How to Read a Japanese Car Auction Sheet (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
If you’re thinking about importing a car from Japan, the auction sheet is one of the most important documents you’ll see. It tells you the real condition of the vehicle before you bid – but only if you know how to read it.
In this guide, KTS SPORTS CARS explains the main parts of a Japanese car auction sheet in simple language, so you can avoid bad cars and confidently choose a good one.
What Is a Japanese Car Auction Sheet?
A Japanese auction sheet is a condition report prepared by a professional inspector at the auction house. It includes:
- Basic details – make, model, year, engine, transmission
- Mileage (odometer reading)
- Overall grade and interior grade
- Diagram showing scratches, dents and repairs
- Inspector comments (usually written in Japanese)
This sheet is your main protection against buying a car with hidden damage, accident history or heavy rust. That’s why it’s so important to understand it properly.
Step 1 – Understand the Overall Grade
The overall grade is usually shown as a number on the auction sheet – for example:
- Grade 5 / 4.5 – Excellent condition, very low wear
- Grade 4 – Good condition, minor wear expected for the age
- Grade 3.5 – Average condition, some noticeable wear
- Grade 3 / 2 – Heavier wear, may need cosmetic or mechanical work
- R / RA / A – Accident / repaired vehicle
A higher number doesn’t always mean a better car for you, but it gives a quick snapshot of overall condition. At KTS SPORTS CARS, we look at the whole picture, not just the grade.
Step 2 – Interior Grade (A, B, C, D)
Next, you’ll usually see a letter for the interior condition:
- A – Very clean interior, minimal wear
- B – Clean with light wear (normal for age)
- C – Noticeable wear, stains or small damage
- D – Heavy wear, damaged or dirty interior
Interior condition is important if you want a car that feels fresh inside, especially for higher-end or performance models.
Step 3 – Mileage and Odometer Notes
The mileage is usually written clearly in kilometres. Sometimes there will be special notes:
- “Shaken” records – Inspection history to support mileage
- “Odo exchanged” – Cluster may have been changed
- “Unknown mileage” – True mileage cannot be guaranteed
Be careful with cars showing “unknown” mileage – the price might look attractive, but long-term value and reliability can be uncertain.
Step 4 – The Body Diagram (Scratches, Dents & Repairs)
One of the most useful parts of the auction sheet is the vehicle diagram. Each panel of the car is marked with small letters and numbers. Common codes include:
- A1 / A2 / A3 – Scratch (small / medium / large)
- U1 / U2 / U3 – Dent (small / medium / large)
- W1 / W2 / W3 – Wave / repaired or wavy paint
- S1 / S2 – Rust
- Y1 / Y2 – Paint peeling or fading
- X / XX – Panel needs replacement / has been replaced
A car with many big “U3”, “W3” or “X” marks may have heavy cosmetic or structural issues. Always look at the diagram carefully – not just at the overall grade.
Step 5 – Inspector Comments (in Japanese)
At the bottom of the auction sheet, you will see inspector comments, almost always written in Japanese. These may include:
- Notes about smells (smoker / pet odour)
- Repairs that are not obvious in the diagram
- Engine or gearbox noises
- Modifications from factory condition
This section can hide very important information. At KTS SPORTS CARS, we translate and explain these comments so you know exactly what the inspector is saying.
Step 6 – Check for Accident or Repair History
Many buyers want to avoid cars with accident history. On an auction sheet, accident or repair history can appear as:
- Overall grade: R / RA / A
- “XX” on the diagram (panel replaced)
- Comments mentioning frame repair, accident or panel replacement
Some repairs are done to a high standard and may be acceptable for the right price, but you should always know the full story before bidding.
Step 7 – Match the Auction Sheet to Photos
The auction sheet should always be read together with the car’s photos. For example:
- Do the dents and scratches shown in the diagram match the photos?
- Does the interior grade match what you can see in the cabin?
- Are there any modifications not mentioned in the comments?
If something doesn’t line up, it’s a red flag that needs more investigation.
Common Mistakes When Reading Auction Sheets
Here are a few things we see buyers get wrong when they try to read auction sheets on their own:
- Focusing only on the grade number and ignoring the diagram
- Overlooking “R / RA” grades and accident history notes
- Not understanding the inspector’s Japanese comments
- Assuming low mileage always means a better car
An auction sheet is powerful, but only if you know how to interpret every part of it correctly.
How KTS SPORTS CARS Helps with Auction Sheets
Reading auction sheets is part of our daily work. When you import with KTS SPORTS CARS, we:
- Source cars from trusted Japanese auctions
- Translate and explain the full auction sheet in simple English
- Highlight any risks, repairs or hidden issues
- Help you decide on a safe maximum bid based on condition
Our goal is to give you confidence, not confusion, when you’re choosing a car.
Ready to Import with Confidence?
Understanding Japanese auction sheets is a big step towards importing the right car, not just the cheapest one. If you’d like help with auction sheets, landed cost, or sourcing specific models, our team is ready to assist.
Visit our Auction Sheet Information page or contact KTS SPORTS CARS today to start your import journey.
