How to Read a Japanese Auction Sheet in Pakistan 2026

A Japanese auction sheet is one of the most useful tools for checking an imported car before purchase. 

It works as a verifiable condition report from Japan. Photos only show what is visible, but the auction sheet highlights hidden issues, past repairs, wear, and inspector remarks.

This guide explains how to read it in a simple and easy-to-follow way, using clear examples, diagrams, and symbols to help buyers make a more informed decision.

What an Auction Sheet Really Shows

The Japanese auction sheet displays the following information about the car.

• The chassis number, engine size, year, transmission type, and body style.
• A grade that represents the actual condition of a vehicle 
• Separate interior and exterior grades, as the cabin and body don’t always match. For this, buyers need to be aware of different auction sheet frauds to avoid scams that could cost them later. 
• The inspector notes in Japanese what was seen at the inspection.
• Damage diagram with symbols marking scratches, dents, rust, panel replacement, waves, and more.

The sheet is more than a list of codes: it’s a condensed inspector report that tells a story, but only properly interpreted.

Why are Auction Sheets Important in Pakistan?

The auction sheets are important in Pakistan due to the following reasons.

Many imported cars are sold with fake auction sheets, including tampered mileage records. It can be detected if there are discrepancies between the recorded mileage and the mileage shown in the service records.

     For more details, explore our blog on: How Auction Reports Help Detect Mileage Tampering.

Car owners or dealers overstate by labeling a repaired or damaged car as “Grade 4.” The verified auction sheet helps you to avoid such scams.

Cars without a verified Japanese auction sheet have lower resale value and are often at higher risk.

How to Read a Japanese Auction Sheet Step by Step

The overall grade of any imported car is represented at the top right of the sheet and gives a broad indication of condition. 

Here is what each auction grade means.

Grade	Explanation
S	Almost new, registered within 1 year
6	The grades indicate the car’s new condition with no noticeable faults.
5	Excellent, only minor scratches or dents
4.5	Clean, with light cosmetic wear
4	Good, above-average condition
3.5	Noticeable scratches, dents, and interior wear
3	Rough condition, heavy marks with stains inside
2	Poor, severe damage, or faults
R	The accident was repaired in Japan, and the panels were replaced
RA	Accident repaired outside Japan, moderate fixes

 

It is important to note that the single grade does not show the full condition of a car. The inspector’s notes and details in the comment are just as important. Therefore, the brief explanation of interior and exterior grades is given in the next part of this blog. 

Important Note:  What’s important is that the interior grade and the exterior points are above 4. Avoid cars graded below 4 or with an interior grade below B, as these indicate heavy modifications and rough usage.

Explanation of Interior and Exterior Grades 

Where the overall grade gives a general condition, the interior and exterior scores zoom in on specific areas. A sheet often lists these right below or near the main grade:

• A: The grade indicates the car’s new condition.
• B: The car interior is usually clean and nice, representing the good condition of a vehicle.
• C: Average; some noticeable wear or stain evidence.
• D: Heavy wear, smells, rips, burns, cigarette burns, tears, or deep stains.
• E: Severe deterioration requiring attention. 

This makes it easier to spot cars that look good on paper overall but clearly show signs of heavy use once the interior is considered.

Reading the Visual Diagram

With the help of symbols, it is easy to decipher the damage diagrams located in the bottom-right corner of the auction sheet. It is because the symbols help JDM car buyers to understand the meaning.

Scratches

• A1: Small scratch
• A2: Medium scratch
• A3: Deep scrape requiring bodywork

Dents

• U1 – U3: Small to large dents
• B1 – B4: Larger, more noticeable dents

Surface Issues

• W1 – W3: Waves in panels indicating possible repaint or uneven repair
• P1 – P4: Sun damage, paint peel, discoloration
• G: Stone chip on the glass

Rust / Corrosion

• S1 / C1 – C4: Mild surface rust to serious corrosion

Replacements and Major Problems

• X: Panel needs replacement
• XX: Replacement already done — a bigger flag than a simple scratch

The symbols are shown on a simple car outline, so it’s easy to see where the problems are.

Inspector Comments — What the Diagram Doesn’t Show

Next to the damage diagram, many auction sheets include a block of handwritten Japanese comments from the inspector. These notes often explain issues that the symbols cannot capture, such as hidden panel welds that are not shown on the diagram.

 

• Electrical or mechanical problems.
• Interior concerns like odors or worn seats.
• Engine or transmission issues, oil leaks, or other mechanical observations.

Common Confusions of the Auction Sheet

The common misinterpretations about the auction sheet are given below.

• Not every mark on the diagram is a big problem. For example, a small “A1” scratch might hardly be noticeable.
• A high overall grade doesn’t always mean the car is perfect. The surface grades and inspector notes can reveal issues.
• The diagram doesn’t show everything. Some repairs or problems are only mentioned in the written notes.
• R or RA grades don’t automatically mean the car is bad. Many R‑graded cars have been repaired properly and are still safe, but it’s important to check the details.

Now let’s break the sheet into simple reading steps.

A Quick Action Checklist for Car Buyers

1. Check the overall grade to get a quick sense of the car’s condition.
2. Compare interior and exterior grades to spot any mismatches.
3. Look for clusters of symbols on key panels — they show where damage or repairs are concentrated.
4. Watch for repeated “XX” marks, which usually indicate that panels have been replaced.
5. Read the inspector’s notes carefully, as they often confirm or add to what the symbols show.
6. Combine all this information to see the car’s condition as a complete picture, rather than focusing on isolated details.

Community Insight: For a real buyer example, read this PakWheels forum on a fake auction report of imported cars.

Access Verified Japanese Auction Sheet from PakWheels

The JDM car owners should get a verified auction sheet from a trusted platform like PakWheels. They just need to enter the chassis number (XXXX-240-316982) of a vehicle on our website to access the auction report. The information on the auction sheet includes;

1. Auction Grade
2. Transmission
3. Chassis number
4. Mileage
5. Color
6. Date of Auction
7. Auction Sold Price

With us, the buyers can get verified reports from reputable auction houses, including USS, TA, JU, and ARAI. 

Buyers can access verified reports online using Easypaisa, JazzCash, or major debit and credit cards.

Conclusion 

Learning how to read a Japanese auction sheet helps buyers verify imported cars and avoid costly mistakes. This sheet is a vital tool for anyone buying an imported car. It provides detailed information about the car’s condition, repairs, and history. 

Before you buy, check out PakWheels forum on fake auction sheets to see how altered grades and reversed mileage can mislead buyers.

FAQs

What is a Japanese Auction Sheet?

A Japanese auction sheet is an inspection report created during a car auction in Japan. It shows the vehicle’s condition, damage history, and inspection remarks.

How Do You Read a Japanese Auction Sheet?

Start with the overall grade, then check interior and exterior scores. Review the damage diagram and inspector notes to understand the full condition.

What does Grade 4 Mean on An Auction Sheet?

Grade 4 means the car is in good condition with light cosmetic wear. Minor scratches or dents may exist.

Are Japanese Auction Sheets Reliable?

Yes, but only when verified from the original auction database. Fake or edited sheets can appear in the market.

What Does “R” Grade Mean On An Auction Sheet?

R indicates the car had accident damage that was repaired. Buyers should carefully review the repair details.