Grading & auction sheet

How to read a Japanese auction sheet

Every car at a Japanese auction comes with an inspection sheet: an overall grade, a separate interior grade, and a body map of every mark. Learn to read it and you'll know a car's true condition before you bid.

Anatomy of the sheet

What's on an auction sheet

Here's a real sheet — a 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser ZX, graded 3.5 / B. Compare the Japanese original with the English translation we prepare for you, then see what each section means.

Original Japanese auction sheet for a Toyota Land Cruiser — Original The sheet as issued by the auction house, in Japanese.

English translation of the same Japanese auction sheet — English The same sheet, fully translated — free with every quote.

What each section means

The numbered guide below walks through every part of the sheet.

Annotated guide to a Japanese auction sheet with seven numbered sections explained

Basic vehicle information

Lot number, maker / brand, vehicle name, first-registration date, model code, engine displacement and drivetrain. First registration uses the Japanese era calendar.

Vehicle specifications

Grade / trim, transmission, air conditioning, mileage, exterior color, interior color and fuel type.

Auction evaluation

The headline scores — overall auction grade and interior grade (e.g. 3.5 / B).

Equipment / sales points

Circled icons mark factory equipment and options; the text list below highlights key features and selling points.

Inspector's comments — IMPORTANT

The inspector's notes on wear, scratches, repairs, corrosion and other findings. Read this section carefully before bidding — we translate it in full.

Condition diagram & dimensions

A body map with letter + number codes marking every mark, plus a dimension box (length / width / height in cm).

Fees, capacity & identification

Recycling fee, seating capacity, payload (if shown), registration number, chassis number and serial number.

3Auction evaluation

Overall & interior grade

This is section 3 of the sheet — the headline scores. The overall grade rates the whole car (S, then 6 down to 1, plus R for repaired); the interior grade (A–D) rates the cabin.

Overall grade

The overall condition score

Grade	What it means
S	Almost new — typically under ~1 year / very low mileage.
6	Like new, excellent throughout.
5	Excellent condition, minimal wear.
4.5	Very good — light wear only.
4	Good, normal use. The popular sweet spot.
3.5	Average with some visible wear or marks.
3	Below average — more wear, may need work.
2	Poor / heavily used or modified.
1	Modified, or non-standard mechanical condition.
R	Repaired history (accident-repaired). Also RA.
***/0	Severely damaged / for parts.

Interior grade

The interior score (A–D)

Grade	Interior condition
A	Very clean — little to no wear.
B	Clean, minor marks or light staining.
C	Noticeable wear, stains or burns.
D	Poor — heavy wear or damage.

TIP

For most buyers, grade 4 or higher with an interior grade of B or better is the reliable choice. We always translate the inspector's notes so nothing is missed.

6Condition diagram & dimensions

Damage & repair codes

On section 6's body map, each mark is a letter (type of issue) plus a number 1–4 (size, small → large).

Scratch

A1 small · A2 medium · A3 large

Dent

U1 thumb · U2 palm · U3 larger

Wave / repair

Repainted / bodywork; W1–W3 severity

Rust

S1–S3 by extent

Corrosion

Metal corrosion

Dent + scratch

Combined mark

Paint mark

Paint fade / touch-up needed

Needs replacing

XX = part already replaced

Glass

Chip / crack; R = crack repaired

Codes can vary slightly between auction houses — we confirm the exact meaning on every sheet.

What to watch for

Red flags to check before you bid

W marks = repaint

Several W codes can mean past bodywork — fine, but worth knowing.

R / RA grade

Repaired accident history. Often good value, but inspect closely.

Rust (S) on older cars

Common in snow regions — check the underbody notes.