If you have ever experienced buying used imported cars from Japan, then you might be familiar with the auction sheet and its grades. These grades help you to understand the car’s actual condition if you only know how to read them.
However, the majority of car buyers are unaware of how to read a Japanese auction sheet. That’s where interpreting auction sheets becomes essential.
Explanation Of Auction Report Grades
Imagine the auction report as a medical report, just like a medical report explains a person’s health condition. The same applies to the auction report of a vehicle. It truly reflects the car’s actual physical condition.
The diagram below illustrates the meaning of each grade on the sheet.
| Grade | Explanation |
|---|---|
| S | Almost new, registered within 1 year |
| 6 | New condition, no visible 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, interior wear |
| 3 | Rough condition, heavy marks, stains inside |
| 2 | Poor, severe damage or faults |
| R | Accident repaired in Japan, panels replaced |
| RA | Accident repaired outside Japan, moderate fixes |
Besides the alphabetical grading, the auction sheet also demonstrates the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The interior grades are usually located on the right side of the box, as shown in the image.
You have seen the “C” grade of the interior above that must instill curiosity in you. If so, then keep reading the blog, as we are now going to explain what their meaning ranges from A (best) to E (Worst).
- A- Describes the car’s new condition
- B- The B interior is usually nice and clean, which demonstrates the vehicle’s good condition.
- C- The car with this grade can have minor food stains or cigarette holes inside.
- D- The D grade exhibits the poor condition of the vehicle with smell, rips, burns, and significant damage.
- E- This grade means that the overall car is messy and rubbish only.
Decoding Symbols on Auction Report
When interpreting auction sheets, you also need to check the car diagram on which the symbols are usually mentioned. These symbols accurately reflect the condition of any JDM car. Let’s break down their meaning so that you won’t regret buying a faulty Japanese vehicle later.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| XX | Panel replaced after accident or damage |
| W (W1–W3) | Repainted panel, from slight to poor finish |
| A (A1–A3) | Scratches, from small to major |
| U1–U3 | Dents, from minor to large |
| P1–P3 | Paint issues, fading or peeling |
| Y1–Y4 | Cracks or holes, small to major |
| C1–C4 | Rust or corrosion, light to severe |
| G | Stone chip on glass |
| RX | Repaired windshield needing replacement |
| R | Repaired crack in windshield |
Vehicle Abbreviations On Sheet
After learning the diagram codes, you should also be aware of specific vehicle features or their full abbreviations, which are often written out on the auction sheet. The picture is attached for reference below.
TV- Television
AB- Airbag
AW- Alloy Wheels
PS- Power Steering
PW- Power Windows
SF- Sunroof
Strict Vs Lenient Auction Houses
Buyers must be aware that not all Japanese auction houses adhere to the same grading standards. For example, a grade 3.5 at one auction may not be as good as a grade 3.5 at another auction. It is because the inspectors of varying auction houses have different perspectives upon which they evaluate the condition of the car.
Last but not least, let us show you the full, translated version of the auction sheet, which helps you identify the different areas efficiently.
The other essential information present on the auction sheet includes the sales points listed in the box below the vehicle’s features, inspector comments, registration number, chassis number, and serial number, all of which are located above the vehicle diagram. The more highlighted version is given below.
Get Your Vehicle Verified With PakWheels Auction Sheet Verification
PakWheels is one of the trusted platforms that can make your car-buying process smarter, while also providing transparent auction reports, especially if you are planning to buy a JDM car.
You need to enter the chassis number (XXXX-240-316982) of a vehicle on our website to access essential information related to the car, along with the auction report.
The information provided below is for your reference.
- Auction Grade
- Transmission
- Chassis number
- Mileage
- Color
- Date of Auction
- Auction Sold Price
Wrap Up
Interpreting auction sheets and symbols is essential when you have a JDM car on your buying list. It can help you avoid scams, and the process is even more straightforward with auction sheet verification by a trusted platform like PakWheels. We cover all major auction houses, including USS, TA, JU, and ARAI, and provide clear and transparent information.
The best part? No hassle, no worries. Pay online using various payment options, including EasyPaisa, JazzCash, and credit/debit cards, and your auction sheet will be available to you instantly via SMS or email.
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