How to Read Japanese Auction Sheets: Complete Guide for Car Buyers
Toyota Allion

How to Read Japanese Auction Sheets: Complete Guide for Car Buyers

March 10, 20266 min read

Understanding Japanese Auction Sheets

Japanese auto auction sheets are the golden key to understanding a vehicle's true condition before purchase. Every week, over 150,000 vehicles pass through Japan's major auction houses (USS, TAA, JU, CAA, HAA, ARAI), and each one comes with a detailed inspection report called an auction sheet.

Overall Auction Grades Explained

The overall grade is found in the top-right corner of the sheet and is the most critical number:

  • S (Special) - Nearly new, under 1 year old, under 10,000 km
  • 6 - Perfect condition, under 3 years, under 30,000 km
  • 5 - Very clean, under 50,000 km, minor marks possible
  • 4.5 - Excellent, under 100,000 km, minor scratches/flaws
  • 4 - Good, under 150,000 km, noticeable scratches/minor dents
  • 3.5 - Average, some dents/scratches needing repair
  • 3 - Rough, large dents/scratches, may have mechanical issues
  • 2-2.5 - Poor, serious panel damage, rust or water damage
  • R/RA - Accident repaired (R = major, RA = light)
  • *** - Serious mechanical or body faults

Interior & Exterior Grades

These letter grades (A through F) rate specific aspects:

Interior Grades:

  • A - As new, under 30,000 km
  • B - Very clean, minor defects possible
  • C - Average wear, cuts/tears present
  • D - Conspicuous defects requiring repairs
  • E - Bad condition, needs major replacement

Damage Codes on the Diagram

The vehicle diagram shows damage locations with codes:

  • A1-A3 - Line scratches (1=tiny, 3=deep requiring paint)
  • U1-U4 - Dents (1=pin dent, 4=large dent)
  • B - Dent with scratches requiring panel beating
  • W - Wavy/repair trace (panel has been repainted)
  • XX - Panel already replaced (serious repair history)
  • X - Panel replacement required
  • S1-S4 - Rust (1=surface spot, 4=extensive)
  • P - Paint damage/fading/peeling
  • Y - Crack on bumper or lights

Equipment & Features Section

Common abbreviations:

  • AC/AAC - Air Conditioner / Climate Control
  • PS - Power Steering
  • SR - Sunroof
  • AW/純AW - Alloy Wheels (純 = Original factory)
  • PW - Power Windows
  • ナビ - Navigation System
  • カワ/革 - Leather Seats
  • バックカメラ - Rear Camera
  • ETC - Electronic Toll Card

Critical Red Flags

Watch out for these warning signs:

  • * (asterisk) next to mileage = odometer suspected of being rolled back
  • 修復歴 in inspector comments = accident/repair history
  • 水没 = flood/submerged vehicle
  • 全塗装 = entire car has been resprayed
  • エンジン不良 = engine problem
  • オイル漏れ = oil leak

Inspector Comments (Most Important Section)

The handwritten Japanese notes at the bottom often contain critical information that can make or break a deal. These comments may mention:

  • Previous accident history not reflected in the grade
  • Hidden mechanical issues
  • Odometer concerns
  • Interior smoke smell or stains
  • Modified or replaced parts

Can't Read Japanese? We Can Help

At Kizuna Mobility, we offer free AI-powered auction sheet translation for all our members. Upload any Japanese auction sheet and get a complete English breakdown in under 60 seconds — including grades, damage notes, equipment lists, and full inspector comment translations.

Join as a free member today and decode unlimited auction sheets with our AI tool.

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