How To Read a Japanese Car Auction Sheet

Japanese car auctions offer great cars at good prices, but understanding auction sheets can be tricky. In this guide, we’ll explain everything simply, from grading systems to abbreviations, so you can buy your dream car with confidence. Let’s learn how to read auction sheet.

The Grading System Understanding

S Grade: Brand New Zero Meter

Grade 6: New but with Few kilometers of mileage

Grade 5: As new with no condition faults

Grade 4.5: Very clean, minor paint blemish on one panel

Grade 4: Minor paint blemishes on multiple panels

Grade 3.5: Attention to panel and paint required

Grade 3: Rough overall condition

Grade 2: Serious panel damage, rust, or water damage

Grade 1: Significant performance upgrades or mechanical changes

Grade X: Accidental Vehicle

Grade ★★★ (Triple Star): Also Accidental Vehicle

Grade 99: Accidental or Damaged Vehicle

Grade R: Repaired and replaced parts

Grade RA: Accidental Repaired

No Auction Grade Written: Vehicle is damaged or accidental and not inspected by the auction house

Interior Grades Codes

Interior grades range from A to D, indicating the condition of the vehicle’s interior.

Grade A: As new with no condition faults

Grade B: Very clean and nice

Grade C: Average/clean for age with expected wear and tear

Grade D: Cigarette burns, tears, or other damage, significant wear and tear

Vehicle Equipment Codes

Understanding abbreviations is crucial for comprehending the vehicle’s features and conditions listed on the auction sheet.



AC: Air conditioner

FA/AT: Automatic transmission

F5: Manual (5-speed) transmission

PS: Power steering

SR: Sunroof

AW: Alloy wheels

AAC: Climate control air conditioner

E3: Some dents which are barely visible

Vehicle Marking Codes

U1 to U3: Denotes the size of dents

Y1 to Y3: Denotes the size of tears or damage

W1 to W3: Indicates panel repairs and waviness

S1 to S2: Specifies rust size and severity

X: The panel needs replacement

XX: The panel has been replaced

Learn Vehicle Marking Codes in Details:

A1: Small Scratch

A2: Scratch

A3: Big Scratch

E1: Few Dimples

E2: Several Dimples

E3: Many Dimples

U1: Small Dent

U2: Dent

U3: Big Dent

W1: Negligible Repair Mark/Wave

W2: Repair Mark/Wave

W3: Obvious Repair Mark/Wave

S1: Rust

S2: Heavy Rust

C1: Corrosion

C2: Heavy Corrosion

P: Paint Marked

H: Paint faded

X: Needs to be replaced

XX: Replaced

X1: Small crack on windshield

B1: Small dent with scratch

B2: Dent with scratch

B3: Big dent with scratch

Y1: Small Hole or Crack

Y2: Hole or Crack

Y3: Big Hole or Crack

R: Repaired Crack on Windshield

RX: Repaired Windshield needs replacement

G: Stone chip in glass



Additional Insights from Japanese Auction Sheets



Beyond grades and abbreviations, Japanese auction sheets offer valuable insights into a vehicle’s history and condition. Accident History: Look for codes such as A, 0, R denoting accident damage and repairs. Mileage Confirmation: Symbols like #, $, * indicate unconfirmed mileage, possibly due to odometer swap or age. Exterior/Interior Grades: Detailed grades from 5 to 1 and A to E provide a comprehensive overview of the vehicle’s condition. If you still don’t know how to read auction sheet you can order your auction sheet translation via JP Sheet and get a details overview of your vehicle.

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