How to read an inspection report

Every Autobid report has three parts: the grade, the body diagram and the mechanical scores. Together they tell you what the car is, what it has been through and what it will need.

Start with the grade

A is close to new. B is a good used car with the wear you would expect. C needs work, and the report says what. The grade is the inspector's overall view, so read it first but never alone.

Then the body diagram

Panels in blue are clean. Yellow means minor marks: scratches, small dents, stone chips. Orange means repaired or repainted. One or two repaired panels from a light knock are normal; many repaired panels on one side tell a story worth asking about.

Then the mechanical scores

Engine, gearbox and brakes matter most. Anything below 7 out of 10 comes with a note and, where we can, an example cost to put it right.

Finally, the papers

Customs papers, plates and the chain of owners. A great car with a broken paper trail can cost you weeks at the licensing office.