01
Vehicle identity
Confirm make, model, chassis code, first registration, engine size and transmission. A similar-looking car can have a different generation or specification.
Japanese auction guide
How to Read a Japanese Car Auction Sheet
An auction sheet is the inspector's summary of a vehicle before it is offered at a Japanese auction. It can reveal condition, mileage, visible damage and repair history — but only if every part is read together.
The layout, grades and symbols vary between auction houses. Treat the tables below as a practical guide, then confirm the original sheet, photos and inspector comments for the specific car.
Read in this order
The five parts that matter
Do not judge a car by the large grade alone. Read these five areas in sequence so one good number does not hide an important warning.
02
Mileage and history
Check the recorded kilometres and any mark showing whether mileage is verified, changed or uncertain. Compare it with service history when available.
03
Overall and interior grades
Use the grades as a fast condition summary, not a buying decision. The same grade can hide very different defects depending on the auction house.
04
Body diagram
Match every A, U, W, X or XX mark to its panel and severity number. Several small marks may be acceptable; structural-area repairs need much closer review.
05
Inspector comments
This is often the most important area. It may mention warning lights, noise, leaks, corrosion, smells, missing parts or previous repair that the diagram cannot explain.
Condition grades
What the overall grade usually means
Auction houses use their own inspection standards. These are common interpretations, not a universal guarantee.
| Grade | Usual meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| S / 6 | Nearly new or exceptionally low-use vehicle | Still check storage marks, age, tyres and comments |
| 5 | Excellent condition with very minor wear | Confirm the exact standard used by that auction |
| 4.5 | Very good used condition | Usually attractive, but review every diagram mark |
| 4 | Good used condition with normal defects | A strong candidate after comments and photos are checked |
| 3.5 | Average condition with visible wear or repairs | Budget for cosmetic work and inspect carefully |
| 3 or lower | Noticeable defects, heavy wear or other concerns | Needs a case-by-case risk and repair assessment |
| R / RA / A | Repaired accident history or structural repair category | Do not bid without understanding where and how it was repaired |
| 0 / *** / blank | Unrated, special vehicle or condition not expressed by a normal grade | Treat as high-information-risk until fully checked |
Body diagram
Common damage symbols
These codes are frequently seen on Japanese auction sheets. Their exact definition and numbering can differ, so the original auction legend takes priority.
| Code | Common meaning | Typical question |
|---|---|---|
| A | Scratch | How deep and how long is it? |
| U | Dent | Is the paint broken or only the panel dented? |
| W | Repair mark, repaint or panel waviness | Why was the panel repaired and how well? |
| S | Rust | Is it surface rust or spreading underneath? |
| C | Corrosion | Is the affected area cosmetic or structural? |
| P | Paint damage or deterioration | Can it be polished or does it need repainting? |
| X | Panel or part needs replacement | Which part and why is replacement required? |
| XX | Panel has been replaced | Was it a cosmetic replacement or part of accident repair? |
Inspector notes
The notes can change the whole decision
Most comments are written in Japanese and abbreviated. A literal automatic translation can miss automotive meaning, so the note must be read in the context of the diagram and photos.
Mechanical warnings
Engine or gearbox noise, oil or coolant leaks, warning lights, weak air conditioning, suspension noise or electrical faults.
Body and repair history
Repainted panels, replacement panels, repair marks, chassis or support-area deformation, underbody corrosion and uneven panel gaps.
Cabin condition
Smoke or pet odour, stains, burns, tears, dashboard damage, missing trim, worn steering wheel or non-original equipment.
Equipment and keys
Missing spare key, navigation or audio faults, power-door problems, damaged cameras, aftermarket parts or equipment not tested.
Worked example
How to turn symbols into a buying decision
Sheet says
Grade 4, interior B, A1 on the front bumper, U1 on the rear door and W2 on the right rear quarter panel.
What it means
The scratches and small dent are usually cosmetic. W2 is more important: it suggests visible previous repair or waviness and must be matched to the Japanese comment and close-up photos.
Decision
Potentially a good car, but not an automatic bid. We would confirm why the quarter panel was repaired, whether structure is unaffected and whether the price leaves room for any cosmetic work.
FAQ
Questions about Japanese auction sheets
Is grade 4 always a good car?
It is often a promising starting point, but no. A grade 4 car can still have repair marks, corrosion, warning notes or expensive cosmetic defects. The diagram and comments decide whether it is suitable.
Does R or RA mean the car is unsafe?
Not automatically. It normally signals repaired accident history or a repair category, but the location, quality and extent of repair matter. We do not recommend bidding until those points are understood.
Can Google Translate read the inspector comments?
It can help with individual words, but Japanese auction notes use abbreviations and automotive shorthand. Translation must be checked against the body diagram, photos and known auction terminology.
Why do the same symbols mean slightly different things?
Japan has many auction houses and each can use its own inspection rules, grade thresholds and legend. The legend and notes on the original sheet always take priority over a generic guide.
Will every car on the website have an auction sheet?
Not always. The supplier provides the sheet as one of the vehicle images when available, and it may later disappear from the source. We preserve received images, but cannot guarantee a sheet for every listing.
Before you bid
Send us the car — we will check the whole picture
We compare the grade, diagram, inspector notes, photos and sold-price context before advising you. That is safer than choosing a car from one large grade number.