TrueCar (TRUE) 10-K 12 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 05, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	TrueCar, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1327318
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$391,333,962
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		80,419,146
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$147,539	$43,819
Restricted cash - current		2,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $2,069 and $2,184 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively (includes related party receivables of $1,865 and $690 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	28,748	18,803
Notes receivable from related parties - current		178
Prepaid expenses (includes related party prepaid expenses of $906 and $0 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	5,193	3,550
Other current assets (includes related party receivables of $0 and $363 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	3,040	1,226
Total current assets	184,520	69,576
Property and equipment, net	30,731	15,238
Goodwill	53,270	53,270
Intangible assets, net	27,949	31,834
Notes receivable from related parties		2,682
Other assets	482	2,150
Total assets	296,952	174,750
Current liabilities
Accounts payable (includes related party payables of $4,954 and $3,939 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	12,826	9,804
Accrued employee expenses	14,245	10,129
Revolving line of credit		4,764
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (includes related party accrued expenses of $0 and $516 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	11,783	6,242
Total current liabilities	38,854	30,939
Deferred tax liabilities	2,245	1,791
Lease Financing Obligation	6,093
Other liabilities	562	616
Total liabilities	47,754	33,346
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Series A convertible preferred stock — $0.0001 par value; no shares and 4,500,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively; no shares and 2,857,143 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively		29,224
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock — $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000,000 shares and 150,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively; 79,811,769 and 59,955,343 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	8	6
Additional paid-in capital	460,179	275,803
Notes receivable from related parties		-1,069
Accumulated deficit	-210,989	-162,560
Total stockholders' equity	249,198	112,180
Total liabilities, convertible preferred stock, contingently redeemable common stock, and stockholders' equity	$296,952	$174,750

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable - current	$2,069	$2,184
Related party accounts receivable - current	1,865	690
Related party prepaid expenses - current	906	0
Related party accounts payable - current	4,954	3,939
Preferred stock, par value (in dollar per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	0
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	79,811,769	59,955,343
Common stock, shares outstanding	79,811,769	59,955,343
Other current assets
Related party receivable - current	0	363
Accrued Expenses
Related party accrued expenses - current	$0	$516
Series A preferred stock
Par value	$0.00	$0.00
Shares authorized	0	4,500,000
Shares issued	0	2,857,143
Shares outstanding	0	2,857,143

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
Revenues (includes related party revenues of $0, $0, and $1,431 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.	$206,649	$133,958	$79,889
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization presented separately below; includes related party expenses of $405, $2,738, and $2,289 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively)	17,513	15,295	13,559
Sales and marketing (includes related party expenses of $19,443, $10,164, and $3,981 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively)	128,569	75,180	70,327
Technology and development	36,563	23,685	21,960
General and administrative	58,296	30,857	34,228
Depreciation and amortization	13,213	11,569	11,768
Total costs and operating expenses	254,154	156,586	151,842
Loss from operations	-47,505	-22,628	-71,953
Interest income	59	121	229
Interest expense	-380	-1,988	-3,359
Other income (expense)	37	18	-18
Loss before (provision) benefit for income taxes	-47,789	-24,477	-75,101
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	-640	-579	606
Net loss	-48,429	-25,056	-74,495
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.68)	($0.43)	($1.33)
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted (in shares)	70,837	58,540	55,828
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized gain on marketable securities			35
Comprehensive loss	($48,429)	($25,056)	($74,460)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue from related party	$0	$0	$1,431
Cost of revenue
Costs and expenses with related parties	405	2,738	2,289
Sales and marketing
Costs and expenses with related parties	$19,443	$10,164	$3,981

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Common stock	APIC	Notes Receivable from Related Parties	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Total
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$6	$223,065	($1,258)	($63,009)	($35)	$158,769
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	55,661,539
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net loss				-74,495		-74,495
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax					35	35
Stock-based compensation		9,658				9,658
Issuance of warrants in connection with marketing agreements		1,990				1,990
Issuance of restricted stock		876				876
Issuance of restricted stock (in shares)	17,520
Exercise of options to purchase common stock		370	-57			313
Exercise of options to purchase common stock (in shares)	401,494
Imputed interest on notes receivable		126				126
Repurchase of common stock		-1,648				-1,648
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	-265,274
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs		1,329	15			1,344
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs (in shares)	140,890
Interest income on notes receivable			-27			-27
Beneficial conversion feature related to convertible notes payable, net of tax		1,618				1,618
Issuance and adjustment of contingently redeemable common stock		-1,000				-1,000
Issuance and adjustment of contingently redeemable common stock (in shares)	-126,262
Exercise of warrants to purchase common stock		637				637
Exercise of warrants to purchase common stock (in shares)	377,672
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	6	237,021	-1,327	-137,504		98,196
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	56,207,579
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net loss				-25,056		-25,056
Stock-based compensation		9,463				9,463
Issuance of warrants in connection with marketing agreements		3,740				3,740
Issuance of restricted stock		423				423
Issuance of restricted stock (in shares)	20,874
Exercise of options to purchase common stock		171	58			229
Exercise of options to purchase common stock (in shares)	98,878
Imputed interest on notes receivable		127				127
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs		326				326
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs (in shares)	57,760
Interest income on notes receivable			-28			-28
Issuance and adjustment of contingently redeemable common stock (in shares)	13,840
Repurchase of vested common stock awards		-2,000				-2,000
Repayment of notes receivable			228			228
Issuance of warrants in connection with Series A convertible preferred stock		677				677
Issuance of warrants in connection with revolving line of credit		408				408
Conversion of convertible note payable to common stock		25,447				25,447
Conversion of convertible note payable to common stock (in shares)	3,556,412
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	6	275,803	-1,069	-162,560		112,180
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	59,955,343					59,955,343
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net loss				-48,429		-48,429
Stock-based compensation		30,582				30,582
Issuance of warrants in connection with marketing agreements		9,861				9,861
Recovery of short swing profits		14				14
Imputed interest on notes receivable		10				10
Issuance of common stock in connection with initial public offering, net of underwriting discounts and offering costs	1	69,150				69,151
Issuance of common stock in connection with initial public offering, net of underwriting discounts and offering costs (in shares)	8,941,250
Issuance of common stock in follow-on offering, net of underwriting discounts and offering costs		30,762				30,762
Issuance of common stock in follow-on offering, net of underwriting discounts and offering costs (in shares)	1,960,390
Interest income on notes receivable			-3			-3
Conversion of Series A convertible preferred stock in connection with initial public offering		29,224				29,224
Conversion of Series A convertible preferred stock in connection with initial public offering (in shares)	2,857,143
Exercise of warrants to purchase common stock	1	9,460				9,461
Exercise of warrants to purchase common stock (in shares)	3,357,867
Shares issued in connection with employee stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes		5,313				5,313
Shares issued in connection with employee stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)	2,739,776
Repayment of notes receivable			1,072			1,072
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$8	$460,179		($210,989)		$249,198
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	79,811,769					79,811,769

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Net loss	($48,429)	($25,056)	($74,495)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	12,979	10,835	10,275
Deferred income taxes	577	579	-606
Bad debt expense and other reserves	300	280	668
Stock-based compensation	29,333	9,346	10,320
Legal expense settled in stock			307
Legal settlement paid in stock		326
Increase in fair value of contingent consideration liability		95	1,370
Common stock warrant expense	9,861	3,740	1,990
Imputed interest on notes receivable	-3	127	126
Interest income on notes receivable	-4	-107	-107
Interest expense on note payable		805	1,508
Accretion of beneficial conversion feature on convertible notes payable and discount on revolving line of credit	236	1,117	1,770
Loss on disposal of fixed assets	233	734	1,493
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	-10,372	-8,196	2,506
Prepaid expenses	-1,643	-1,955	-104
Other current assets	-1,316	-29	163
Other assets	-26	-281	10,082
Accounts payable	3,399	1,382	-2,053
Accrued employee expenses	3,883	3,973	-376
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	4,253	-1,204	2,655
Other liabilities	-157	-422	-210
Net cash used in operating activities	3,104	-3,911	-32,718
Cash flows from investing activities
Change in restricted cash	2,000	2,500	-4,500
Sales of short term investments			31,061
Purchase of property and equipment	-15,531	-8,404	-6,200
Purchase of intangible assets	-365
Notes receivable from related parties	-60
Repayment of notes receivable from related parties	4,133	421	13
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-9,823	-5,483	20,374
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from initial public offering net of underwriting discounts	69,702
Proceeds from follow-on public offering, net of underwriting discounts and offering costs	30,950
Proceeds from short swing profits	14
Proceeds from revolving line of credit	5,000	5,000
Repayments under credit agreement	-10,000
Proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock and common stock warrants, net of issuance costs		29,901
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs			116
Issuance of convertible note payable			23,133
Payments of initial public offering costs		-551
Payment of contingent consideration		-428
Repurchase of common stock		-1,000	-1,648
Repurchase of vested common stock option awards		-2,000
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options	5,851	229	313
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	-539
Proceeds from exercise of warrants	9,461		637
Net cash provided by financing activities	110,439	31,151	22,551
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	103,720	21,757	10,207
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	43,819	22,062	11,855
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	147,539	43,819	22,062
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	139	64
Income taxes	20
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities
Conversion of Series A convertible preferred stock in connection with initial public offering	29,224
Payments of initial public offering costs paid in the prior year	551
Issuance of common stock in settlement of liability			850
Issuance of common stock in lieu of cash bonus			626
Conversion of convertible note payable and accrued interest to common stock		25,447
Contingently redeemable common stock			-1,000
Beneficial conversion feature related to convertible notes payable, net of tax			1,618
Deferred offering costs included in accounts payable and accrued expenses		1,143
Tenant incentive for purchase of leasehold improvements		519
Stock-based compensation capitalized for software development	1,249	540	214
Recognition of leased facility asset and lease financing obligation	6,591
Accrued offering costs included in accounts payable and accrued expenses	-188
Capitalized assets included in accounts payable, accrued employee expenses and other accrued expenses	$795	$109

Organization_and_Nature_of_Bus

Organization and Nature of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization and Nature of Business
Organization and Nature of Business	1. Organization and Nature of Business
	TrueCar, Inc. (“TrueCar”) is an Internet-based information, technology, and communication services company. Hereinafter, TrueCar, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries TrueCar.com, Inc. and ALG, Inc. are collectively referred to as “TrueCar” or the “Company”; TrueCar.com, Inc. is referred to as “TrueCar.com” and ALG, Inc. is referred to as “ALG”. TrueCar was incorporated in the state of Delaware in February 2005 and began business operations in April 2005. Its principal corporate offices are located in Santa Monica, California.
	TrueCar has established an intelligent, data driven platform that allows users to obtain market based pricing data on new and used cars and to connect with TrueCar’s network of Certified Dealers. TrueCar’s platform operates on a common technology infrastructure, powered by proprietary data and analytics. Users access TrueCar’s platform through the TrueCar.com website and TrueCar mobile applications or through the car buying websites and mobile applications that TrueCar operates for its affinity group marketing partners (“Auto Buying Programs”). An affinity group is comprised of a network of members or employees that provide discounts to its members.
	ALG provides data and consulting services regarding determination of the residual value of an automobile at future given points in time, which are used to underwrite automotive loans and leases and by financial institutions to measure exposure and risk across loan, lease, and fleet portfolios. ALG also obtains automobile purchase data from a variety of sources and uses this data to provide consumers and dealers with highly accurate, geographically specific, real-time pricing information.
	Reverse Stock Split
	The Company’s board of directors and stockholders approved a 2-for-3 reverse split of its common stock and its Series A convertible preferred stock, or preferred stock, which was effected on May 2, 2014. All share data and per share data, and related information presented in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been retroactively adjusted, where applicable, to reflect the reverse stock split of its common stock and preferred stock.
	Initial Public Offering
	In May 2014, the Company completed its initial public offering (“IPO”) in which the Company sold an aggregate of 8,941,250 shares of its common stock, including 1,166,250 shares sold pursuant to the exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase such shares, at a public offering price of $9.00 per share. The Company received net proceeds of $69.2 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company, from sales of its shares in the IPO. Immediately prior to the completion of the IPO, all shares of the then-outstanding Series A convertible preferred stock automatically converted into 2,857,143 shares of common stock.
	Follow-on Public Offering
	In November 2014, the Company completed a follow-on public offering in which the Company sold 1,960,390 shares of common stock and selling stockholders sold 5,402,601 shares at a price of $17.00 per share. The Company received net proceeds of $30.8 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company, from sales of its shares. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by selling stockholders.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The Company’s accounting and financial reporting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
	Reclassification
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current period presentation. These reclassifications were not material to the financial statements.
	Revision of Prior Period Amounts
	During the preparation of the Company’s 2014 consolidated financial statements, the Company identified and corrected immaterial errors in its prior period disclosures of related party accounts receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses. The parenthetical information within the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 and Note 13 presented herein have been revised to reflect the correction of this error. The results of this correction were an increase to related party accounts receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses of $0.3 million, $2.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 2013.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TrueCar and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Business acquisitions are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. The Company’s purchase accounting resulted in all assets and liabilities of acquired businesses being recorded at their estimated fair values on the acquisition dates. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Assets and liabilities which are subject to judgment and use of estimates include sales allowances and allowances for doubtful accounts, the fair value of assets and liabilities assumed in business combinations, fair value of the capitalized facility lease, the recoverability of goodwill and long-lived assets, valuation allowances with respect to deferred tax assets, useful lives associated with property and equipment and intangible assets, contingencies, and the valuation and assumptions underlying stock-based compensation and other equity instruments. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates compared to historical experience and trends, which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities. In addition, the Company engaged valuation specialists to assist with management’s determination of the the valuation of its capitalized facility lease, fair values of assets and liabilities assumed in business combinations, and in periods prior to the Company’s initial public offering, valuation of common stock.
	Segments
	The Company has one operating segment. The Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is the Chief Executive Officer, the President, and the Chief Financial Officer, who manage the Company’s operations based on consolidated financial information for purposes of evaluating financial performance and allocating resources.
	The CODM reviews financial information on a consolidated basis, accompanied by information about transaction revenue and data and other revenue (Note 14). All of the Company’s principal operations, decision-making functions and assets are located in the United States.
	Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.
	Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Accounting standards describe a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value which are the following:
		·		Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities or funds.
		·		Level 2 — Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
		·		Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	Fair Value Methods
	Fair value is based on quoted market prices, if available. If listed prices or quotes are not available, fair value is based on internally developed models that primarily use market-based or independently sourced market parameters as inputs.
	For financial instruments measured at fair value, the following section describes the valuation methodologies, key inputs and significant assumptions.
	Cash equivalents, consisting primarily of money market instruments and debt securities represent highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at purchase. Generally, market prices are used to determine the fair value of money market instruments and debt securities.
	The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, prepaid and other current assets, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these items. The fair value of the Company’s revolving line of credit approximates carrying value based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rate for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
	Certain assets, including long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets are also subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis if they are deemed to be impaired as a result of an impairment review. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, no impairments were identified on those assets required to be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
	Contingent Consideration Liability
	The Company recorded a contingent consideration liability upon the acquisition of American Transportation Marketing Group, LTD (operating as Carperks) in 2011. Contingent consideration is measured at fair value and is based on significant inputs not observable in the market, which represents a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The valuation of contingent consideration used assumptions the Company believed would be made by a market participant. The Company assessed these estimates on an on-going basis as additional data impacting the assumptions was obtained. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration related to updated assumptions and estimates were recognized within the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. The Company determined the fair value of the contingent consideration using the probability adjusted discounted cash flow method. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of contingent consideration were (i) probability of achieving the sales milestone, (ii) period in which the milestone was expected to be achieved, and (iii) discount rates. At December 31, 2012, it was determined to be probable that the Company would achieve the sales milestone as included in the Carperks purchase agreement. This resulted in the recognition of an obligation of $1.8 million at December 31, 2012. The change in the fair value of contingent consideration liability during the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily related to a significant increase in the probability of achieving the milestone as a result of the Company amending the original agreement to extend the time permitted to achieve the milestone. The Company paid Carperks approximately $1.9 million through December 31, 2013 as the sales milestone was achieved during 2013.
	The following table summarizes the Company's financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2014 and 2013 by level within the fair value hierarchy. Financial assets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement (in thousands):
			At December 31, 2014				At December 31, 2013
					Total Fair				Total Fair
			Level 1		Value		Level 1		Value
	Cash equivalents		$	145,284	$	145,284	$	7,726	$	7,726
	Total Assets		$	145,284	$	145,284	$	7,726	$	7,726
	The Company did not have any Level 2 or Level 3 assets as of December 31, 2014 or 2013 and there were no liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	The following table summarizes the changes in Level 3 financial instruments during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013.
			Contingent
			Consideration
	Fair value at December 31, 2011		$	428
	Changes in fair value			1,370
	Fair value at December 31, 2012		$	1,798
	Changes in fair value			95
	Payments on contingent consideration			-1,893
	Fair value at December 31, 2013		$	—
	Concentrations of Credit and Business Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable.
	The Company, at times, maintains cash balances at financial institutions in excess of amounts insured by United States government agencies or payable by the United States government directly. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high credit quality financial institutions.
	Each reporting period, the Company reevaluates each customer’s ability to satisfy credit obligations and maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the evaluations. No single customer comprised more than 10% of the Company’s total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. No single customer comprised more than 10% of the Company’s accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The Company’s single largest source of unique visitors to its Auto Buying Programs comes from its affinity group marketing partner relationship with United Services Automobile Association (“USAA”), a related party (Note 13). Changes in the Company’s relationship with USAA and its promotion and marketing of the Company’s Auto Buying Programs may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original or remaining maturity at the date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, cash and cash equivalents were comprised of cash held in money market funds and checking accounts.
	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash at December 31, 2013 represents cash on deposit with a financial institution which served as collateral under an Automotive Website Program Partnership Agreement with Yahoo! (Note 8). The restriction on the cash lapsed in conjunction with the expiration of the credit agreement on September 29, 2014.
	Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, and Sales Allowances
	The Company extends credit in the normal course of business to its customers and performs credit evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The Company does not obtain collateral or other security related to its accounts receivable.
	Accounts receivable are recorded based on the amount due from the customer and do not bear interest. The Company reduces accounts receivable by sales allowances and allowance for doubtful accounts.
	The Company establishes sales allowances at the time of revenue recognition based on its history of adjustments and credits provided to its network of dealers. Sales allowances relate primarily to credits issued where a dealer claims that an introduction was previously identified by the dealer from a source other than the Company. While contractually obligated to pay the invoice, the Company may issue a credit against the invoice to maintain overall dealer relations. In assessing the adequacy of the sales allowance, the Company evaluates its history of adjustments and credits made through the date of the issuance of the financial statements. Estimated sales adjustments and credits and ultimate losses may vary from actual results which could be material to the financial statements; however, to date, actual sales allowances have been materially consistent with the Company’s estimates.
	The Company determines its allowance for doubtful accounts based on its historical write-off experience and when specific circumstances make it likely that recovery will not occur. The Company reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts each reporting period and assesses the aging of account balances, with an emphasis on those that are past due over ninety days. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company determines that it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
	The following table summarizes the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts and sales allowances (in thousands):
			Year Ended
			December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Allowances, at beginning of period		$	2,184	$	1,621	$	2,369
	Charged as a reduction of revenue			4,797		6,985		6,898
Charged to bad debt expense in general and administrative expenses			373		153		668
Write-offs, net of recoveries			-5,285		-6,575		-8,314
Allowances, at end of period		$	2,069	$	2,184	$	1,621
Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which is generally three years for computer hardware and software, five years for furniture and equipment, and over the shorter of lease term or useful life of the assets for leasehold improvements. Buildings are depreciated over a useful life of forty years. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the Company’s results of operations.
Build-to-Suit Leases
The Company establishes assets and liabilities for the fair value of the building and estimated construction costs  incurred under lease arrangements when it is considered the owner (for accounting purposes only), or build-to-suit leases, to the extent it is involved in the construction of structural improvements or takes on construction risk. Upon completion of construction of facilities under build-to-suit leases, the Company assesses whether these arrangements qualify for sales recognition under the sale-leaseback accounting guidance, and if so, the leased facility and lease financing obligation are removed from the balance sheet. If the Company does not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting, then the facilities are accounted for as financing leases.
Software and Website Development Costs
The Company accounts for the costs of computer software obtained or developed for internal use in accordance with FASB ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. Computer software development costs and website development costs are expensed as incurred, except for internal use software or website development costs that qualify for capitalization as described below, and include employee related expenses, including salaries, bonuses, benefits and stock-based compensation expenses; costs of computer hardware and software; and costs incurred in developing features and functionality. These capitalized costs are included in property and equipment on the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company expenses costs incurred in the preliminary project and post implementation stages of software development and capitalizes costs incurred in the application development stage and costs associated with significant enhancements to existing internal use software applications.
Software costs are amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of three years commencing when the software project is ready for its intended use.
Costs incurred related to less significant modifications and enhancements as well as maintenance are expensed as incurred.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, capitalized software costs were $29.7 million and $16.2 million, respectively, before accumulated amortization of $11.9 million and $6.4 million, respectively. During 2014 and 2013, the Company wrote off capitalized software costs that were no longer in use of $0.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively, and accumulated amortization of $0.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively, which resulted in an acceleration of amortization of $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
Expected amortization expense with respect to capitalized software costs at December 31, 2014 for each of the three years through December 31, 2017 is as follows (in thousands):
Years ended December 31,
2015			8,043
2016			6,238
2017			3,477
Total amortization expense		$	17,758
Intangible Assets Acquired in Business Combinations
The Company performs valuations of assets acquired and liabilities assumed on each acquisition accounted for as a business combination, and allocates the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on its best estimate of fair value. Acquired intangible assets include: trade names, customer relationships, and developed technology. The Company determines the appropriate useful life of intangible assets by performing an analysis of cash flows based on historical experience of the acquired businesses. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives based on the pattern in which the economic benefits associated with the asset are expected to be consumed, which to date has approximated the straight-line method of amortization. The estimated useful lives for trade names, customer relationships, and technology are generally, one to fifteen years, five to ten years, and three to ten years, respectively.
Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets with finite useful lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Such triggering events or changes in circumstances may include: a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset is being used, significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, the impact of competition or other factors that could affect the value of a long-lived asset, a significant adverse deterioration in the amount of revenue or cash flows expected to be generated from an asset group, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or development of a long-lived asset, current or future operating or cash flow losses that demonstrate continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset, or a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. The Company performs impairment testing at the asset group level that represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable and the expected undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the asset group are less than the carrying amount of the asset group, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value is recorded. Fair value is determined based upon estimated discounted future cash flows. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no impairment charges recorded on the Company’s long-lived assets.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price paid over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired in the Company’s business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Events or changes in circumstances which could trigger an impairment review include a significant adverse change in business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the Company’s overall business strategy, significant negative industry or economic trends, or significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future results of operations.
The Company assesses goodwill for possible impairment by performing a qualitative analysis to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then additional impairment testing is not required. Otherwise, the Company is required to perform the first of a two-step impairment test.
The first step involves comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its respective book value, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value exceeds book value, goodwill is considered not to be impaired and no additional steps are necessary. If, however, the fair value of the reporting unit is less than book value, then the carrying amount of the goodwill is compared with its implied fair value. The estimate of implied fair value of goodwill may require valuations of certain internally generated and unrecognized intangible assets. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.
The Company tests for goodwill impairment annually at December 31. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no impairment charges recorded on goodwill. The Company’s qualitative goodwill assessment at December 31, 2014 concluded there was no impairment based on a number of factors considered, including the improvement in key operating metrics over the prior year, the value of the Company’s common stock, overall strength of the automotive industry and general economy, and continued execution against the Company’s overall strategic objectives.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue, net of sales allowances, when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the fees are fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured. Deferred revenue is recognized on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets when payments are received in advance of the Company meeting all of the revenue recognition criteria described above. The Company recorded deferred revenue (included in other accrued expenses) of $0.5 million and $0.4 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Transaction Revenues
Auto Buying Program Revenues
Revenues consist of fees paid by dealers participating in the Company’s dealer network with which the Company has an agreement (“TrueCar Certified Dealers” or “Dealers”). TrueCar Certified Dealers pay the Company fees either on a per-vehicle basis for sales to Auto Buying Program users or in the form of a subscription arrangement.
The Company recognizes revenue for fee arrangements based on a per-vehicle basis when the vehicle sale has occurred between the Auto Buying Program user and the Dealer. Under the contractual terms and conditions of arrangements with its network of participating TrueCar Certified Dealers, the dealer is required to pay the Company upon the sale of a vehicle to an Auto Buying Program user that has been provided to the dealer by the Company. Recognition of revenue from the sale is not contingent upon verification or acceptance of the transaction by the dealer.
Upon a user deciding to proceed with the user’s vehicle purchase through the Company, the user provides his or her name, address, e-mail, and a phone number during the process of obtaining a Guaranteed Savings Certificate, which gives the Company the identity and source of a TrueCar introduction provided to a specific dealer prior to an actual sale occurring. After a sale occurs, the Company receives information regarding the sale, including the identity of the purchaser, via the Dealer Management System used by the dealer that made the sale. The Company also receives information regarding vehicle sales from a variety of data sources, including third party car sales aggregators, car dealer networks, and other publicly available sources (collectively, “sales data”) and uses this sales data to further verify that a sale has occurred between an Auto Buying Program user and a TrueCar Certified Dealer, as well as a means to invoice the Dealer shortly after the completion of the sales transaction. Actual vehicle sales data is reported on a daily basis shortly following the date of sale.
The Company also recognizes revenue from dealers under subscription agreements. Subscription fee arrangements are short-term in nature with terms ranging from one to three months and are cancellable by the dealer or the Company at any time. Subscription arrangements fall into three types: flat rate subscriptions, subscriptions subject to downward adjustment based on a minimum number of vehicle sales (“guaranteed sales”), and subscriptions subject to downward adjustment based on a minimum number of introductions (“guaranteed introductions”). Under flat rate subscription arrangements, fees are charged at a monthly flat rate regardless of the number of sales made to users of the Company’s platform by the dealer. For flat rate subscription arrangements, the Company recognizes the fees as revenue over the subscription period on a straight line basis which corresponds to the period that the Company is providing the dealer access to the Auto Buying Program. Under guaranteed sales subscription arrangements, fees are charged based on the number of guaranteed sales multiplied by a fixed amount per vehicle. To the extent that the actual number of vehicles sold by the dealers to users of the Company’s platform is less than the number of guaranteed sales, the Company provides a credit to the dealer. To the extent that the actual number of vehicles sold exceeds the number of guaranteed sales, the Company is not entitled to any additional fees. Under guaranteed introductions subscription arrangements, fees are charged based on a periodically-updated formula that considers, among other things, the introductions anticipated to be provided to the dealer. To the extent that the number of actual introductions is less than the number of guaranteed introductions, the Company provides a credit to the dealer. To the extent that the actual number of introductions provided exceeds the number guaranteed, the Company is not entitled to any additional fees. For guaranteed sales and guaranteed introductions subscription arrangements, the Company recognizes revenue based on the lesser of (i) the actual number of sales generated or introductions delivered through the Auto Buying Program during the subscription period multiplied by the contracted price-per-sale/introduction or (ii) the straight-line of the subscription fee over the period over which the services are delivered.
OEM Incentives
The Company enters into arrangements with automobile manufacturers (“OEM”) to promote the sale of their vehicles through the offering of additional consumer incentives to members of the Company’s affinity group marketing partners. These manufacturers pay a per-vehicle fee to the Company for promotion of the incentive and the Company recognizes as revenue the per-vehicle incentive fee at the time the sale of the vehicle has occurred between the Auto Buying Program user and the dealer.
Data and Other Revenues
Data and Other Services
Revenues are generated from the sale of lease residual value data for new and used leased automobiles, guidebooks, and consulting services. Sales are principally made to vehicle manufacturers, vehicle financing companies, investment banks, automobile dealers, and insurance companies. Data and consulting services customers typically prepay annually in the form of a subscription agreement for lease residual value data and guidebooks.
Data and consulting services sales arrangements may include multiple deliverables, such as sale of lease residual data from guidebooks and consulting services. For multiple deliverable revenue arrangements, the Company first assesses whether each deliverable has value to the customer on a standalone basis and performance is considered probable and substantially in its control. Data and consulting services can be sold both on a standalone basis or as part of multiple deliverable arrangements. The deliverables constitute separate units of accounting because the deliverables have standalone value to the customer and as such, the total arrangement consideration is allocated to each unit of accounting using the relative selling price hierarchy. This hierarchy requires the selling price of each deliverable in a multiple deliverable revenue arrangement to be based on, in descending order: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence, or VSOE, (ii) third-party evidence of selling price, or TPE, or (iii) management’s best estimated selling price, or BESP.
The Company cannot establish VSOE or TPE because the deliverables are not sold separately within a sufficiently narrow price range or third party pricing for comparable services is not available; therefore, it applies judgment to determine BESP. The objective of BESP is to determine the price at which the Company would transact a sale if the service were sold on a stand-alone basis. The determination of BESP requires the Company to make significant estimates and judgments and the Company considers numerous factors in this determination, including the nature of the deliverables, market conditions and the competitive landscape, internal costs, and its pricing and discounting practices. The Company updates its estimates of BESP on a periodic basis as events and as circumstances may require.
Revenue allocated to each element from the sale of lease residual value data, guidebooks, and consulting services is recognized when the basic recognition criteria are met for each element. Sales attributed to residual value data and guidebooks are recognized when the data or guidebooks are delivered, and consulting services are recognized when the project is completed.
Lead Referral Fees
Lead referral fees revenues consist of fees earned through an online process that refers consumers to out-of-network auto dealers for new and used vehicles when the Company is unable to identify a dealer with a vehicle in the Company’s dealer network for which a prospective car buyer is searching. Fees are recognized at the time the lead referral is transmitted to, and accepted by, the lead-buying entities and are not contingent on the sale of a vehicle. The Company is not a party to the arrangement with, and is not the primary obligor to, the lead-buyer’s dealer; accordingly, revenue is recognized for the net fee received for the lead from the lead-buyer.
Cost of Revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
Cost of revenue includes expenses related to the fulfillment of the Company’s services, consisting primarily of data costs and licensing fees paid to third party service providers and expenses related to operating the Company’s website and mobile applications, including those associated with its data centers, hosting fees, data processing costs required to deliver introductions to its network of TrueCar Certified Dealers, employee costs related to dealer operations, sales matching, and employee and consulting costs related to delivering data and consulting services to the Company’s customers. Cost of revenue excludes depreciation and amortization of software development costs and other hosting and data infrastructure equipment used to operate the Company’s platforms, which are included in the depreciation and amortization line item on its statement of comprehensive loss.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of: television and radio advertising; affinity group partner marketing fees, which also includes loan subvention costs where the Company pays certain affinity group marketing partners a portion of consumers’ borrowing costs for car loan products offered by these affinity group marketing partners, and common stock warrants issued to USAA; marketing sponsorship programs; and digital customer acquisition. In addition, sales and marketing expenses include employee related expenses for sales, customer support, marketing and public relations employees, including salaries, bonuses, benefits, and stock-based compensation expenses; third-party contractor fees; and allocated overhead. Sales and marketing expenses also include costs related to common stock warrants issued to a third-party marketing firm and a service provider as part of our commercial arrangements with them.
Marketing and advertising costs promote our services and are expensed as incurred, except for media production costs which are expensed the first time the advertisement is aired. Marketing and advertising expenses were $58.1 million, $27.5 million, and $36.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Included in the $36.5 million of marketing and advertising expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 is $20.0 million for a guaranteed minimum number of unique visitors under an agreement with Yahoo! (Note 7). Prepaid expenses include prepaid media costs of $2.3 million and $1.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Technology and Development
Technology and development expenses consist primarily of employee related expenses for technology and development staff, including salaries, benefits, bonuses, and stock-based compensation; the cost of certain third-party service providers; and allocated overhead. Technology and development expenses are expensed as incurred.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of employee related expenses for administrative, legal, finance, and human resource staffs, including salaries, benefits, bonuses, and stock-based compensation; professional fees; insurance premiums; other corporate expenses; and allocated overhead.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock option, restricted stock awards, and restricted stock units based on the fair value of the awards on the grant date in accordance with the relevant standards. The Company estimates the grant date fair value of option grants, and the resulting stock-based compensation expense, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Stock-based compensation for employee awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite period, except for performance-based awards which are recognized using the graded-vesting model.
Compensation expense for non-employee stock-based awards is recognized in accordance with FASB ASC 505, Equity — Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. Under this standard, stock option awards issued to non-employees are accounted for at fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Management believes that the fair value of the stock options is more reliably measured than the fair value of the services received. The Company records compensation expense based on the then-current fair values of the stock options at each financial reporting date. Compensation recorded during the service period is adjusted in subsequent periods for changes in the stock options’ fair value until the earlier of the date at which the non-employee’s performance is complete or a performance commitment is reached, which is generally when the stock option vests.
For issuances of restricted stock awards or restricted stock units, the Company determines the fair value of the award based on the market value of its common stock at the date of grant.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the tax rates that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
The Company determines whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the tax amount recognized in the financial statements is reduced by the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, in its income tax provision in the accompanying statements of comprehensive loss.
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss encompasses all changes in equity other than those arising from transactions with stockholders and consists of net loss and unrealized gains on marketable securities.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (“JOBS Act”), the Company meets the definition of an emerging growth company. The Company has irrevocably elected to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards pursuant to Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act.
In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update clarifying the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. This standards update is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance related to revenue from contracts with customers. Under this guidance, revenue is recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. The updated standard will replace all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early adoption is not permitted. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to stock compensation. The new standard requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which the requisite service has already been rendered. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 and can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to all awards outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance requiring management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. Specifically, the new guidance provides a definition of the term substantial doubt, requires an evaluation every reporting period including interim periods, provides principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans, requires certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, requires an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and requires an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). The new guidance is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In November 2014, the FASB issued new guidance for determining whether the host contract in a hybrid financial instrument issued in the form of a share is more akin to debt or equity. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal year, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In November 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to pushdown accounting which allows for an election of the option to apply pushdown accounting to the separate financial statements of an acquired entity upon the occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. The new guidance was effective on November 18, 2014. After the effective date, an acquired entity can make an election to apply the guidance to future change-in-control events or to its most recent change-in-control event. The adoption of the guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Property_and_Equipment_net

Property and Equipment, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property and Equipment, net
Property and Equipment, net	3. Property and Equipment, net
	Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Computer equipment, software, and internally developed software	$	37,110	$	22,517
	Furniture and fixtures		2,335		1,654
	Leasehold improvements		4,611		2,921
	Capitalized facility lease		6,599		—
			50,655		27,092
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		-19,924		-11,854
	Total property and equipment, net	$	30,731	$	15,238
	The Company is considered the owner, for accounting purposes only, during the construction period of its San Francisco, California office lease as it has taken on certain risks of construction build cost overages above normal tenant improvement allowances. Accordingly, the Company has capitalized the estimated fair value of the lease property and recognized a corresponding lease financing obligation of approximately $6.6 million, of which $0.5 million is included in the accrued expenses and other current liabilities balance. As construction costs are incurred, the Company will recognize an increase in capitalized facility lease for costs related to structural improvements. Normal leasehold improvements related to the facility are recorded in leasehold improvements in the table above.
	Included in the table above are property and equipment of $8.1 million and $0.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which are capitalizable, but had not yet been placed in service. The $8.1 million balance at December 31, 2014 comprised primarily of the capitalized facility lease of $6.6 million.
	Total depreciation and amortization expense of property and equipment was $8.9 million, $5.6 million and $6.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Amortization of internal use capitalized software development costs was $5.7 million, $3.8 million and $2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets	4. Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands, except years):
		At December 31, 2014
								Weighted
		Gross Carrying		Accumulated		Net Carrying		average useful
		Value		amortization		Value		life in years
	Acquired technology and domain name	$	31,090	$	-10,788	$	20,302	9.70
	Customer relationships		6,300		-2,491		3,809	8.97
	Tradenames		4,900		-1,062		3,838	15.00
	Total	$	42,290	$	-14,341	$	27,949	10.20
		At December 31, 2013
								Weighted
		Gross Carrying		Accumulated		Net Carrying		average useful
		Value		amortization		Value		life in years
	Acquired technology and domain name	$	30,725	$	-7,624	$	23,101	9.75
	Customer relationships		6,300		-1,732		4,568	8.97
	Tradenames		4,970		-805		4,165	14.80
	Total	$	41,995	$	-10,161	$	31,834	10.23
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, the increase in the gross intangible assets balance was primarily due to the purchase of the True.com domain name for $0.4 million.
	Amortization expense by asset type for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is shown below (in thousands):
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Acquired technology and domain name	$	3,164	$	3,318	$	3,343
	Customer relationships		760		760		760
	Trade names		327		327		373
	Total amortization	$	4,251	$	4,405	$	4,476
	Expected amortization expense with respect to intangible assets at December 31, 2014 for each of the five years through December 31, 2019 and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):
	Years ended December 31,
	2015	$	4,134
	2016		4,041
	2017		3,862
	2018		3,861
	2019		3,791
	Thereafter		8,260
	Total amortization expense	$	27,949

Debt_Financing

Debt Financing	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Financing
Debt Financing	5. Debt Financing
	On May 8, 2012, the Company received cash proceeds of $23.1 million by issuing subordinated secured convertible promissory notes to investors. The convertible promissory notes bore interest at 10% per annum and were due on May 7, 2013. Principal and interest under the notes was due at maturity, unless earlier converted into shares of the Company’s common stock.
	Principal and accrued interest under the promissory notes was automatically convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock issued and sold at the Company’s next financing yielding gross proceeds of at least $25.0 million (the “Qualified Financing”). The conversion price upon automatic conversion was equivalent to the lower of 85% of the price per share paid by the purchasers in the Qualified Financing or $12.08 per share. Principal and accrued interest under the promissory notes was convertible at the option of the holders if a change in control or an initial public offering occurred prior to the maturity date of the note. The conversion price per share was equivalent to the greater of 85% of the price per share as reflected in the change in control or initial public offering, or $7.95 per share.
	Principal and accrued interest under the promissory notes was convertible at the option of the holders if a Qualified Financing, change in control or initial public offering did not occur prior to maturity, at a price per share of $7.16.
	As the convertible promissory notes allowed the holders to convert the notes at a price less than the estimated fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of issuance, the notes contained a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”). The BCF was valued on the issuance date of the notes as the difference between the fair value of the Company’s common stock and the conversion price of $7.16 per share multiplied by the number of shares that the notes were convertible into. The Company recorded the BCF of $2.7 million as a discount on the notes and an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. The discount was amortized as additional interest expense over the period of the notes using the effective interest method.
	For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded interest expense of $1.5 million and amortization of debt discount of $1.8 million, which increased the face of the amount of the notes.
	For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded interest expense of $0.8 million and amortization of debt discount of $0.9 million.
	In May 2013, the holders of the secured convertible promissory notes converted all the principal and interest on the notes to 3,556,412 shares of common stock at a conversion price of $7.16 per share.

Credit_Facility

Credit Facility	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Credit Facility
Credit Facility	6. Credit Facility
	June 2013 Amended Credit Facility
	On June 13, 2013, the Company entered into a second amended and restated loan and security agreement (“Second Amended Credit Facility”) with a financial institution with which the Company had previous credit arrangements. The Second Amended Credit Facility provided for advances under a formula-based revolving line of credit and pledged substantially all of the Company’s assets as collateral. The revolving line of credit provided advances equal to 80% of eligible accounts receivable and was subject to sub-limits, as defined, for letters of credit, foreign exchange, and cash management services provided by the financial institution. The credit facility restricted the Company’s ability to pay dividends. In addition, the Company entered into a warrant agreement that allowed the financial institution to purchase 26,666 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $7.92 per share if the Company drew on the credit facility at any time after the issuance date. If at any time, the advances to the Company in aggregate principal amount were greater than $4.0 million, the number of shares would increase to 66,666. On August 29, 2013, the Company drew down $5.0 million on the credit facility, triggering warrants to purchase up to 66,666 shares of TrueCar’s common stock at an exercise of $7.92 per share to be issued to the financial institution. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a debt discount of $0.4 million related to the warrants issued.
	The revolving line bore interest at a floating per annum rate equal to the bank's prime rate plus an applicable margin based on the Company's liquidity defined as unrestricted cash plus amounts available under the credit facility. If the Company's liquidity was i) less than $10 million, the applicable margin was 1.75%, ii) if the Company's liquidity was equal to or greater than $10 million but less than $20 million, the applicable margin was 0.5%, iii) if the Company's liquidity was greater than or equal to $20 million, the applicable margin is 0.0%. The line of credit agreement required the Company to make monthly interest payments on the outstanding principal. The credit facility contained acceleration clauses that could accelerate any borrowings in the event of default. All unpaid principal was due at maturity, which was June 13, 2014.
	The maximum amount available under the line of credit was $12.0 million, of which $6.9 million was available at December 31, 2013. The Company repaid all amounts outstanding in May 2014.
	The carrying value of the Company’s debt, before discount, approximated fair value. The carrying amount of the Company’s outstanding debt at December 31, 2013 is summarized as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013
	Revolving line of credit	$	5,000
	Debt discount, net of accumulated accretion		-236
	Total carrying value	$	4,764
	August 2014 Amendment to the Second Amended Credit Facility
	In August 2014, the Company entered into a third amendment to the Second Amended Credit Facility with the same financial institution, effective as of June 13, 2014, that provided for advances of up to $25.0 million under a formula-based revolving line of credit that expires on June 13, 2016.
	This amended credit facility bore interest at either (i) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 2.25% if net cash, as defined, was greater than or equal to $1.00 (ii) LIBOR plus 3.75% if net cash, as defined, was less than $1.00, (iii) the bank’s prime rate if net cash was greater than or equal to $1.00, or (iv) the bank’s prime rate plus 1.5% if net cash was less than $1.00. The Company could select whether its borrowings would fall under a LIBOR or prime rate interest rate and also committed to pay an annual commitment fee of $50,000 to the financial institution.
	This amended credit facility also required the Company to maintain an adjusted quick ratio of at least 1.5 to 1 on the last day of each month during periods when the Company had drawn down at least 75% of the lesser of the Borrowing Base or $25.0 million. The credit facility required the Company to pledge substantially all of its assets as collateral and contained acceleration clauses that could accelerate any borrowings in the event of default. The credit facility restricted the Company’s ability to pay dividends. At December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants.
	In September 2014, the Company borrowed $5.0 million under this amended credit facility. In December 2014, the Company repaid all amounts then outstanding. At December 31, 2014, the Company had no outstanding amounts under the credit facility and the amount available was $15.1 million.
	February 2015 Amended Credit Facility
	In February 2015, the Company further amended its credit facility and entered into a third amended and restated loan and security agreement (“Third Amended Credit Facility”) with the same financial institution, effective as of February 18, 2015, for a $35.0 million secured revolving credit facility that expires on February 18, 2018. The Third Amended Credit Facility provides a $10.0 million subfacility for the issuance of letters of credit and contains an increase option permitting the Company, subject to the lenders consent, to increase the revolving credit facility by up to $15.0 million, to an aggregate maximum of $50 million.
	This amended credit facility bears interest, at the Company’s option, at either (i) the prime rate published by The Wall Street Journal, plus a spread of -0.25% to 0.50%, or (ii) a LIBOR rate determined in accordance with the terms of the credit facility, plus a spread of 1.75% to 2.50%. In each case, the spread is based on the Company’s adjusted quick ratio, which is a ratio of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents plus net billed accounts receivable to current liabilities plus all borrowings under the credit facility.
	Interest is due and payable quarterly in arrears for prime rate loans and on the earlier of the last day of each quarter or the end of an interest period, as defined in the Third Amended Credit Facility, for LIBOR rate loans. The Company is also obligated to pay an unused revolving line facility fee of 0.0% to 0.20% per annum based on the Company’s adjusted quick ratio.
	This amended credit facility requires the Company to maintain an adjusted quick ratio of at least 1.5 to 1 on the last day of each quarter. If this adjusted quick ratio is not maintained, then the facility requires the Company to maintain, as measured at each quarter end, a maximum consolidated leverage ratio 3.00 or 2.50 to 1.00, and a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.25 to 1.00.
	Consolidated leverage ratio is a ratio of all funded indebtedness, including all capital lease obligations, plus all letters of credit under the facility to the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months. Fixed charge coverage ratio is the ratio of our Adjusted EBITDA minus cash income taxes to our cash interest payments plus capital expenditures for the trailing twelve months. This credit facility also limits the Company’s ability to pay dividends.
	The Company’s future material domestic subsidiaries are required, upon the lender’s request, to become co-borrowers under the credit facility. The credit facility contains acceleration clauses that accelerate any borrowings in the event of default. The obligations of the Company and its future material domestic subsidiaries are collateralized by substantially all of their respective assets, subject to certain exceptions and limitations.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies	7. Commitments and Contingencies
	Office Lease Commitments
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had various non-cancellable leases related to the Company’s office facilities which expire through 2029.
	At December 31, 2014, future minimum payments for obligations under non-cancellable lease obligations are as follows (in thousands):
	Years ended December 31,
	2015	$	5,344
	2016		5,904
	2017		5,391
	2018		5,513
	2019		5,454
	Thereafter		31,455
	Total minimum lease payments	$	59,061
	The Company recorded rent expense of $2.8 million, $2.7 million, and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	In connection with one of the Company’s office facilities leases, the Company was required to obtain an irrevocable standby letter of credit, in the amount of $0.5 million for the benefit of its landlord. This letter of credit was posted by the financial institution which provides the Credit Facility (Note 6).
	San Francisco Office Lease
	In May 2014, the Company entered into a new facility lease (the “Lease”) in San Francisco (the “San Francisco Office”) with total future minimum lease commitments over the next 10 years, beginning August 1, 2014 of $7.0 million. The remaining future minimum lease commitments as of December 31, 2014 are included in the table above. In conjunction with this lease, the Company was required to obtain an irrevocable standby letter of credit in the amount of $0.8 million for the benefit of the landlord. Beginning August 1, 2017 through August 1, 2020, the letter of credit is subject to an annual reduction to as little as $0.2 million.
	The Company has concluded that it is deemed the owner (for accounting purposes only) of the San Francisco Office during the construction period under build-to-suit lease accounting. As the Company assumed control of the construction project in the third quarter of 2014, the Company recorded the fair value of the leased property and a corresponding liability in property and equipment and lease financing obligation, respectively, on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognizes an increase in the asset as additional building costs are incurred during the construction period and a corresponding increase in the lease financing obligation for any construction costs to be reimbursed by the landlord.
	Upon completion of the construction, which is estimated to be completed during the first quarter of 2015, the Company will retain the fair value of the San Francisco Office lease property and the obligation on its balance sheet as it does not qualify for sales and leaseback accounting due to requirements to maintain collateral in the lease. The Company will record the rent payments as a reduction of the lease financing obligation and imputed interest expense and ground rent as an operating expense. The fair value of the lease property will be depreciated over the building’s estimated useful life. At the conclusion of the lease term, the Company will de-recognize both the then carrying values of the asset and financing obligation.
	Santa Monica Office Lease
	In July 2014, the Company entered into a new facility lease in Santa Monica (the “Santa Monica Office”) with total future minimum lease commitments over the next fifteen years, beginning in January 2015, of $36.0 million, which are included in the future minimum lease payments table above. In connection with this lease, the Company obtained an irrevocable standby letter of credit in the amount of $3.5 million for the benefit of the landlord. Beginning October 1, 2019 through October 1, 2025, the letter of credit is subject to an annual reduction to as little as $1.2 million.
	The Company took possession of the facility in January 2015 and is currently evaluating the improvement plans to determine if it will be the deemed owners during the construction period for accounting purposes. The Company expects to begin construction during the second quarter of 2015. To the extent the Company is deemed to be the owner during the construction period, the Company would be required to record a leased asset and corresponding lease obligation on its consolidated balance sheets.
	Automotive Website Program Partnership Agreement
	On October 19, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with Yahoo! Inc., or Yahoo!. Under the agreement, the Company agreed to host Yahoo!’s Auto Buying Program and pay a minimum of $50.0 million annually beginning January 1, 2012 for a period of three years, in exchange for a guarantee by Yahoo! of the delivery of specified quantities of unique visitors and users to the Auto Buying Program. On October 19, 2011, the Company paid a deposit of $10.0 million to Yahoo! and on January 17, 2012 provided a standby letter of credit of $15.0 million that guaranteed the Company’s performance under the agreement.
	On June 29, 2012, the Company and Yahoo! modified the Automotive Website Program Partnership Agreement, significantly reducing the Company’s obligations under the agreement. The modification eliminated the annual minimum guarantee of $50.0 million and provided that the Company pay Yahoo! a marketing fee based on future vehicle sales generated through the automotive site. The Company agreed to pay Yahoo! $20.0 million for the visitors and users it provided through the date of the terminated agreement via the use of the $10.0 million deposit originally held by Yahoo!, with the remaining balance payable in installments over a period of nine months, and was paid in full in February of 2013.
	In addition, the June 29, 2012 modification provided for an immediate reduction of the standby letter of credit required under the agreement from $15.0 million to $10.0 million and a further reduction each month of $1.1 million, to reduce the standby letter of credit to $2.0 million as the Company made installment payments on the $20.0 million settlement amount. The Company was required to maintain restricted cash equal to the amount of the standby letter of credit. At December 31, 2012 the standby letter of credit outstanding totaled $4.5 million. The standby letter of credit was reduced to $2.0 million in April 2013 and reduced to zero in September 2014, the expiration date of the standby letter of credit agreement.
	Legal Proceedings
	From time to time, the Company may become subject to legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company is not currently a party to any material legal proceedings, other than as described below.
	The Company filed a complaint against Sonic Automotive and Sonic Divisional Operations (collectively “Sonic”) on August 9, 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The litigation concerns Sonic’s commercial use of the “True Price” mark. The Company is seeking an injunction prohibiting Sonic from using the “True Price” mark, as well as monetary damages incurred by the Company due to Sonic’s unlawful infringement. As the case is currently in the discovery phase, the future outcome is not reasonably determinable as of the date of issuance of the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	On Monday, March 9, 2015, the Company was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court in the Southern District of New York. The complaint, purportedly filed on behalf of numerous automotive dealers who are not on the TrueCar platform, alleges that the Company has violated the Lanham Act as well as various state laws prohibiting unfair competition and deceptive acts or practices related to the Company’s advertising and promotional activities. The complaint seeks injunctive relief in addition to over $250 million in damages as a result of the alleged diversion of customers from the plaintiffs’ dealerships to TrueCar Certified Dealers. While the Company has not yet been formally served with the complaint and continues to evaluate the claims, it believes that the complaint is without merit and it intends to vigorously defend itself in this matter. Based on the preliminary nature of the proceedings in this case, the outcome of this legal proceeding, including the anticipated legal defense costs, remains uncertain; accordingly, the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome, or reasonably estimate the probability of or the range of loss, if any, for this action. As a result, no amounts have been recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements related to this matter. If this matter is not resolved in the Company’s favor, losses arising from the results of litigation or settlements, as well as ongoing defense costs, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
	Employment Contracts
	The Company has entered into employment contracts with certain executives of the Company. Employment under these contracts is at-will employment. However, under the provisions of the contracts, the Company would incur severance obligations of up to twelve months of the executive’s annual base salary for certain events, such as involuntary terminations. In addition, upon the consummation of the IPO, certain executives earned liquidity bonuses totaling $2.6 million, which were recorded in sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive loss during the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Indemnifications
	In the ordinary course of business, the Company may provide indemnifications of varying scope and terms to customers, vendors, lessors, investors, directors, officers, employees, and other parties with respect to certain matters, including, but not limited to, losses arising out of the Company’s breach of such agreements, services to be provided by the Company, or from intellectual property infringement claims made by third-parties. These indemnifications may survive termination of the underlying agreement and the maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification provisions may not be subject to maximum loss provisions. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification provisions is indeterminable. To date, there has not been a material claim paid by the Company, nor has the Company been sued in connection with these indemnification arrangements. At December 31, 2014 and 2013 the Company has not accrued a liability for these guarantees, because the likelihood of incurring a payment obligation, if any, in connection with these guarantees is not probable or reasonably estimable.
	Marketing Sponsorships
	The Company has entered into marketing sponsorship agreements with professional sporting affiliations. At December 31, 2014, the sponsorship agreements require future commitments of $0.8 million payable in 2015.
	Software Subscription License Agreement
	In August 2014, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase a perpetual software subscription license totaling $4.9 million, which was fully paid in the third quarter of 2014. In addition to the software license agreement, the Company purchased a support services package for a three year term totaling $2.4 million payable quarterly. The remaining future commitments for the support services package at December 31, 2014 are included in the purchase obligations table below.
	Purchase Obligations
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had the following purchase obligations (in thousands):
				Less Than						More Than
		Total		1 Year		1 - 3 Years		3 - 5 Years		5 Years
	Purchase obligations	$	7,252	$	3,298	$	3,954	$	—	$	—
	Purchase obligations include long-term agreements to purchase data information, software related licenses and support services, and other obligations that are enforceable and legally binding as of December 31, 2014. Purchase obligations exclude agreements that are cancelable without penalty.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity
Stockholders' Equity	8. Stockholders’ Equity
	Series A Preferred Stock
	At December 31, 2012, the Company was authorized to issue 147.0 million shares of common stock. In November 2013, the Company increased the number of authorized shares of common stock to 150.0 million shares. Additionally, the Company authorized the issuance of 4.5 million shares of preferred stock, designated as Series A Preferred Stock (“Series A”).
	In November 2013, the Company sold an aggregate of 2,857,143 shares of Series A and warrants to purchase 666,666 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $15.00 per share to Vulcan Capital Growth Equity LLC (“Vulcan”), in a private placement at a price of $10.50 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $30.0 million. The Series A contained certain liquidation preferences, which are considered contingent redemption provisions and as a result, the Series A is reflected in the mezzanine section of the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013.
	In May 2014, immediately prior to the completion of the Company’s IPO, all of the outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock automatically converted into 2,857,143 shares of common stock on a one-to-one basis.
	Stock Repurchases
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company repurchased a total of 112,422 shares of common stock at a price of $8.90 per share for an aggregate amount of $1.0 million in cash. All shares were repurchased from the Company’s CEO in December 2013 in connection with his executed employment agreement. Pursuant to the employment agreement, the Company’s CEO was provided the right to sell $1.0 million shares of common stock that were vested for at least six months to the Company during December 2013 at the fair value per share at the time of sale upon certain performance conditions being met. The repurchased shares were retired and have been recorded as a reduction of common stock and additional paid-in capital.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company repurchased a total of 265,274 shares of common stock at an average price of $6.21 per share for an aggregate amount of $1.7 million in cash. Of the 265,274 shares of common stock repurchased, 110,278 shares were repurchased from the Company’s CEO in September 2012; 24,916 shares of common stock were repurchased from a former employee in accordance with a severance agreement in October 2012, and 130,080 shares of common stock were repurchased in connection with an executed employment agreement with its CEO. Pursuant to an employment agreement, the Company’s CEO was also provided the right to sell $1.0 million shares of common stock that were vested for at least six months to the Company during December 2012 at the fair value per share at the time of the sale. On December 28, 2012, the Company repurchased 130,080 shares at a price of $8.00 in connection with this agreement. All repurchased shares were retired and have been recorded as a reduction of common stock and additional paid-in capital.
	Warrants to Purchase Preferred Stock and Common Stock
	From 2005 to 2008, the Company issued warrants to purchase various classes of preferred stock totaling 412,222 shares. These warrants were immediately exercisable, in whole or in part at exercise prices of $1.53 and $1.80 per share. The expiration date of the warrants ranged from April 2012 to September 2014. In 2011, the Company’s issued and outstanding convertible preferred stock was converted into shares of common stock. Simultaneously, the holders of convertible preferred stock warrants automatically converted their warrants into warrants to purchase shares of common stock. Accordingly, the Company recorded an adjustment to reclassify the then fair value of $2.6 million of the convertible preferred stock warrant liability to additional paid-in capital. During the year ended December 31, 2012, warrants to purchase 353,856 shares were exercised at an exercise price of $1.80 per share. During the year ended December 31, 2013, warrants to purchase 21,093 shares were exercised at an exercise price of $1.53 per share. During the year ended December 31, 2014, warrants to purchase 32,222 shares were exercised at an exercise price of $1.53 per share through a net settlement election, in which the Company issued 28,555 shares of its common stock. At December 31, 2014 there were no warrants outstanding. At December 31, 2013, warrants to purchase 32,222 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.53 per share were outstanding.
	Warrants Issued to USAA
	On March 12, 2009, June 25, 2010, January 1, 2012, and May 1, 2014 the Company entered into agreements with USAA, an affinity partner and significant stockholder of the Company, which provided for the issuance of warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock upon achievement of minimum performance milestones based on the level of vehicle sales. The warrants were issued to USAA in exchange for marketing services performed by USAA under the Company’s affinity group marketing program. The purpose of the marketing services performed by USAA is to create awareness of, acquire traffic for, and drive users to, the Company’s auto buying platforms. For that reason expense recognized related to warrants issued to USAA is recorded as sales and marketing expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.
	On November 24, 2009, the minimum performance milestones related to the March 12, 2009 agreement were reached and a fully vested warrant was issued by the Company which allows for the purchase of up to 961,482 shares of common stock at $0.83 per share. These warrants were outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2013.
	On June 25, 2010, an additional warrant to purchase up to 1,653,333 shares of the Company’s common stock at $2.12 per share was issued to USAA. The warrant became exercisable based on the achievement of performance milestones based on the level of vehicle sales. During 2011, the performance milestones were fully achieved and the affinity partner received a warrant to purchase the full 1,653,333 shares of common stock. The warrant was fully vested at December 31, 2011. These warrants were outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2013.
	On January 1, 2012, the Company issued another warrant to USAA which allowed USAA to purchase up to 1,042,666 shares of the Company’s common stock at $7.95 per share if minimum performance milestones were reached. The warrant expired at the earlier of (i) eight (8) years from issuance, (ii) ninety (90) days after the expiration of the affinity-agreement with USAA, or (iii) immediately prior to the close of an initial public offering of the Company’s common stock.
	In May 2014, the Company and USAA agreed to an extension of the affinity group marketing agreement. As part of the agreement, on May 1, 2014, the Company issued to USAA a warrant to purchase 1,458,979 shares of the Company’s common stock, which will be exercisable in two tranches. The first tranche of 392,313 shares has an exercise price of $7.95 per share and the second tranche of 1,066,666 shares has an exercise price of $15.00  per share. The warrant becomes exercisable based on the achievement of performance milestones based on the level of vehicle sales of USAA members through the Company’s auto buying platforms. The warrant terminates on the earlier of (i) the eighth anniversary of the date of issuance, (ii) the first anniversary of the termination of the USAA car-buying program, or (iii) the date on which the Company no longer operates the USAA car-buying program. In addition, the agreement provides for the Company to spend marketing program funds with the actual level of marketing spend to be mutually agreed upon by USAA and the Company, subject to limits based on the number of actual vehicle sales generated through the affinity group marketing program (Note 13).
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized expense of $5.7 million, $1.1 million and $0.3 million related to warrants to purchase 631,449 shares, 415,349 shares and 31,201 shares of common stock that have been earned and are vested, respectively. In 2014, the Company recorded the fair value of the warrants based on the following assumptions using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model: contractual life of 0.3 to 8.0 years, risk-free rate of 0.02% to 2.33% and volatility of 48.5% to 57.5%. In 2013, the Company recorded the fair value of the warrants based on the following assumptions using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model: expected life of 2.0 to 2.9 years, risk-free rate of 0.29% to 0.52% and volatility of 47.4% to 52.8%. In 2012, the Company recorded the fair value of the warrants based on the following assumptions: expected life of 7.0 to 8.0 years, risk-free rate of 1.02% to 1.77% and volatility of 50.0% to 58.6%.
	Warrants to purchase 3,265,168 shares of the Company’s common stock earned from agreements entered into prior to May 2014 were exercised in connection with the Company’s IPO in May 2014 for an aggregate purchase price of $9.5 million.
	Warrants Issued to Third Party Marketing Firm
	On February 25, 2011, the Company entered into a media and marketing services agreement with a direct marketing firm. Under the arrangement, the marketing firm will provide media purchasing, production, advertising, and marketing services in connection with the advertising and marketing of the Company’s services. In addition to cash consideration, the Company agreed to issue a warrant to the marketing firm to purchase up to 1,433,333 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $6.02 per share. All shares under the warrant agreement will become exercisable in accordance with the vesting schedule or termination by either party pursuant to the agreement in the event of a default, as defined. The warrant expires eight years from the issuance date and as of December 31, 2014, all warrants have been earned and issued to the marketing firm.
	In 2014, the Company recorded the fair value of the warrants based on the following assumptions using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model: expected life of 4.8 to 5.1 years, risk free rate of 1.51% to 1.70%, and volatility of 46.6% to 48.1%. In 2013, the Company recorded the fair value of the warrants based on the following assumptions using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model: contractual life of 5.2 to 6.5 years, risk free rate of 0.63% to 1.81%, and volatility of 51.5% to 59.5%. In 2012, the Company recorded the fair value of the warrants based on the following assumptions using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model: contractual life of 5.8 to 7.1 years, risk free rate of 0.62% to 1.39%, and volatility of 58.6% to 59.5%.
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized expense of $2.3 million related to 343,665 warrants earned, $2.5 million related to 604,266 warrants earned, and $1.6 million related to 207,710 warrants earned, respectively. The expense has been reflected as sales and marketing expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.
	Warrants Issued in Connection with Business Acquisitions
	On April 29, 2011, in connection with the acquisition of Honk LLC, the Company issued a warrant for the purchase of 5,724 shares of the Company’s common stock at $0.01 per share. These warrants were fully vested and outstanding at December 31, 2013. Pursuant to the warrant agreement, warrants expire on the earlier of April 29, 2021 or upon a qualified liquidity event. In May 2014, in connection with the IPO, these warrants were exercised.
	On October 1, 2011, in connection with the acquisition of ALG, the Company issued warrants to purchase 4,231,416 shares of common stock at an exercise of $7.95 per share. The warrants were valued at the acquisition date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: contractual term of one year, expected volatility of 45%,  and risk-free rate of 0.19%. Common stock warrants in the amount of 4,231,416 at an exercise price of $7.95 per share were net exercised at December 31, 2012 for the total shares issued of 23,816.
	Warrants Issued to Yahoo!
	On April 12, 2012, the Company issued a warrant to Yahoo! in accordance with the Automotive Website Program Partnership agreement, to purchase up to 8,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, with shares vesting in 666,666 share increments on a quarterly basis over the period beginning January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2014. The exercise price of the warrants was $11.51 per share for warrant shares that vested during 2012, and would be at a price equal to the Company’s common stock per share fair value at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013 for 2013 and 2014, respectively. On June 29, 2012, the Automotive Website Program Partnership Agreement was modified and the unvested warrants to purchase an aggregate of 7,333,333 shares of common stock were cancelled. At the date of amendment, 666,666 of the warrants had vested. In 2012, the Company recorded the fair value of the warrants based on the following assumptions using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model: expected life of 0.2 to 2.9 years, risk free rate of 0.06% to 0.50% and volatility of 50.9%. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recognized expense of $0.1 million related to the 666,666 warrants earned. These warrants expired unexercised during 2012.
	Warrants Issued to Financial Institution
	On June 13, 2012, in connection with the execution of the amended credit facility (Note 6), the Company entered into a warrant agreement with a financial institution to purchase 26,666 shares of the Company’s common stock, at an exercise price of $11.51 per share if the Company draws on the credit facility at any time after the issuance date. If at any time, the advances to the Company in aggregate principal amount are greater than $4.0 million, the number of shares increases to 66,666. The warrants are immediately vested upon drawing on the line and expire on the earlier of June 13, 2022, or an acquisition of the Company consisting solely of cash and or marketable securities. The warrant is automatically net exercised on the expiration date, if the fair market value per share of the Company’s common stock at expiration date is greater than the warrant exercise price. On June 13, 2013 the Company entered into a second amendment and restated loan and security agreement which reduced the exercise price of the warrants to $7.92. On August 29, 2013, the Company drew down $5.0 million on the credit facility, triggering the issuance of warrants to purchase 66,666 shares of TrueCar’s common stock at an exercise of $7.92 per share. In 2013, the Company recorded the relative fair value of the warrants based on the following assumptions using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model: life of 10 years, risk free rate of 2.78% and volatility of 64.8%. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded the fair value of the warrants to additional paid-in capital, offset by a debt discount, reducing the carrying value of the line of credit. The debt discount is amortized over the life of the loan as interest expense using the effective interest method.
	In June 2014, warrants to purchase 66,666 shares of the Company’s common stock were exercised through a net settlement election. The Company issued 27,526 shares of its common stock to the financial institution.
	Warrants Issued to Vulcan
	In November 2013, in the Vulcan private placement, the Company issued to Vulcan a warrant to purchase 666,666 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $15.00 per share. The warrant is immediately exercisable and expires in November 2015. The Company allocated the $30.0 million aggregate proceeds from the issuance of Series A and the warrant based on their relative fair values. Approximately $0.7 million and $29.2 million were allocated to the warrant and Series A, respectively, net of issuance costs. The warrant is classified in equity and the relative fair value of the warrant was recorded as additional paid-in capital at December 31, 2013. The fair value of the warrant was based on the following assumptions using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model: expected life of 2 years, risk free rate of 0.31%, and volatility of 49.4%. The warrant remains outstanding as of December 31, 2014.
	Warrants Issued to Service Provider
	In May 2014, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with an individual to provide marketing services to the Company. The Company agreed to issue a warrant to the individual to purchase up to 333,333 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $12.81 per share. All shares under the warrant agreement will become exercisable in accordance with the vesting schedule over a four year period. The warrant expires five years from the issuance date or, if earlier, twelve months following the termination of the consulting agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded the fair value of the warrant based on the following assumptions using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model: contractual life of 4.4 to 5.0 years, risk free rate of 1.48% to 1.55%, and volatility of 54.8% to 56.8%.
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized expense of $1.7 million, which has been reflected as sales and marketing expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. At December 31, 2014, warrants earned under this agreement totaled 33,333 shares.
	Other Equity Awards
	In December 2012, pursuant to an amendment to the Company’s CEO’s employment agreement, the CEO was provided with the right to sell $1.0 million of common stock to the Company during December 2012 and December 2013, respectively, at the then fair value of the Company’s common stock. In the event of the repurchases of common stock by the Company, the CEO was also entitled to receive options to purchase the equivalent number of shares of common stock at the then fair value of common stock. The CEO exercised his right to have the Company repurchase 130,080 and 112,422 shares of common stock in December 2012 and 2013, respectively, and the Company subsequently issued the CEO options to purchase the equivalent number of shares of common stock at the fair value of common stock on the respective grant dates. The options associated with the December 2013 repurchase were contingently issuable based upon the achievement of certain performance conditions related to specified cash balances or adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization during the allotted time period and continued service of the CEO. As the performance conditions were probable and the performance conditions were achieved during the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized $0.2 million of compensation expense related to these awards. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized $0.5 million of compensation expense related to these awards. At December 31, 2014, the Company expects to record additional estimated stock-based compensation expense of $0.5 million over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years related to both of the option awards.
	Reserve for Unissued Shares of Common Stock
	The Company is required to reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of common stock such number of shares sufficient for the exercise of all outstanding warrants, plus shares granted and available for grant under the Company’s stock option plan.
	The amount of such shares of the Company’s common stock reserved for these purposes at December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		Number of Shares
	Outstanding stock options	25,589,876
	Outstanding restricted stock units	827,997
	Outstanding common stock warrants	3,925,643
	Additional shares available for grant under equity plan	1,123,732
	Total	31,467,248
	Exchange of shares for services
	In March 2012, the Company entered into a common stock purchase agreement with a third party vendor that provided legal services to the Company. The common stock purchase agreement allowed the Company to enter into a Conversion Option Agreement (“Conversion Option”), which allowed the Company to pay 20% of its bill rendered for legal service in shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $11.51 for $0.9 million of the lesser of (i) $11.51 per share, or (ii) the value, as of the 15th of each month during the term of the engagement, implied by the most recent equity financing consummated during the term of the engagement. On various dates throughout 2012, the Company exercised its Conversion Option and exchanged 73,883 shares of common stock of the Company at a price of $11.51 for $0.9 million of legal services rendered for the period ended December 31, 2012. The fair value of the shares exchanged during the year ended December 31, 2012 ranged from $7.92 to $9.75 resulting in a gain of $0.2 million on the transaction related to the issuance of these shares.
	Shares issued for legal settlement
	In November 2013, the Company entered into a fully executed settlement agreement with one of its marketing sponsorship partners. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, the Company paid $0.3 million in cash and issued 36,666 shares of common stock to the marketing sponsorship partner in November 2013 and recorded a total expense of $0.6 million.

Stockbased_Awards

Stock-based Awards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock based Awards
Stock based Awards	9. Stock-based Awards
	The Company has three equity incentive plans: the Amended and Restated 2005 Stock Plan (the “2005 Plan”), the 2008 Stock Plan (the “2008 Plan”) and the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”). Under the 2005 Plan, 604,093 shares of common stock were reserved for the issuance of incentive or nonqualified stock options and stock purchase rights as of December 31, 2013. Under the 2008 Plan, there were no shares available for future issuance as of December 31, 2013. In connection with the Company’s IPO in May 2014, the 2005 Plan and the 2008 Plan were terminated. Upon the registration date in May 2014, the shares reserved for issuance under the 2014 Plan include (i) shares that have been reserved but not issued pursuant to any awards granted under the 2005 Plan, plus (ii) shares subject to stock options or similar awards granted under the 2005 Plan or the 2008 Plan that, after the registration date, expire or terminate without having been exercised in full and shares issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2005 Plan or the 2008 Plan are forfeited to or repurchased by the Company. In addition, the shares available for issuance under the 2014 Plan include an annual increase on January 1 of each year equal to the least of: (i) 10,000,000 shares; (ii) 5% of the total outstanding shares of TrueCar common stock as of the last day of the previous fiscal year; or, (iii) such other amount as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. As of December 31, 2014, the total number of shares available under the 2014 Plan is 1,123,732 shares.
	Under the 2014 Plan, the Company has the ability to issue incentive stock options, nonstatutory stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance units and performance shares. Stock options granted under the 2014 Plan must at least equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Stock options granted generally vest monthly over a four year period and expire ten years from the date of grant. Restricted stock units generally vest quarterly over a four to five year period.
	Stock Options
	A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
					Weighted-			Weighted-
					Average			Average		Aggregate
			Number of		Exercise			Remaining		Intrinsic
			Options		Price			Contract Life		Value (1)
								(in years)		(in millions)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		18,363,144		$	4.89		7.17
	Granted		11,076,585			15.99
	Exercised		-2,751,389			2.15
	Canceled/forfeited		-1,098,464			9.66
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014		25,589,876		$	9.79		7.55		$	365.0
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014		24,572,090		$	9.73		7.49		$	353.0
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014		18,291,866		$	9.12		6.97		$	281.5
		-1		The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying stock option awards and the closing price of the Company's common stock of $22.90 on December 31, 2014.
	At December 31, 2014 total remaining stock-based compensation expense for unvested option awards, including performance-based stock option awards, was $62.5 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.79 years.
	The weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of options granted for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $6.32,  $4.79, and $4.83, respectively. The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense for stock option awards of $27.2 million, $8.9 million, and $9.4 million, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $57.1 million, $0.6 million, and $2.9 million, respectively.
	There were no excess tax benefits realized for the tax deductions from stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	From time to time, the Company grants stock options that contain performance conditions. During 2012, the Company granted certain executives stock options to purchase 166,665 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $11.51 per share. These awards contain performance conditions based on achieving certain revenue and earnings targets. During 2013, the Company granted stock options to purchase 1,765,875 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price was $8.85. Of the awards granted in 2013, 82,327 stock options granted vest upon achieving certain revenue and earnings targets and 1,683,548 shares which include a two-step performance and service vesting condition. The first step was based on achieving certain revenue and earnings targets, which were met at December 31, 2013. Stock options awarded vest over the 48 month requisite service period beginning on January 1, 2014. During 2014, the Company granted 2,776,114 stock options at a weighted average exercise price of $12.81, which include a two step performance and service vesting condition. The first step is based upon achieving certain revenue and earnings targets. Stock options eligible for time-based vesting are calculated based on the Company's performance against these metrics and vest over 48 months beginning February 1, 2015. Based on the achievement levels of the performance criteria, as of December 31, 2014, there are 2,241,796 outstanding stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $12.81 that are eligible for vesting over the requisite service period. Shares granted in excess of the achievement level will be forfeited and return to the 2014 Plan in the first quarter of 2015.
	The grant date fair values of these awards for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $20.1 million, $8.8 million, and $0.8 million, respectively, as determined using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company recognizes compensation cost for stock options with performance conditions using a graded vesting model, based on the probability of the performance condition being met, net of estimated pre-vesting forfeitures.
	In March 2012, the board of directors authorized the modification of stock options which accelerated vesting of stock options to purchase 726,469 shares of common stock and extended the exercise period for all vested shares, including stock options to purchase 631,333 shares of common stock previously granted to a former executive. As a result of the modification, additional stock compensation expense of $4.5 million was recognized in 2012.
	Restricted Stock Awards
	Activity in connection with restricted stock awards is as follows for the year ended December 31, 2014:
					Weighted-
					Average
			Number of		Grant Date
			Shares		Fair Value
	Non-vested — December 31, 2013		55,555		$	3.56
	Granted		—			—
	Vested		-55,555			3.56
	Canceled/forfeited		—			—
	Non-vested — December 31, 2014		—		$	—
	The total fair value of shares of restricted stock awards vested for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $0.8 million, $0.7 million and $3.7 million, respectively.
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded $0.2 million, $0.4 million, and $0.9 million, respectively, in compensation expense in connection with the vesting of shares of restricted stock awards. As of December 31, 2014, all restricted stock awards were fully vested.
	Restricted Stock Units
	Activity in connection with restricted stock units (“RSUs”) is as follows for the year ended December 31, 2014:
					Weighted-
					Average
			Number of		Grant Date
			Shares		Fair Value
	Non-vested — December 31, 2013		—		$	—
	Granted		905,767			12.35
	Vested		-12,263			21.97
	Canceled/forfeited		-65,507			10.44
	Non-vested — December 31, 2014		827,997		$	12.36
	The total fair value of vested restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $0.3 million.
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded $2.0 million in compensation expense. At December 31, 2014, total remaining stock-based compensation expense for non-vested RSUs is $6.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.00 years.
	During 2014, the Company granted 720,146 RSUs with a weighted average grant date fair value of $10.04, which include a two-step performance and service vesting condition. The first step is based upon achieving certain revenue and earnings targets. RSUs eligible for time-based vesting are calculated based on the Company’s performance against these metrics and vest over 16 quarters beginning January 1, 2015. Based on the achievement levels of the performance criteria, as of December 31, 2014, there are 583,537 non-vested RSUs with a weighted average grant date fair value of $10.07 that are eligible to vest over the requisite service period. Shares granted in excess of the achievement level will be forfeited and return to the 2014 Plan in the first quarter of 2015.
	Valuation Assumptions and Stock-based Compensation Cost
	The fair value of stock options granted to employees is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. This valuation model requires the Company to make assumptions and judgments about the variables used in the calculation, including the expected term, the volatility of the Company’s common stock, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividends. The Company uses the simplified method under the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share-Based Payment, to calculate expected term for plain vanilla share options. For performance-based option awards and out of the money option grants, the Company determines the expected term based upon historical exercise and post-vesting cancellations, adjusted for expected future exercise behavior. The Company’s computation of volatility is based on an average of the historical volatilities of the common stock of several entities with characteristics similar to those of the Company. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of the option. The Company uses an expected dividend of zero, as it does not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.
	The fair value of each stock option award was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
			Year Ended
			December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Risk-free interest rate		1.93	%		1.41	%		0.96	%
	Expected term (years)		6.24			6.06			6.00
	Expected volatility		58	%		61	%		60	%
	Dividend yield		—			—			—
	As stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on award ultimately expected to vest, the amount has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on the Company’s historical experience and future expectations.
	The Company recorded stock-based compensation cost relating to stock options, restricted stock awards, and RSUs in the following categories on the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss (in thousands):
			Year Ended
			December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
Cost of revenue			$	454		$	141		$	122
Sales and marketing				4,743			2,561			1,571
Technology and development				5,013			1,762			1,428
General and administrative				19,123			4,882			7,199
Total stock-based compensation expense				29,333			9,346			10,320
Amount capitalized to internal software use				1,249			540			214
Total stock-based compensation cost			$	30,582		$	9,886		$	10,534

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes
Income Taxes	10. Income Taxes
	The components of the Company’s income tax provision (benefit) are as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	—		$	—		$	—
	State		63			7			3
	Total current provision		63			7			3
	Deferred:
	Federal		540			504			-318
	State		37			68			-291
	Total deferred provision (benefit)		577			572			-609
	Total income tax provision (benefit)	$	640		$	579		$	-606
	As described below, the Company has established a valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets as the Company has determined that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company’s 2014 and 2013 income tax provisions of $0.6 million reflected the amortization of tax deductible goodwill that is not an available source of income to realize deferred tax assets. The Company’s income tax benefit in 2012 of $0.6 million reflected a tax benefit of $1.1 million associated with a beneficial conversion feature on its convertible notes payable issued in May 2012 (Note 5), which was partially offset by tax expense related to the amortization of tax deductible goodwill that is not an available source of income to realize deferred tax assets.
	The overall effective income tax rate differs from the statutory federal rate of 34% as follows:
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Income tax benefit based on the federal statutory rate	34.0	%	34.0	%	34.0	%
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit	2.0		-0.9		7.6
	Nondeductible expenses	-0.7		-1.5		-0.1
	Change in valuation allowance	-34.7		-26.3		-40
	Stock-based compensation	-2		-8.3		-0.9
	Other	0.1		0.6		0.2
	Overall effective income tax rate	-1.3	%	-2.4	%	0.8	%
	The components of deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	56,957		$	49,921
	Stock-based compensation		18,648			8,262
	Accrued expenses		1,932			2,852
	Research and development tax credits		610			610
	Other		277			172
	Gross deferred tax assets		78,424			61,817
	Valuation allowance		-64,449			-47,858
	Net deferred tax assets		13,975			13,959
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	State taxes		-3,802			-3,296
	Property, equipment and software		-3,985			-3,353
	Intangible assets and goodwill		-8,020			-8,566
	Gross deferred tax liabilities		-15,807			-15,215
	Total net deferred tax liabilities	$	-1,832		$	-1,256
	The net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2014 and 2013 relates to amortization of tax deductible goodwill that is not an available source of income to realize deferred tax assets. Accordingly, the net deferred tax liability does not reduce the need for a valuation allowance related to the Company’s net deferred tax assets.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of $167.7 million and $125.9 million, respectively. The Company’s federal and state net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in the years ending December 31, 2025 and 2019, respectively. At December 31, 2014, the Company had federal and state research and development tax credit carryforwards of approximately $0.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively. The federal tax credit carryforwards begin to expire in the year ending December 31, 2028. The state tax credit carryforward can be carried forward indefinitely.
	The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, imposes substantial restrictions on the utilization of net operating losses and other tax attributes in the event of an “ownership change” of a corporation. Accordingly, a company’s ability to use pre-change net operating loss and research tax credits may be limited as prescribed under IRC Sections 382 and 383. Events which may cause limitation in the amount of the net operating losses and credits that the Company utilizes in any one year include, but are not limited to, a cumulative ownership change of more than 50% over a three-year period. As a result of historical equity issuances, the Company has determined that annual limitations on the utilization of its net operating losses and credits do exist pursuant to IRC Sections 382 and 383, however, such limitations are not expected to impact the Company’s ability to utilize these deferred tax assets prior to their statutory expiration dates.
	Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to use the existing deferred tax assets. A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated was the cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ended December 31, 2014. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence such as its projections for future growth. On the basis of this evaluation, at December 31, 2014, a valuation allowance of $64.4 million has been recorded since it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	The change in the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Valuation allowance, at beginning of year	$	47,858		$	41,412		$	11,348
	Increase in valuation allowance		16,591			6,446			30,064
	Valuation allowance, at end of year	$	64,449		$	47,858		$	41,412
	As a result of certain realization requirements of ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation, the table of deferred tax assets and liabilities shown above does not include certain deferred tax assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 that arose directly from (or the use of which was postponed by) tax deductions related to stock-based compensation that are greater than the compensation recognized for financial reporting purposes. The gross and tax-effected amount of unrealized net operating loss carryforwards resulting from stock-based compensation was $30.1 million and $11.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014. Additional paid-in capital will be increased by $11.1 million if and when such deferred tax assets are ultimately realized. The Company uses the with-and-without approach when determining when excess tax benefits have been realized.
	The following is a reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Unrecognized tax benefit, beginning of year	$	-4		$	-4		$	—
	Additions based on current year tax positions		21			—			610
	Additions for prior years' tax positions		29			—			—
	Reductions for prior years' tax positions		—			—			-614
Unrecognized tax benefit, end of year	$	46		$	-4		$	-4
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward or Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU 2013-11 provides that an entity’s unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of its unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in its financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, with one exception. That exception states that, to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position, or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. In accordance with this accounting guidance, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits are recorded as an adjustment to the deferred tax assets to the extent deferred tax assets may be utilized to settle uncertain tax positions. Since there is a full valuation allowance recorded against the deferred tax assets, any subsequent reductions of the valuation allowance and recognition of the associated tax benefit would impact the effective tax rate.
The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, in the income tax provision. At December 31, 2014, the Company had less than $0.1 million accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Company does not anticipate that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months.
The Company is subject to United States federal and state taxation. Due to the presence of net operating loss carryforwards, all income tax years remain open for examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and various state taxing authorities. The Company is currently under federal examination for the 2011 and 2012 tax years and under state tax examination for the 2010 through 2012 years. The Company does not anticipate that these pending tax examinations will result in material tax assessments and it believes its income tax accruals as of December 31, 2014 are reasonable.

Net_Loss_Per_Share

Net Loss Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Net Loss Per Share
Net Loss Per Share	11. Net Loss Per Share
	The Company applies the two-class method for calculating basic earnings per share. Under the two-class method, net income (loss) is reduced by cumulative preferred stock dividends and the residual amount is allocated between common stock and other participating securities based on their participation rights. Participating securities comprised of restricted common stock, which participate in dividends, if declared, by the Company. As the Company has reported a net loss for all periods, and the participating securities were not contractually obligated to share in the losses of the Company, accordingly, no losses were allocated to the participating securities.
	Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding, net of the weighted average unvested restricted stock subject to repurchase by the Company, if any, during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, adjusted for the effects of potentially dilutive common stock, which are comprised of stock options, restricted stock units and stock warrants, using the treasury-stock method, and convertible preferred stock, using the if-converted method. Because the Company reported losses attributable to common stockholders for all periods presented, all potentially dilutive common stock are antidilutive for those periods.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders during the years ended December 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per share data):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
	Net loss	$	-48,429		$	-25,056	$	-74,495
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding		70,837			58,540		55,828
	Net loss per share — basic and diluted	$	-0.68		$	-0.43	$	-1.33
	The following table presents the number of anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Options to purchase common stock	25,590		18,363		15,419
	Common stock warrants	3,926		5,931		5,154
	Conversion of convertible preferred stock	—		2,857		—
	Unvested restricted stock awards	828		55		122
	Contingently redeemable shares	—		—		126
	Convertible promissory notes	—		—		3,444
	Total shares excluded from net loss per share attributable to common stockholders	30,344		27,206		24,265

Employee_Benefit_Plan

Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Benefit Plan
Employee Benefit Plan	12. Employee Benefit Plan
	The Company has a 401(k) Savings Retirement Plan that covers substantially all full-time employees who meet the plan’s eligibility requirements and provides for an employee elective contribution. The Company made matching contributions to the plan of $1.2 million, $0.9 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions
Related Party Transactions	13. Related Party Transactions
	Transactions with Stockholders
	In October 2011, as part of the acquisition of ALG, the Company entered into various data licensing and transition services agreements with Dealertrack, a former significant stockholder of the Company. In the first quarter of 2014, Dealertrack divested its holdings in the Company and was no longer a related party. Costs under these agreements included in cost of revenue were $0.4 million, $2.0 million, and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Costs under these agreements included in sales and marketing expense were $0.3 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. There were no costs recorded in sales and marketing expense for the year ended December 31, 2014. Additionally, the Company had amounts due to the stockholder at December 31, 2013 of $0.3 million.
	Notes Receivable from Related Parties
	From 2007 to 2011, the Company issued notes to executives of the Company totaling $4.1 million of which $2.9 million were exchanged for cash and $1.2 million were in consideration for the purchase of common stock. The notes bear interest at rates between 1.2% and 6.0%. Principal and interest payments are due at maturity. The loans have maturity dates ranging from 2011 to 2016, and were repaid in full by February 2014, except for $0.3 million which was repaid in full in December 2014.
	In September 2010, the Company issued a note to a former employee of the Company for $0.2 million in connection with the exercise of options to purchase common stock. The note bore interest at 0.5% and there were no principal and interest payments due until maturity in August 2013, and was paid in full.
	In October 2012, an executive resigned from the Company and became a consultant. At his separation date, the former executive had two notes outstanding with original principal balances of $0.1 million and $0.1 million, due November 2013 and August 2014, respectively. As part of this separation, the notes were amended such that the principal and accrued interest were due and payable upon the earlier of November 2013 or 45 days following the termination as a service provider to the Company. At December 31, 2012, the aggregate principal and interest outstanding was $0.2 million. The principal and interest on the notes were paid in full on December 27, 2013.
	In May 2014, the Company advanced $0.1 million to an employee in exchange for a promissory note. The note was repaid in full in December 2014.
	Loans issued for the purchase of the Company’s capital stock have been classified in stockholders’ equity on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Loans issued for cash have been classified as notes receivable from related parties on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	Service Provider
	Beginning in October 2013, an executive officer of the Company is an officer of a firm that provides marketing services to the Company. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded sales and marketing expense of $4.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014, the Company recorded $0.9 million in prepaid expenses related to this marketing firm. There was no prepaid expense relating to this marketing firm at December 31, 2013. Additionally, the Company has amounts due to this marketing firm at December 31, 2014 and 2013 of $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
	Advances to an Officer
	The Company pays business and personal expenses, which may be charged to a corporate card or paid directly to third parties, of the Company’s CEO and the CEO reimburses the Company for personal expenses paid by the Company. During 2013 and 2012, the Company paid personal expenses of $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively. At December 31, 2013, amounts receivable from this executive were $0.4 million and were included in other current assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The advances made to the CEO were paid in full in February 2014.
	Stock Repurchase Arrangement with Officer
	The Company executed an employment agreement with a stock repurchase provision with its CEO. In December 2013 and 2012, the Company repurchased 112,422 shares of common stock at a price of $8.90 per share and 130,080 shares of common stock at a price of $8.00 respectively, which were the fair value of the shares on the respective dates of repurchase (Note 9).
	Transactions with USAA
	A former member of the Company’s board of directors is the current Head of Corporate Development at USAA, the largest stockholder and most significant affinity marketing partner of the Company. The Company has entered into arrangements with USAA to operate its Auto Buying Program. The Company has amounts due from USAA at December 31, 2014 and 2013 of $1.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively. In addition, the Company has amounts due to USAA at December 31, 2014 and 2013 of $4.7 million and $3.7 million, respectively. The Company recorded sales and marketing expense of $15.2 million, $8.8 million, and $3.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to service arrangements entered into with USAA, including non-cash expense associated with warrants to purchase shares of common stock (Note 9).
	Transactions with AutoNation
	The President and Chief Operating Officer of AutoNation, Inc., (“AutoNation”) served as a member of the Company’s board of directors from July 2011 to May 2012. During the period from January 2012 to May 2012, auto buying program revenues from AutoNation and its dealership affiliates were $1.4 million.

Revenue_Information

Revenue Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue Information
Revenue Information
	14. Revenue Information
	The CODM reviews financial information on a consolidated basis, accompanied by information about transaction revenue and data and other revenue. The following table presents our revenue categories during the periods presented (in thousands):
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Transaction revenue	$	189,353	$	118,713	$	64,703
	Data and other revenue		17,296		15,245		15,186
	Total revenues	$	206,649	$	133,958	$	79,889

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events
Subsequent Events	15. Subsequent Events
	In February 2015, the Company amended its credit facility. Refer to Note 6 herein for further details of the amended credit facility.
	In February 2015, the Company amended an office lease for approximately 17,000 square feet in Santa Monica, California, to extend the lease term from June 2016 to December 2025. Additionally, beginning in 2016, the Company will lease approximately 21,000 additional square feet in the building through December 2025. The Company has the option to extend portions of the space, or the entire space, for an additional five year period. The cumulative base rent over the lease term is expected to be approximately $26.0 million.
	In March 2015, warrants to purchase 1,433,333 shares of the Company’s common stock were exercised through a net settlement election by a third party marketing firm. The Company issued 959,676 shares of its common stock to the third party marketing firm.
	In March 2015, the Company was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court in the Southern District of New York. Refer to Note 7 under “Legal Proceedings” herein for further details of the lawsuit.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The Company’s accounting and financial reporting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
Reclassification	Reclassification
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current period presentation. These reclassifications were not material to the financial statements.
Revision of Prior Period Amounts	Revision of Prior Period Amounts
	During the preparation of the Company’s 2014 consolidated financial statements, the Company identified and corrected immaterial errors in its prior period disclosures of related party accounts receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses. The parenthetical information within the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 and Note 13 presented herein have been revised to reflect the correction of this error. The results of this correction were an increase to related party accounts receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses of $0.3 million, $2.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 2013.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TrueCar and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Business acquisitions are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. The Company’s purchase accounting resulted in all assets and liabilities of acquired businesses being recorded at their estimated fair values on the acquisition dates. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Assets and liabilities which are subject to judgment and use of estimates include sales allowances and allowances for doubtful accounts, the fair value of assets and liabilities assumed in business combinations, fair value of the capitalized facility lease, the recoverability of goodwill and long-lived assets, valuation allowances with respect to deferred tax assets, useful lives associated with property and equipment and intangible assets, contingencies, and the valuation and assumptions underlying stock-based compensation and other equity instruments. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates compared to historical experience and trends, which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities. In addition, the Company engaged valuation specialists to assist with management’s determination of the the valuation of its capitalized facility lease, fair values of assets and liabilities assumed in business combinations, and in periods prior to the Company’s initial public offering, valuation of common stock.
Segments	Segments
	The Company has one operating segment. The Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is the Chief Executive Officer, the President, and the Chief Financial Officer, who manage the Company’s operations based on consolidated financial information for purposes of evaluating financial performance and allocating resources.
	The CODM reviews financial information on a consolidated basis, accompanied by information about transaction revenue and data and other revenue (Note 14). All of the Company’s principal operations, decision-making functions and assets are located in the United States.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.
	Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Accounting standards describe a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value which are the following:
		·		Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities or funds.
		·		Level 2 — Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
		·		Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	Fair Value Methods
	Fair value is based on quoted market prices, if available. If listed prices or quotes are not available, fair value is based on internally developed models that primarily use market-based or independently sourced market parameters as inputs.
	For financial instruments measured at fair value, the following section describes the valuation methodologies, key inputs and significant assumptions.
	Cash equivalents, consisting primarily of money market instruments and debt securities represent highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at purchase. Generally, market prices are used to determine the fair value of money market instruments and debt securities.
	The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, prepaid and other current assets, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these items. The fair value of the Company’s revolving line of credit approximates carrying value based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rate for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
	Certain assets, including long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets are also subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis if they are deemed to be impaired as a result of an impairment review. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, no impairments were identified on those assets required to be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
	Contingent Consideration Liability
	The Company recorded a contingent consideration liability upon the acquisition of American Transportation Marketing Group, LTD (operating as Carperks) in 2011. Contingent consideration is measured at fair value and is based on significant inputs not observable in the market, which represents a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The valuation of contingent consideration used assumptions the Company believed would be made by a market participant. The Company assessed these estimates on an on-going basis as additional data impacting the assumptions was obtained. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration related to updated assumptions and estimates were recognized within the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. The Company determined the fair value of the contingent consideration using the probability adjusted discounted cash flow method. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of contingent consideration were (i) probability of achieving the sales milestone, (ii) period in which the milestone was expected to be achieved, and (iii) discount rates. At December 31, 2012, it was determined to be probable that the Company would achieve the sales milestone as included in the Carperks purchase agreement. This resulted in the recognition of an obligation of $1.8 million at December 31, 2012. The change in the fair value of contingent consideration liability during the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily related to a significant increase in the probability of achieving the milestone as a result of the Company amending the original agreement to extend the time permitted to achieve the milestone. The Company paid Carperks approximately $1.9 million through December 31, 2013 as the sales milestone was achieved during 2013.
	The following table summarizes the Company's financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2014 and 2013 by level within the fair value hierarchy. Financial assets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement (in thousands):
			At December 31, 2014				At December 31, 2013
					Total Fair				Total Fair
			Level 1		Value		Level 1		Value
	Cash equivalents		$	145,284	$	145,284	$	7,726	$	7,726
	Total Assets		$	145,284	$	145,284	$	7,726	$	7,726
	The Company did not have any Level 2 or Level 3 assets as of December 31, 2014 or 2013 and there were no liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	The following table summarizes the changes in Level 3 financial instruments during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013.
			Contingent
			Consideration
	Fair value at December 31, 2011		$	428
	Changes in fair value			1,370
	Fair value at December 31, 2012		$	1,798
	Changes in fair value			95
	Payments on contingent consideration			-1,893
	Fair value at December 31, 2013		$	—
Concentrations of Credit and Business Risk	Concentrations of Credit and Business Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable.
	The Company, at times, maintains cash balances at financial institutions in excess of amounts insured by United States government agencies or payable by the United States government directly. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high credit quality financial institutions.
	Each reporting period, the Company reevaluates each customer’s ability to satisfy credit obligations and maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the evaluations. No single customer comprised more than 10% of the Company’s total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. No single customer comprised more than 10% of the Company’s accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The Company’s single largest source of unique visitors to its Auto Buying Programs comes from its affinity group marketing partner relationship with United Services Automobile Association (“USAA”), a related party (Note 13). Changes in the Company’s relationship with USAA and its promotion and marketing of the Company’s Auto Buying Programs may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original or remaining maturity at the date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, cash and cash equivalents were comprised of cash held in money market funds and checking accounts.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash at December 31, 2013 represents cash on deposit with a financial institution which served as collateral under an Automotive Website Program Partnership Agreement with Yahoo! (Note 8). The restriction on the cash lapsed in conjunction with the expiration of the credit agreement on September 29, 2014.
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, and Sales Allowances	Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, and Sales Allowances
	The Company extends credit in the normal course of business to its customers and performs credit evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The Company does not obtain collateral or other security related to its accounts receivable.
	Accounts receivable are recorded based on the amount due from the customer and do not bear interest. The Company reduces accounts receivable by sales allowances and allowance for doubtful accounts.
	The Company establishes sales allowances at the time of revenue recognition based on its history of adjustments and credits provided to its network of dealers. Sales allowances relate primarily to credits issued where a dealer claims that an introduction was previously identified by the dealer from a source other than the Company. While contractually obligated to pay the invoice, the Company may issue a credit against the invoice to maintain overall dealer relations. In assessing the adequacy of the sales allowance, the Company evaluates its history of adjustments and credits made through the date of the issuance of the financial statements. Estimated sales adjustments and credits and ultimate losses may vary from actual results which could be material to the financial statements; however, to date, actual sales allowances have been materially consistent with the Company’s estimates.
	The Company determines its allowance for doubtful accounts based on its historical write-off experience and when specific circumstances make it likely that recovery will not occur. The Company reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts each reporting period and assesses the aging of account balances, with an emphasis on those that are past due over ninety days. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company determines that it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
	The following table summarizes the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts and sales allowances (in thousands):
			Year Ended
			December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Allowances, at beginning of period		$	2,184	$	1,621	$	2,369
	Charged as a reduction of revenue			4,797		6,985		6,898
	Charged to bad debt expense in general and administrative expenses			373		153		668
	Write-offs, net of recoveries			-5,285		-6,575		-8,314
	Allowances, at end of period		$	2,069	$	2,184	$	1,621
Property and Equipment, net	Property and Equipment, net
	Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which is generally three years for computer hardware and software, five years for furniture and equipment, and over the shorter of lease term or useful life of the assets for leasehold improvements. Buildings are depreciated over a useful life of forty years. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the Company’s results of operations.
Build-to-Suit Leases	Build-to-Suit Leases
	The Company establishes assets and liabilities for the fair value of the building and estimated construction costs  incurred under lease arrangements when it is considered the owner (for accounting purposes only), or build-to-suit leases, to the extent it is involved in the construction of structural improvements or takes on construction risk. Upon completion of construction of facilities under build-to-suit leases, the Company assesses whether these arrangements qualify for sales recognition under the sale-leaseback accounting guidance, and if so, the leased facility and lease financing obligation are removed from the balance sheet. If the Company does not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting, then the facilities are accounted for as financing leases.
Software and Website Development Costs	Software and Website Development Costs
	The Company accounts for the costs of computer software obtained or developed for internal use in accordance with FASB ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. Computer software development costs and website development costs are expensed as incurred, except for internal use software or website development costs that qualify for capitalization as described below, and include employee related expenses, including salaries, bonuses, benefits and stock-based compensation expenses; costs of computer hardware and software; and costs incurred in developing features and functionality. These capitalized costs are included in property and equipment on the consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company expenses costs incurred in the preliminary project and post implementation stages of software development and capitalizes costs incurred in the application development stage and costs associated with significant enhancements to existing internal use software applications.
	Software costs are amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of three years commencing when the software project is ready for its intended use.
	Costs incurred related to less significant modifications and enhancements as well as maintenance are expensed as incurred.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, capitalized software costs were $29.7 million and $16.2 million, respectively, before accumulated amortization of $11.9 million and $6.4 million, respectively. During 2014 and 2013, the Company wrote off capitalized software costs that were no longer in use of $0.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively, and accumulated amortization of $0.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively, which resulted in an acceleration of amortization of $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
	Expected amortization expense with respect to capitalized software costs at December 31, 2014 for each of the three years through December 31, 2017 is as follows (in thousands):
	Years ended December 31,
	2015			8,043
	2016			6,238
	2017			3,477
	Total amortization expense		$	17,758
Intangible Assets Acquired in Business Combinations	Intangible Assets Acquired in Business Combinations
	The Company performs valuations of assets acquired and liabilities assumed on each acquisition accounted for as a business combination, and allocates the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on its best estimate of fair value. Acquired intangible assets include: trade names, customer relationships, and developed technology. The Company determines the appropriate useful life of intangible assets by performing an analysis of cash flows based on historical experience of the acquired businesses. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives based on the pattern in which the economic benefits associated with the asset are expected to be consumed, which to date has approximated the straight-line method of amortization. The estimated useful lives for trade names, customer relationships, and technology are generally, one to fifteen years, five to ten years, and three to ten years, respectively.
Long Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets
	The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets with finite useful lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Such triggering events or changes in circumstances may include: a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset is being used, significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, the impact of competition or other factors that could affect the value of a long-lived asset, a significant adverse deterioration in the amount of revenue or cash flows expected to be generated from an asset group, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or development of a long-lived asset, current or future operating or cash flow losses that demonstrate continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset, or a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. The Company performs impairment testing at the asset group level that represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable and the expected undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the asset group are less than the carrying amount of the asset group, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value is recorded. Fair value is determined based upon estimated discounted future cash flows. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no impairment charges recorded on the Company’s long-lived assets.
Goodwill	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price paid over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired in the Company’s business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Events or changes in circumstances which could trigger an impairment review include a significant adverse change in business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the Company’s overall business strategy, significant negative industry or economic trends, or significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future results of operations.
	The Company assesses goodwill for possible impairment by performing a qualitative analysis to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then additional impairment testing is not required. Otherwise, the Company is required to perform the first of a two-step impairment test.
	The first step involves comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its respective book value, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value exceeds book value, goodwill is considered not to be impaired and no additional steps are necessary. If, however, the fair value of the reporting unit is less than book value, then the carrying amount of the goodwill is compared with its implied fair value. The estimate of implied fair value of goodwill may require valuations of certain internally generated and unrecognized intangible assets. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.
	The Company tests for goodwill impairment annually at December 31. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no impairment charges recorded on goodwill. The Company’s qualitative goodwill assessment at December 31, 2014 concluded there was no impairment based on a number of factors considered, including the improvement in key operating metrics over the prior year, the value of the Company’s common stock, overall strength of the automotive industry and general economy, and continued execution against the Company’s overall strategic objectives.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue, net of sales allowances, when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the fees are fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured. Deferred revenue is recognized on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets when payments are received in advance of the Company meeting all of the revenue recognition criteria described above. The Company recorded deferred revenue (included in other accrued expenses) of $0.5 million and $0.4 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Transaction Revenues
	Auto Buying Program Revenues
	Revenues consist of fees paid by dealers participating in the Company’s dealer network with which the Company has an agreement (“TrueCar Certified Dealers” or “Dealers”). TrueCar Certified Dealers pay the Company fees either on a per-vehicle basis for sales to Auto Buying Program users or in the form of a subscription arrangement.
	The Company recognizes revenue for fee arrangements based on a per-vehicle basis when the vehicle sale has occurred between the Auto Buying Program user and the Dealer. Under the contractual terms and conditions of arrangements with its network of participating TrueCar Certified Dealers, the dealer is required to pay the Company upon the sale of a vehicle to an Auto Buying Program user that has been provided to the dealer by the Company. Recognition of revenue from the sale is not contingent upon verification or acceptance of the transaction by the dealer.
	Upon a user deciding to proceed with the user’s vehicle purchase through the Company, the user provides his or her name, address, e-mail, and a phone number during the process of obtaining a Guaranteed Savings Certificate, which gives the Company the identity and source of a TrueCar introduction provided to a specific dealer prior to an actual sale occurring. After a sale occurs, the Company receives information regarding the sale, including the identity of the purchaser, via the Dealer Management System used by the dealer that made the sale. The Company also receives information regarding vehicle sales from a variety of data sources, including third party car sales aggregators, car dealer networks, and other publicly available sources (collectively, “sales data”) and uses this sales data to further verify that a sale has occurred between an Auto Buying Program user and a TrueCar Certified Dealer, as well as a means to invoice the Dealer shortly after the completion of the sales transaction. Actual vehicle sales data is reported on a daily basis shortly following the date of sale.
	The Company also recognizes revenue from dealers under subscription agreements. Subscription fee arrangements are short-term in nature with terms ranging from one to three months and are cancellable by the dealer or the Company at any time. Subscription arrangements fall into three types: flat rate subscriptions, subscriptions subject to downward adjustment based on a minimum number of vehicle sales (“guaranteed sales”), and subscriptions subject to downward adjustment based on a minimum number of introductions (“guaranteed introductions”). Under flat rate subscription arrangements, fees are charged at a monthly flat rate regardless of the number of sales made to users of the Company’s platform by the dealer. For flat rate subscription arrangements, the Company recognizes the fees as revenue over the subscription period on a straight line basis which corresponds to the period that the Company is providing the dealer access to the Auto Buying Program. Under guaranteed sales subscription arrangements, fees are charged based on the number of guaranteed sales multiplied by a fixed amount per vehicle. To the extent that the actual number of vehicles sold by the dealers to users of the Company’s platform is less than the number of guaranteed sales, the Company provides a credit to the dealer. To the extent that the actual number of vehicles sold exceeds the number of guaranteed sales, the Company is not entitled to any additional fees. Under guaranteed introductions subscription arrangements, fees are charged based on a periodically-updated formula that considers, among other things, the introductions anticipated to be provided to the dealer. To the extent that the number of actual introductions is less than the number of guaranteed introductions, the Company provides a credit to the dealer. To the extent that the actual number of introductions provided exceeds the number guaranteed, the Company is not entitled to any additional fees. For guaranteed sales and guaranteed introductions subscription arrangements, the Company recognizes revenue based on the lesser of (i) the actual number of sales generated or introductions delivered through the Auto Buying Program during the subscription period multiplied by the contracted price-per-sale/introduction or (ii) the straight-line of the subscription fee over the period over which the services are delivered.
	OEM Incentives
	The Company enters into arrangements with automobile manufacturers (“OEM”) to promote the sale of their vehicles through the offering of additional consumer incentives to members of the Company’s affinity group marketing partners. These manufacturers pay a per-vehicle fee to the Company for promotion of the incentive and the Company recognizes as revenue the per-vehicle incentive fee at the time the sale of the vehicle has occurred between the Auto Buying Program user and the dealer.
	Data and Other Revenues
	Data and Other Services
	Revenues are generated from the sale of lease residual value data for new and used leased automobiles, guidebooks, and consulting services. Sales are principally made to vehicle manufacturers, vehicle financing companies, investment banks, automobile dealers, and insurance companies. Data and consulting services customers typically prepay annually in the form of a subscription agreement for lease residual value data and guidebooks.
	Data and consulting services sales arrangements may include multiple deliverables, such as sale of lease residual data from guidebooks and consulting services. For multiple deliverable revenue arrangements, the Company first assesses whether each deliverable has value to the customer on a standalone basis and performance is considered probable and substantially in its control. Data and consulting services can be sold both on a standalone basis or as part of multiple deliverable arrangements. The deliverables constitute separate units of accounting because the deliverables have standalone value to the customer and as such, the total arrangement consideration is allocated to each unit of accounting using the relative selling price hierarchy. This hierarchy requires the selling price of each deliverable in a multiple deliverable revenue arrangement to be based on, in descending order: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence, or VSOE, (ii) third-party evidence of selling price, or TPE, or (iii) management’s best estimated selling price, or BESP.
	The Company cannot establish VSOE or TPE because the deliverables are not sold separately within a sufficiently narrow price range or third party pricing for comparable services is not available; therefore, it applies judgment to determine BESP. The objective of BESP is to determine the price at which the Company would transact a sale if the service were sold on a stand-alone basis. The determination of BESP requires the Company to make significant estimates and judgments and the Company considers numerous factors in this determination, including the nature of the deliverables, market conditions and the competitive landscape, internal costs, and its pricing and discounting practices. The Company updates its estimates of BESP on a periodic basis as events and as circumstances may require.
	Revenue allocated to each element from the sale of lease residual value data, guidebooks, and consulting services is recognized when the basic recognition criteria are met for each element. Sales attributed to residual value data and guidebooks are recognized when the data or guidebooks are delivered, and consulting services are recognized when the project is completed.
	Lead Referral Fees
	Lead referral fees revenues consist of fees earned through an online process that refers consumers to out-of-network auto dealers for new and used vehicles when the Company is unable to identify a dealer with a vehicle in the Company’s dealer network for which a prospective car buyer is searching. Fees are recognized at the time the lead referral is transmitted to, and accepted by, the lead-buying entities and are not contingent on the sale of a vehicle. The Company is not a party to the arrangement with, and is not the primary obligor to, the lead-buyer’s dealer; accordingly, revenue is recognized for the net fee received for the lead from the lead-buyer.
Cost of Revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	Cost of Revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
	Cost of revenue includes expenses related to the fulfillment of the Company’s services, consisting primarily of data costs and licensing fees paid to third party service providers and expenses related to operating the Company’s website and mobile applications, including those associated with its data centers, hosting fees, data processing costs required to deliver introductions to its network of TrueCar Certified Dealers, employee costs related to dealer operations, sales matching, and employee and consulting costs related to delivering data and consulting services to the Company’s customers. Cost of revenue excludes depreciation and amortization of software development costs and other hosting and data infrastructure equipment used to operate the Company’s platforms, which are included in the depreciation and amortization line item on its statement of comprehensive loss.
Sales and Marketing	Sales and Marketing
	Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of: television and radio advertising; affinity group partner marketing fees, which also includes loan subvention costs where the Company pays certain affinity group marketing partners a portion of consumers’ borrowing costs for car loan products offered by these affinity group marketing partners, and common stock warrants issued to USAA; marketing sponsorship programs; and digital customer acquisition. In addition, sales and marketing expenses include employee related expenses for sales, customer support, marketing and public relations employees, including salaries, bonuses, benefits, and stock-based compensation expenses; third-party contractor fees; and allocated overhead. Sales and marketing expenses also include costs related to common stock warrants issued to a third-party marketing firm and a service provider as part of our commercial arrangements with them.
	Marketing and advertising costs promote our services and are expensed as incurred, except for media production costs which are expensed the first time the advertisement is aired. Marketing and advertising expenses were $58.1 million, $27.5 million, and $36.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Included in the $36.5 million of marketing and advertising expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 is $20.0 million for a guaranteed minimum number of unique visitors under an agreement with Yahoo! (Note 7). Prepaid expenses include prepaid media costs of $2.3 million and $1.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Technology and Development	Technology and Development
	Technology and development expenses consist primarily of employee related expenses for technology and development staff, including salaries, benefits, bonuses, and stock-based compensation; the cost of certain third-party service providers; and allocated overhead. Technology and development expenses are expensed as incurred.
General and Administrative	General and Administrative
	General and administrative expenses consist primarily of employee related expenses for administrative, legal, finance, and human resource staffs, including salaries, benefits, bonuses, and stock-based compensation; professional fees; insurance premiums; other corporate expenses; and allocated overhead.
Stock Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock option, restricted stock awards, and restricted stock units based on the fair value of the awards on the grant date in accordance with the relevant standards. The Company estimates the grant date fair value of option grants, and the resulting stock-based compensation expense, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Stock-based compensation for employee awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite period, except for performance-based awards which are recognized using the graded-vesting model.
	Compensation expense for non-employee stock-based awards is recognized in accordance with FASB ASC 505, Equity — Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. Under this standard, stock option awards issued to non-employees are accounted for at fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Management believes that the fair value of the stock options is more reliably measured than the fair value of the services received. The Company records compensation expense based on the then-current fair values of the stock options at each financial reporting date. Compensation recorded during the service period is adjusted in subsequent periods for changes in the stock options’ fair value until the earlier of the date at which the non-employee’s performance is complete or a performance commitment is reached, which is generally when the stock option vests.
	For issuances of restricted stock awards or restricted stock units, the Company determines the fair value of the award based on the market value of its common stock at the date of grant.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the tax rates that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	The Company determines whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the tax amount recognized in the financial statements is reduced by the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, in its income tax provision in the accompanying statements of comprehensive loss.
Comprehensive Loss	Comprehensive Loss
	Comprehensive loss encompasses all changes in equity other than those arising from transactions with stockholders and consists of net loss and unrealized gains on marketable securities.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (“JOBS Act”), the Company meets the definition of an emerging growth company. The Company has irrevocably elected to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards pursuant to Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update clarifying the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. This standards update is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance related to revenue from contracts with customers. Under this guidance, revenue is recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. The updated standard will replace all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early adoption is not permitted. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to stock compensation. The new standard requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which the requisite service has already been rendered. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 and can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to all awards outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance requiring management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. Specifically, the new guidance provides a definition of the term substantial doubt, requires an evaluation every reporting period including interim periods, provides principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans, requires certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, requires an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and requires an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). The new guidance is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In November 2014, the FASB issued new guidance for determining whether the host contract in a hybrid financial instrument issued in the form of a share is more akin to debt or equity. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal year, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In November 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to pushdown accounting which allows for an election of the option to apply pushdown accounting to the separate financial statements of an acquired entity upon the occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. The new guidance was effective on November 18, 2014. After the effective date, an acquired entity can make an election to apply the guidance to future change-in-control events or to its most recent change-in-control event. The adoption of the guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
		At December 31, 2014					At December 31, 2013
					Total Fair				Total Fair
		Level 1			Value		Level 1		Value
	Cash equivalents	$	145,284		$	145,284	$	7,726	$	7,726
	Total Assets	$	145,284		$	145,284	$	7,726	$	7,726
Summary of changes in Level 3 financial instruments
		Contingent
		Consideration
	Fair value at December 31, 2011	$	428
	Changes in fair value		1,370
	Fair value at December 31, 2012	$	1,798
	Changes in fair value		95
	Payments on contingent consideration		-1,893
	Fair value at December 31, 2013	$	—
Summary of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts and sales allowances
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
	Allowances, at beginning of period	$	2,184		$	1,621	$	2,369
	Charged as a reduction of revenue		4,797			6,985		6,898
	Charged to bad debt expense in general and administrative expenses		373			153		668
	Write-offs, net of recoveries		-5,285			-6,575		-8,314
	Allowances, at end of period	$	2,069		$	2,184	$	1,621
Schedule of amortization expense with respect to capitalized software development costs
	Years ended December 31,
	2015		8,043
	2016		6,238
	2017		3,477
	Total amortization expense	$	17,758
Schedule of fair value of awards granted to employees using the Black Scholes option pricing model
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.93	%		1.41	%	0.96	%
	Expected term (years)	6.24			6.06		6.00
	Expected volatility	58	%		61	%	60	%
	Dividend yield	—			—		—
Schedule of anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Options to purchase common stock	25,590		18,363		15,419
	Common stock warrants	3,926		5,931		5,154
	Conversion of convertible preferred stock	—		2,857		—
	Unvested restricted stock awards	828		55		122
	Contingently redeemable shares	—		—		126
	Convertible promissory notes	—		—		3,444
	Total shares excluded from net loss per share attributable to common stockholders	30,344		27,206		24,265

Property_and_Equipment_net_Tab

Property and Equipment, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property and Equipment, net
Schedule of property and equipment
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Computer equipment, software, and internally developed software	$	37,110	$	22,517
	Furniture and fixtures		2,335		1,654
	Leasehold improvements		4,611		2,921
	Capitalized facility lease		6,599		—
			50,655		27,092
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		-19,924		-11,854
	Total property and equipment, net	$	30,731	$	15,238

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets
Schedule of intangible assets
		At December 31, 2014
								Weighted
		Gross Carrying		Accumulated		Net Carrying		average useful
		Value		amortization		Value		life in years
	Acquired technology and domain name	$	31,090	$	-10,788	$	20,302	9.70
	Customer relationships		6,300		-2,491		3,809	8.97
	Tradenames		4,900		-1,062		3,838	15.00
	Total	$	42,290	$	-14,341	$	27,949	10.20
		At December 31, 2013
								Weighted
		Gross Carrying		Accumulated		Net Carrying		average useful
		Value		amortization		Value		life in years
	Acquired technology and domain name	$	30,725	$	-7,624	$	23,101	9.75
	Customer relationships		6,300		-1,732		4,568	8.97
	Tradenames		4,970		-805		4,165	14.80
	Total	$	41,995	$	-10,161	$	31,834	10.23
Schedule of amortization expense
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Acquired technology and domain name	$	3,164	$	3,318	$	3,343
	Customer relationships		760		760		760
	Trade names		327		327		373
	Total amortization	$	4,251	$	4,405	$	4,476
Expected amortization expense with respect to intangible assets at December 31, 2014 for each of the five years through December 31, 2019 and thereafter
	Years ended December 31,
	2015	$	4,134
	2016		4,041
	2017		3,862
	2018		3,861
	2019		3,791
	Thereafter		8,260
	Total amortization expense	$	27,949

Credit_Facility_Tables

Credit Facility (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Credit Facility
Summary of carrying amount of outstanding debt
		December 31,
		2013
	Revolving line of credit	$	5,000
	Debt discount, net of accumulated accretion		-236
	Total carrying value	$	4,764

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies
Schedule of future minimum payments for obligations under non cancellable lease obligations
	Years ended December 31,
	2015	$	5,344
	2016		5,904
	2017		5,391
	2018		5,513
	2019		5,454
	Thereafter		31,455
	Total minimum lease payments	$	59,061
Schedule of future purchase obligations
				Less Than						More Than
		Total		1 Year		1 - 3 Years		3 - 5 Years		5 Years
	Purchase obligations	$	7,252	$	3,298	$	3,954	$	—	$	—

Convertible_Preferred_Stock_an

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity
Schedule of reserve for unissued shares of common stock
		Number of Shares
	Outstanding stock options	25,589,876
	Outstanding restricted stock units	827,997
	Outstanding common stock warrants	3,925,643
	Additional shares available for grant under equity plan	1,123,732
	Total	31,467,248

Stockbased_Awards_Tables

Stock-based Awards (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock based Awards
Summary of stock option activity
				Weighted-			Weighted-
				Average			Average		Aggregate
		Number of		Exercise			Remaining		Intrinsic
		Options		Price			Contract Life		Value (1)
							(in years)		(in millions)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	18,363,144		$	4.89		7.17
	Granted	11,076,585			15.99
	Exercised	-2,751,389			2.15
	Canceled/forfeited	-1,098,464			9.66
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	25,589,876		$	9.79		7.55		$	365.0
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014	24,572,090		$	9.73		7.49		$	353.0
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	18,291,866		$	9.12		6.97		$	281.5
	The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying stock option awards and the closing price of the Company's common stock of $22.90 on December 31, 2014.
Schedule of activity in connection with restricted stock
				Weighted-
				Average
		Number of		Grant Date
		Shares		Fair Value
	Non-vested — December 31, 2013	55,555		$	3.56
	Granted	—			—
	Vested	-55,555			3.56
	Canceled/forfeited	—			—
	Non-vested — December 31, 2014	—		$	—
Schedule of activity in connection with the restricted stock units
				Weighted-
				Average
		Number of		Grant Date
		Shares		Fair Value
	Non-vested — December 31, 2013	—		$	—
	Granted	905,767			12.35
	Vested	-12,263			21.97
	Canceled/forfeited	-65,507			10.44
	Non-vested — December 31, 2014	827,997		$	12.36
Schedule of fair value of awards granted to employees using the Black Scholes option pricing model
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.93	%		1.41	%		0.96	%
	Expected term (years)	6.24			6.06			6.00
	Expected volatility	58	%		61	%		60	%
	Dividend yield	—			—			—
Schedule of stock-based compensation cost relating to stock options and restricted stock awards
			Year Ended
			December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Cost of revenue		$	454		$	141		$	122
	Sales and marketing			4,743			2,561			1,571
	Technology and development			5,013			1,762			1,428
	General and administrative			19,123			4,882			7,199
	Total stock-based compensation expense			29,333			9,346			10,320
	Amount capitalized to internal software use			1,249			540			214
	Total stock-based compensation cost		$	30,582		$	9,886		$	10,534

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes
Schedule of components of the income tax (benefit) provision
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	—		$	—		$	—
	State		63			7			3
	Total current provision		63			7			3
	Deferred:
	Federal		540			504			-318
	State		37			68			-291
	Total deferred provision (benefit)		577			572			-609
	Total income tax provision (benefit)	$	640		$	579		$	-606
Schedule of reconciliation between the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 34% to income before income taxes and the income tax (benefit) provision
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Income tax benefit based on the federal statutory rate	34.0	%	34.0	%	34.0	%
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit	2.0		-0.9		7.6
	Nondeductible expenses	-0.7		-1.5		-0.1
	Change in valuation allowance	-34.7		-26.3		-40
	Stock-based compensation	-2		-8.3		-0.9
	Other	0.1		0.6		0.2
	Overall effective income tax rate	-1.3	%	-2.4	%	0.8	%
Schedule of components of deferred tax assets (liabilities)
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	56,957		$	49,921
	Stock-based compensation		18,648			8,262
	Accrued expenses		1,932			2,852
	Research and development tax credits		610			610
	Other		277			172
	Gross deferred tax assets		78,424			61,817
	Valuation allowance		-64,449			-47,858
	Net deferred tax assets		13,975			13,959
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	State taxes		-3,802			-3,296
	Property, equipment and software		-3,985			-3,353
	Intangible assets and goodwill		-8,020			-8,566
	Gross deferred tax liabilities		-15,807			-15,215
	Total net deferred tax liabilities	$	-1,832		$	-1,256
Schedule of change in the valuation allowance
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Valuation allowance, at beginning of year	$	47,858		$	41,412		$	11,348
	Increase in valuation allowance		16,591			6,446			30,064
	Valuation allowance, at end of year	$	64,449		$	47,858		$	41,412
Schedule of reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Unrecognized tax benefit, beginning of year	$	-4		$	-4		$	—
	Additions based on current year tax positions		21			—			610
	Additions for prior years' tax positions		29			—			—
	Reductions for prior years' tax positions		—			—			-614
	Unrecognized tax benefit, end of year	$	46		$	-4		$	-4

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Net Loss Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Net Loss Per Share
Computation of basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
	Net loss	$	-48,429		$	-25,056	$	-74,495
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding		70,837			58,540		55,828
	Net loss per share — basic and diluted	$	-0.68		$	-0.43	$	-1.33
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Options to purchase common stock	25,590		18,363		15,419
	Common stock warrants	3,926		5,931		5,154
	Conversion of convertible preferred stock	—		2,857		—
	Unvested restricted stock awards	828		55		122
	Contingently redeemable shares	—		—		126
	Convertible promissory notes	—		—		3,444
	Total shares excluded from net loss per share attributable to common stockholders	30,344		27,206		24,265

Revenue_Information_Tables

Revenue Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue Information
Schedule of revenue categories
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Transaction revenue	$	189,353	$	118,713	$	64,703
	Data and other revenue		17,296		15,245		15,186
	Total revenues	$	206,649	$	133,958	$	79,889

Organization_and_Nature_of_Bus1

Organization and Nature of Business (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	31-May-14	Nov. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011
Capital Resources and Liquidity
Net loss	$48,429,000	$25,056,000	$74,495,000
Accumulated deficit	210,989,000	162,560,000
Cash and cash equivalents	147,539,000	43,819,000	22,062,000			11,855,000
Common stock
Public Offering
Shares sold	8,941,250
Shares sold in public follow-on offering (in shares)	1,960,390
Shares of common stock issued for conversion of Series A preferred				2,857,143
Common stock | IPO
Public Offering
Shares sold				8,941,250
Public offering price per share				9
Net proceeds from sale of shares in IPO				69,200,000
Common stock | Over-allotment option
Public Offering
Shares sold				1,166,250
Common stock | Follow-on Public Offering
Public Offering
Shares sold in public follow-on offering (in shares)					1,960,390
Sale of stock by selling shareholders (in shares)					5,402,601
Public offering price per share					$17
Net proceeds from sale of stock					$30,800,000
Common stock | Series A preferred stock
Reverse Stock Split
Ratio for reverse stock split	66.67

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	segment
Related party accounts receivable	$1,865	$690
Related party accounts payable	4,954	3,939
Segments
Number of operating segment	1
Adjustments Relating to Prior Period Disclosures of Related Party Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses | Adjustment
Related party accounts receivable		300
Related party accounts payable		2,800
Accrued Expenses
Related party accrued expenses	0	516
Accrued Expenses | Adjustments Relating to Prior Period Disclosures of Related Party Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses | Adjustment
Related party accrued expenses		$500

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Measurements
Impairment charges on long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets	$0	$0	$0
Carperks
Contingent Consideration Liability
Contingent consideration obligation			1.8
Payments made upon achievement of sales milestones		$1.90

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total Fair Value
Fair Value Measurements
Total Liabilities	$0	$0
Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value Measurements
Cash equivalents	145,284	7,726
Total Assets	145,284	7,726
Recurring | Total Fair Value
Fair Value Measurements
Cash equivalents	145,284	7,726
Total Assets	$145,284	$7,726

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts and sales allowances
Allowances, at beginning of period	$2,184	$1,621	$2,369
Charged as a reduction of revenue	4,797	6,985	6,898
Charged to bad debt expense in general and administrative expenses	373	153	668
Write-offs, net of recoveries	-5,285	-6,575	-8,314
Allowances, at end of period	2,069	2,184	1,621
Contingent Consideration | Level 3
Changes in Level 3 financial instruments
Balance at the beginning of period		1,798	428
Changes in fair value		95	1,370
Payments on contingent consideration		-1,893
Balance at the end of the period			$1,798

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Computer hardware and software
Property and Equipment, net
Estimated useful life	3 years
Furniture and fixtures
Property and Equipment, net
Estimated useful life	5 years
Building
Property and Equipment, net
Estimated useful life	40 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Software and Website Development Costs
Property and equipment, gross	$50,655,000	$27,092,000
Accumulated amortization	19,924,000	11,854,000
Amortization expense
Total property and equipment, net	30,731,000	15,238,000
Software Costs
Software and Website Development Costs
Estimated useful life	3 years
Property and equipment, gross	29,700,000	16,200,000
Accumulated amortization	11,900,000	6,400,000
Capitalized software development costs written off	300,000	1,600,000
Accumulated amortization written off	100,000	900,000
Acceleration of amortization	200,000	700,000
Amortization expense
2015	8,043,000
2016	6,238,000
2017	3,477,000
Total property and equipment, net	$17,758,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 7) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Long Lived Assets
Impairment charges recorded on long lived assets	$0	$0	$0
Goodwill
Impairment charges recorded on goodwill	$0	$0	$0
Trade names | Minimum
Intangible Assets Acquired in Business Combinations
Estimated useful lives	1 year
Trade names | Maximum
Intangible Assets Acquired in Business Combinations
Estimated useful lives	15 years
Customer relationships | Minimum
Intangible Assets Acquired in Business Combinations
Estimated useful lives	5 years
Customer relationships | Maximum
Intangible Assets Acquired in Business Combinations
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Technology | Minimum
Intangible Assets Acquired in Business Combinations
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Technology | Maximum
Intangible Assets Acquired in Business Combinations
Estimated useful lives	10 years

Recovered_Sheet1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 8) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue Recognition
Deferred revenue	$0.50	$0.40
Sales and Marketing
Marketing and advertising expenses	58.1	27.5	36.5
Prepaid media costs	2.3	1.5
Yahoo Auto Buying Program
Sales and Marketing
Marketing and advertising expenses			$20

Property_and_Equipment_net_Det

Property and Equipment, net (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	$50,655,000	$27,092,000
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-19,924,000	-11,854,000
Total property and equipment, net	30,731,000	15,238,000
Total depreciation and amortization expense	13,213,000	11,569,000	11,768,000
Lease financing obligation	6,600,000
Property and equipment capitalized but not placed in service	8,100,000	400,000
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities Balance Sheet Location
Property and Equipment, net
Lease financing obligation	500,000
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment, net
Total depreciation and amortization expense	8,900,000	5,600,000	6,400,000
Computer equipment, software, and internally developed software
Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	37,110,000	22,517,000
Furniture and fixtures
Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	2,335,000	1,654,000
Leasehold Improvements
Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	4,611,000	2,921,000
Capitalized facility lease
Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	6,599,000
Property and equipment capitalized but not placed in service	6,600,000
Internally developed software
Property and Equipment, net
Amortization	$5,700,000	$3,800,000	$2,800,000

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible assets
Gross Carrying Value	$42,290,000	$41,995,000
Accumulated amortization	-14,341,000	-10,161,000
Net Carrying Value	27,949,000	31,834,000
Weighted average useful life in years	10 years 2 months 12 days	10 years 2 months 23 days
Amortization expense	4,251,000	4,405,000	4,476,000
Acquired technology and domain name
Intangible assets
Gross Carrying Value	31,090,000	30,725,000
Accumulated amortization	-10,788,000	-7,624,000
Net Carrying Value	20,302,000	23,101,000
Weighted average useful life in years	9 years 8 months 12 days	9 years 9 months
Amortization expense	3,164,000	3,318,000	3,343,000
Customer relationships
Intangible assets
Gross Carrying Value	6,300,000	6,300,000
Accumulated amortization	-2,491,000	-1,732,000
Net Carrying Value	3,809,000	4,568,000
Weighted average useful life in years	8 years 11 months 19 days	8 years 11 months 19 days
Amortization expense	760,000	760,000	760,000
Trade names
Intangible assets
Gross Carrying Value	4,900,000	4,970,000
Accumulated amortization	-1,062,000	-805,000
Net Carrying Value	3,838,000	4,165,000
Weighted average useful life in years	15 years	14 years 9 months 18 days
Amortization expense	327,000	327,000	373,000
Domain name
Intangible assets
Intangible assets acquired	$400,000

Intangible_Assets_Details_2

Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortization expense for each of the five years through December 31, 2018 and thereafter
2015	$4,134
2016	4,041
2017	3,862
2018	3,861
2019	3,791
Thereafter	8,260
Net Carrying Value	$27,949	$31,834

Debt_Financing_Details

Debt Financing (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	8-May-13	8-May-12	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	8-May-13	8-May-12
Debt financing
Beneficial converstion feature				$1,618,000
Subordinated secured convertible promissory notes
Debt financing
Cash proceeds received		23,100,000
Interest rate (as a percent)		10.00%				10.00%
Conversion price as a percentage of price per share upon automatic conversion (as a percent)		85.00%				85.00%
Conversion price upon automatic conversion (in dollars per share)		$12.08				$12.08
Conversion price as a percentage of price per share convertible at the option of the holder if change in control or intial public offering occurs prior to maturity date (as a percent)		85.00%				85.00%
Conversion price convertible at the option of the holder if change in control or intial public offering occurs prior to maturity date (in dollars per share)		$7.95				$7.95
Conversion price convertible at the option of the holder if change in control or intial public offering does not occur prior to the maturity date (in dollars per share)		$7.16				$7.16
Beneficial converstion feature		2,700,000
Interest expense			800,000	1,500,000
Amortization of debt discount			900,000	1,800,000
Common stock issued on conversion (in shares)	3,556,412
Conversion price (in dollars per share)	$7.16				$7.16
Subordinated secured convertible promissory notes | Minimum
Debt financing
Qualified financing for automatic conversion		$25,000,000				$25,000,000

Credit_Facility_Details

Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 13, 2013	Feb. 28, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 29, 2013	Jun. 13, 2012
Credit facility
Amount drawn on credit facility	$5,000,000	$5,000,000
Carrying amount of outstanding debt
Total carrying value		4,764,000
Revolving line of credit
Credit facility
Percentage of eligible accounts receivable in which advances are granted under the credit facility			80.00%
Maximum borrowing capacity			12,000,000	35,000,000		25,000,000
Increase in maximum borrowing capacity, subject to lender's consent				15,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity, subject to lender's consent				50,000,000
Amount drawn on credit facility					5,000,000
Amount outstanding	0
Remaining borrowing capacity	15,100,000	6,900,000
Commitment fee						50,000
Quick ratio minimum				1.5		1.5
Minimum percentage used in calculation to determine the quick ratio debt covenant requirement						75.00%
Specified amount of draws against credit facility used to determine quick ratio debt covenant requirement						25,000,000
Maximum consolidated leverage ratio, upper end of range				3
Maximum consolidated leverage ratio, lower end of range				2.5
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio				1.25
Carrying amount of outstanding debt
Revolving line of credit		5,000,000
Debt discount, net of accumulated accretion		-236,000
Total carrying value		4,764,000
Revolving line of credit | Minimum
Credit facility
Unused facility fee (as a percent)				0.00%
Revolving line of credit | Maximum
Credit facility
Unused facility fee (as a percent)				0.20%
Revolving line of credit | Liquidity less than $10 million | Maximum
Credit facility
Liquidity threshold			10,000,000
Revolving line of credit | Liquidity equal to or greater than $10 million but less than $20 million | Minimum
Credit facility
Liquidity threshold			10,000,000
Revolving line of credit | Liquidity equal to or greater than $10 million but less than $20 million | Maximum
Credit facility
Liquidity threshold			20,000,000
Revolving line of credit | Liquidity greater than or equal to $20 million | Minimum
Credit facility
Liquidity threshold			20,000,000
Revolving line of credit | LIBOR | Minimum
Credit facility
Variable rate basis spread (as a percent)				1.75%
Revolving line of credit | LIBOR | Maximum
Credit facility
Variable rate basis spread (as a percent)				2.50%
Revolving line of credit | LIBOR | Variable interest rate, net cash greater than or equal to $1.00
Credit facility
Variable rate basis spread (as a percent)						2.25%
Revolving line of credit | LIBOR | Variable interest rate, net cash greater than or equal to $1.00 | Minimum
Credit facility
Net cash threshold						1
Revolving line of credit | LIBOR | Variable interest rate, net cash less than $1.00
Credit facility
Variable rate basis spread (as a percent)						3.75%
Revolving line of credit | LIBOR | Variable interest rate, net cash less than $1.00 | Maximum
Credit facility
Net cash threshold						1
Revolving line of credit | Prime rate | Minimum
Credit facility
Variable rate basis spread (as a percent)				0.25%
Revolving line of credit | Prime rate | Maximum
Credit facility
Variable rate basis spread (as a percent)				0.50%
Revolving line of credit | Prime rate | Variable interest rate, net cash greater than or equal to $1.00 | Minimum
Credit facility
Net cash threshold						1
Revolving line of credit | Prime rate | Variable interest rate, net cash less than $1.00
Credit facility
Variable rate basis spread (as a percent)						1.50%
Revolving line of credit | Prime rate | Variable interest rate, net cash less than $1.00 | Maximum
Credit facility
Net cash threshold						1
Revolving line of credit | Prime rate | Liquidity less than $10 million
Credit facility
Variable rate basis spread (as a percent)			1.75%
Revolving line of credit | Prime rate | Liquidity equal to or greater than $10 million but less than $20 million
Credit facility
Variable rate basis spread (as a percent)			0.50%
Revolving line of credit | Prime rate | Liquidity greater than or equal to $20 million
Credit facility
Variable rate basis spread (as a percent)			0.00%
Revolving line of credit | Common Stock Purchase Warrants
Credit facility
Shares that may be purchased under warrant							66,666
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)							$7.92
Amount drawn on credit facility							5,000,000
Debt discount		400,000
Revolving line of credit | Common Stock Purchase Warrants | Draws on credit facility at any time after issuance date
Credit facility
Shares that may be purchased under warrant			26,666					26,666
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)			$7.92					$11.51
Revolving line of credit | Common Stock Purchase Warrants | Advances greater than $4.0 million at any time after issuance date
Credit facility
Shares that may be purchased under warrant			66,666
Threshold borrowings under the credit facility for higher number of shares under warrant			4,000,000
Letters of credit
Credit facility
Maximum borrowing capacity				$10,000,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	31-May-14	Jul. 31, 2014
Rent expense and other operating lease disclosures
Rent expense	$2,800,000	$2,700,000	$2,400,000
Property and equipment, gross	50,655,000	27,092,000
Lease financing obligation	6,600,000
Office Lease Obligations
Future minimum payments
2015	5,344,000
2016	5,904,000
2017	5,391,000
2018	5,513,000
2019	5,454,000
Thereafter	31,455,000
Total minimum lease payments	59,061,000
San Francisco Office
Rent expense and other operating lease disclosures
Irrevocable stand-by letter of credit				800,000
Lease term				10 years
San Francisco Office | Debt Redemption Period August 2017 to August 2020
Rent expense and other operating lease disclosures
Letter of credit that is subject to annual reduction				200,000
San Francisco Office | Office Lease Obligations
Future minimum payments
Total minimum lease payments				7,000,000
Santa Monica Office
Rent expense and other operating lease disclosures
Irrevocable stand-by letter of credit					3,500,000
Lease term					15 years
Santa Monica Office | October, 2019 to October, 2025
Rent expense and other operating lease disclosures
Letter of credit that is subject to annual reduction					1,200,000
Santa Monica Office | Office Lease Obligations
Future minimum payments
Total minimum lease payments					36,000,000
Office building lease
Rent expense and other operating lease disclosures
Irrevocable stand-by letter of credit	500,000
Capitalized facility lease
Rent expense and other operating lease disclosures
Property and equipment, gross	$6,599,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2) (Yahoo Auto Buying Program, USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2012	Oct. 11, 2011	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 29, 2012	Jan. 17, 2012	Oct. 19, 2011
Yahoo Auto Buying Program
Commitment and contingencies
Minimum annual payment for 3 years								$50
Number of years for minimum annual payment		3 years
Deposit								10
Stand-by letter of credit to guarantee performance	10		0	2	4.5	10	15
Minimum annual payment requirement which was eliminated	50					50
Settlement amount	20					20
Portion of settlement paid by deposit	10					10
Period over which remaining balance will be paid	9 months
Monthly reduction in stand-by letter of credit	1.1					1.1
Letter of credit required after settlement paid	$2					$2

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 3) (Subsequent Event, Lawsuit Alleging Violations of Lanham Act and Other State Laws, Minimum, USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 09, 2015
Subsequent Event | Lawsuit Alleging Violations of Lanham Act and Other State Laws | Minimum
Legal Proceedings
Damanges sought	$250

Commitments_and_Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Employment Contracts
Commitment and contingencies
Maximum term of executive's annual base salary to determine severance obligations	12 months
Liquidity bonus	$2.60
Marketing Sponsorships
Commitment and contingencies
Amount payable in 2015	0.8
Software Subscription License
Commitment and contingencies
Payments to acquire software		4.9
Support Services Agreement
Commitment and contingencies
Term of the support services package		3 years
Purchase Obligations
Total		$2.40

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		48 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	31-May-14	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	147,000,000		1,000,000,000	150,000,000
Cash paid for repurchase of common stock	$1,000,000	$1,648,000
Aggregate amount of shares repurchased		1,648,000
Preferred Stock Warrants converted to common stock warrants
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Number of shares that may be purchased under warrant			412,222	0
Reclassification of warrant liability to APIC			2,600,000
Preferred Stock Warrants converted to common stock warrants | Exercise price of $1.53 per share
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Number of shares that may be purchased under warrant	32,222
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)	$1.53		$1.53	$1.53
Shares issued for exercise of warrants	21,093			28,555
Number of shares exercised through a net settlement				32,222
Preferred Stock Warrants converted to common stock warrants | Exercise price of $1.80 per share
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)		$1.80	$1.80
Shares issued for exercise of warrants		353,856
Vulcan
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Aggregate purchase price for preferred stock and warrants					30,000,000
Vulcan | Common Stock Purchase Warrants
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Number of shares that may be purchased under warrant					666,666
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)					$15
Aggregate purchase price for preferred stock and warrants					700,000
Common stock
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Shares sold				8,941,250
Shares of common stock issued for conversion of Series A						2,857,143
Shares repurchased		265,274
Repurchase price (in dollars per share)		$6.21
Cash paid for repurchase of common stock		1,700,000
Shares issued for exercise of warrants		377,672		3,357,867
Common stock | CEO
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Shares repurchased							110,278
Common stock | CEO | Employment agreement
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Shares repurchased	112,422	130,080						130,080
Repurchase price (in dollars per share)	$8.90							$8
Cash paid for repurchase of common stock	1,000,000
Share value for which right to sell is provided	1,000,000	1,000,000
Vesting term of shares for which right to sell to the Company is provided	6 months	6 months
Common stock | Former employee | Severance agreement
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Shares repurchased									24,916
APIC
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Aggregate amount of shares repurchased		1,648,000
Series A preferred stock
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Shares authorized	4,500,000			0	4,500,000
Series A preferred stock | Vulcan
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Shares sold					2,857,143
Private placement price per share (in dollars per share)					$10.50
Aggregate purchase price for preferred stock and warrants					$29,200,000
Conversion ratio						1

Stockholders_Equity_Details_2

Stockholders' Equity (Details 2) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Aug. 29, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 13, 2012

Jun. 29, 2012

Apr. 12, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 01, 2011

Feb. 25, 2011

31-May-14

Jun. 25, 2010

Jan. 01, 2012

1-May-14

Jun. 13, 2013

Apr. 29, 2011

Nov. 24, 2009

Dec. 31, 2011

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Exercise of warrants

$9,461,000

$637,000

Proceeds from exercise of warrants

9,461,000

637,000

Warrant expense

9,861,000

3,740,000

1,990,000

Amount drawn on credit facility

5,000,000

5,000,000

Principal and accrued interest due amount of debt converted

25,447,000

Revolving line of credit

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Amount drawn on credit facility

5,000,000

Vulcan

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Aggregate purchase price for preferred stock and warrants

30,000,000

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | Revolving line of credit

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Shares that may be purchased under warrant

66,666

Number of shares exercised through a net settlement

66,666

Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)

$7.92

Expected life

10 years

Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)

2.78%

Volatility (as a percent)

64.80%

Shares issued for exercise of warrants

27,526

Amount drawn on credit facility

5,000,000

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | Revolving line of credit | Draws on credit facility at any time after issuance date

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Shares that may be purchased under warrant

26,666

26,666

Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)

$11.51

$7.92

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | Revolving line of credit | Advances greater than $4.0 million at any time after issuance date

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Shares that may be purchased under warrant

66,666

Threshold borrowings under the credit facility for higher number of shares under warrant

4,000,000

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | Vulcan

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Shares that may be purchased under warrant

666,666

Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)

$15

Expected life

2 years

Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)

0.31%

Volatility (as a percent)

49.40%

Aggregate purchase price for preferred stock and warrants

700,000

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | Yahoo Auto Buying Program | Yahoo

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Maximum number of shares under warrant agreement

8,000,000

Shares vesting in increments on quarterly basis

666,666

Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)

$11.51

Number of shares cancelled under unvested warrants

7,333,333

Warrant expense

100,000

Number of shares under warrants that have been earned

666,666

666,666

Volatility (as a percent)

50.90%

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | Yahoo Auto Buying Program | Yahoo | Minimum

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Expected life

2 months 12 days

Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)

0.06%

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | Yahoo Auto Buying Program | Yahoo | Maximum

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Expected life

2 years 10 months 24 days

Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)

0.50%

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | Honk LLC

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Shares that may be purchased under warrant

5,724

Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)

$0.01

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | ALG, Inc.

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Shares that may be purchased under warrant

4,231,416

4,231,416

4,231,416

Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)

$7.95

$7.95

$7.95

Expected life

1 year

Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)

0.19%

Volatility (as a percent)

45.00%

Shares issued for exercise of warrants

23,816

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | Third Party Marketing Firm

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Maximum number of shares under warrant agreement

1,433,333

Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)

$6.02

Period of warrant

8 years

Warrant expense

2,300,000

2,500,000

1,600,000

Number of shares under warrants that have been earned

343,665

604,266

207,710

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | Third Party Marketing Firm | Minimum

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Expected life

4 years 9 months 18 days

5 years 2 months 12 days

5 years 9 months 18 days

Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)

1.51%

0.63%

0.62%

Volatility (as a percent)

46.60%

51.50%

58.60%

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | Third Party Marketing Firm | Maximum

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Expected life

5 years 1 month 6 days

6 years 6 months

7 years 1 month 6 days

Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)

1.70%

1.81%

1.39%

Volatility (as a percent)

48.10%

59.50%

59.50%

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | Service Provider

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Maximum number of shares under warrant agreement

333,333

Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)

$12.81

Warrant vesting period

4 years

Period of warrant

5 years

Warrant expense

1,700,000

Number of shares under warrants that have been earned

33,333

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | Service Provider | Minimum

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Expected life

4 years 4 months 24 days

Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)

1.48%

Volatility (as a percent)

54.80%

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | Service Provider | Maximum

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Expected life

5 years

Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)

1.55%

Volatility (as a percent)

56.80%

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | USAA

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Proceeds from exercise of warrants

9,500,000

Warrant expense

5,700,000

1,100,000

300,000

Number of shares under warrants that have been earned

631,449

415,349

31,201

Shares issued for exercise of warrants

3,265,168

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | USAA | Minimum

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Expected life

3 months 18 days

2 years

7 years

Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)

0.02%

0.29%

1.02%

Volatility (as a percent)

48.50%

47.40%

50.00%

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | USAA | Maximum

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Expected life

8 years

2 years 10 months 24 days

8 years

Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)

2.33%

0.52%

1.77%

Volatility (as a percent)

57.50%

52.80%

58.60%

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | USAA | Warrants agreement entered on March 12, 2009

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Shares that may be purchased under warrant

961,482

961,482

961,482

961,482

Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)

$0.83

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | USAA | Warrants agreement entered on June 25, 2010

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Maximum number of shares under warrant agreement

1,653,333

Shares that may be purchased under warrant

1,653,333

Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)

$2.12

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | USAA | Warrants agreement entered on January 1, 2012

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Maximum number of shares under warrant agreement

1,042,666

Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)

$7.95

Period of warrant

8 years

Period of warrant after expiration of the affinity agreement

90 days

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | USAA | Affinity Group Marketing Agreement

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Maximum number of shares under warrant agreement

1,458,979

Number of warrant tranches

2

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | USAA | Affinity Group Marketing Agreement | Tranche One

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Maximum number of shares under warrant agreement

392,313

Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)

7.95

Common Stock Purchase Warrants | USAA | Affinity Group Marketing Agreement | Tranche Two

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Maximum number of shares under warrant agreement

1,066,666

Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)

15

Series A preferred stock | Vulcan

Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity

Aggregate purchase price for preferred stock and warrants

$29,200,000

Stockholders_Equity_Details_3

Stockholders' Equity (Details 3) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2012
			item
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Outstanding stock options				25,589,876
Outstanding common stock warrants				3,925,643
Additional shares available for grant				1,123,732
Total				31,467,248
Third party vendor
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Percentage of bill rendered for legal services that can be paid in shares of common stock	20.00%
Share price (in dollars per share)	$11.51	$11.51
Value of shares issued	$0.90	$0.90
Shares issued		73,883
Gain on transaction issuance of shares		0.2
Third party vendor | Minimum
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Fair value (in dollars per share)		$7.92
Third party vendor | Maximum
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Fair value (in dollars per share)		$9.75
Marketing sponsorship partner
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Shares issued			36,666
Number of marketing sponsorship partner			1
Cash paid			0.3
Total expense			0.6
Series A preferred stock
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Outstanding shares				0	2,857,143
CEO | Employment agreement
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Compensation expense				0.5	0.2
Additional estimated stock-based compensation expense expected to be recorded				0.5
Weighted-average period for recognition of stock-based compensation expense				2 years 6 months
Restricted stock units
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Compensation expense				2
Additional estimated stock-based compensation expense expected to be recorded				6.8
Weighted-average period for recognition of stock-based compensation expense				3 years
Outstanding restricted stock units				827,997
Common stock
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Shares repurchased		265,274
Common stock | CEO
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Shares repurchased						110,278
Common stock | CEO | Employment agreement
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity
Share value for which right to sell is provided		$1			$1
Shares repurchased		130,080			112,422		130,080

Stockbased_Awards_Details

Stock-based Awards (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock-based Awards
Number of equity incentive plans	3
2005 Plan
Stock-based Awards
Shares reserved for future issuance (in shares)		604,093
2008 Plan
Stock-based Awards
Shares reserved for future issuance (in shares)		0
2014 Plan
Stock-based Awards
Shares reserved for future issuance (in shares)	1,123,732
Annual increase in the number of shares available for future issuance under the terms of the plan agreement	10,000,000
Annual increase in the number of shares available for future issuance expressed as a percentage of the total outstanding shares of common stock as of the last day of the previous fiscal year	5.00%
2014 Plan | Options
Stock-based Awards
Vesting period	4 years
Expiration period	10 years
2014 Plan | Minimum | Restricted stock awards
Stock-based Awards
Vesting period	4 years
2014 Plan | Maximum | Restricted stock awards
Stock-based Awards
Vesting period	5 years

Stockbased_Awards_Details_2

Stock-based Awards (Details 2) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 01, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Number of Options
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)		25,589,876
Common stock
Additional disclosure
Share Price		$22.90
Options
Number of Options
Outstanding at the beginning of period (in shares)		18,363,144				18,363,144
Granted (in shares)		11,076,585
Exercised (in shares)		-2,751,389
Canceled/forfeited (in shares)		-1,098,464
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)		25,589,876	18,363,144
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in shares)		24,572,090
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)		18,291,866
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at the beginning of period (in dollars per share)		$4.89				4.89
Granted (in dollars per share)		$15.99
Exercised (in dollars per share)		$2.15
Canceled/forfeited (in dollars per share)		$9.66
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)		$9.79	$4.89
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in dollars per share)		$9.73
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)		$9.12
Weighted Average Remaining Contract Life (in years)
Outstanding at the end of the period		7 years 6 months 18 days	7 years 2 months 1 day
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period		7 years 5 months 27 days
Exercisable at the end of the period		6 years 11 months 19 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Intrinsic value of all outstanding options		$365
Intrinsic value of options vested and expected to vest		353
Intrinsic value of exercisable options		281.5
Additional disclosure
Remaining stock-based compensation expense for unvested awards		62.5
Weighted average period over which remaining stock based compensation expense for unvested awards is expected to be recognized		2 years 9 months 15 days
Weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of options granted (in dollars per share)		$6.32	$4.79	$4.83
Stock-based compensation expense		27.2	8.9	9.4
Intrinsic value of options exercised		57.1	0.6	2.9
Excess tax benefits realized for the tax deductions from stock options exercised		0	0	0
Additional stock compensation as a result of the modification				4.5
Accelerated vesting of stock options to purchase shares of common stock (in shares)	726,469
Options | Stock Options Performance
Number of Options
Granted (in shares)			1,765,875
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Granted (in dollars per share)			$8.85
Additional disclosure
Grant date fair values		$20.10	$8.80	$0.80
Options | Stock Options Performance 1
Number of Options
Granted (in shares)			82,327
Options | Stock Options Performance 2
Number of Options
Granted (in shares)		2,776,114	1,683,548
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)		2,241,796
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Granted (in dollars per share)		$12.81
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)		$12.81
Additional disclosure
Vesting period					48 months	48 months
Options | Certain executives | Stock Options Performance 1
Number of Options
Granted (in shares)				166,665
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Granted (in dollars per share)				$11.51
Options | Former executive
Additional disclosure
Accelerated vesting of stock options to purchase shares of common stock (in shares)	631,333

Stockbased_Awards_Details_3

Stock-based Awards (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted stock awards
Number of Shares
Non-vested at the beginning of period (in shares)	55,555
Vested (in shares)	-55,555
Non-vested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)		55,555
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at the beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$3.56
Vested (in dollars per share)	$3.56
Non-vested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)		$3.56
Additional disclosures
Fair value of awards vested	$0.80	$0.70	$3.70
Compensation expense	0.2	0.4	0.9
Restricted stock units
Number of Shares
Granted (in shares)	905,767
Vested (in shares)	-12,263
Canceled/forfeited (in shares)	-65,507
Non-vested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	827,997
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$12.35
Vested (in dollars per share)	$21.97
Canceled/forfeited (in dollars per share)	$10.44
Non-vested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$12.36
Additional disclosures
Fair value of awards vested	0.3
Compensation expense	2
Remaining stock-based compensation expense (in dollars)	$6.80
Weighted-average period for recognition of stock-based compensation expense	3 years
Restricted stock units containing a two-step vesting condition
Number of Shares
Granted (in shares)	720,146
Non-vested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	583,537
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$10.04
Non-vested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$10.07
Additional disclosures
Vesting period, number of quarters	16

Stockbased_Awards_Details_4

Stock-based Awards (Details 4)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assumptions used to estimate the fair value of awards
Risk free interest rate (as a percent)	1.93%	1.41%	0.96%
Expected term (years)	6 years 2 months 27 days	6 years 22 days	6 years
Expected volatility (as a percent)	58.00%	61.00%	60.00%

Stockbased_Awards_Details_5

Stock-based Awards (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock based Awards
Amount capitalized to internal software use	$1,249	$540	$214

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current:
State	$63,000	$7,000	$3,000
Total current provision	63,000	7,000	3,000
Deferred:
Federal	540,000	504,000	-318,000
State	37,000	68,000	-291,000
Total deferred (benefit) provision	577,000	572,000	-609,000
Total income tax (benefit) provision	640,000	579,000	-606,000
Tax benefit associated with a beneficial conversion feature on its convertible notes payable			1,100,000
U.S. federal statutory tax rate (as a percent)	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
Reconciliation between the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 34% to income before income taxes and the income tax (benefit) provision
Income tax benefit based on the federal statutory rate	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	2.00%	-0.90%	7.60%
Nondeductible expenses	-0.70%	-1.50%	-0.10%
Change in valuation allowance	-34.70%	-26.30%	-40.00%
Stock-based compensation	-2.00%	-8.30%	-0.90%
Other	0.10%	0.60%	0.20%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent, Total	-1.30%	-2.40%	0.80%
Deferred income tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	56,957,000	49,921,000
Stock-based compensation	18,648,000	8,262,000
Accrued expenses	1,932,000	2,852,000
Research and development tax credits	610,000	610,000
Other	277,000	172,000
Gross deferred tax assets	78,424,000	61,817,000
Valuation allowance	-64,449,000	-47,858,000	-41,412,000	-11,348,000
Net deferred tax assets	13,975,000	13,959,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
State taxes	-3,802,000	-3,296,000
Property, equipment and software	-3,985,000	-3,353,000
Intangible assets and goodwill	-8,020,000	-8,566,000
Gross deferred tax liabilities	-15,807,000	-15,215,000
Total net deferred tax liabilities	($1,832,000)	($1,256,000)

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
State
Net operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	$125.90
Federal
Net operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	$167.70

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (Research and development, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
State
Tax credit carryforwards
Tax credit carryforwards	$0.40
Federal
Tax credit carryforwards
Tax credit carryforwards	$0.80

Income_Taxes_Details_4

Income Taxes (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in the valuation allowance
Valuation allowance, at beginning of year	$47,858,000	$41,412,000	$11,348,000
Increase in valuation allowance	16,591,000	6,446,000	30,064,000
Valuation Allowances, at end of year	64,449,000	47,858,000	41,412,000
Gross amount of unrealized net operating loss carryforwards resulting from stock-based compensation	30,100,000
Tax-effected amount of unrealized net operating loss carryforwards resulting from stock-based compensation	11,100,000
Increase in additional paid in capital if and when deferred tax assets are ultimately realized	11,100,000
Reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefit beginning of year	-4,000	-4,000
Additions based on current year tax positions	21,000		610,000
Additions for prior years' tax positions	29,000
Reductions for prior years' tax positions			-614,000
Unrecognized tax benefit end of year	46,000	-4,000	-4,000
Maximum
Accrued interest and penalties
Accrued interest and penalties	$100,000

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Details

Net Loss Per Share (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
Net loss	($48,429)	($25,056)	($74,495)
Weighted average common shares outstanding	70,837	58,540	55,828
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.68)	($0.43)	($1.33)

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Details_2

Net Loss Per Share (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders	30,344	27,206	24,265
Options
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders	25,590	18,363	15,419
Common Stock Purchase Warrants
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders	3,926	5,931	5,154
Series A preferred stock
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders		2,857
Restricted stock awards
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders	828	55	122
Contingently redeemable common stock
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders			126
Subordinated secured convertible promissory notes
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders			3,444

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Details

Employee Benefit Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Benefit Plan
Matching contributions to 401(k) Savings Retirement Plan	$1.20	$0.90	$0.90

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	60 Months Ended	1 Months Ended			5 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Oct. 31, 2010	31-May-14	31-May-12
							item
Related Party Transactions
Payable to related party	$4,954,000	$3,939,000		$4,954,000
Prepaid expenses	5,193,000	3,550,000		5,193,000
Receivable from related party	1,865,000	690,000		1,865,000
Revenue from related party	0	0	1,431,000
Dealertrack
Related Party Transactions
Amounts due to related party		300,000
Dealertrack | Cost of revenue
Related Party Transactions
Costs under related party agreements	400,000	2,000,000	1,700,000
Dealertrack | Sales and marketing
Related Party Transactions
Costs under related party agreements	0	300,000	600,000
Certain executives
Related Party Transactions
Notes issued to related parties					4,100,000
Cash exchanged for notes receivable					2,900,000
Common stock exchanged for notes receivable					1,200,000
Repayment of notes receivable from related party				300,000
Certain executives | Minimum
Related Party Transactions
Interest rate on notes receivable					1.20%
Certain executives | Maximum
Related Party Transactions
Interest rate on notes receivable					6.00%
Former employee
Related Party Transactions
Notes issued to related parties						200,000
Interest rate on notes receivable						0.50%
Former executive
Related Party Transactions
Number of notes outstanding							2
Notes receivable from related party			200,000
Period over which principal and accrued interests will be due and payable following the termination as a service provider to the Company							45 days
Former executive | Note receivable, due November 2013
Related Party Transactions
Notes receivable from related party							100,000
Former executive | Note receivable, due August 2014
Related Party Transactions
Notes receivable from related party							100,000
Employee
Related Party Transactions
Amount advanced to employee								100,000
Marketing Firm with Related Officer
Related Party Transactions
Amounts due to related party	200,000	500,000		200,000
Prepaid expenses	900,000	0		900,000
Marketing Firm with Related Officer | Sales and marketing
Related Party Transactions
Costs under related party agreements	4,200,000	1,100,000
CEO
Related Party Transactions
Personal expenses paid		100,000	400,000
Amounts receivable	400,000			400,000
Shares of common stock repurchased		112,422	130,080
Repurchase price (in dollars per share)		$8.90	$8
USAA
Related Party Transactions
Payable to related party	4,700,000	3,700,000		4,700,000
Receivable from related party	1,900,000	700,000		1,900,000
USAA | Sales and marketing
Related Party Transactions
Costs under related party agreements	15,200,000	8,800,000	3,400,000
AutoNation and its dealership affiliates
Related Party Transactions
Revenue from related party									$1,400,000

Revenue_Information_Details

Revenue Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue Information
Revenue	$206,649	$133,958	$79,889
Transaction revenue
Revenue Information
Revenue	189,353	118,713	64,703
Data and other revenue
Revenue Information
Revenue	$17,296	$15,245	$15,186

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event, USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
	sqft
Santa Monica Office
Subsequent Events
Area of office building leased	17,000
Optional lease extension term	5 years
Scenario Forecast | Santa Monica Office
Subsequent Events
Additional area leased	21,000
Cumulative base rent	26
Third Party Marketing Firm
Subsequent Events
Number of shares exercised through a net settlement		1,433,333
Shares issued for exercise of warrants		959,676