## Available on Marketplaces

The CarsXE MCP server is listed on all major MCP marketplaces and registries:

| Marketplace | Link |
| ----------- | ---- |
| **MCP.so** | [View on MCP.so](https://mcp.so/server/carsxe/carsxe) |
| **MCP Market** | [View on MCP Market](https://mcpmarket.com/server/carsxe) |
| **Glama.ai** | [View on Glama.ai](https://glama.ai/mcp/servers/carsxe/cars-xe) |
| **MCP Registry** | [View on MCP Registry](https://registry.modelcontextprotocol.io/?q=carsxe) |
| **MCP Servers** | [View on MCP Servers](https://mcpservers.org/servers/carsxe/carsxe-mcp-server) |

## What is MCP?

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that allows AI applications to securely connect to external data sources and tools. The CarsXE MCP server provides direct access to our comprehensive automotive database.

## What is the 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:

- **Clean, modular code** for each CarsXE endpoint
- **Consistent, Markdown-rich output** for chat/LLM environments
- **Robust error handling** and user-friendly messages
- **Easy extensibility** for new endpoints and features

## Why Use CarsXE with MCP?

Connecting CarsXE to your AI editor or chat client via MCP gives you a supercharged vehicle data experience — directly inside the tools you already use:

| Benefit                           | Description                                                                                 |
| --------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Ask in plain English**          | No need to know API endpoints or parameters — 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 → get full specs → check recalls → get market value, all in one conversation |
| **Always live data**              | Every query hits the CarsXE API in real time — no stale cache or outdated results           |
| **Works in your favorite editor** | Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code, Windsurf, and any MCP-compatible client                    |

## Features

- Provides structured, Markdown-ready results that LLMs and MCP clients can use to generate comprehensive, professional answers based on the API data and user query
- Query vehicle specs, history, images, recalls, market value, and more
- Decode license plates and VINs (including OCR from images)
- Decode OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) codes
- All endpoints return elegant, grouped, emoji-rich Markdown
- Modular code: types, API logic, and formatters are separated for maintainability
- Simple to run, test, and extend

## Prerequisites

- **CarsXE API key** ([get one here](/dashboard/developer))
- **Node.js 18+ and npm** — required by editors that launch the MCP server via `npx mcp-remote@latest` (Claude Desktop, Windsurf). [Download Node.js](https://nodejs.org/)
- **An MCP-compatible client or editor** — one of: [Claude Desktop](https://claude.ai/download), [Cursor](https://www.cursor.com/), [VS Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/) with the GitHub Copilot extension, [Windsurf](https://windsurf.com/), or any other MCP-compatible tool

## 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

#### 1. Download and Install Claude Desktop

- Go to the official [Claude Desktop download page](https://claude.ai/download)
- Download the installer for your operating system (macOS, Windows, or Linux)
- Install Claude Desktop by following the on-screen instructions

#### 2. Configure Claude Desktop to Use the CarsXE MCP Server

**a. Open Claude Desktop Settings**

- Launch the Claude Desktop app
- Go to **Settings** click on CTRL + , (or CMD + , on Mac) to open 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.json` file 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:

<CodeGroup title="claude_desktop_config.json">
```json showLineNumbers
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "carsxe": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "mcp-remote@latest",
        "https://mcp.carsxe.com/mcp",
        "--header",
        "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"
      ]
    }
  }
}
```
</CodeGroup>

- Replace `YOUR_API_KEY` with 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.

#### 3. 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

<InstallButton
  href="cursor://anysphere.cursor-deeplink/mcp/install?name=CarsXE&config=eyJuYW1lIjoiQ2Fyc1hFIiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9tY3AucHJvZC5jYXJzeGUuY29tL21jcCIsImhlYWRlcnMiOnsiWC1BUEktS2V5IjoiWU9VUl9BUElfS0VZIn19"
  borderClassName="border border-neutral-200 hover:border-neutral-800 dark:border-neutral-700 dark:hover:border-neutral-300"
  arrowClassName="text-neutral-400 group-hover:text-neutral-900 dark:text-neutral-500 dark:group-hover:text-neutral-200"
  icon={
    <img
      src="https://imagedelivery.net/moyiiSImjJPI_EZVxNMBBw/2eff7aea-b8bc-42b7-aec0-bfd6bbdac600/public"
      alt="Cursor"
      className="h-6 w-6 object-contain"
    />
  }
>
  Install CarsXE MCP for Cursor
</InstallButton>

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](/dashboard/developer), then click **Install**.

### Visual Studio Code (GitHub Copilot)

<InstallButton
  href="vscode:mcp/install?%7B%22name%22%3A%22CarsXE%22%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fmcp.carsxe.com%2Fmcp%22%2C%22headers%22%3A%7B%22X-API-Key%22%3A%22YOUR_API_KEY%22%7D%7D"
  borderClassName="border border-blue-200 hover:border-blue-500 dark:border-blue-900/40 dark:hover:border-blue-400"
  arrowClassName="text-blue-400 group-hover:text-blue-600 dark:text-blue-500 dark:group-hover:text-blue-300"
  icon={
    <img
      src="https://imagedelivery.net/moyiiSImjJPI_EZVxNMBBw/c8a5a78f-150c-466f-8db7-e304edc39700/public"
      alt="Visual Studio Code"
      className="h-6 w-6 object-contain"
    />
  }
>
  Install CarsXE MCP for VS Code
</InstallButton>

After clicking install, you'll need to add your API key manually:

1. Open **Command Palette** (`Ctrl+Shift+P` / `Cmd+Shift+P`)
2. Run **MCP: List Servers**
3. Find **CarsXE** in the list and click on it
4. Click **Show Configuration**
5. Replace `YOUR_API_KEY` with your actual [CarsXE API key](/dashboard/developer):

<CodeGroup title="settings.json">
```json showLineNumbers
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "CarsXE": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://mcp.carsxe.com/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "X-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"
      }
    }
  }
}
```
</CodeGroup>

6. Save the file — VS Code will connect automatically.

> **Note:** Make sure you have the **GitHub Copilot** extension installed and agent mode enabled (`chat.agent.enabled` in VS Code settings).

### Windsurf

#### 1. Open MCP Configuration

- Go to **Windsurf Settings** → **MCP** (or press `Ctrl+,` and search for MCP)
- Click **"Edit Config"** to open `~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json`

#### 2. Add the CarsXE Server

<CodeGroup title="mcp_config.json">
```json showLineNumbers
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "carsxe": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "mcp-remote@latest",
        "https://mcp.carsxe.com/mcp",
        "--header",
        "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"
      ]
    }
  }
}
```
</CodeGroup>

#### 3. Restart Windsurf

### Claude CLI

The Claude CLI supports direct HTTP connections to MCP servers.

#### 1. Add the Server

**Using the Command Line:**

<CodeGroup title="Terminal">
```bash
claude mcp add --transport http carsxe https://mcp.carsxe.com/mcp \
  --header "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"
```
</CodeGroup>

**Manual Configuration:**

Edit `~/.claude.json`:

<CodeGroup title="~/.claude.json">
```json showLineNumbers
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "carsxe": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://mcp.carsxe.com/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "X-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"
      }
    }
  }
}
```
</CodeGroup>

#### 2. Verify and Start

List configured servers:

<CodeGroup title="Terminal">
```bash
claude mcp list
```
</CodeGroup>

Start Claude CLI:

<CodeGroup title="Terminal">
```bash
claude
```
</CodeGroup>

### Gemini CLI

#### 1. Configure the Server

Edit: `~/.gemini/settings.json`

<CodeGroup title="settings.json">
```json showLineNumbers
{
  "theme": "Default",
  "selectedAuthType": "oauth-personal",
  "mcpServers": {
    "carsxe": {
      "url": "https://mcp.carsxe.com/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "X-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"
      }
    }
  }
}
```
</CodeGroup>

Replace `YOUR_API_KEY` with your actual [CarsXE API key](/dashboard/developer).

#### 2. Start Gemini

<CodeGroup title="Terminal">
```bash
gemini
```
</CodeGroup>

The CarsXE MCP server will be available immediately.

### Kiro CLI

#### 1. Configure the Server

Ensure you have the [Kiro CLI tool installed](https://kiro.dev/cli/) on your machine.

Create or edit `~/.kiro/settings/mcp.json`:

<CodeGroup title="mcp.json">
```json showLineNumbers
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "carsxe": {
      "url": "https://mcp.carsxe.com/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "X-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"
      },
      "disabled": false
    }
  }
}
```
</CodeGroup>

Replace `YOUR_API_KEY` with your actual [CarsXE API key](/dashboard/developer).

#### 2. Connect

1. Open your terminal and run:

<CodeGroup title="Terminal">
```bash
kiro-cli
```
</CodeGroup>

2. Activate MCP servers:

<CodeGroup title="Command">
```bash
/mcp
```
</CodeGroup>

3. The CarsXE server will be listed and ready to use

### Codex CLI

#### 1. Configure the Server

Ensure you have the [Codex CLI tool installed](https://developers.openai.com/codex/cli/) on your machine.

Edit `~/.codex/config.toml`:

<CodeGroup title="config.toml">
```toml showLineNumbers
[mcp_servers.carsxe]
url = "https://mcp.carsxe.com/mcp"
http_headers = { "X-API-Key" = "YOUR_API_KEY" }
```
</CodeGroup>

Replace `YOUR_API_KEY` with your actual [CarsXE API key](/dashboard/developer).

#### 2. Start Codex

<CodeGroup title="Terminal">
```bash
codex
```
</CodeGroup>

Then list MCP servers:

<CodeGroup title="Command">
```bash
/mcp
```
</CodeGroup>

The CarsXE server will be available in the list.

## Example Usage

Here are some example prompts you can try:

<CopyableText>Can you decode this VIN: 1HGBH41JXMN109186 and tell me the market value?</CopyableText>

<CopyableText>What recalls exist for a 2020 Honda Civic with VIN SHHFK7H47LU419620?</CopyableText>

<CopyableText>Show me images of a 2019 Tesla Model 3</CopyableText>

<CopyableText>Decode this license plate: ABC123 from California</CopyableText>

## Available Tools

For a full list of supported tools and their descriptions, visit the [CarsXE Products page](/all-products).

### Supported Regions

- **United States**: Full coverage for all tools
- **Canada**: VIN decoding and market values
- **International**: VIN decoding for major markets
- **Europe**: Limited VIN decoding support

## Troubleshooting

### Common Issues

**Authentication Error**

- Verify your API key is correct
- Ensure you have an active subscription with sufficient API credits
- Check that your API key has the necessary permissions

**Connection Issues**

- For clients that launch the MCP server via `npx` (e.g., Claude Desktop, Windsurf), confirm Node.js is installed and accessible; for VS Code/Cursor setups that connect directly to the HTTP endpoint, Node.js is only needed if your client uses `npx` to start a local server.
- Verify your internet connection
- Check that the MCP server URL is correct: `https://mcp.carsxe.com/mcp`

**Tool Not Found**

- Restart your MCP client
- Verify the configuration syntax
- Check the server logs for errors

### Getting Help

- **Documentation**: [Full API Documentation](/docs)
- **Support**: [Contact Support](/support)

Ready to revolutionize your AI-powered vehicle data workflows with CarsXE MCP server!