I see the cars are ‘graded’, what does that mean?

Each auction house uses an industry standard grading system to provide details to the trade buyer about the general condition of the car, remember many trade buyers buy stock online from all over the UK, so many never see the cars before they arrive on their forecourt. To find out specifics about the grading systems then have a look here for Manheim and here for British Car Auctions . Our experience with the grading system is that the level of grade is affected by the number of logged items. Many items are tiny and invisible but collect to push the grade lower. Grade 1 is nearly new in condition and the most sought after, Grade 1 vehicles always sell above book value. Grade 3 is the average, typically a well kept vehicle in good condition with minor wear and tear, honestly the best value vehicles to buy. Grade 4 are typically OK as well, if a little less loved, I have bought alot of Grade 4 vehicles that were as good as a grade 2 for the reason given above. Grade 5 usually means some significant body work to be done. We dont buy grade 5 and indeed we don’t list them on the site. For traders there is value in a Grade 5 vehicle when you have a mechanic and a bodyshop to add value to such vehicles.