One of the most powerful ways to use an auction sheet is to compare the original photos from Japan against the photos a dealer or seller provides. Mismatches reveal more than words ever could.
Why Comparison Matters
Auction photos are taken at the time of auction by auction house staff — they have no incentive to hide damage. Dealer photos are taken after the vehicle has been prepared for sale and have every incentive to show the vehicle in its best light. When these two sets of photos tell different stories, something happened in between.
What to Compare
Panel Colour and Finish
Compare the colour of each panel in the auction photos against the dealer photos. If a door panel that was original colour in Japan appears slightly different shade in the dealer photos, it has been resprayed. Colour mismatches are very hard to spot in person but obvious when comparing photos side by side.
Damage Locations
The auction sheet damage diagram shows exactly which panels had marks. Look at those specific panels in both sets of photos. If a panel that had an A3 or W2 mark in Japan now appears perfect, it was repaired between auction and sale — which is fine, but should be disclosed and reflected in the price.
Panel Gaps and Alignment
Compare panel gaps in auction photos against current state. Gaps that have changed — door gaps that were even and are now uneven, or a bonnet that sits differently — indicate repair or replacement work that changed the panel fitment.
Trim and Accessories
Items visible in auction photos but absent in dealer photos — or vice versa — indicate parts were removed, replaced, or added. Missing original trim is sometimes replaced with lower-quality aftermarket parts.
The Chassis Number Cross-Check
The most important comparison of all: verify that the chassis number visible in the auction photos matches the chassis plate on the physical vehicle. This confirms you are looking at the same car. If a seller cannot produce a photo of the chassis plate on the physical car, be very cautious.
When Differences Are Not Problems
Not every difference between auction photos and current state is a problem. Normal and acceptable differences include:
- Cleaned and polished bodywork (auction cars are not always clean)
- New tyres fitted after import
- Service work completed — oil changes, filter replacements
- Aftermarket accessories added by the importer (floor mats, etc.)
The key is whether the differences are disclosed. A dealer who has repaired a W2 mark on the bonnet and tells you about it is acting honestly. A dealer who presents the car as undamaged when the auction sheet shows W marks is not.
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