Every Japanese car model uses a chassis code (typically 4-6 characters like GGH30 for Toyota Vellfire or RU3 for Honda Vezel) that identifies the model, generation and variant. This guide lists chassis codes for 50+ popular models across 9 brands — Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Daihatsu and Lexus. More importantly, it covers model-type verification priorities: hybrids need battery checks, sliding-door minivans need slider motor checks, diesel SUVs need DPF and underbody checks, Kei cars need import-eligibility checks, and performance JDM models need modification history checks.
Key takeaways
- Every Japanese car has a chassis code (4-6 characters) that identifies model, generation and variant — found under 車台番号 on the auction sheet.
- The chassis code must match the claimed year — generations change codes (Vellfire ANH20 = 2008-2015, GGH30 = 2015-2023).
- Different vehicle types need different checks — a Prius needs battery age, a Hilux needs DPF, a Kei car needs import eligibility.
- The chassis number must match exactly on the auction sheet, export certificate, bill of lading and physical vehicle.
- Hybrid models require 4 additional verification checks — battery age, hybrid system codes, mileage-battery consistency, water exposure.
- Kei cars (660cc) face import restrictions in many destination countries — verify eligibility before purchase.
- Performance JDM models often have Grade 1 ratings indicating heavy modification — not necessarily a defect, but always declare to buyers.
Most verification guides treat every Japanese auction sheet the same. They tell you to check the grade, read the damage codes, translate the notes. That is correct as a baseline.
But verification changes meaningfully by vehicle model. A Toyota Prius requires checks no Hilux needs. A Toyota Hiace requires checks no Kei car needs. A Nissan GT-R requires checks no minivan needs.
This guide is the complete chassis code reference plus the model-type verification priorities that most blogs skip entirely. Each section is organised so you can jump to your specific vehicle, find its chassis code, and apply the right additional checks.
For the general verification process see The 8 real risks of buying a Japanese import. For reading the grade specifically see Interior and exterior grades A-E explained. This guide focuses on what changes verification by model.
Why does verification change by Japanese car model?
Verification changes by model because Japanese vehicles have very different mechanical priorities depending on their drivetrain, body type and intended use. A check that matters intensely for one model is irrelevant for another.
A hybrid Prius has a high-voltage battery worth thousands of dollars to replace. A Kei car has different import eligibility in most countries than a passenger car. A diesel Hilux has a particulate filter that affects emissions compliance. None of these checks apply to all three vehicles, but they are critical for each.
The result is that the same auction sheet — read identically — gives different actionable information depending on the model. Generic verification catches generic risks. Model-specific verification catches the risks that actually apply to your purchase.
How do you find the chassis number on any Japanese car?
The chassis number on a Japanese car appears in five separate places. All five must show identical numbers — any mismatch is a critical red flag.
The chassis number itself has a specific structure that tells you about the vehicle. For example, in GGH30-0123456:
- GGH30 is the chassis code — identifies model and variant (Toyota Vellfire 3.5L V6, 2015-2023 generation)
- 0123456 is the unique 7-digit production serial number
The chassis code is what changes by model and generation. The next sections list chassis codes for the most-traded Japanese models across 9 brands.
What are the chassis codes for popular Japanese models across 9 brands?
Below are chassis codes for the most-traded Japanese models in the export market. Each table shows the model, the chassis code(s), and the generation years. Use this as a quick reference when verifying a chassis number against the model claimed by the seller.
| Model | Chassis code | Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Aqua | NHP10 · MXPK11 | 2011-2021 · 2021+ |
| Prius | ZVW30 · ZVW50 · MXWH60 | 2009-2015 · 2015-2022 · 2022+ |
| Vitz / Yaris | NSP130 · KSP130 · MXPB10 | 2010-2020 · 2020+ |
| Yaris Cross | MXPB10 · MXPJ10 | 2020+ |
| Vellfire | ANH20 · GGH20 · AGH30 · GGH30 · AYH30 | 2008-2015 · 2015-2023 |
| Alphard | ANH20W · GGH20W · AGH30 · GGH30 · AYH30 | 2008-2015 · 2015-2023 |
| Hiace | KDH200 · TRH200 · GDH200 | 2005+ (various sub-variants) |
| Hilux | GUN125 · GUN126 | 2015+ (8th generation) |
| Land Cruiser 200 | UZJ200 · VDJ200 | 2007-2021 (petrol · diesel V8) |
| Land Cruiser 300 | VJA300 | 2021+ |
| Land Cruiser Prado | GRJ150 · TRJ150 · GDJ150 | 2009+ (petrol · diesel) |
| Crown | GRS200 · GRS210 · AZSH20 | 2008-2018 · 2018+ |
| Model | Chassis code | Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Vezel / HR-V | RU1 · RU2 · RU3 · RU4 · RV3-RV6 | 2014-2021 · 2021+ |
| Fit / Jazz | GP5 · GE6 · GR1 · GR3 · GR8 | 2013-2020 · 2020+ |
| Civic | FK7 · FC1 · FL1 | 2017-2021 · 2021+ |
| CR-V | RW1 · RW2 · RT5 · RT6 | 2018+ |
| N-Box (Kei) | JF3 · JF4 · JF5 · JF6 | 2017-2023 · 2023+ |
| Odyssey | RC1 · RC2 · RC4 · RC5 | 2013-2022 |
| Freed | GB7 · GB8 · GT1 · GT3 | 2016-2024 · 2024+ |
| Stepwagon | RP1 · RP3 · RP5 · RP6-RP8 | 2015-2022 · 2022+ |
| Model | Chassis code | Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Note (e-POWER) | E12 · E13 | 2012-2020 · 2020+ |
| X-Trail / Rogue | T32 · T33 | 2013-2022 · 2022+ |
| Serena | C26 · C27 · C28 | 2010-2016 · 2016-2022 · 2022+ |
| Dayz (Kei) | B21W · B40W · B45W · B46W | 2013-2019 · 2019+ |
| Skyline (V37) | ZV37 · HV37 · HNV37 | 2014+ |
| GT-R (R35) | BNR35 | 2007+ (still in production) |
| Caravan | E26 | 2012+ (commercial van) |
| Model | Chassis code | Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Demio / Mazda2 | DJ3FS · DJ5FS · DJLFS | 2014-2023 · 2023+ |
| Axela / Mazda3 | BM5 · BP5 | 2013-2019 · 2019+ |
| CX-3 | DK5FW · DKEFW | 2015+ |
| CX-5 | KF · KF2P · KF5P | 2017+ |
| Roadster / MX-5 | ND · ND5RC | 2015+ |
| Model | Chassis code | Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Forester | SK · SK9 · SKE | 2018+ |
| Impreza | GT · GT3 · GT7 · GU | 2016-2023 · 2023+ |
| Levorg | VM4 · VMG · VN5 | 2014-2020 · 2020+ |
| Legacy / Outback | BN9 · BS9 · BT5 | 2014-2021 · 2021+ |
| WRX STI | VAB · VBH | 2014-2021 · 2021+ |
| Model | Chassis code | Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Wagon R (Kei) | MH34S · MH44S · MH35S · MH55S · MH85S | 2012-2017 · 2017+ |
| Swift | ZC72S · ZC83S · ZC13S | 2010+ (multiple generations) |
| Hustler (Kei) | MR31S · MR41S · MR52S · MR92S | 2014+ |
| Jimny (Kei 4WD) | JB64 · JB74 (sister model) | 2018+ |
| Model | Chassis code | Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Outlander | GG2W · GG3W · GN0W | 2012-2021 · 2021+ |
| eK X (Kei) | B33W · B34W · B35W · B36W | 2019+ |
| Delica D:5 | CV5W · CV1W | 2007+ (diesel from 2013) |
| Lancer Evolution X | CZ4A | 2007-2016 (discontinued) |
| Model | Chassis code | Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Tanto (Kei) | LA600S · LA610S · LA650S · LA660S | 2013-2019 · 2019+ |
| Mira eS (Kei) | LA300S · LA350S · LA360S | 2011+ |
| Move (Kei) | LA150S · LA160S | 2014+ |
| Hijet (Kei van) | S320V · S321V · S331V · S510P | 2004+ (multiple generations) |
| Model | Chassis code | Generation |
|---|---|---|
| RX | AGL20 · AGL25 · GYL20 · TALA15 | 2015-2022 · 2022+ |
| LS | VXFA50 · GVF50 · UWZ100 | 2017+ |
| IS | ASE30 · GSE31 · AVE30 | 2013+ |
| NX | AGZ10 · AYZ10 · AAZA20 | 2014-2021 · 2021+ |
The most common chassis-code mistake we see is confusing generations within the same model. A seller will list a "2018 Vellfire" with chassis code ANH20 — but ANH20 is the 2008-2015 generation. The car they are selling cannot be a 2018 Vellfire if the chassis is ANH20. Always cross-check chassis code against claimed year. Generation jumps reveal mismatched paperwork in roughly 1 in 30 verifications.
What should you check specifically by vehicle type?
The biggest verification gain comes from knowing what to check that's specific to your vehicle type. The same auction sheet read with different priorities reveals different risks.
Group your target vehicle into one of these five types and apply the additional checks for that type:
Hybrid models
- Hybrid battery age — most Japanese hybrid batteries last 8-12 years before significant capacity loss. Calculate battery age from the original Japanese registration date on the export certificate.
- Hybrid system fault history — translate inspector notes for any mention of 'E' (engine) or 'T' (transmission/hybrid system) codes. Hybrid system faults are expensive — typical ECU replacement runs $1,500-$3,000.
- Mileage-battery consistency — a low-mileage car with reported battery replacement is suspicious. Refurbished batteries on high-mileage units are common.
- Water exposure history — hybrid high-voltage systems are particularly sensitive to flood damage. Always translate inspector notes for 冠水 (kansui).
Sliding-door minivans
- Power slider motor health — Japanese minivans typically have 両側パワースライドドア (dual power sliding doors). Motor and gear failures are common after 80,000 km. Verify in inspector notes.
- Third-row seat condition — third-row wear indicates heavy family or commercial use. Interior grade reflects this but the auction sheet body diagram does not show it.
- Rear bumper marks — sliding-door minivans accumulate rear bumper marks from parking. Check the damage diagram for U/W marks specifically on the rear bumper.
- Carpet and floor mat condition — Japanese family minivans often carry children, food and pets. Check for replacement carpet (common cover-up for stained or flood-damaged original).
Diesel SUVs and commercial vehicles
- DPF (diesel particulate filter) service history — Japanese diesels accumulate DPF blockages over time. Check for any maintenance note about DPF cleaning or regeneration.
- Engine bay oil leaks — diesel engines develop turbo seal and high-pressure pump leaks. Check damage diagram for E (engine) marks.
- Underbody rust — commercial-use diesels often have heavy underbody wear. Combined with elevated interior grade is a commercial-use signal.
- Destination emissions compliance — Japanese diesel emissions standards differ from EU, US, and some African standards. Verify your country accepts the engine class before shipping.
Kei cars (660cc class)
- Country import eligibility — many destination countries restrict or prohibit Kei imports by engine size. Pakistan, UK and several African markets allow Kei imports; Australia restricts; some EU markets do not accept them at all.
- Engine RPM history — 660cc engines work harder than full-size engines for the same task. Service history matters more than odometer mileage alone.
- Safety equipment — older Kei cars often lack airbags, ABS or modern crash structures required for registration in destination markets.
- Resale value — Kei cars have lower resale value internationally than in Japan. Factor this into your bid carefully.
Performance and JDM models
- Grade 1 vs Grade 4 — many performance JDM cars are auction Grade 1, indicating heavy aftermarket modification rather than damage. Grade 1 is not automatically bad on a JDM performance car.
- Modification history in inspector notes — engine, suspension and exhaust modifications are recorded. Translate notes for terms like 改造 (kaizō, modification) or 社外 (shagai, aftermarket).
- Track-day usage signals — uneven brake disc wear, racing-spec tyre history, multiple track-day related damage codes. Suggest aggressive previous use.
- Original-spec premium — JDM performance cars in original specification (full factory) command significantly higher resale than modified examples. Verify originality if buying for collection.
How do auction experts verify a specific chassis end-to-end?
The clearest way to understand model-specific verification is to walk through a real example. We use a 2018 Toyota Vellfire here — one of the most-traded Japanese imports in our destination markets.
2018 Toyota Vellfire — Chassis Verification Walk-Through
Step 1 — Identify chassis code and confirm model. GGH30 is the second-generation Vellfire (2015-2023) with the 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 engine. This matches the seller's claim.
Step 2 — Match generation and year. A 2018 model year sits squarely within the GGH30 generation window (2015-2023). The chassis code and claimed year are consistent.
Step 3 — Apply model-type priorities (sliding-door minivan). Check the auction sheet specifically for: power slider motor health (両側パワースライドドア notes), third-row seat condition, rear-bumper U/W damage marks, carpet/floor mat condition. The Grade 4.5/B reading is consistent with a well-maintained private-use minivan.
Step 4 — Cross-check chassis across documents. Verify GGH30-0123456 appears identically on the auction sheet, the export certificate (輸出抹消仮登録証明書), the bill of lading, and (where physical inspection is possible) the engine bay plate and stamped chassis on the cowl panel.
Step 5 — Confirm destination country compatibility. The Vellfire's 3.5L engine and 2018 registration date must satisfy the destination country's age limit and engine-size restrictions. Pakistan's 3-year limit would reject this vehicle; Kenya's 8-year limit would accept it; UAE accepts with conformity testing.
Verification verdict. The chassis-model-year combination is consistent. The minivan-specific checks pass. The vehicle is suitable for verification at the standard $7 automatic tier, or $35 manual with full translation for the additional minivan-specific inspector notes review.
Which Japanese models are most popular by destination country?
Different Japanese models dominate different destination markets — driven by climate, regulations, fuel availability and price tier. Knowing what is popular in your country helps both buying decisions and resale expectations.
| Country | Top imported models | Why this country |
|---|---|---|
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | Vitz, Aqua, Wagon R, Mira, Move, Vezel, Hilux | Fuel-economy market dominated by hybrids and Kei. 3-year age limit pushes demand to newer-year models. |
| 🇰🇪 Kenya | Vitz, Demio, Premio, Allion, Probox, Hilux, Land Cruiser | Mature market. Strong demand for Toyota workhorse models. 8-year age limit allows broader inventory. |
| 🇹🇿 Tanzania | Probox, Succeed, Hiace, Hilux, RAV4, Premio | Commercial-heavy market. Strong demand for vans and pickups. 10-year limit broadens supply. |
| 🇺🇬 Uganda | Premio, Allion, Vitz, Hiace, Noah, Voxy | 15-year age limit means many older models. Family minivans strong demand. |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | Axio, Allion, Premio, Vezel, X-Trail | Mid-size sedan market. 5-year limit drives demand to specific year ranges. |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | Vezel, Aqua, Prius, Wagon R, Axio | Hybrid-heavy market driven by fuel cost. Sub-2.0L taxation favours small engines. |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | Land Cruiser, Hilux, Hiace, Vellfire, Crown | Premium and luxury market. JDM Land Cruisers and Vellfires command premium prices. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | GT-R, Skyline, Supra, Civic Type R, Vellfire | JDM enthusiast market. Performance and premium imports dominate. RHD compatible. |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | Vezel, Note, Demio, X-Trail, CR-V | Mature import market with strong used Japanese vehicle infrastructure. |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | Camry, Corolla, Lexus, RAV4, Highlander | 15-year limit allows wide inventory. Toyota dominance. Family sedans strong. |
The fastest-growing model demand in 2025-2026 is for hybrid Vezels and Aquas across Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Kenya — driven by fuel price pressure and currency depreciation. We see verification volume for RU3/RU4 Vezel hybrids more than doubled over the previous 12 months. If you are buying a hybrid Vezel, expect compressed inventory and elevated competition at auction. Verify quickly and bid decisively.
How do you verify any Japanese model step by step?
Verification of any Japanese model follows the same five-step process. Each step applies regardless of brand or model, but the specific checks within each step change based on the vehicle type identified.
Verify any Japanese model by chassis number
JP Sheet verifies every Japanese chassis number — from $7 automatic verification to $35 manual with full inspector-notes translation. Includes model-type checks for hybrids, minivans, diesels, Kei and performance JDM. Catch chassis-year mismatches before payment.
Verify Auction Sheet — from $7 →What are the most common mistakes when verifying by model?
The model-verification pitfalls our team sees most often
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the chassis-code and model-verification questions our team is asked most often. Tap any question to expand.