25 September 2026
How to read a Japanese auction sheet
The auction sheet is the most honest report on a reconditioned car. Here is what the grades and codes mean.
Every reconditioned car from Japan is sold through an auction house, and the inspector there writes an auction sheet. It is the best way to check a car's real condition before you buy.
Overall grade
- S / 6 – almost new, very low mileage
- 5 – excellent condition
- 4.5 – very good, only tiny marks
- 4 – good, a few small scratches or dents
- 3.5 / 3 – average, visible wear or repair needed
- R / RA – the car has had an accident repair
Interior grade
Interior is graded with letters: A is like new, B is clean, C has some wear or stains, D and E need work.
Damage codes on the car map
- A – scratch (A1 small, A2 medium, A3 large)
- U – dent
- B – dent with scratch
- W – wave or repaired panel
- S / C – rust / corrosion
- X / XX – part needs replacing / already replaced
Tips
- Ask for the original sheet and match the chassis number with the car.
- Check that the mileage on the sheet matches the odometer.
- A grade 4 car with a clean interior (B) is often the best value.
We share the auction sheet for every car in our showroom. Just ask on WhatsApp.