A Japanese auction sheet contains more information than most buyers realise — if you know how to read it. This guide covers sheet formats across different auction houses, the meaning of every section, interior grades, and the full damage code system.
Auction Sheet Formats
While the information on auction sheets is standardised, the visual layout varies between auction houses. The three most common formats are:
- Vertical format — used by USS and many major houses; vehicle diagram in the centre with damage marks around it
- Horizontal format — used by some regional houses; vehicle shown from multiple angles horizontally
- Digital format — increasingly common; structured data layout with separate photo gallery
Despite visual differences, all formats contain the same core information: grade, mileage, chassis number, equipment list, and damage marks.
The Main Sections of an Auction Sheet
Vehicle Information Section
Located at the top of every auction sheet:
- Make and model
- Year of manufacture
- Chassis number (vehicle identification)
- Engine displacement
- Transmission type
- Colour code
- Auction date
Condition Grade
The headline grade — S, 6, 5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2, 1, R, or RA — assigned by the inspector after physical examination. This is the most important single number on the sheet.
Mileage / Odometer Reading
The odometer reading at the time of auction, recorded and verified by the inspector. This is the most reliable mileage figure available for any Japanese import vehicle.
Interior Grade
A separate grade for interior condition:
| Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A | Excellent — no visible wear, staining or damage |
| B | Good — minor wear, small marks |
| C | Average — visible wear, possible staining |
| D | Poor — heavy wear, significant staining or damage |
It is common for a vehicle to have a higher exterior grade than interior grade — many Japanese drivers maintained bodywork carefully but used vehicles intensively inside.
Damage Diagram
The vehicle outline showing all damage marks by location. Each mark consists of a letter code (A, B, U, W, X, Y, S, H, E, P, C, R) and a severity number (1, 2, or 3). The location on the diagram tells you exactly which panel is affected.
Equipment List
All factory and aftermarket equipment noted by the inspector — navigation system, sunroof, alloy wheels, keyless entry, reverse camera, and so on. This section is in Japanese and requires translation to use fully.
Inspector Notes
Handwritten or typed notes from the inspector about anything not covered by the standard codes. This section often contains the most important information — notes about engine issues, unusual smells, electrical faults, or recent repairs that do not fit neatly into the standard code system.
Always translate inspector notes: Inspector notes are written in Japanese and are frequently where significant issues are described. A JP Sheet translation ensures you do not miss critical information in this section.
Common Abbreviations in Equipment Lists
- A/C — Air conditioning
- HID / LED — Headlight type
- ETC — Electronic toll collection (road pricing device)
- TV / NAV — Television / Navigation system
- PW — Power windows
- PS — Power steering
- ABS — Anti-lock braking system
- SRS — Supplemental restraint system (airbags)
How to Read the Damage Diagram Correctly
- Identify each mark on the diagram
- Note the letter code (what type of damage) and number (severity 1–3)
- Note the location (which panel)
- Consider whether marks cluster around one area — multiple marks in the same area suggest a more significant incident than any individual mark implies
- For R or RA grades, cross-reference the damage marks with the grade to understand what was repaired
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