How to Read Japanese Auction Sheets & Check Car Grades

A Japanese auction sheet is a detailed inspection report prepared by certified inspectors before a vehicle is listed in an auction. The purpose of this sheet is to present an honest and accurate overview of the vehicle’s condition — both interior and exterior — including mechanical health, repair history, and mileage authenticity.

Each car is inspected for scratches, dents, rust, engine condition, interior wear, and accident history. The inspector’s comments are then summarized on the sheet using symbols, grades, and notes.

The key sections you’ll find on a standard auction sheet include:

●    Auction Grade – Overall condition rating of the car.

●    Mileage – Odometer reading (often verified by the auction authority).

●    Exterior and Interior Condition – Rated separately.

●    Repair/Accident History – Notes on past repairs or frame damage.

●    Equipment and Options – Lists available features.

●    Inspection Notes – Additional remarks by the inspector.

Decoding Auction Grades

The auction grade is one of the most important indicators of a car’s quality. It gives you a quick overview of how well the car has been maintained and whether it has ever been repaired or accident-damaged.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what each grade means:

A-Grade Cars

A-grade vehicles are usually in excellent condition, both mechanically and cosmetically. They are often newer models, have low mileage, and require little to no reconditioning.

●    Grade 6, 5, or 4.5: Practically new cars or those with minimal wear.

●    Grade 4: Clean used cars with minor signs of use.

Example:

 A car graded 4.5 with 40,000 km is considered a high-quality used car that may look and feel nearly new.

At Wheels Corporation, we recommend A-grade cars for buyers who prioritize reliability, resale value, and minimal maintenance.

R-Grade Cars

R-grade (or “Repaired”) cars have undergone some form of structural repair in the past. These could range from minor panel replacements to major frame repairs. While not all R-grade cars are bad, the extent and quality of the repair matter.

●    Grade R or RA: Indicates repaired or accident history cars.

●    Grade A or B (interior): Refers to the condition of the interior, not repair status.

Important Tip:

 If a vehicle is listed as R-grade, don’t dismiss it outright. Some R-grade cars are repaired professionally and are safe to drive. However, they should be inspected thoroughly or purchased through a trusted dealer like Wheels Corporation, who ensures transparent condition reports and verified repair details.

Mileage Verification: Ensuring Authentic Odometer Readings

Mileage plays a major role in determining a car’s value and longevity. Unfortunately, odometer tampering is a known issue in some markets. The good news is that Japanese auctions are highly regulated, and mileage readings are checked carefully.

When you buy through Wheels Corporation, we help verify mileage using:

1.   Auction House Records: Official reports from trusted auction platforms like USS, TAA, or HAA.

2.   Export Certificates: Documentation that records mileage at the time of export.

3.   Inspection Reports: Cross-verification of mileage consistency across multiple records.

How to Verify Mileage Yourself:

 Look for the mileage figure on the top section of the auction sheet (in kilometers). Compare it with past inspection stickers, service records, or Japan’s Shaken inspection data when available. A consistent record indicates authentic mileage, while irregular jumps may signal tampering.

Exterior and Interior Condition Maps

Auction sheets also include a vehicle diagram or map, often found on the right side. This diagram uses symbols and letters to represent scratches, dents, paint marks, and repairs. Understanding these symbols helps you assess the car’s cosmetic condition at a glance.

Here are some common notations:

●    A1, A2, A3: Scratch (from light to heavy).

●    U1, U2, U3: Dent (small to large).

●    W1, W2, W3: Wavy panel or poor paint surface.

●    X: Part replaced or needs replacement.

●    XX: Entire panel replaced.

●    P: Paint marks or faded area.

●    S1/S2: Rust (minor to severe).

Each letter-number combination gives precise details of where and how extensive the damage or imperfection is.

At Wheels Corporation, we help buyers interpret these symbols accurately before bidding, ensuring you know exactly what to expect from your purchase.

Interior Grades and Condition Notes

The interior grade is usually rated from A to D:

●    A: Excellent, very clean interior.

●    B: Slightly used but well-kept.

●    C: Visible wear, stains, or fading.

●    D: Poor condition, major cleaning required.

These grades help identify whether the car’s cabin has been well-maintained. A car may have a high exterior grade but a lower interior rating, which can affect its overall resale value.

Inspector’s Comments: Reading Between the Lines

Inspector comments are handwritten (in Japanese) on the bottom section of the sheet. They often describe details not visible in the diagrams — like engine noise, odor, or tire condition. While translation may be required, Wheels Corporation provides English-translated auction sheets and professional guidance to ensure you understand every aspect before making a purchase.

Why Rely on Wheels Corporation?

Interpreting Japanese auction sheets requires experience and honesty. At Wheels Corporation, we make the process simple, transparent, and reliable. Our experts:

●    Decode and translate auction sheets accurately.

●    Verify car grades, mileage, and repair history.

●    Recommend the best options based on your budget and preferences.

●    Ensure safe and compliant export processes.

By partnering with Wheels Corporation, you gain access to thousands of verified Japanese vehicles with complete auction data — ensuring peace of mind and confidence in your purchase.

Conclusion

Buying from Japanese car auctions offers incredible value, but only if you know how to interpret the data correctly. Understanding auction sheets, car grades, and mileage verification empowers you to make an informed choice. Whether you’re looking for a top-tier A-grade car or a well-restored R-grade vehicle, always trust professionals who value transparency and accuracy.