A Japanese auction sheet contains a wealth of information about a vehicle's condition, history and specifications. This guide decodes every section so you can make confident buying decisions.
The auction sheet (also called a "condition report" or "inspection report") is one of the most important documents you will encounter when buying a Japanese used vehicle. Issued by independent inspectors at the auction house, it provides a standardised, objective assessment of the vehicle at the time of inspection. Understanding it is essential to buying with confidence.
Overview: The Standard Auction Sheet Layout
Most Japanese auction sheets follow a similar structure regardless of the auction house (USS, JU, TAA, AUCNET, etc.):
- Top section: Vehicle identification — make, model, year, grade, engine size, fuel type, transmission
- Middle section: Body diagram with damage location codes marked
- Lower section: Interior and mechanical grades, odometer reading, key counts, service book notes
Understanding the Grade System
The overall grade (外装 / Exterior) is shown prominently at the top. A separate interior grade (内装 / Interior) is shown alongside it. Common grades:
- A: No odometer tampering detected
- *** (Three stars): Non-runner — does not start or has major mechanical issues
- RA: Repaired/rebuilt after accident — structurally repaired
Damage Codes on the Body Diagram
The body diagram shows a top-down and side outline of the vehicle with numbered marks indicating damage locations. Common codes include:
- A1, A2, A3: Scratch (light to heavy)
- B1, B2, B3: Dent (small to large)
- C1, C2, C3: Crease/fold mark
- U1, U2, U3: Wave/undulation in panel
- E: Corrosion/rust
- P: Peeling paint
- X: Panel needs replacement
- XX: Panel already replaced
- W: Panel has been repaired/filled (Bondofiller repair)
Interior Grade Codes
Interior condition is graded separately, typically A (excellent) through D (very poor), with additional notes for:
- Seat condition: Tears, stains, burns
- Odour: Smoke (タバコ), pet, mould
- Dashboard/trim cracks or damage
Key Fields to Always Check
- Odometer reading — verify against the grade; unusually low mileage on an older vehicle warrants scrutiny
- Shaken (vehicle inspection) expiry — indicates how recently the vehicle passed Japan's mandatory roadworthy test
- Number of keys — missing a key can be costly to replace for modern push-button start vehicles
- RA marking — avoid unless you specifically understand and accept the repair history
- E (rust) codes — particularly important for vehicles destined for humid climates
At Asawa Japan, every vehicle we source comes with its full original auction sheet, and our team can help you interpret any marks or codes before you commit to a purchase.
