How does SwapU match vehicles for a swap?

The matching algorithm

SwapU's matching algorithm, built into Nicholas AI, compares your listing against all active listings in the platform and calculates a match score for each potential pairing. The score reflects:

• **Vehicle type alignment:** How closely the vehicle type you want matches the other owner's listing (e.g. both want a ute, or one wants an SUV and the other is listing one)
• **Value bracket proximity:** How close the two vehicles are in estimated market value — wider gaps require larger cash top-ups, which can make swaps harder to agree on
• **Condition:** Self-reported condition rating and kilometres driven
• **Location:** Distance between the two parties; closer matches are generally more practical

What you set when you list

When you create a listing on SwapU, you specify: - Your vehicle details (make, model, year, kilometres, condition, photos) - What vehicle type or characteristics you are looking for (body type, budget range) - Your suburb

The AI uses this to generate a ranked list of potential swap partners.

Chain swaps

If no direct two-way match is available, SwapU can identify three-way or four-way chain swaps — where multiple owners swap simultaneously to get what they each want. For example: Owner A gives their car to Owner B, Owner B gives their car to Owner C, Owner C gives their car to Owner A. Everyone gets what they want even though no direct 1:1 match existed.

Browsing and contacting matches

Matches are visible in your SwapU dashboard. Each match card shows the other vehicle, a match score, and a message button. You initiate contact directly; SwapU does not intermediate the negotiation.

Privacy

Other users do not see your contact details until you both agree to exchange them through the platform.