Auction Sheet Guide & Tips

Auction Sheet Red Flags 7 Symbols That Should Scare Buyers Away

Auction Sheet Red Flags: 7 Symbols That Should Scare Buyers Away

When checking Japanese reports, watch for these auction sheet red flags: “W” (flood damage) means wet electrical problems, “R/RA” (major repairs) signals crash damage, and “XX” (replaced parts) often hides bad accidents. The “*” by mileage warns of possible odometer fraud, while “U” (dents) and “S” (rust) reveal structural issues. “K” marks mean shoddy repairs. These symbols are red flags – cars with them often become money pits. Always […]

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Truth About 'Grade Inflation' in Japanese Auctions

Truth About ‘Grade Inflation’ in Japanese Auctions

Grade inflation happens when dealers make a car’s condition appear better than its original auction grade. At Japanese auctions, professional inspectors assign honest grades (like 3.5 or R for repaired), but some dealers later ‘improve’ these ratings by cleaning superficial flaws while hiding deeper issues. They might buff out scratches to upgrade a 3.5 to

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Auction Sheet Expiration: How Long Are Japanese Auction Reports Valid?

Auction Sheet Expiration: How Long Are Japanese Auction Reports Valid?

Japanese auction sheets don’t technically expire, but their reliability depends on how much time has passed. While the original auction report remains valid as a historical record, its accuracy decreases as the car gets older or undergoes changes. For recent purchases, sheets under 6 months old are most trustworthy, while those over 1 year may

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Japanese Lease Return Cars at Auction: Better or Worse Deals?

Japanese Lease Return Cars at Auction: Better or Worse Deals?

Japanese lease return cars at auction can be good deals because they usually have low mileage, full service history, and gentle use – often costing 30-50% less than new cars. But be careful: some might have hidden repairs, worn tires/batteries, or temporary fixes made just to pass inspection. Always check the auction sheet carefully, smell

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Dark Side of 'New Arrival' Auction Listings What They Don't Tell You

New Arrival Cars at Japanese Auctions: Hidden Risks You Must Check

“New Arrival” cars at Japanese auctions aren’t always as good as they seem—some have hidden damage, fake mileage, or were rejected at other auctions. Always check the auction sheet for repair codes (like R or XX), verify the car’s full history, and compare photos with the report to avoid scams. Don’t trust the “New Arrival”

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Hidden Costs in Japanese Car Imports: What Buyers Need to Know Before Making a Purchase

Hidden Costs in Japanese Car Imports: What Buyers Need to Know Before Making a Purchase

Buying a car from Japan can be exciting, but many buyers lose money because of hidden costs. Some dealers and agents trick buyers by adding extra charges. If you don’t check carefully, you might pay much more than the real price. This guide will explain all the secret costs when importing a Japanese car. Learn how to avoid

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Repainted Japanese Cars How Auction Records Can Help Expose Hidden Issues

Repainted Japanese Cars: How Auction Records Can Help Expose Hidden Issues

When someone buys a car, they want it to be clean, honest, and safe. But some cars look good from the outside and still have hidden problems inside. One big problem is repainted Japanese cars—cars that have been changed to look new. These cars may have had accidents. Some may even be badly damaged before.

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Counterfeit or Stolen Japanese Cars How to Verify Authenticity and Avoid Legal Issues

Counterfeit or Stolen Japanese Cars: How to Verify Authenticity and Avoid Legal Issues

Buying a car from Japan can be exciting. Many people love Japanese cars because they are strong, reliable, and full of features. But there is a problem you should be careful about: some cars are fake or even stolen. These are called counterfeit or stolen cars. Let’s understand how to stay safe and not get

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