Japanese Car Auction Grades Explained — How to Read an Auction Sheet

Japan's domestic used-vehicle auction network — which includes USS (Used Car System of Japan), TAA (Toyota Automobile Auction), JU (Japan Used Motor Vehicle Dealers Association network), and several others — uses a standardized vehicle condition grading system applied at inspection before each auction. The grade is assigned by a professional inspector employed by the auction house and is documented on an auction inspection sheet (also called an auction sheet or 査定書, satei-sho). The auction sheet accompanies the vehicle through its sale and is provided to export buyers as evidence of the vehicle's condition at time of auction.

The numerical grade scale runs from Grade S (pristine, like-new condition) through Grade 5 (excellent), Grade 4.5, Grade 4 (very good), Grade 3.5, Grade 3 (good — moderate wear), Grade 2 (repairs needed or accident history), to Grade 1 (major damage, salvage-level). Most JDM exports to overseas buyers originate from Grade 3 through Grade 4.5; Grade 5 and S vehicles are rare, typically commanded by very-low-mileage specimens, and priced accordingly. Grades 1 and 2 are generally not considered suitable for export unless the buyer is acquiring the vehicle specifically for parts or a complete restoration.

The grading is the inspector's assessment at time of auction. It is not independently verified, and condition can change during transport. Overseas buyers should request the full auction sheet rather than relying on a summary grade.

Interior condition is graded separately from exterior on a letter scale: Grade A (clean, no significant wear), Grade B (some wear, minor staining), Grade C (heavy wear, tears, or staining requiring attention), Grade D (poor condition, significant damage). The interior grade is independent of the exterior/overall grade — a vehicle can carry a Grade 4 exterior rating alongside a Grade C interior, which is a relevant difference for buyers purchasing vehicles for daily use. The auction sheet will also note the presence or absence of specific items: navigation unit, spare tire, floor mats, and whether the radio or other components are included.

The auction sheet includes a top-view diagram of the vehicle with annotated symbols indicating the type and location of each exterior defect. The standard JEVIC/USS symbol set uses: A (dent, large), B (dent, small), C (scratch), D (crease/distortion), E (rust), F (stone chips/light scratches), G (glass chip or crack), X (corrosion through or panel replacement), XX (significant structural damage). Numbers accompanying the symbols indicate severity (1 = light, 2 = moderate, 3 = significant, 4 = major). A vehicle with A1 on a door has a minor dent on that panel; a vehicle with X on a rear quarter has had that panel replaced, which may indicate prior collision repair. Any XX notation indicates structural concerns and typically places the vehicle in Grade 2 or below.

The auction sheet records the odometer reading at time of inspection. Japan's tamper-detection framework (administered by MLIT and audited by JEVIC) maintains a mileage history database for vehicles registered in Japan; inspectors can flag suspected rollbacks. However, the auction sheet mileage reflects the reading on the day of inspection and cannot guarantee the vehicle's full odometer history if multiple private sales occurred before auction entry. For high-value purchases, overseas buyers should request a JEVIC export inspection certificate, which includes an independent mileage check against MLIT records.