Decode special mileage notations that most guides ignore
Did you know Japanese auction mileage stars (*) and symbols to tell secrets about a car’s mileage? Most people don’t understand these hidden messages. But today, we will learn everything about them in super easy English—even kids can understand!
Why Mileage Stars (*) Matter
When you see a car’s mileage (how many kilometers it has driven), sometimes there are stars (*) or other marks next to the number. These are not just for decoration—they give important clues!
- No star (★) or mark = The mileage is correct, and nobody changed it.
- One star (★) = The mileage might be checked but not fully confirmed.
- Two stars (★★) = The mileage is 100% real and checked properly.
- Triangle (▲) = The mileage is not confirmed—be careful!
- Circle (●) = The odometer (mileage meter) was changed or fixed.
These marks help buyers know if the mileage is true or not.
What Happens If the Mileage Is Wrong?
Some bad sellers change the mileage to make the car look better. This is called “mileage fraud” or “odometer rollback.”
For example:
- A car really drove 200,000 km, but the seller changes it to 80,000 km.
- The car looks newer, so the seller can ask for more money.
- But after buying, the car breaks fast because it’s old inside.
That’s why the stars (*) and symbols are important—they help stop cheating!
How Do Japanese Auctions Check Mileage?
Japanese auctions are very strict. They check:
- Old service records – Papers from car repair shops.
- Computer checks – Some cars store real mileage in the computer.
- Meter condition – If the numbers look scratched or changed.
If they find any problem, they put a triangle (▲) or circle (●) to warn buyers.
Real-Life Examples of Mileage Tricks
Example 1: The “Too Good” Deal
- Car: Toyota Prius
- Shown Mileage: 50,000 km (★)
- Truth: Real mileage was 150,000 km (▲)
- What Happened? The seller changed the numbers. The buyer paid extra but got an old car.
Example 2: The Honest Seller
- Car: Honda Fit
- Shown Mileage: 120,000 km (★★)
- Truth: Real mileage was 120,000 km
- What Happened? The buyer checked and saw the stars (★★), so they trusted the car.
How to Avoid Mileage Fraud
- Always Check the Stars (*) – No star or triangle (▲) means be careful!
- Ask for Old Records – Good sellers keep repair papers.
- Use a Mileage Check App – Some apps read the car’s computer for real numbers.
- Buy from Trusted Auctions – Places like USS or TAA check cars well.
Why Some Cars Have No Stars
Sometimes, a car has no stars because:
- It’s very old, and nobody checked it.
- The auction didn’t have time to confirm.
- The odometer was replaced, and they don’t know the real km.
If you see no stars, ask more questions before buying!
The Biggest Secret: What “R” and “S” Mean
Some auction sheets also have letters like R or S near mileage:
- R (修理) = The car had an accident, and some parts were fixed.
- S (錆) = The car has rust (metal damage from water).
If you see R or S, check the car extra carefully!
Final Tips for Smart Buyers
- Trust the stars (★) – More stars = more truth.
- Never believe just the numbers – Bad sellers can change them.
- Ask experts – Some people help check cars for free.
Now you know the secrets of Japanese auction mileage stars! Next time you see a car, look for ★, ▲, or ●—they tell you the truth!