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Auction Sheet Translation – Basics

Auction Sheet Translation - Basics

  • Why you must have quality car auction sheet translation?
  • How to read Japanese car auction sheets?
  • How to understand car auction sheet indicators, comments and check marks in Japanese?

It is important to know car auction grading system while selecting your car without physical presence. Therefore we advise you to learn car auction sheet translation terms first, to avoid costly misunderstandings.

To make it easy, we combined all indicators into a single interactive auction sheet map. Click on the areas you want to know and study them carefully. Each box corresponds to specific inspection mark, grading and descriptions. As you navigate over the auction sheet, you will be bale to locate all marks with their meaning.

Once you select actual car to bid, we will provide detailed auction sheet translation with car condition and maintenance history.

The key requirement for successful car purchase is the correct auction sheet verification.

Auction Sheet Translation - Structure

The standard auction sheet translation helps you verify general car condition, even without Japanese skills. The Japan used car auctions sheets combine 5 main check points.

Auction Sheet Translation - General Exterior Grade

  1. Car exterior paint and panel inspection marks such as: paint fade, blemishes, dents, scratches and cracked areas
  2. Interior Grade and Options description:  salon and equipment functionality description. Worn out degree, dashboard and ceiling deformation, stains, torn or cut areas, holes, interior lining etc.
  3. Lists the available inside electronic equipment
  4. Vehicle detailed parameters: lists vehicle standard registration and technical specifications: year, model, maker, engine size, seats count, engine displacement, fuel type and transmission
  5. Inspectors caution marks :  a must know area for mechanical, technical issues such as leak, noise, fixing and missing parts

The online auction sheet structure summarizes main indicators and their explanations. For more details on car auction sheet translation please contact us.

Order auction sheet translation from our online auto auction system with a single click. 

Auction list

Please point and click at any part of the interactive auction sheet template, to find the indicators and their explanations.

Lot Number

All Japanese Auto Auctions use similar system of vehicle identification. A unique lot number for each vehicle, for example USS TOKYO 10001.

Ownership History

Indicates the type of vehicle ownership such as private, rental or business use.

Engine Capacity

Engine capacity (cc). CC stands for cubic centimeters-a unit of volume. Please pay attention, when estimating import duties

Vehicle Model

Shows manufacturer distinct identification. The chassis/bodywork combination with variations in several engine capacities, transmission types, braking, steering systems and interior equipment. Sometimes a 改 mark appears in the inspection reports. It means that it has aftermarket modifications.

Overall Evaluation by Grade

S : GRADE

INTERIOR STANDARD: A/S

EXTERIOR STANDARD: A

MILEAGE WITHIN: 10,000 KM

REGISTRATION WITHIN: 1 YEAR

NOTES: Brand new car condition with manufacturers guarantee and Japanese road inspection included. A vehicle exhibited within 12 months from the first registration. Might be lowered to grade 6 if it was used for multiple test drives.

● 6 GRADE

INTERIOR STANDARD: A

EXTERIOR STANDARD: A

MILEAGE WITHIN: 30.000 km

REGISTRATION WITHIN: 3 years

NOTES: Similar to S grade, an excellent condition, the vehicle does not need any fixing. The car was used on public roads. The engine, interior and underneath parts are untouched. Hardly noticeable tiny scratches, no dents, close to brand new condition.

● 5 GRADE

INTERIOR STANDARD: A

EXTERIOR STANDARD: A-B

MILEAGE WITHIN: 60.000 km

REGISTRATION WITHIN: 3 years

NOTES: Very good condition must be clean outside and inside, the vehicle does not need any fixing or might need minor cosmetic work. The car was used in public roads without any accident history. The engine and underneath parts are untouched and no replacements were done.

● 4.5 GRADE

INTERIOR STANDARD: A/B

EXTERIOR STANDARD: A/B

MILEAGE WITHIN: 100.000 km

REGISTRATION WITHIN: 3 years

NOTES: Quite reliable condition, especially when it comes to evaluation of classic, sports or limited edition cars with higher mileage. Exterior and interior do not require any maintenance, due to the higher mileage Inspectors notes should be carefully checked for engine and mission issues. No structural changes or damages.

● 4 GRADE

INTERIOR STANDARD: A/B/C/

EXTERIOR STANDARD: A/B/C

MILEAGE WITHIN: 150.000 km

REGISTRATION WITHIN: any

NOTES: Local dealers call it year corresponding grade, that is based on the year and mileage well serviced car will be 4 grade. Tiny dents, scratches, wavy areas, seats burnt areas, stains or dashboard scratches are accepted. Based on the mileage attention should be paid to engine, mission and equipment electronics. Even with after-sales maintenance, it can become ready-to-sell car.

● 3.5 GRADE

INTERIOR STANDARD: B/C/D

EXTERIOR STANDARD: WITHIN D

MILEAGE WITHIN: 200.000 KM

REGISTRATION WITHIN: ANY

NOTES: Average condition, some metal sheet work should be done, visible scratches and dents, cut areas, stains requirean attention to exterior, interior and car mechanical condition, core supportreplacements and others.

● 3 GRADE

INTERIOR STANDARD: B/C/D/E

EXTERIOR STANDARD: B/C/D/E

MILEAGE WITHIN: ANY

REGISTRATION WITHIN: ANY

NOTES: Below average condition, visible dents, scratches, accident history or multiple replacements in most cases, low quality repair, paint faded marks are usual. Often sports and performance cars grade, due to the multiple modifications and replacements.

● 2 GRADE

INTERIOR STANDARD: B/C/D/E

EXTERIOR STANDARD: D/C/E

MILEAGE: ANY

REGISTRATION WITHIN: ANY

NOTES: Very bad condition, major accident history, often core-support and chassis have deformation and severe corrosion holes. In general, drivable cars. Need major restoration. Mostly searched for spare parts and restoration enthusiast.

● 1 GRADE

INTERIOR STANDARD: C/D/E

EXTERIOR STANDARD: C/D/E

MILEAGE: ANY

REGISTRATION WITHIN: ANY

NOTES: Salvage, not running condition, major technical issues. Remodeling car, disaster vehicles (salt damage, damage from a hailstorm, flood and others), bad cars, heavily modified sports cars and old cars. Mostly searched for spare parts and restoration enthusiast

● R/RA/0 GRADES

INTERIOR STANDARD: B/C/D/E

EXTERIOR STANDARD: B/C/D/E

MILEAGE: ANY

REGISTRATION WITHIN: ANY

NOTES: R-stands for restored, depending on the auctions, some R grade cars are very highly graded and searched cars, since maintenance was recently done, and quality of restoration is very high. Main restoration includes: Floor panel, Lower Tie Bar or Frame, Windshield- (A-pillar), Central pillars/- (B pillar), Rear Pillar – (C pillar) Strut housing, Roof Panel, Trunk floor panel, Floor pan, Fenders, doors and roof.

● ***/-/0/無効 GRADES

INTERIOR STANDARD: A/B/C/D/E

EXTERIOR STANDARD: A/B/C/D/E

MILEAGE: ANY

REGISTRATION WITHIN: ANY

NOTES: Not inspected car, exhibited as it is similar to grade 1, popular for parts. At some auctions, grade O same as R. Please contact before placing your bid.

Japanese First Registration Date

Unlike other countries, in Japan the registration year is an answer for the question how old is the car. It is important to know that the registration year is not to be confused with the actual manufacture date. For some of the vehicles, especially privately imported ones, the difference between registration and manufacture years might be substantially different. For Japanese made cars, register and check the manufacture year in auction system. The Registration year is indicated using Japanese Year Calendar-Heisei, unlike Western Calendar the year indication should be converted. The present period started in 1988, the 2016 Year is indicated as Year 28. [Year 2016-Year 1988= Year 28]. A conversion table is indicated below:
Showa 40 = 1965
Showa 41 = 1966
Showa 42 = 1967
Showa 43 = 1968
Showa 44 = 1969
Showa 45 = 1970
Showa 46 = 1971
Showa 47 = 1972
Showa 48 = 1973
Showa 49 = 1974
Showa 50 = 1975
Showa 51 = 1976
Showa 52 = 1977
Showa 53 = 1978
Showa 54 = 1979
Showa 55 = 1980
Showa 56 = 1981
Showa 57 = 1982
Showa 58 = 1983
Showa 59 = 1984
Showa 60 = 1985
Showa 61 = 1986
Showa 62 = 1987
Showa 63 = 1988
Showa 64 = 1989
Heisei 1 = 1989
Heisei 2 = 1990
Heisei 3 = 1991
Heisei 4 = 1992
Heisei 5 = 1993
Heisei 6 = 1994
Heisei 7 = 1995
Heisei 8 = 1996
Heisei 9 = 1997
Heisei 10 = 1998
Heisei 11 = 1999
Heisei 12 = 2000
Heisei 13 = 2001
Heisei 14 = 2002
Heisei 15 = 2003
Heisei 16 = 2004
Heisei 17 = 2005
Heisei 18 = 2006
Heisei 19 = 2007
Heisei 20 = 2008
Heisei 21 = 2009
Heisei 22 = 2010
Heisei 23 = 2011
Heisei 24 = 2012
Heisei 25 = 2013
Heisei 26 = 2014
Heisei 27 = 2015
Heisei 28 = 2016
Heisei 29 = 2017
Heisei 30 = 2018

Model name

The brand name of the Auto Maker / Toyota, Nissan, Honda, BMW, etc/

Doors

A door count is indicated as 2/3/4/5, for some models a rear trunk is considered as door.

Model Version

The model version - is a technical term for the model specification based on the engine, electronics, additional equipment or chassis variations. For example, Nissan Skylne E-BNR34 Vspec,V spec Nur, Midnight Purple I,II and III etc.

Drivetrain

Two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive forms of drivetrain are indicated.

Interior Grade

A GRADE – Inside parts are all clean, no crack or missing parts without stains, burnt areas or scratches.Does not require any fixing, the car can be sold as it is

B GRADE – Minor restoration or cleaning might be done; the condition does not affect the value of the car much. A small cut, cigarette hole,dashboard small deformation, glue stains, slightly worn out areas easy to fix.

C GRADE – Below average condition, require some of the cleaning and restoration. The cigarette hole(s), worn out areas with stains, torn areas, screw holes that stand out, the dashboard deformation or small crack.

D GRADE – Interior that requires restoration, lowers the vehicle value. Worn out seats, steering and trims, multiple cut areas with cigarette holes. Major dashboard deformation or cracked parts with very heavy stains and smell needs to be removed

E GRADE – Requires complete restoration with large cracked parts on the dashboard, needs complete replacement. Seats, trim and ceiling have some heavy dirt, stains, multiple worn out, holes, cut areas and strong smell.

Japan Motor-vehicle inspection

Is a Japanese automobile inspection system to ensure that vehicle is properly maintained. All cars driven in Japan must have a shaken to be driven on public roads. Indicated with validity date. Similar to some countries inspections such as: Warrant of Fitness ( WoF)- New Zealand, MOT test -United Kingdom, National Car Test-Republic of Ireland.

The Registration year is indicated using Japanese Year Calendar-Heisei, unlike Western Calendar the year indication should be converted. The present period started in 1988, the 2016 Year is indicated as Year 28. [Year 2016-Year 1988= Year 28]. A conversion table is indicated below:

Showa 40 = 1965
Showa 41 = 1966
Showa 42 = 1967
Showa 43 = 1968
Showa 44 = 1969
Showa 45 = 1970
Showa 46 = 1971
Showa 47 = 1972
Showa 48 = 1973
Showa 49 = 1974
Showa 50 = 1975
Showa 51 = 1976
Showa 52 = 1977
Showa 53 = 1978
Showa 54 = 1979
Showa 55 = 1980
Showa 56 = 1981
Showa 57 = 1982
Showa 58 = 1983
Showa 59 = 1984
Showa 60 = 1985
Showa 61 = 1986
Showa 62 = 1987
Showa 63 = 1988
Showa 64 = 1989
Heisei 1 = 1989
Heisei 2 = 1990
Heisei 3 = 1991
Heisei 4 = 1992
Heisei 5 = 1993
Heisei 6 = 1994
Heisei 7 = 1995
Heisei 8 = 1996
Heisei 9 = 1997
Heisei 10 = 1998
Heisei 11 = 1999
Heisei 12 = 2000
Heisei 13 = 2001
Heisei 14 = 2002
Heisei 15 = 2003
Heisei 16 = 2004
Heisei 17 = 2005
Heisei 18 = 2006
Heisei 19 = 2007
Heisei 20 = 2008
Heisei 21 = 2009
Heisei 22 = 2010
Heisei 23 = 2011
Heisei 24 = 2012
Heisei 25 = 2013
Heisei 26 = 2014
Heisei 27 = 2015
Heisei 28 = 2016
Heisei 29 = 2017
Heisei 30 = 2018

Odometer (mileage) record

The odometer reading of the car with indication of odometer replacement or tempered mileage. The following signs are used to mark changed odometer history $,# and *

Exterior and Interior Color

Car Exterior Color is indicated in order to quickly confirm whether it is original, color changed or same-color paint. Manufacturers color code is indicated to check the precise vehicle color code. An important piece of information, the inside color is recorded as well.

Fuel Type

Specific vehicles fuel type is indicated as:

gasoline, diesel, gas, hybrid and electric.
CNG-Compressed natural gas
LPG- Liquefied petroleum gas
Hybrid-A combination of internal combustion engine and electric motor
PHEV-A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
EV-An electric vehicle

Imported Vehicle

A foreign made vehicles section with import type such as dealer or private import, actual model year, steering wheel location- Left Hand Drive (LHD)/Right Hand drive (RHD)

Transmission type

AT, FA, FAT, IAT, CA, CAT, CVT, ICVT- Automatic transmissions

MT, F5, 5C, 5SPD/6F/6 – Manual transmission

Air Conditioner Type

Availability and type of installed air conditioning systemAC, AAC, WAC, for classic cars mostly missing.

Maintenance

Vehicles maintenance record history and de-registration period

Factory Original Equipment

Equipment installed originally by manufacturer.

AAC /AC/WAC–Automatic or none-automatic air conditioning

AB, SRS, WAB –Airbag types

NAVI, GPS – Navigation system

PS – Power steering

PW – Power window

SR, サンルーフ –Sunroof

ST/CD / MD /TV- Music and video equipment

革, レザー, カワ,LS – Leather seats

AW-alloy wheels

Sales Points

An additional information indicated by the seller to attract bidders’ attention. Usual sales points are: 1 owner, optional features, expensive aftermarket equipment installed and other appealing information.

Disposal fee

All Japanese cars come with disposal fees, also called recycle fees. All types of vehicles have recycle fee. The fee itself depends on the manufacture year, engine capacity and gross weight of the vehicle.

Passenger Number and Loading Capacity Limit

Maximum number of passengers allowed according to the technical specifications and law ( left box). Maximum Loading Capacity for the vans, trucks, pick-ups ( right box), is an important indicator of the weight limit.

Chassis number

Vehicles unique chassis/vin number is indicated. Please pay attention that some cars due to theft history or corrosion have chassis number changed, in this case special brackets [ ] and Japanese letters are used as new identification.

Extra information

In this section an additional description is provided by seller or auction personnel. Might include Positive or negative information on repair history, equipment functioning or aftermarket modifications availability

Chassis Chart

A vehicle body chart is used to indicate exact defects location.Starting from front bumper, bonnet, windshield, fenders, roof, doors, side steps, wheels, rear trunk and rear bumper. Each kind of damage indicators are graded by severity rating

1 – Minor/ 2 – Small /3 – Noticeable/ 4 – Major

The defect indicators:

A -Scratch

B- Bend dent with a scratch

C- Corrosion with the worst degree of C穴 -Corrosion hole

E- Dimple or uneven surface

G- Stone chip

H-Paint blemishes or paint faded

S- RUST

U -DENT

W- Wavy areas and body repair mark

Y - Crack

P -Paint faded

X- Structural damage, needs to be replaced

XX-Structural damage was already replaced

----- an indication of scratch

Tire conditions are graded from 1 to maximum 10 and

Spare tire availabilit

Independent Inspector’s notes

Summarizing evaluation notes that describe, mechanical, electric, structural, interior and exterior conditions. This the most important part to check, when sourcing vehicles at Japanese Auto Auctions. We pay great attention to this part and provide detailed auction sheet translation.

Vehicle Dimension

Is the description of car dimensions : height, width and length. The information must correspond to vehicle registration documents.