USED
AUCTION
SHEET
Most typical search in looking up Japanese used cars, right after "how much is a JDM GTR" is "how to read an auction sheet" with that in mind, we created this section to help you navigate and understand auction sheets.
If you are looking for "condition sheets" associated with CarSensor cars or Beforward cars, please scroll down!
With modern technology, most use Google Images or AI to translate. In some cases you can ask us if something needs further clarity since we do have a bilingual person in our Japan office.
Here, we have an example of the (AI) translated copy:
A typical auction sheet in Japan (depending on which auction house you use) looks like this:
The most crucial things to look for on auction sheets will depend by personal preference, however "Grade" is the most general reflection of overall condition. A grade 3 car may have an oil leak, as this one shown above does. However, where it lacks in one area it will make up for in another. So typically if you budgeted for a Grade 3.5 car, any 3.5 is worth looking at.
S / 6 – The car is less than 12 months old from the first registration date. As good as new. The exterior and interior are in immaculate condition.
5 – A very difficult grade to obtain, the unit will be in near perfect condition with very minor imperfections.
4.5 – A very high grade that you can be confident in. The car may have some very slight imperfections in the body work. Mileage will be higher than a grade 5.
4 – The exterior may have some small scratches and dents. The car is in above average condition, and often has maintenance records. Will only need minor maintenance/repairs if any at all.
3.5 – This is the most common auction grade and the range of condition is very wide. Will need standard maintenance and may need minor repairs. Expect to spend $200-$500 to bring it up to better condition.
RA – A car that has had MINOR accident damage and has been repaired well. Aside from the minor damage and repair the condition can be as good as grade 4.5. Definitely worth an inspection!
3 – The exterior has many noticeable large scratches/scrapes, paint blemishes, and/or large dents. They will require body work and/or painting. The interior will likely have some combination of tears, cigarette burn marks, and/or stains. These vehicles will require repairs inside and out to varying degrees.
R – The car has accident history and the damage may or may have not been repaired. Like grade 3.5, the range of condition is very wide. We recommend getting an inspection. The inspectors will be able to tell us where and how severe the damage is. This is a grade often associated with drift and rally cars.
2 – The vehicle has corrosion holes.
*** / 0 /Blank Grade – Any of these marks indicates one or more of the following: 1. The vehicle has not been inspected by the auction house 2. The vehicle has been in a major accident 3. The vehicle is not running. 4. No Claim, buy as is.
Some of the potential reasons:
The vehicle is simply too old to confirm.
The seller chose this way of listing as it is cheapest
Accident (if the photos were taken outside, more likely)
Non-runner (if the photos were taken outside, more likely)
No time to check the vehicle prior to auction start
Modification of some kind that can`t be confirmed.
Flooded car
# / $ / * – Mileage not confirmed. If any of these symbols shows beside the listed mileage, then the auction house is not confirming the vehicle’s mileage.
This could be due to an odometer swap, 5 digit odometer or simply because it is very old.
Many vehicles with unconfirmed mileage have accurate clocks, it is just an auction formality. Please have us confirm for you.
Please send us any links you would like translated to info@sushicars.com
Exterior / Interior
These grades are often written below the overall auction grade on the sheets.
The grades are given 5 through 1, and A through E, with 5 and A being the best condition. Some auction houses use 1-5 some use A-E.
Common Auction Sheet Abbreviations (this is not regulated and should be confirmed prior to purchase if unsure)
AC – Air conditioner
FA/AT – Automatic transmission
F5 – Manual (5-speed) transmission
PS – Power steering
SR – Sunroof
AW – Alloy wheels
AAC – Climate control air conditioner
CA – Column automatic transmission
F6 – Manual (6-speed) transmission
PW – Power windows
TV – Television
カワ・革 – Leather seats
エアB – Airbag
E3 – Some dents which are barely visible.
U1 – A dent which is the size of a thumb.
U2 – A dent which is the size of a palm.
U3 – A dent which is more than size U2.
Y1 – A tear which is the size of a thumb.
Y2 – A tear which is the size of a palm.
Y3 – A tear which is more than size Y2.
W1 – A panel which has been repaired slightly, and is in good condition.
W2 – A panel which has been repaired slightly, and has a slightly wave.
W3 – A panel which has been repaired slightly, and has a conspicuous wave.
S1 – Rust which is the size of a fist.
S2 – Rust which is more than size S1.
C1 – Major rust corrosion which is the size of a fist.
C2 – Major rust corrosion which is more than size C1.
X – A panel which needs to be replaced.
XX – A panel which has been replaced.
Conclusion
Your buying experience is unique to you. We suggest looking for cars which are grade 3 to 4 and exploring grade 4.5/5 as they come up. A grade 5 however may fetch 5-15 times more than a grade 3.5 car, especially with enthusiast or rare cars.
Looking at a typical Honda Vamos or Suzuki Every Kei van, a grade 3.5 can typically have minor issues addressed over time or at our office in Japan, but will be a good drivable base and have a purchase price of around $1,000 plus fees. In contrast, a grade 5 may cost $5,000-$9,000 plus fees.
In a market where a grade 3.5 is available for $1,500 or so, there would be little/no point in purchasing a grade 2 car with confirmed rust holes unless the use of the car is parts only.
Most customers will never see a grade 6 car outside Japan as roughly only .003% of cars through auction meet this strict criteria.
All inspections are performed by humans, which can leave room for error. It is important to note as a customer than genuine mistakes can happen, and purchasing a car is no promise of future reliability or condition as with any auction. This is something which is universal to almost any car purchase, but is essential to remind yourself of prior to shopping.
Sushicars.com Team
CARSENSOR/BEFORWARD
CONDITION
SHEETS
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