Every Japanese auction sheet carries a grade — a number or letter assigned by a licensed Japanese inspector after a physical examination of the vehicle. Understanding these grades is essential for any buyer of a Japanese import car.
The Complete Grade Scale
| Grade | Meaning | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| S | Brand New / Showroom | Virtually unused. Extremely rare at auction. |
| 6 | Near New | Very low mileage, no damage. Often ex-dealer or lease return. |
| 5 | Excellent | Minor wear only, no accident history. Best practical grade. |
| 4.5 | Very Good | Small scratches or dents, no accident history. |
| 4 | Good | Some exterior wear, no significant damage history. |
| 3.5 | Above Average | Noticeable wear, possible minor repairs. |
| 3 | Average | Visible wear and possible minor accident history. |
| 2 | Below Average | Significant wear or damage. |
| 1 | Poor | Heavy damage or wear. Parts car or project only. |
| R | Repaired | Repaired after accident. No airbag deployment. |
| RA | Repaired + Airbag | Repaired after serious accident. Airbags deployed. |
| 0 / — | Ungraded / Unknown | Inspector could not grade. Treat with caution. |
S Grade — What It Really Means
An S grade car is essentially brand new — often a display vehicle, a cancelled order, or a car with only delivery mileage. These are extremely rare at auction and command premium prices. If you see an S grade car at an unusually low price, verify the auction sheet immediately — it may be a data error or fraud.
Grade 6 — Near New
Grade 6 is the sweet spot for buyers who want near-perfect condition without the S-grade premium. These are typically low-mileage vehicles with no damage history. A grade 6 car with 10,000–30,000km is among the best used Japanese imports available.
Grade 5 — The Most Popular Grade
Grade 5 is the most common target grade for serious buyers. It means the car is in excellent condition with only minor cosmetic wear — no accident history, no significant damage. The majority of well-maintained Japanese cars fall into grade 4.5 to 5 range.
Buying tip: Grade 4.5 or 5 with verified auction sheet is the standard recommendation for private buyers importing from Japan. It balances condition, availability and price.
Grades 3 to 4 — Good Value, More Risk
Grades 3 to 4 can offer good value if you know what you are buying. The key is to examine the damage diagram carefully. A grade 3 car with only minor scratches on the doors may be better value than a grade 4 car with a repaired bumper.
How Grades Are Assigned
Japanese auction grades are assigned by licensed inspectors employed by the auction house — not by the seller. The inspector physically examines the vehicle and marks every scratch, dent, stain and repair on the damage diagram. This process takes around 15–20 minutes per car and follows standardised rules across all major auction houses.
Why this matters: Because the grade is assigned by an independent inspector — not the seller — it is one of the most reliable indicators of a vehicle's condition available anywhere in the used car market.
Interior Grades
Auction sheets also carry a separate interior grade, usually shown as A, B, C or D:
- A — Excellent interior, no stains or damage
- B — Good interior, minor wear
- C — Visible wear, possible staining
- D — Poor interior condition
What Grade Should You Target?
For most buyers: Grade 4 or higher, no R or RA. This means a car with no accident history and acceptable condition for the price point. Always verify the actual auction sheet rather than relying on a seller's claim about the grade — grades can be misrepresented, but the original auction record cannot be faked.
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