If you’ve browsed Japanese auction sheets, you’ve probably seen “R” and “RA” grades—but what do they really mean? Is one worse than the other? Can you trust these cars? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Are R vs RA Grades?
Both R and RA mean the car had accident damage and was repaired. But there’s a big difference:
- R Grade = The car was in an accident and repaired in Japan.
- RA Grade = The car was in an accident, repaired outside Japan, then re-imported.
Why Does This Matter?
- Japanese repairs are usually high-quality (strict standards).
- Foreign repairs may be cheaper or less reliable (depends on the country).
How to Spot R vs. RA on an Auction Sheet
Look for these marks:
| Grade | What It Says | What It Really Means |
|---|---|---|
| R | 修理 (Shuri – “Repaired”) | Fixed in Japan |
| RA | RA (sometimes “Re-import”) | Fixed abroad, then brought back |
🔍 Example: If a Toyota has “RA” on its sheet, it was likely crashed in another country, repaired there, then shipped back to Japan for resale.
Should You Buy an R or RA Grade Car?
✅ When It’s Okay:
- R Grade: If repaired properly in Japan (check auction photos).
- RA Grade: Only if you get a full repair history (rare).
❌ When to Avoid:
- No repair records (risk of hidden damage).
- RA cars with cheap repairs (may rust faster).
- Airbags deployed (safety risk).
Real-Life Examples
Case 1: The “Good” R Grade
- Car: Honda Fit (Grade R)
- Damage: Rear bumper replaced (photos showed clean repairs)
- Outcome: Ran perfectly for years
Case 2: The “Bad” RA Grade
- Car: Nissan Skyline (Grade RA)
- Damage: Front frame bent (poorly welded overseas)
- Outcome: Steering problems after 6 months
3 Red Flags in R/RA Cars
- No repair photos (hides bad work).
- “RA” with low price (likely sketchy repairs).
- Rust under paint (indicates cheap fixes).
Final Verdict: R vs. RA
- R Grade = Sometimes safe (if repaired well in Japan).
- RA Grade = Risky (unless you verify repairs).
Pro Tip: Always get a pre-purchase inspection for R/RA cars!
Focus Keyword:
“R vs RA grade”
Secondary Keywords:
- “Is R grade car safe?”
- “RA grade meaning”
- “Should I buy repaired Japanese cars?”
- “Japanese auction accident grades”
Need help verifying auction sheet?
👉 [Get a professional inspection from JPsheet.com]
(We’ll tell you if that R/RA car is a hidden gem or a disaster!)