If you are buying a car from a Japanese auction, the Japanese auction sheet is your best friend. It is an independent inspector’s report that records the true condition of the vehicle — before you place a bid. At Shams International Trading Co. JP we share the sheet and translate it for every vehicle we bid on, so you always know what you are buying.
What is an auction sheet?
Every vehicle entering a Japanese auction is inspected by an auction staff member. The results are printed on a single sheet that includes the vehicle’s identity, mileage, equipment and condition. Because the inspector is independent of the seller, the sheet is trusted throughout the trade. If you are new to the system, start with our complete overview of Japanese car auctions.
1. Vehicle details
The top of the sheet lists the make, model, chassis code, registration and first-registration year, engine size, transmission, colour, equipment codes and odometer reading. Always compare the chassis number with the export documents.
2. The overall grade
The overall grade summarises the vehicle’s condition:
- S / 6 / 5: new or almost new condition
- 4.5 / 4: excellent used condition with minimal wear
- 3.5: good, with minor flaws
- 3: average, needs some repair
- R / RA: repair history
Grades are only a guide — two cars with the same grade can look very different, so always read the whole sheet.
3. Interior and exterior grades
Alongside the overall grade you will see a letter for the interior (typically A to D) and, on some sheets, a letter for the exterior. “A” means very clean; lower letters signal stains, wear or damage.
4. The inspector’s diagram and damage codes
A simple drawing of the car marks every defect using a letter and a number. The letter is the type of damage, and the number (1–3 or 1–4) is its severity. Common letters include:
- A – scratch
- U – dent
- W – wave or repaired panel
- S – rust
- C – corrosion
- X – panel needs replacing
A small “A1” scratch is usually cosmetic. A “U3” dent or “W2” repair deserves a closer look.
5. Inspector’s comments
Handwritten or typed notes at the bottom cover items the diagram cannot, such as “no accident history”, “new tyres” or “smoke smell”. These notes are translated by our team.
How Shams International helps
We send you the original sheet, our own translation and a plain-English summary — plus extra photos if you need them. Then we bid for you and handle documentation, transport and shipping. For official background on vehicle checks in Japan, see Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
Frequently asked questions
Is a high grade always better?
A higher grade usually means better overall condition, but a grade 4 car with a clean sheet may be a better buy than a grade 4.5 with an unusual defect. Read the diagram and comments.
Can I get the original sheet?
Yes — we send the original auction sheet and our translated summary for every vehicle we bid on for you.
What if the sheet shows repair history (R / RA)?
Repair-history vehicles are cheaper, but they are not suitable for everyone, and some countries restrict them. We will tell you before you bid.
Want help choosing a car from the auction lists? Contact us with your budget and preferred model.
