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Grading Standards
We hold ourselves to the highest level of quality.
In order to provide you with a complete understanding of a vehicle's condition, the exterior and interior are assigned a grade to help you understand the degree to which imperfections exist.
Credible/Authorized Inspection by Lot Reps
Our local, professional inspectors are dispatched to car dealerships nationwide to perform a full cosmetic evaluation of the vehicles on their lot. A detailed C.A.R.Score report provides a clear picture of vehicle condition, so you know if that car you have been eyeing is a peach or a lemon. As a car buyer, you can be confident that vehicles with the C.A.R.Score badge have been reviewed by an unbiased, credible third party.
Grade 5 Excellent condition
The exterior and interior are in immaculate near new condition.
Paint & Body
- Only minor defects in panel surfaces requiring no conventional body or paint work
- May have had limited high quality repairs performed
- No missing, broken, or damaged parts that require replacement
- No visible glass damage
Interior
- No missing, broken, or damaged parts that require replacement
- No cuts, tears, or burns that require repair
- Shows no signs of wear
- No noticeable offensive odor
Mechanical
- All accessories are operable
Tires
- All match by brand, size and style
- Near new condition
Grade 4 Vehicle is better than average
The exterior and interior are in immaculate near new condition.
Paint & Body
- Minor chips or scratches in panel surfaces requiring minor conventional body and paint work
- May require removal of small dents that have not broken the paint using Paintless Dent Repair
- May have had high quality conventional repairs of cosmetic or light collision damage
- May require replacement of minor missing or broken part
- No visible glass damage beyond minor pitting of windshield
Interior
- Clean, showing minimal wear
- May require replacement of minor missing or broken part
- No noticeable offensive odor
Mechanical
- All accessories are operable
Tires
- All match by brand, size and style
- Near new condition
Grade 3 Normal wear and tear
The car may have some very slight imperfections in the body work, but will not need major repair.
Paint & Body
- May require conventional body and paint work
- May require replacement of parts
- May have sustained cosmetic or light collision damage and been repaired to collision industry standards
- Windshield may be damaged
Interior
- Shows signs of normal wear and usage
- May require repair or replacement of parts
Mechanical
- May require minor repair of accessories
Tires
- Average or better
- Match by size and style
Grade 2 Shows signs of excessive wear and tear
The exterior has some noticeable large scratches/scrapes and/or large dents. May require some minor panel work and/or painting.
Paint & Body
- Dents, scratches, and body panels that may require replacement
- Parts may be broken and missing
- May have multiple prior repairs performed at substandard levels
- May have repaired or unrepaired collision damage
Interior
- Shows signs of excess wear
- May have burns, cuts, tears, and non-removable stains
Mechanical
- Operability of accessories is questionable
Tires
- May be worn or mismatched
Grade 1 Shows signs of severe abuse
The exterior has many noticeable large scratches/scrapes, paint blemishes, and/or large dents. Will require major work and/or painting.
- May have sustained major collision damage, but may be drivable
- May be cost prohibitive to extensively recondition this vehicle by automotive industry standards
- May have missing or disconnected mechanical parts
- Although operable, this vehicle is near the end of its useful life
- Operability of accessories is doubtful
What is a C.A.R.Score Report?
A consumer automotive report, referred to as a C.A.R.Score Report, becomes essential when evaluating the condition of a used vehicle.
C.A.R.Score takes the standard industry report on the market today one step further by assessing the exterior and interior condition of the vehicle. This includes, but not limited to: instrument and control panels, mirrors, upholstery, even right down to the smell of the vehicle.
C.A.R.Score is designed to change the way people buy cars by providing a completely painless and transparent car buying experience online.
Back to FAQ StartWhat does a C.A.R.Score Report include?
Our report covers over 50+ different checkpoints which includes, but not limited to the condition of the tires, headlights/taillights, mirrors, upholstery, floor mats, and much more! See here for a complete list.
Back to FAQ StartWhy do I need a C.A.R.Score Report?
To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you'll want to learn as much as you can about a vehicle before you buy it. A C.A.R.Score may identify the need for repairs or dealer oversights, as well as future maintenance to keep it in good condition. A C.A.R.Score report, along with a vehicle history report and a test drive will help you make your next car purchase decision with confidence.
Back to FAQ StartWhat do I do with a C.A.R.Score Report?
C.A.R.Score reports can be viewed online or sent via email. Review the report to ensure the vehicle is right for you. Take the C.A.R.Score report to the dealership to discuss any potential issues - sometimes dealerships can fix small problem areas or you can negotiate a better price.
Back to FAQ StartWhy should I trust these reports?
Besides buying a home, a car is likely the second biggest purchase you'll ever make. A C.A.R.Score report can help protect your investment and give you the confidence you need to make an informed decision. For accurate information, it is best to have an impartial, third-party to tell you both what is wrong and what is right with the vehicle.
Back to FAQ StartWhy do only certain vehicles have a C.A.R.Score Report?
Some vehicles, such as brand new makes/models delivered from the manufacturer are typically in pristine condition and do not require a C.A.R.Score report. Used, leased or pre-owned vehicles are more likely to have a C.A.R.Score report associated with them. If you're interested in a car that doesn't have a C.A.R.Score report, it doesn't mean it is a lemon. Feel free to ask the dealership to have it C.A.R.Score'd!
Back to FAQ StartWhere can I send feedback about C.A.R.Score Reports?
Please send feedback about C.A.R.Score Reports to support@getauto.com.
Back to FAQ StartWhere can I send a mistake I found on your website?
Please send feedback regarding mistakes on our website to support@getauto.com.
Back to FAQ Start