- Save the file β VS Code will connect automatically.
Note: Make sure you have the GitHub Copilot extension installed and agent mode enabled (
chat.agent.enabledin VS Code settings).
Windsurf
1οΈβ£ Open MCP Configuration
- Go to Windsurf Settings β MCP (or press
Ctrl+,and search for MCP) - Click "Edit Config" to open
~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json
2οΈβ£ Add the CarsXE Server
{
"mcpServers": {
"carsxe": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"mcp-remote@latest",
"https://mcp.carsxe.com/mcp",
"--header",
"X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"
]
}
}
}
3οΈβ£ Restart Windsurf
Reload the window or restart Windsurf. Open the Cascade chat panel β CarsXE tools will appear automatically.
Other Editors (Manual / Generic)
For any other MCP-compatible client, register a remote MCP server using:
- Endpoint:
https://mcp.carsxe.com/mcp - Transport: HTTP (Streamable HTTP)
- Auth header:
X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY
Consult your editor's MCP documentation for the exact configuration format.
π οΈ Available Tools & Example Prompts
Below is a list of all available CarsXE tools, their parameters, and example prompts. These prompts work in any MCP-connected client.
1. get-vehicle-specs π
-
Description: Get comprehensive vehicle specifications by VIN
-
Parameters:
vin(string, required): 17-character Vehicle Identification Number
-
Example Prompts:
What are the full specs for VIN
WBAFR7C57CC811956?Is this a V6 or V8? VIN:
WBAFR7C57CC811956What trim level is
WBAFR7C57CC811956? -
Output: Markdown-formatted vehicle specs (year, make, model, engine, dimensions, colors, equipment, etc.)
2. decode-vehicle-plate π·οΈ
-
Description: Decode a vehicle's license plate to get VIN and basic info
-
Parameters:
plate(string, required): License plate numberstate(string, optional): State abbreviation (e.g., CA)country(string, required, default: US): Country code
-
Example Prompts:
What car has license plate
7XER187in California?Decode plate
7XER187stateCALook up the plate
ABC1234in Texas -
Output: Markdown summary of decoded vehicle info (VIN, make, model, year, etc.)
3. international-vin-decoder π
-
Description: Decode an international VIN for detailed info
-
Parameters:
vin(string, required): 17-character VIN
-
Example Prompts:
Decode this European VIN:
WF0MXXGBWM8R43240What car is
WAUZZZ8K9AA123456? It's a German VIN. -
Output: Markdown with international vehicle details (manufacturer, specs, emissions, etc.)
4. get-market-value π°
-
Description: Get estimated market value for a vehicle by VIN
-
Parameters:
vin(string, required): 17-character VINstate(string, optional): US state abbreviationcountry(string, optional): Country code
-
Example Prompts:
How much is
WBAFR7C57CC811956worth?I'm thinking of buying VIN
WBAFR7C57CC811956β what's a fair price?What's the trade-in value for
WBAFR7C57CC811956in Florida? -
Output: Markdown with market value breakdown (retail, trade-in, MSRP, etc.)
5. get-vehicle-history π
-
Description: Get a comprehensive vehicle history report by VIN
-
Parameters:
vin(string, required): 17-character VINformat(string, optional): Response format (json or xml)
-
Example Prompts:
Has
WBAFR7C57CC811956ever been in an accident?Show me the full history for VIN
WBAFR7C57CC811956How many owners has
WBAFR7C57CC811956had? -
Output: Markdown with history records (junk/salvage, insurance, brands, titles, odometer, etc.)
6. get-vehicle-images πΌοΈ
-
Description: Get vehicle images by make, model, and filters
-
Parameters:
make(string, required)model(string, required)year,trim,color,transparent,angle,photoType,size,license,format(all optional)
-
Example Prompts:
Show me photos of a blue 2018 Toyota Tacoma
Get images of a red 2022 Ford Mustang GT
What does a white 2020 Tesla Model 3 look like?
-
Output: Markdown with up to 5 images (links, thumbnails, details)
7. get-vehicle-recalls π¨
-
Description: Get vehicle recall information by VIN
-
Parameters:
vin(string, required): 17-character VIN
-
Example Prompts:
Does
1C4JJXR64PW696340have any open recalls?I just bought VIN
1C4JJXR64PW696340β should I be worried about recalls?Check for safety recalls on
WBAFR7C57CC811956 -
Output: Markdown with recall details (date, description, risk, remedy, status, etc.)
8. recognize-plate-image π·οΈ
-
Description: Recognize and extract license plate(s) from a vehicle image URL
-
Parameters:
imageUrl(string, required): Direct URL to an image of a vehicle's license plate
-
Example Prompts:
What's the plate number in this image?
https://api.carsxe.com/img/apis/plate_recognition.JPGRead the license plate from this photo:
[image URL] -
Output: Markdown with detected plates, confidence scores, bounding boxes, vehicle type, etc.
9. vin-ocr π
-
Description: Extract the VIN from a vehicle image using OCR
-
Parameters:
imageUrl(string, required): Direct URL to an image of a vehicle's VIN
-
Example Prompts:
Extract the VIN from this image:
https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/5663423/30922082-64edb4fa-a3a8-11e7-873e-3fbcdce8ea3a.pngWhat's the VIN in this photo?
https://res.cloudinary.com/carsxe/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1713204144/base/images/vin-ocr/vin.jpg -
Output: Markdown with detected VIN, confidence, bounding box, and candidates
10. get-year-make-model π
-
Description: Get comprehensive vehicle info by year, make, model, and optional trim
-
Parameters:
year(string, required)make(string, required)model(string, required)trim(string, optional)
-
Example Prompts:
What are the specs for a 2020 Toyota Camry?
Tell me about the 2019 Honda Civic Sport trim
What colors were available on the 2021 Ford F-150?
-
Output: Markdown with vehicle details, colors, features, options, and packages
11. decode-obd-code π οΈ
-
Description: Decode an OBD code and get diagnosis information
-
Parameters:
code(string, required): OBD code (e.g., P0115)
-
Example Prompts:
My check engine light is on with code
P0115β what does it mean?Decode OBD code
P0300I have a
C1234code on my dashboard β is it serious? -
Output: Markdown with code, diagnosis, and date
12. get-lien-theft π
-
Description: Get lien and theft information for a vehicle by VIN
-
Parameters:
vin(string, required): 17-character Vehicle Identification Number
-
Example Prompts:
Is there a lien on
WBAFR7C57CC811956?I'm buying a used car with VIN
WBAFR7C57CC811956β check if it's stolenVerify the title is clean for
WBAFR7C57CC811956 -
Output: Markdown with lien holder information, theft records, recovery dates, and status
π Chaining Tools β Power User Examples
The real power of CarsXE MCP comes from chaining tools in a single conversation:
Scenario 1 β Pre-purchase due diligence:
-
Decode plate
7XER187in California -
Now get its full history
-
Does it have any open recalls?
-
What's it worth if I buy it today?
Scenario 2 β Spotted a car on the street:
-
Read the plate from this image:
[photo URL] -
Look up that plate in Texas
-
Show me photos of that car model
Scenario 3 β Mechanic / service shop:
-
Decode this VIN from the dashboard photo:
[image URL] -
Get its full specs
-
My customer says the check engine code is P0300 β what does that mean for this vehicle?
