Japanese auction sheets use a comprehensive set of damage codes. U, W, E, P and C marks cover a range of conditions from panel waves and water entry to paint issues and corrosion. Here is a complete guide to what each code means.
U Marks — Wave / Panel Distortion
U marks indicate a wave or ripple in the panel surface — typically caused by a previous repair that was not done perfectly, or by impact damage that deformed the panel without creating a visible dent.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| U1 | Slight wave — visible only under certain light angles |
| U2 | Noticeable wave — visible in normal light |
| U3 | Severe wave — clearly visible panel distortion |
| U4 | Major distortion — significant structural deformation |
U marks and previous repairs: U marks on repaired panels often indicate the repair was done with filler rather than proper panel beating. U4 marks suggest serious previous accident damage.
W Marks — Repairs / Previous Work
W marks indicate a panel that has had previous repair work. The number reflects the quality and extent:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| W1 | Minor repair — small filler or touch-up work |
| W2 | Moderate repair — visible repair work, panel straightened |
| W3 | Major repair — significant panel repair or replacement |
W marks are common on cars that have been in minor accidents. Unlike R grade (which indicates the overall car was repaired after a serious accident), W marks can appear on cars of any grade where a single panel had work done.
E Marks — Engine or Mechanical Issues
E marks on a Japanese auction sheet indicate a problem noted in the engine bay or mechanical systems. These are among the most important marks to check:
- E1 — Minor engine bay issue — oil seep, minor leak, cosmetic
- E2 — Moderate mechanical issue — requires attention
- E3 — Significant mechanical problem — repair needed before use
E3 marks are serious: An E3 mark means the inspector noted a significant mechanical problem. Do not purchase a car with an E3 mark without understanding exactly what it is and the cost to repair it.
P Marks — Paint Issues
P marks indicate paint-related issues beyond standard scratches:
- P1 — Minor paint defect — small area of poor finish
- P2 — Moderate paint issue — visible colour mismatch or respray visible
- P3 — Major paint issue — significant respray, large area of paint damage
Multiple P marks across different panels can indicate a car that has had extensive bodywork done — which may not be visible from a standard inspection but is recorded by the auction inspector.
C Marks — Corrosion (Specific)
C marks indicate specific corrosion issues, often used alongside X marks. The C code is sometimes used to indicate corrosion in areas not covered by the standard damage diagram positions:
- C1 — Light corrosion in isolated area
- C2 — Moderate corrosion — treatment required
- C3 — Severe corrosion — structural assessment required
C and X together: When you see both C and X marks near each other on the diagram, this indicates a more widespread corrosion problem than either mark alone suggests. Take this seriously on older vehicles.
How to Use This Information
When reviewing an auction sheet with U, W, E, P or C marks:
- Note the exact location on the damage diagram
- Cross-reference with the overall grade — multiple W marks on a grade 4 car suggest more work was done than the grade implies
- For E marks, always request an English translation of the inspector notes to understand exactly what mechanical issue was observed
- Factor repair costs into your buying decision before making any offer
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