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How to Read a Japanese Car Auction Sheet (English Instructions)

Those who are in the market for used cars live by one golden rule: never buy a vehicle without getting it mechanically checked. But what if you’re buying a pre-used vehicle overseas? How can you check the car’s condition without seeing and testing it first-hand?

If you are importing a used car from Japan, you can review the condition of the car by looking at its car auction sheet. Sounds easy, right? It definitely is, especially if you know how to read Japanese characters. But if you’re a part of the majority who don’t, you’d have to learn how to read a Japanese car auction sheet, so you can make an informed buying decision.

As a complete guide, below are some things you should know about reviewing a car auction sheet.

What is a Japanese Car Auction Sheet?

All pre-used vehicles in Japan undergo an extensive inspection before a car auction begins. The rating for the vehicles is displayed on a Japanese car auction sheet, which is prepared by professional inspectors hired by auction houses.

The car auction sheet is completed after a full mechanical inspection. During the testing phase, the interior and exterior parts of the vehicle are graded based on a set of standards. Aside from the grades of the vehicle, the Japanese car auction sheet also displays the inspector’s explanation for the grades awarded to the vehicle, along with a grade for its overall condition.

What’s in a Car Auction Sheet?

The car auction sheet provides basic information on the vehicle, including the following:

  • Production Month and Year: The actual production month and year of the vehicle is displayed on the car auction sheet to help prospect buyers calculate its exact age.
  • Lot Number: Japan houses the largest selection of used car models and makes. The used cars are grouped into different lots. A lot of number enables you to clearly identify and locate a vehicle.  Also, it is helpful in validating the car auction report.
  • Body Type: If the vehicle was built with 4 doors, “4D” is written on this section.
  • Engine Displacement: The car auction sheet provides data on the engine size of the vehicle.
  • Car Type: As the name implies, this segment provides data on the vehicle type.
  • Interior and Exterior Parts: As mentioned above, the inspector grades the interior and exterior parts of the vehicle to give prospect buyers an idea on its overall quality. The exterior rating of the vehicle is displayed on the left, while the interior rating is written on the right section of the box.  A is the highest grade awarded for both exterior and interior parts.
  • Chassis Code: All cars manufactured in Japan have their own chassis code.
  • Chassis Number: Used for authenticating and verifying a purchase, the chassis number helps you check if the vehicle you purchased online is the same vehicle shipped to your country.
  • Auction Grade: The auction grade is the overall rating of the condition of the vehicle. “S” means brand new, “R” is for repaired and “XX” stands for damaged car. Also, the car is graded by numeric figures. As a rule of thumb, the lower the figure is, the lower the quality of the vehicle is. Below is a guide on the grading system:
  • Grade 6: Brand new
  • Grade 5: As good as new
  • Grade 4.5: Very slightly used
  • Grade 4: Used with the slightest blemishes
  • Grade 3.5: Good condition with visible blemishes
  • Grade 3: Average condition with light damage
  • Grade 2: Poor condition
  • Grade R or RA: Repaired or heavily modified vehicles 
  • Comments: This is the part where the inspector/seller writes down comments about the vehicle. The comments are written in Japanese characters, but you can use Google Translate or any language-translating app, so you can understand the comments in this section.
  • Additional Features: This section displays the air conditioning system and the transmission type of the vehicle. For instance, “FAT” stands for Floor-Shift Automatic Transmission, while “AAC” means Automatic Air Condition or climate control.
  • Additional Accessories: In this section, initials are used to express any additional features of the vehicle. For example, “PW” stands for power windows while “PS” means power steering.
  • Mileage
  • Diagram: The car’s diagram provides you a clear overview on the overall condition of the car. It includes any dents, scratches of flaws on the body of the vehicle. The flaws are represented by alphabetic characters that translate to defects and of differing severity. Below is a translation of each character:

 

CharactersDefects
A1a1
Small scratch
A2a2
Scratch
A3a3
Big scratch
B
Dent with scratch
E1Few Dimples
E2Several Dimples
E3Many Dimples
U1u1
Small dent
U2u2
Dent
U3u3
Big dent
W1Hardly detectable repair mark/wave
W2Repair mark/wave
W3Visible repair mark/wave
S1s1
Rust
S2s2
Heavy Rust
XMust be replaced
XXReplaced
B1Distorted radiator back panel or core support
B2Highly distorted radiator back panel or core support
Y1Small crack or hole
Y2Crack or hole
Y3Big crack or hole
X1x1
Small windshield crack
RRepaired windshield crack
RXRepaired windshield crack (must be replaced)
Xx3
Windshield crack (must be replaced)
GStone chip in glass
C1c1
Corrosion
C2c2
Heavy corrosion
Pp3
Marked paint
HFaded paint

By reviewing the car auction sheet, you can make informed decisions as you import a used car from Japan. If you need more assurance, you can ask the auction house to perform more extensive car inspections before you purchase the vehicle. We at Carused.jp provide this service for free to any of our customers! We can help read the Auction sheet for you!

Now that you know how to read the auction sheet, sign up in our auction system and search for your best car!

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This Post Has 29 Comments

  1. Austin

    This will assist you to know the condition of the vehicle. You can demand the Auction sheet

    1. peter nylen

      Can one ask for an english translation of the auction sheet?

      1. Carusedjp Marketing

        Thank you Sir for you comment.
        You can contact our Sales Team at this address sales@carused.jp .

  2. Abu Zakir

    chassis number is
    NZT260-3158918
    Please provide me auction sheet

    1. Carusedjp

      Thank you for your message.
      Our Sales Team will contact you very soon.

  3. Arham

    Hi,

    I have a auction sheet,I need it translated.
    Can anyone help me out?

    1. Carusedjp

      Thank you for your message.
      Our Sales Team will contact you very soon.

  4. Mahmud

    I have decided to buy a Toyota Aqua S 2013 model which Auction Grade is 4 (C/D) and mileage is 100K. Should I buy it. Plz cooperate.

    1. Carusedjp

      Thank you for your message.
      Our Sales Team will contact you asap.

  5. DAVID

    Hello, have noted the grades, slightly have been buying without knowledge of that formal remarks on the auction sheet since every thing its in japanese language but thanks a lot

  6. Prasad chandima

    Good guide to learn in short time!!!

  7. Jurgen

    I have an auction sheet that I need translated. I was hoping you could help me. Especially the inspector report.

    Could you help me out?

    1. Carusedjp

      Sir – one of our Sales Team members will contact you.

  8. Saifur

    Hi,
    I want to get auction sheet using chassis number regularly. So can you please inform us the procedure to get different auction sheet for corresponding car chassis number. Waiting for your response.

    Thanks

    1. Carusedjp

      Thank you Sir for your message.
      Our Sales Team is going to contact you very soon.

  9. Bibek

    Could you please provide me the auction sheet for NZT260-3155900

    1. Carusedjp

      Thank you for your comment. Our sales team will contact you shortly!

  10. Kennedy Karakacha

    Sir,
    Can you give a review of the behavior(or rating) of Japanese used car sellers? It is impossible to determine whether some are dishonest in the way they do business while others do not care at all about a customer’s concern once the customer has paid for a particular vehicle. This behaviour can go all the way down to their local representatives in foreign countries who will convince a potential customer to purchase a particular vehicle from the information on their site. However, when the vehicle turns to be defective (as in my case with JPC), they cut all communication.

    Please realize that for many of us who are non-Japanese speakers, we shall be buying on the basis of the information from the local representative of the Japanese firm who will, in most cases, give postive information about the intended car of purchase when the reality is different.
    In my case, they even refused to provide me with owner and service manuals for the car (Toyota Alphard hybrid ZA-ATH10w). The car could not be repaired by the local technicians without the service manual. The vehicle was delivered to me when faulty as it moves only for a short distance and then stops.
    Can you also provide owner and service manuals for the above-mentioned car (or help in having me acquire them)?
    Thanking you.

    1. Carusedjp

      Thank you for you comment sir, We cannot comment on other companies, but what we can tell you is that Many people trusts Carused.jp!

      you can check our customer’s testimonials here -> https://carused.jp/testimonials. We would be more than happy to assist you!

      please contact us via whatsapp at +81-70-3990-8510

  11. Mohammad Mohsin Sohail

    i want to know about 99 grade on auction sheet

  12. Malik Waqas Ali Awan

    I want to buy Suzuki Wagon R FX limited. Model 2015 or 2016.

  13. tanvir

    Hi

  14. bartek

    Hi. Are cars on auctions mechanically well?
    Are there sometimes cars with engine failures?

    1. Carusedjp

      Good day sir. Thank you for your reply. The conditions for the cars on the auction are always listed on the auction sheet. You can check our auction system and if you need assistance in reading the auction sheet. you can ask us for a translation. Thank you!

  15. Chamara

    Very good explanation

  16. Louis Sol

    Hi, is it possible to have an auction sheet translated, please?

    1. Carusedjp

      Good day, Yes it is possible. We provide this service for free to our Auction bidders, please visit https://carused.jp/ . Thank you! Have a great day!

  17. torsanis

    How much I need to pay if i want to request auction sheet?

    1. Carusedjp

      It is free!

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