What an auction sheet is
Every car at a major Japanese auction is inspected by an independent examiner employed by the auction house, not the seller.
The sheet records the overall grade, an interior grade, the mileage, equipment, a hand-drawn map of the body with damage codes, and the inspector's notes in Japanese. We translate all of it for you.
Overall grades
Factory-new
Under 1 year, under 10,000 km. As good as new.
Near-new
Under 3 years, under 30,000 km. Almost showroom condition.
Excellent
Under 50,000 km. Very clean, only minor marks.
Very good
Under 100,000 km. Light flaws, perhaps minor repairs. Often the best value.
Solid and honest
Under 150,000 km. A few noticeable scratches and small dents.
Higher wear
Medium or large dents, or panel and welding repairs.
Project or trade
Heavier damage or possible mechanical faults. On request only.
Accident repaired
Previous accident repair; RA means lighter repair. Fully disclosed, on request only.
Interior grades
Interior condition is graded separately, from A (excellent, like new) through B (clean, light wear), C (visible wear or stains), D (heavy wear) to E (poor). We usually recommend B or better.
Reading the damage map
Letters mark the type of damage and a number from 1 to 3 shows its size — for example A1 is a small scratch, U2 a medium dent.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A | Scratch |
| U | Dent |
| B | Dent with scratch |
| W | Wave or repaired panel |
| S | Rust |
| C | Corrosion |
| P | Paint mark or repaint |
| X | Panel needs replacing |
| XX | Panel already replaced |
| Y | Crack or hole |
| G | Stone chip in the windscreen |
Our advice
- For most buyers, grade 4 or 4.5 with interior B is the sweet spot of condition and price.
- Read the inspector's notes as carefully as the grade; that's where rust, smells or warning lights are mentioned.
- A grade is a snapshot, not a warranty. We inspect every car on arrival and tell you honestly what we find.
Ready to start your import?
Tell us the car, budget and timing — we'll reply with an honest view.