Interior and Exterior Grades on Japanese Auction Sheets: A B C D E Explained

⚡ Quick answer

Every Japanese auction sheet shows two separate grades: an exterior grade (S, 6, 5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2, 1, R or RA) that rates overall vehicle condition, and an interior grade (A, B, C, D or E) that rates only the cabin. They are assessed independently by the same licensed inspector — so a car can have a clean exterior with a worn interior, and the combination tells you the real-world usage history that neither grade alone reveals.

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Reviewed by Japan auction desk specialists. Every claim in this guide has been verified by JP Sheet's senior verification team — auction professionals who read Japanese auction sheets every working day. We update this page when grading practices change at any major Japanese auction house.

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Key takeaways

Auction sheets show two grades, not one — exterior and interior — and they are assessed independently.
Exterior grades run from S (showroom) down to R / RA (accident-repaired). Grade 4.5 is the most common at auction.
Interior grades run A → E. Most buyers will encounter A, B, C and D. Grade E is rare and almost always signals salvage.
A dash (—) in the grade box is not "no grade" — it means undeclared damage. Treat it like R-grade.
The grade combination matters more than either grade alone — 4.5 / B is the most common sweet spot.
The Japanese term 修復歴 records accident history separately from the grade — 修復歴有 = declared accident, 修復歴無 = no accident.

Most import buyers read only the headline grade on a Japanese auction sheet. They check whether it says 4.5 or 4, and stop.

They miss the second grade entirely, even though it sits right next to the first. This guide focuses on those two grades — the exterior grade and the interior grade — and how to read them together to understand the car's true history.

For the rest of the auction sheet — damage diagram codes, equipment list, inspector notes, mileage stars and auction-house formats — see our sister guides linked throughout.

This article is dedicated to one job: helping you decode the two grades on any Japanese auction sheet. It applies to sheets from USS, TAA, HAA, JU, CAA, NAA, JAA, LAA, Aucnet or any other major Japanese auction house.

Why does a Japanese auction sheet have two grades, not one?

When a Japanese auction inspector evaluates a vehicle, they assess it as two separate things. The bodywork, mechanical presentation and accident history get one grade — the exterior grade.

The cabin condition gets a completely separate grade — the interior grade. Both grades are recorded on the same sheet, side by side.

This makes sense once you understand Japanese vehicle usage patterns. A typical Japanese private owner often keeps the body of the car in pristine condition through regular washing, garaged parking and careful handling.

Meanwhile the cabin sees the wear of daily commuting, child seats, food spills, sunlight on the dashboard and steering wheel grip wear. The reverse can also happen — a body-shop touch-up can lift the exterior grade on an otherwise low-use vehicle.

Figure 1 · Where the two grades appear on a typical Japanese auction sheet (USS format shown). The exterior grade is the largest visual element. The interior grade sits just below it. The 修復歴 accident history field is recorded separately.

Reading both grades together reveals the usage history that neither grade alone shows. The same 2018 Toyota Vellfire could be exterior 4.5 / interior A — a garaged grandparent's car. Or it could be exterior 4.5 / interior D — a taxi or ride-share vehicle.

The exterior grade is identical in both cases. The buying decision is completely different.

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From our auction desk

We verify thousands of sheets every month and a pattern shows up regularly: buyers walking past Grade 4.5 / Interior D vehicles because the interior letter looks weak. In our experience these are often well-maintained ride-share or commercial-fleet cars where the owner kept the engine and mechanicals perfect while the cabin wore down from long-distance use. The interior D usually represents 150,000+ km of careful driving, not neglect. Verify mechanically before walking away.

What do the exterior grades S through R actually mean?

The exterior condition grade is assigned by a licensed Japan Auto Auction Appraiser Association (JAAA) inspector. The grade is given after a hands-on physical examination of the vehicle.

It runs from S (exceptional) through numerical grades down to R and RA (accident-repaired). Here is the full scale at a glance:

Grade	Condition	What it indicates
S	Showroom perfect	No marks, no wear, essentially new. Usually less than 5,000 km. Extremely rare on used cars.
6	Near-new	Maximum 1–2 tiny marks. Very low mileage, garaged, minimal use.
5	Excellent used	A few minor marks, no structural issues, no accident history. The best private-buyer grade.
4.5	Good used	Several minor marks, all cosmetic. The most common grade at Japanese auctions.
4	Average used	Noticeable marks across body. May need cosmetic attention on arrival.
3.5	Below average	Multiple significant marks. Cosmetic work needed before retail resale.
3	Poor cosmetic condition	Extensive marks across many panels. Significant cosmetic investment required.
2 / 1	Very poor / heavily modified	Rare grades. Grade 1 indicates heavy aftermarket modification rather than damage.
R	Repaired — accident history	Accident-repaired. Airbags did not deploy. 修復歴有 declared.
RA	Repaired — airbags deployed	Serious accident, airbags fired, then repaired. Structural risk present.
—	Undeclared damage (the dash trap)	A dash where the grade should be is not "no grade" — it signals undeclared damage. Treat like R-grade.

↗ Go deeper on exterior grades

For the full deep-dive on each exterior grade — what each one looks like in real photos, typical pricing impact and country-specific resale tolerances — see Japanese auction grades S, 5, 4, R and RA explained and R grade vs RA grade in detail.

The dash "—" trap catches more first-time buyers than any other element on a Japanese auction sheet. A dash in the grade box never means "no grade was assigned." It means the inspector found undeclared damage but chose not to formally grade it. Always treat a dash exactly like R-grade and ask for full disclosure of what was found.

What do the interior grades A through E actually mean?

The interior grade is one of the most underused sections of a Japanese auction sheet. It is assessed and recorded separately from the exterior grade by the same inspector.

The interior grade covers everything inside the cabin: seats (fabric, half-leather or leather), carpet and floor mats, headlining, dashboard and instrument cluster surround, door cards and trims, centre console, and any steering wheel or gear knob wear.

The five-step scale runs from A (excellent) through E (severe damage). The vast majority of vehicles you will see at auction fall between A and D.

Excellent interior

Seats: No visible wear, staining or damage. Fabric or leather intact.

Carpet: Clean, no staining, no wear patches.

Dashboard: No cracks, no UV fading, all trims intact.

Typical mileage: Usually under 50,000 km. Low-use vehicle.

Resale impact: Maximum interior value — commands premium.

Good interior

Seats: Minor wear consistent with normal use. No significant staining.

Carpet: Light wear on driver's footwell. Minor marks.

Dashboard: Intact, possibly minor trim scuffs.

Typical mileage: 50,000–100,000 km. Normal private use.

Resale impact: Good — most buyers accept B interior without concern.

Average interior

Seats: Visible wear, possible staining on fabric. Leather may have creasing.

Carpet: Noticeable wear patches, possible staining.

Dashboard: Possible minor cracks, trim wear, UV fading on plastics.

Typical mileage: 100,000 km+. Heavy daily use.

Resale impact: Reduces retail value. Factor seat/carpet cleaning or replacement.

Poor interior

Seats: Heavy wear, significant staining, tears, or damage to upholstery.

Carpet: Heavy wear, staining, or damage. May smell.

Dashboard: Cracks, broken trims, faded plastics.

Typical mileage: High mileage or commercial/taxi use.

Resale impact: Significant. Full interior refurbishment needed for retail.

Severe interior damage

Condition: Extensive damage throughout the cabin — torn seats, broken trims, missing components.

Typical context: Heavily commercial vehicles, accident-damaged stock, or salvage-tier inventory.

Resale impact: Major. Full interior strip and refit usually required.

Buying advice: Grade E is rare on mainstream auction stock. When you see it, treat it as a clear walk-away signal unless you are specifically buying for parts or rebuild.

How do you read the two grades together?

The most powerful way to read a Japanese auction sheet is to look at the two grades together. Neither grade alone tells the full story.

The matrix below maps every realistic combination of exterior grade and interior grade to a typical usage profile and buying verdict:

Ext ↓ / Int →	A	B	C	D	E
5 / 6 / S	Rare gem	Strong buy	Body queen	Body queen+	Walk away
4.5	Premium	Sweet spot	Refurb cabin	Commercial	Walk away
4	Garaged	Value buy	Daily driver	Fleet/taxi	Walk away
3.5 / 3	Surprise	Project	Project	Parts	Parts
R / RA	Disclose	Disclose	Avoid	Avoid	Avoid

The colour zones in the matrix work as a quick mental triage. Once you internalise the matrix you can scan any auction sheet in seconds:

Green cells — strong buys for most import markets. Look here first.
Blue cells — solid value, often the best price-to-condition ratio.
Yellow cells — workable with eyes open. Read the damage diagram carefully.
Orange cells — disclose to onward buyer. Mostly R-grade with redeeming features.
Red cells — walk away unless you specifically want parts, salvage or a rebuild project.

What are the six most common grade combinations on Japanese auction sheets?

These six combinations cover the majority of cars on Japanese auction sheets. Recognising them on sight is the fastest way to triage listings before deeper analysis.

5 / A

Premium tier

Excellent exterior with excellent interior — typically low-mileage, garaged, one-owner. Commands a premium. Often ex-demo or careful retiree-owned.

5 / B

Classic sweet spot

The classic well-maintained private car. Excellent exterior with normal-use interior wear. Best overall value combination for most import markets.

4.5 / B

Most common at auction

Good exterior with normal-use interior. The single most common combination on Japanese auction sheets. Reliable choice — strong resale demand worldwide.

4.5 / A

Garaged jewel

Good exterior with excellent interior — usually a low-mileage, garaged car. Look for very low km. Commands the strongest interior-driven resale price.

4.5 / C

Body queen, worn cabin

Body kept clean but cabin shows heavy use. Common on long-distance commuters. Mechanically often well-maintained. Budget for an interior refresh.

4 / D

Commercial-use signal

Likely a taxi, rental, ride-share or fleet vehicle. Often well-serviced mechanically. Disclose to onward buyer. Price accordingly with cosmetic budget.

Interior D with a clean exterior is a buying signal, not always a dealbreaker. A Grade 4.5 / D often means the owner kept the engine and mechanicals perfect while the cabin wore out — common with high-distance Japanese drivers. Price accordingly, budget for a full interior clean, and you can find real value where others see a problem.

Which Japanese terms affect how you read the grade?

Two Japanese terms appear next to the grade on every Japanese auction sheet. They directly affect how you read the grade.

Understanding these two terms turns your grade reading from rough to accurate. They are often the missing piece that explains an unusual grade combination.

修復歴

Shūfukureki — Accident repair history

Followed by either 有 (yes — declared accident) or 無 (no accident). A car marked 修復歴有 has formal accident history and corresponds to R or RA grade. 修復歴無 means no recorded accident and is consistent with grades 3 through S. This field is the formal accident disclosure separate from the headline grade.

車歴

Sharireki — Vehicle history / use category

Records how the car was used. 自家用 = private use (best provenance). 業務用 = business use. 代車 = dealer loaner. 試乗車 = test drive vehicle. レンタ = rental car (must be disclosed to onward buyer). The vehicle history field explains why an exterior 4 / interior D car might be a fleet vehicle rather than a neglected private one.

Always cross-check the headline grade against 修復歴. An exterior grade of 4.5 should pair with 修復歴無. If the grade is 4.5 but 修復歴 shows 有, something is inconsistent — request clarification before bidding. Reputable Japanese auctions like USS rarely have inconsistencies, but smaller regional houses sometimes do.

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From our auction desk

We see grade-vs-修復歴 mismatches roughly two to three times each month. Most are honest regional auction misclassifications and clear up after a quick re-check with the auction house. But occasionally the mismatch is real and points to a sheet that downplays accident history. When the grade is 4.5 but 修復歴 shows 有, the safest move is to assume R-grade-level disclosure obligations to your onward buyer.

How do auction experts read the two grades on a real sheet?

Here is how an experienced reader processes the two grades on a real Japanese auction sheet. We will use a 2018 Toyota Vellfire as the example.

We are looking only at the grades and what they tell us. For the rest of the sheet — damage codes, equipment, mileage stars — see the sister guides.

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2018 Toyota Vellfire — USS Tokyo, March 2026

Year: 平成30年 (2018)

Mileage: 68,500 km

Exterior grade: 4.5

Interior grade: B

修復歴: 無 (no accident)

車歴: 自家用 (private use)

Step 1 — read each grade. Exterior 4.5 puts the car in the "good used" band, with several minor cosmetic marks. Interior B puts the cabin in the "good" band, with normal-use wear consistent with private use.

Step 2 — check for a dash. No dash in either grade box — both grades are formally assigned. No dash trap to worry about.

Step 3 — look up the combination. 4.5 / B sits squarely in the green "sweet spot" cell of the combination matrix. The most common and most desirable combination on Japanese auction sheets.

Step 4 — verify 修復歴 and 車歴. 修復歴無 confirms no declared accident history — consistent with the 4.5 grade. 車歴自家用 confirms private use — consistent with the interior B wear pattern. The story holds together.

Step 5 — sanity check against mileage. 68,500 km over 8 years = 8,560 km/year. Squarely in the Japanese private-use band (8,000–10,000 km/year average). The grade combination, the accident history, the use category and the mileage all tell the same consistent story: a well-kept private family vehicle.

Grade verdict. A textbook 4.5 / B private-use Vellfire — strong buy from a grade-reading perspective. Now you would move on to the damage diagram, equipment list, inspector notes and pricing analysis. But the grades alone tell you this is a car worth investigating further.

↗ Reading the rest of the sheet

For the damage diagram codes, see our guides on A and B marks, U, W, E, P and C marks and X, Y, S and H marks. For mileage doubt stars, see mileage stars and repair marks. For inspector notes and equipment lists, see how to translate a Japanese auction sheet.

How does the grade combination matter for different import countries?

The same grade combination has different implications depending on the destination market. Local regulations, climate, consumer expectations and resale conditions all weight the grades differently.

Here is how to read the grade combination if you are importing into our most-served markets:

🇵🇰Pakistan

Resale-driven market — interior grade matters more than exterior. Aim for interior A or B. R-grade vehicles face resale penalty. Strict 3-year import age rule applies regardless of grade.

🇰🇪Kenya

8-year age limit. Buyers tolerate interior C if exterior is 4.5 or above. R-grade cars need full disclosure for resale. Climate favours strong interior grades.

🇦🇪UAE

Heat damages weaker interiors faster — interior B or above preferred. LHD market. GCC spec preferred but JDM imports accepted with conformity testing.

🇬🇧UK

RHD market — fully compatible. Wide grade tolerance. R-grade must be disclosed under Consumer Rights Act. IVA test required on entry.

🇱🇰Sri Lanka

Hybrid-focused market. Interior B or above is the standard buyer expectation. Strict customs valuation against hammer price.

🇧🇩Bangladesh

5-year age limit. Interior C acceptable for most buyers. Grade R common in market but disclosure mandatory.

🇳🇬Nigeria

15-year age limit. Wider grade tolerance overall. R / RA more accepted but disclosure essential. Diesel and large SUV demand strong.

🇳🇿New Zealand

Border inspection mandatory on arrival. R-grade requires structural certification. Interior C+ standard expectation.

Whichever country you are importing into, the grade combination matters more than either grade alone. A Grade 4 / Interior B car priced fairly is often a better real-world buy than a Grade 4.5 / Interior D car priced as a "good grade" import — because resale buyers see the cabin first when they open the door.

Verify any Japanese auction sheet — including the two grades

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What are the most common mistakes when reading the grades?

The grade-reading pitfalls our verification team sees most often

Reading only the exterior grade

Interior C, D or E significantly affects resale value in most markets. Always read both grades together — the combination is more informative than either grade alone.

Misreading the dash "—" as "no grade"

A dash where the grade should be means undeclared damage. It never means "no grade was recorded." Treat any dash exactly like an R-grade vehicle and ask for disclosure.

Ignoring 修復歴 status

The 修復歴 field is the formal accident disclosure separate from the headline grade. 有 = declared accident. 無 = no accident. Always confirm it matches the exterior grade — a mismatch is a red flag.

Assuming interior grade scale is A through D only

The scale runs A, B, C, D, E. Grade E is rare but exists and signals severe interior damage — usually commercial-use or salvage stock. When you see Grade E, treat it as a clear walk-away signal.

Treating interior D as automatic rejection

Interior D combined with exterior 4.5 often means a high-distance owner who kept the mechanicals perfect while the cabin wore. With a reasonable price and interior-refresh budget, it can be excellent value — not an automatic walk-away.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the grade-reading questions our verification team is asked most often. Tap any question to expand.

What do the interior grades A B C D E mean on a Japanese auction sheet?

Interior grades rate the cabin condition on a five-step scale. Grade A is excellent with no visible wear or staining. Grade B is good with minor wear consistent with normal use. Grade C is average with visible wear and possible staining. Grade D is poor with heavy wear, significant staining or tears. Grade E is severe damage, rarely seen and usually appears on commercial-use vehicles or salvage stock. Most buyers will encounter A, B, C and D. Grade E is a clear walk-away signal.

What is the difference between the exterior grade and interior grade?

The exterior grade (S, 6, 5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2, 1, R, RA) rates overall vehicle condition including bodywork, mechanical presentation and accident history. The interior grade (A, B, C, D, E) rates only the cabin — seats, carpet, headlining, dashboard, door cards and steering wheel. The two grades are assessed independently by the same licensed inspector. The most common combination is exterior 4.5 with interior B.

What does a dash or no grade mean on a Japanese auction sheet?

A dash (—) where the grade should be does not mean the inspector did not assign a grade. It means undeclared damage was found that the inspector chose not to formally grade. Always treat a dash exactly like an R-grade vehicle and assume past accident or damage that needs disclosure. This is one of the most commonly misread elements on a Japanese auction sheet.

Which grade matters more — exterior or interior?

Neither grade is more important than the other on its own. The combination matters most. A high exterior grade with a low interior grade suggests heavy private or commercial cabin use with body kept clean. A low exterior with a high interior suggests body-shop touch-up on a low-use car. Always read the two grades together — the combination tells you the usage history that neither grade alone reveals.

What does a 4.5 / B grade combination mean?

Exterior 4.5 with interior B is the most common combination on Japanese auction sheets and is widely considered the sweet spot for import buyers. It indicates good exterior condition with normal-use interior wear — typical of a well-maintained private vehicle with 50,000 to 100,000 km on the odometer. Most buyers accept this combination without concern and it commands the strongest resale demand in most markets.

Can a car have interior grade A and exterior grade R?

Yes, although it is uncommon. The two grades are assessed independently. An R-grade car (post-accident repair) can have an A-grade interior if the cabin was undamaged in the accident — for example a rear-end collision repaired to factory standard that did not affect the front cabin. The combination matters most for disclosure obligations to onward buyers and for resale pricing in your destination market.

What does 修復歴 mean on a Japanese auction sheet?

修復歴 (shūfukureki) is Japanese for accident repair history. It is followed by either 有 (yes — declared accident) or 無 (no accident). A car marked 修復歴有 has formal accident history and corresponds to R or RA grade. 修復歴無 means no recorded accident and is consistent with grades 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6 or S. This field is the formal accident disclosure separate from the headline grade.

What does interior grade D actually look like?

Interior grade D shows heavy wear throughout the cabin. Seats have significant staining, tearing or damage to upholstery. Carpet has heavy wear patches or staining and may smell. Dashboard plastics show cracks, broken trims and UV fading. Interior D is most often seen on high-mileage commercial-use vehicles such as taxis, rental fleet cars or family vehicles used heavily for long-distance commuting.

How are interior and exterior grades different from the JAAA quality grade?

The interior and exterior grades are assigned by the auction house inspector at the time of consignment. The JAAA quality grade (Japan Auto Auction Appraisal Association) is an independent third-party verification by a separate body, marked with stars (★ to ★★★★). When a JAAA badge accompanies an auction sheet, it adds independent credibility to the auction-house grade but does not replace it. The two grading systems are complementary.

Why do some Japanese auction sheets show only an exterior grade with no interior grade?

Some older or smaller auction houses display only the exterior grade prominently and place the interior grade in a sub-section or footer. A few digital-format sheets combine both grades into a single composite display. The interior grade is always assessed even when not visually prominent — if you cannot locate it, request a translation or ask your verification service. A reputable Japanese auction will always record both grades.

JP Sheet Japan Auction Desk

A team of Japan auction desk specialists verifying Japanese vehicle auction sheets since 1982 — over 42 years of combined experience. Our verification team reads, translates and audits thousands of sheets every month from USS, TAA, HAA, JU, CAA, NAA, JAA, LAA, Aucnet and MIRIVE, serving buyers and importers in 66 countries.

📅 First published 5 April 2024 🔄 Last reviewed 25 May 2026 ⏱ 15 min read

How this article was created. Drafted with AI assistance using our verification team's first-party knowledge base of Japanese auction sheet patterns. Reviewed, fact-checked and edited by JP Sheet's senior Japan auction desk specialists before publication. All claims about grades, Japanese terms, and verification practices reflect real auction-floor experience — not paraphrased content from other websites.

What changed in this update (25 May 2026). Added the Interior Grade E definition (the scale runs A through E, not just A through D as some older guides state). Added the 5×5 grade combination matrix. Added explanatory cards for 修復歴 and 車歴 with kanji and pronunciation. Added two first-hand desk observations from our verification work. Added a custom diagram showing where the two grades appear on a typical sheet. Rewrote all section headings as natural questions for clarity. Broke long paragraphs into shorter chunks for easier reading.