Vehicle grading at Manheim
Before a vehicle is made available at any Manheim auction centre, it will have already been examined by one of our qualified vehicle inspectors, and graded according to its condition. We use recognised NAMA (National Association of Motor Auctions) grading definitions to determine any damage - the standard grading scheme for motor auctions.
Grading vehicles according to NAMA standards means that we can make it easier for buyers to select the vehicles they want to purchase, safe in the knowledge that the vehicle is in the condition stated in the inspection report. The grading scheme is especially useful for buyers who need extra transparency when looking to buy online.
There are no additional fees for buyers when purchasing a NAMA graded vehicle, however you may want to recondition the vehicle before retailing.
Grades 1-5 and U
When grading a vehicle, the interior and exterior condition is inspected and recorded, alongside any significant interior defects. For checks on areas such as the engine and transmission, please refer to the SureCheck inspection. You will find all appraisal details included in the vehicle's inspection report.
Grade 1
Over 1,000 vehicles available now, most in retail ready condition.Vehicle may feature:
Vehicle panels may have minor defects including dents up to 30mm, scratches up to 25mm
Chips up to 10mm on glass
Bumpers may have areas of scratches up to 100mm
Wheels can be affected with scratches or corrosion
Interior may have minor scuffing due to wear & tear and replacement of minor trim items may also be required
Grade 2
Over 1,000 vehicles available now, reconditioning is suggested before retailing.Vehicle may feature:
The vehicle may have numerous defects as in Grade 1 plus 1 of the following
Paint defects larger than 25mm on a panel or 100 mm on a bumper
Dent larger than 30mm
Defect to glass larger than 10mm
Significant trim / part could also be required
Grade 3
Over 2,000 vehicles available now, reconditioning is suggested before retailing.Vehicle may feature:
The vehicle may have defects as in Grade 1 & 2 plus it could also include or have a combination of
Up to 5 panels with paint defects larger than 25mm or 100mm on a bumper
Up to 3 panels / bumpers affected with dents larger than 30mm
Significant trims or parts could also be required
Grade 4
Over 2,000 vehicles available now, reconditioning is suggested before retailing.Vehicle may feature:
The vehicle may have defects as in grade 1, 2 & 3 it could also include or have a combination of
A panel with significant damage i.e. over 30% or a significant crack to a bumper
Up to 10 panels with paint defects larger than 25mm or 100mm on a bumper
Up to 7 panels / bumpers affected with dents larger than 30mm
Multiple trims or parts could also be required
Grade 5
Hundreds of vehicles available now, some may have sustained collision damage.Vehicle may require:
The vehicle may have defects as in grade 1, 2 ,3 & 4 it could also include
More than 2 panels / bumpers with significant cracks or damage i.e. over 30% of the panel
8 or more panels / bumpers affected with dents larger than 30mm
11 panels or more with paint defects larger than 25 mm or 100mm on a bumper
Up to 1 structural panel* with significant damage i.e. over 30% of the panel (*roof & rear quarters)
Significant tears, holes or cuts in convertible roof
Grade U
Hundreds of vehicles available now.Vehicle is uneconomical to appraise, due to one of the following items:
Vehicles in this grade could fall into the following categories
Recorded items that exceed the criteria of Grade 5
Substantial accident damage – visible substantial accident damage
Major parts missing – multiple significant parts missing from either the interior or exterior
Multiple unrecorded items – vehicles which are uneconomical to appraise
Grade U, also known as Unclassified, may also be applied to vehicles of high mileage or late age
Summary
A NAMA appraisal is to identify cosmetic defects only and these will form the grade.
Only exterior defects which are visible from the SVA (Standard Viewing Angle) of 2 meters at 90 degrees, plus or minus 45 degrees, will be recorded.
The grade does no cover the following:
Keys, service history, ancillary equipment
Defects not visible from 2m – i.e. underbody and under bonnet
Identification of previously painted panels
Defects visible via climbing or crouching
Any unavoidable wear to components related to normal usage i.e. creases to leather seats
Mechanical or electrical operation of any interior / exterior component
Definition of Poor Previous Paintwork:
PPR will be included on an appraisal if it is clearly visible from 2 metres in normal lighting
Minor dirt inclusions, silicones, orange peel and minor overspray will not be considered PPR