The Auction Sheet Decoder
Every grade, interior rating and damage-map code on a Japanese auction sheet — explained on one page. Bookmark it for the next car you check. When you’re ready, we’ll verify your actual sheet free.
Auction sheet grades explained
The single-number verdict from the auction inspector. An “R” outranks any number — it means accident repair.
| Grade | Condition | Buyer signal |
|---|---|---|
| S / 6 | Almost new — very low km, near-perfect | Premium. Pay top money with confidence. |
| 5 | Excellent, minimal wear | Excellent buy. |
| 4.5 | Very good, light cosmetic marks | Strong buy — the sweet spot for most imports. |
| 4 | Good, normal wear for age | Solid. Inspect for the usual age-related items. |
| 3.5 | Average — visible wear or minor repairs | Negotiate. Inspect the noted areas closely. |
| 3 | Below average — repairs likely needed | Only with a full inspection and a discount. |
| 2 / 1 | Heavy wear, corrosion or major issues | Risky. Avoid unless very cheap and inspected. |
| R / RA | Repaired accident vehicle | Warning — structural/accident repair. Inspect the frame. |
| 0 / ★ / *** | Special: modified, damaged or non-standard | Caution. Understand exactly why before buying. |
Cabin condition (A–E)
Every mark on the diagram
Codes vary slightly by auction house. Clusters of W, X or XX in one area often signal a repaired impact.
Where sheets come from
Each house grades on a similar scale but uses its own sheet template — an unfamiliar format is worth verifying. More on Japanese auction houses →
6-point fake-sheet checklist
- ✓Chassis / frame number on the sheet matches the car
- ✓The original Japanese sheet exists (not just an English “translation”)
- ✓No whiteout, mismatched fonts or smudging around grade / mileage
- ✓Layout matches a real auction-house template
- ✓The overall grade agrees with the damage diagram
- ✓Lot number + auction date are present (so the record can be looked up)
Get your actual sheet verified — free
This chart tells you what the marks mean. A verification confirms the sheet is genuine and matches the car — and an inspection confirms its condition today. The sheet verifies the past; an inspection verifies the present.
Auction sheet grades & codes — your questions
What does auction grade 4 or 4.5 mean?
Grade 4 means good condition with normal wear for the car’s age; grade 4.5 is very good with only light cosmetic marks — the sweet spot for most imported cars. Both are safe to buy, but you should still verify the sheet is genuine and inspect the actual car, since a lot can change after import.
What is the R (or RA) grade on an auction sheet?
R or RA marks a repaired accident vehicle — it has had structural or accident repair. This is a bigger warning than any low number grade, because the panels can look clean today while the frame has been repaired. Always inspect an R-grade car before buying.
What do the letters on the auction sheet diagram mean?
They mark flaws on the body: A scratch, U dent, W wave/repair, S rust, C corrosion, B small dent with a scratch, E dimples, P paint mark, Y crack or hole, X panel needs replacing, XX panel already replaced. Exact letters vary slightly by auction house. Several W, X or XX marks clustered together often indicate a repaired impact.
How do I verify my auction sheet is genuine?
Check the original sheet against the auction house’s record using the chassis/frame number, lot number and auction date. CarOK does this free — send the sheet on WhatsApp or upload it on our auction sheet verification page and we confirm whether it’s real and decode every mark.