WhatsApp NowChina export grading describes condition in four bands: 5A, 4.5A, 4A and 3A. A 5A unit means documented provenance, verified mileage, no structural damage and all functions checked. The grade is only as trustworthy as the paperwork behind it - so the checklist, photos and third-party inspection matter more than the label.
The Grading Scale
| Grade | Meaning | Typical stock |
|---|---|---|
| 5A | Like new: verified mileage, no repairs, full function check | 1-3 year old, 5k-30k km |
| 4.5A | Very good: minor cosmetic wear only | 2-5 year old, 30k-60k km |
| 4A | Good: normal wear, repairable cosmetics | 3-6 year old, 60k-100k km |
| 3A | Fair: mechanical or cosmetic work needed | High-mileage or older stock |
What a 217-Point Checklist Covers
- Structure: chassis, frame, rust, panel gaps
- Powertrain: engine compression, gearbox, driveline
- Electrics: lights, sensors, ECU fault scan
- Safety: brakes, airbags, seatbelts
- Interior/exterior: trim, glass, paint meter readings
- Paperwork: registration, ownership chain, service history
Why Grade Moves Price 8-15%
On the same model, a 5A unit typically trades 8-15% above a 4.5A and 18-30% above a 4A in African and Middle Eastern markets. The buyer is paying for lower reconditioning cost and faster resale - not for cosmetics alone.
Case: Same Model, Two Grades
Two 2022 Camry Hybrid units shipped to Mombasa in the same container. Unit A (5A, 34,000 km) sold in 11 days. Unit B (4.5A, 51,000 km, one repainted door) sold in 26 days at 9% less. The grade documented in the inspection report was the deciding factor for both buyers.
How to Verify a Grade Before Payment
- Insist on the written checklist, not a label
- Watch the video walkaround of the actual VIN
- Use SGS/BV inspection at origin for first orders
- Compare odometer against service records
- Ask for container load plans with VINs per unit