To simplify the process of finding suitable vehicles the auction houses give each vehicle an overall grade and grades for the interior and exterior condition.

Vehicle Grades can be expressed as both numbers and letters.

Scroll down the page to learn more.

There are 3 important points to remember when looking at Wholesale Vehicle Auction Grades:

1. Different Grading Systems. Different auction houses have different grading systems. A vehicle might for example be "Grade 4" at one auction house and say, "Grade 4.5" at another auction house.


2. Grades Are Subjective. One inspector may allocate a slightly different grade to a vehicle than another inspector.


3. Inspector Comments. While grades can be used as a rough filter for selecting suitable vehicles the best guide to the condition of individual vehicles are the inspectors comments on the inspection sheet.

10 - "New Vehicle" and never been driven on the road.

7, 8, 9 or S - "Used Vehicle" of the highest grade. Most vehicles will be in "new" or "as new" condition. Most vehicles have less than 100 km. and many have less than 10 km. For USS Auctions the grade is for vehicles with less than 10,000 km., or within 1 year of first registration etc.

6 - "Used Vehicle" in excellent condition. Vehicles will often have less than be 5,000 km and be in "near new" condition.

5 - "Used Vehicle" in near excellent condition.

4.5 - "Used Vehicle" in very good condition. May have some minor defects such as small scratches or very minor dents.

4 - "Used Vehicle" in generally good condition. May have some dents. Normal wear and tear for age.

3.5 - "Used Vehicle" in average condition. May have dents and/or scratches in several locations.

3 - "Used Vehicle" with various scratches or dents. May need some repairs.

2 - "Used Vehicle" in poor condition.

1 - "Used Vehicle" in very poor condition. e.g. for USS Auctions highly modified vehicles, water damaged cars, salt damaged cars, rally and offroad motorsport vehicles.

X, A, A1-A5 - "Damaged Vehicle" involved in an accident. If there is a number, higher is worse.

0 - "Non-Graded Vehicle" e.g. Crash damaged vehicle, vehicle with bad rust or corrosion.

R - "Repaired Damaged Vehicle". The amount of "damage" could have been anything from extensive crash damage, to minor bumper or panel replacement and sometimes as little as modifications.

RA or RS - "Repaired Minor Damaged Vehicle".

RB or RS - "Repaired Minor Damaged Vehicle". A bit more damage than RA.

R1 - "Repaired Modified Vehicle". For example, adding after-market parts to enhance performance or for visual appeal.

B or C - "Repaired Damaged Vehicle". Had a large accident and and has been repaired.

*** - "Salvage Grade Vehicle". Suitable for dismantling for parts.

T - "Special Purpose Vehicle".