# Auto.dev for AI agents

> Every Auto.dev API as an MCP tool. Connect the hosted server, https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, or run it locally with the auto CLI. Agents sign in with OAuth, not an API key.

## Use it from an AI agent

Hosted MCP server (recommended): https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, named `auto-dev`. Sign-in is OAuth on first use, so agents never handle an API key.

- Claude Code: `claude mcp add --transport http auto-dev https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Then run /mcp in Claude Code and choose Authenticate for auto-dev.
- Claude Desktop: In Settings, open Connectors, choose Add Custom Connector, name it auto-dev and paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, then sign in
- Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Cursor. Sign-in opens on the first tool call.
- VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json): `{"servers":{"auto-dev":{"type":"http","url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. For Copilot agent mode, VS Code 1.99 or later. Sign-in opens on first use.
- Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"serverUrl":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Windsurf. Sign-in opens on the first tool call.
- Grok Bot: send `Add a custom MCP server called auto-dev at https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Confirm, then choose Authorize and sign in. Type @auto-dev in a chat to use it.
- Muse: send `Connect Auto.dev`. Or open Settings, then Connectors, and choose Connect next to Auto.dev. Sign in when asked.
- ChatGPT and dots: At chatgpt.com/plugins, choose + and Add custom MCP server, paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp and choose OAuth, then Create as a plugin. Your dot uses the same plugin

Or install the `auto` CLI, the local MCP server (`auto --mcp`) and the JavaScript SDK in one package:

```sh
npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk
auto login
auto mcp install
```

- Agent skill: `npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill`

## Tools

- `auto_decode`: Global VIN Decode. Decode any VIN to access comprehensive vehicle data and specifications. CLI: `auto decode`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/vin.md
- `auto_plate`: Plate-to-VIN. Decode US license plates to get VIN, year, make, model, and more. CLI: `auto plate`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/plate-to-vin.md
- `auto_specs`: Specifications. Detailed technical specifications, features, and options for any vehicle model. CLI: `auto specs`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/specifications.md
- `auto_build`: OEM Build Data. Original equipment manufacturer build data and production information. CLI: `auto build`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/oem-build-data.md
- `auto_listings`: Vehicle Listings. Access millions of active vehicle listings with real-time pricing and availability. CLI: `auto listings`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/listings.md
- `auto_photos`: Vehicle Photos. High-quality vehicle images and photo galleries for listings and inventory. CLI: `auto photos`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-photos.md
- `auto_apr`: Interest Rates. Real-time automotive financing rates and lending information. CLI: `auto apr`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/interest-rates.md
- `auto_payments`: Vehicle Payments. Calculate monthly payments, financing options, and payment estimates. CLI: `auto payments`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-payments.md
- `auto_recalls`: Vehicle Recalls. Safety recalls, service bulletins, and manufacturer notifications. CLI: `auto recalls`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-recalls.md
- `auto_open_recalls`: Open Recalls. Active and unresolved vehicle recall information from NHTSA. CLI: `auto open-recalls`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/open-recalls.md
- `auto_taxes`: Taxes & Fees. Registration fees, taxes, and location-specific vehicle costs. CLI: `auto taxes`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/taxes-fees.md
- `auto_tco`: Total Cost of Ownership. Comprehensive ownership costs including depreciation, maintenance, and operating expenses. CLI: `auto tco`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/total-cost-ownership.md
- `auto_docs`: looks up any tool's parameters.

The hosted server also has `search` and `fetch`.

Works with Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code, Windsurf, Grok Bot, Muse, ChatGPT and dots, and any other MCP client.

## Questions

### What is the Auto.dev MCP server?

A Model Context Protocol server that gives AI agents every Auto.dev API as a tool. The hosted server is `https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`, named `auto-dev`, with nothing to install. The `auto` CLI can also run it on your machine as `auto --mcp`.

### Which agents does it work with?

The docs give setup for Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code, Windsurf, Grok Bot, Muse, ChatGPT and dots. Any other MCP client can add the hosted server by its URL. For the local server, `auto mcp install` configures Claude Code, Claude Desktop and Cursor.

### Do I need an API key?

No. Agents sign in with OAuth: the first tool call opens a browser sign-in, and the client refreshes the token after that. Where no browser can open, such as CI, set `AUTODEV_API_KEY` in the environment or in the MCP server config.

### Which tools does it have?

One tool for each API: `auto_decode`, `auto_plate`, `auto_specs`, `auto_build`, `auto_listings`, `auto_photos`, `auto_apr`, `auto_payments`, `auto_recalls`, `auto_open_recalls`, `auto_taxes`, `auto_tco`. `auto_docs` looks up any parameter, so the agent never guesses. The hosted server also has search and fetch.

### What does it cost?

Installing the MCP server, CLI and SDK costs nothing. You pay only for API usage on your plan: Free includes 1,000 calls a month, and Growth and Scale bill per call.

### Can I use the CLI or SDK without MCP?

Yes. `npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk` gives the `auto` CLI for the terminal, the MCP server for agents and the JavaScript SDK for code. Use whichever fits.

## References

- Docs: https://docs.auto.dev
- OpenAPI: https://www.auto.dev/openapi.json (JSON), https://www.auto.dev/openapi.yaml (YAML)
- llms.txt: https://www.auto.dev/llms.txt
- Pricing: https://www.auto.dev/pricing
- Sign up: https://www.auto.dev/signin?redirectUrl=%2Fonboarding