Grade Nature of Defects Mechanical / Electrical Condition Repair Work Expected Estimated Cost to Grade A
A+ (Like New) No scratches, dents, chips, corrosion, or wear. Perfect, passes MOT without advisories. None required. £0
A (Excellent) Max 3 light scratches (≤25mm body), light chips/scratches (≤30mm bumpers), wheels minor scuffs/corrosion, very light interior wear. All systems functional, passes MOT clean. No remedial work needed. £0
B (Good) 4–8 minor scratches; plus 1 of: paint defect (>25mm panel / >100mm bumper), dents (25–50mm), glass defects, trim replacement. MOT pass, no major defects. Up to 1 minor/major bodyshop repair on panel or bumper. Up to £750
C (Fair) Mix of multiple defects: up to 5 minor panel repairs, 3 major panel repairs, convertible roof tears <25mm, dents >30mm (max 3), paint defects on up to 5 panels. May have 1 minor mechanical/electrical defect. Multiple minor + 4 medium + 3 major repairs; part replacements possible. £750–£2000
D (Poor) Tears >25mm in roof, 1 severely damaged panel (>30% surface) or cracked bumper, up to 10 paint defects, up to 7 dents >30mm, multiple trims/parts. Multiple mechanical/electrical defects possible. Several bodyshop repairs, part replacements. £2000–£3500
E (Accident / Structural) Collision/abuse damage (Cat N/S) even if fixed, >2 cracked panels, 8+ dents >30mm, 11+ paint defects >25mm, severe roof tears, structural damage >30% (roof/quarters). Mechanical/electrical faults likely. Structural + cosmetic repairs, often uneconomical. £3500–50% of car’s Grade A value

 

 

Car Grading Scale

Grade A+ — “As Good As New”

  • Vehicle used but like new condition.

  • No scratches, dents, chips, or corrosion.

  • Interior, glass, trims, paintwork, electrical, and mechanical components are flawless.

  • No remedial work required.

  • Passes MOT with no advisories.

Grade A — “Excellent Condition”

  • Maximum 3 light scratches (up to 25mm) on body panels (excluding glass).

  • Light Chips/scratches on bumpers up to 30mm.

  • Wheels: minor scratches or light corrosion permitted.

  • Interior: very minor scuffs consistent with normal wear and tear.

  • Critically:

    • No remedial work required on body panels, paintwork, glass, interior, or trims.

    • Electrical and mechanical systems are fully functional, passes MOT without defects.

Grade B — “Good Condition”

  • 4–8 minor scratches within Grade A dimensions.

  • Plus one of the following defects:

    • Paint defects exceeding 25mm on panels or 100mm on bumpers.

    • Dents 25–50mm.

    • Glass defects (e.g., chips).

    • A trim piece or part may need replacement.

  • Repairs:

    • Up to 1 bodyshop repair (major or minor) on a panel/bumper.

    • Mechanical & electrical systems still pass MOT without defects.

    • Repair cost to bring to Grade A: up to £750.

Grade C — “Fair Condition”

  • Combination of multiple defects:

    • Up to 5 minor panel repairs (scratches, chips, small broken parts).

    • Convertible roof: tears/holes <25mm.

    • Up to 3 major panel repairs (large scratches, scuffs, dents).

    • Paint defects on up to 5 panels (>25mm) or bumpers (>100mm).

    • Up to 3 panels/ bumpers with dents >30mm.

  • Repairs:

    • Possible replacement of specific parts.

    • Repair cost: £750–£2000 to restore to Grade A.

    • Could involve:

      • Multiple minor repairs,

      • Up to 4 medium bodyshop repairs,

      • Up to 3 major bodyshop repairs,

      • Numerous SMART repairs.

    • May have 1 mechanical/electrical defect, but car still runs.

Grade D — “Poor Condition”

  • Convertible roof tears/holes >25mm.

  • 1 panel with significant damage (>30% of surface) or bumper with a major crack.

  • Up to 10 panels with paint defects >25mm (or >100mm on bumpers).

  • Up to 7 panels/ bumpers with dents >30mm.

  • Multiple trims/parts may need replacement.

  • Repairs:

    • Cost: £2000–£3500 to bring to Grade A.

    • May have multiple mechanical/electrical defects.

Grade E — “ Accident-Damaged”

  • Vehicle has had a collision (Cat N/S), severe abuse, or major damage, EVEN IF IT WAS FIXED.

  • More than 2 panels/ bumpers with cracks or damage >30% of surface.

  • 8+ panels with dents >30mm.

  • 11+ panels with paint defects >25mm (or >100mm on bumpers).

  • Convertible roof: significant tears/holes/cuts.

  • May include structural panel damage (e.g., roof, rear quarters) >30% surface.

  • Repairs:

    • Cost: £3500–50% of car’s Grade A value to restore.

    • May not be economically viable for repair.