Understanding Japanese Car Auction Sheets: Sections, Diagrams, and Inspector Notes

A Japanese auto auction sheet is a standardized inspection summary completed by an auction house assessor before a vehicle goes across the bidding block. Although layouts vary slightly between auction groups across Japan, nearly every inspection sheet organizes vehicle data into four distinct zones: the identification header, the equipment and specification grid, the inspector remarks box, and the exterior vehicle body diagram.

1. The Vehicle Identification Header

Across the top of the inspection report, the assessor logs the core identifiers that tie the paper document to the physical car. Buyers reviewing an auction sheet should always verify these fields first:

• Chassis Number (Frame Code): The alphanumeric frame stamp (for example, ZVW30-0123456) that uniquely identifies the vehicle.
• Model Year and First Registration: The year and month the vehicle was first registered on the road in Japan.
• Engine Displacement (CC) and Transmission: Displacement in cubic centimeters alongside automatic (AT), continuously variable (CVT), or manual (F5/F6) transmission codes.
• Recorded Odometer Reading: The mileage logged in kilometers at the time of inspection.

2. Overall Grade and Interior/Exterior Sub-Grades

Positioned near the top right corner of the sheet is the overall auction grade (such as 5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, or R), accompanied by letter grades (commonly A, B, C, or D) indicating the cleanliness and wear level of the cabin interior and exterior finish. These scores give buyers a quick summary before examining individual body panels.

3. The Exterior Condition Diagram (Body Map)

The flattened top-down illustration of the car shows the front bumper, hood, fenders, doors, roof, trunk lid, and glass panels. Assessors write shorthand letter-and-number codes directly onto each panel to indicate the type and severity of any cosmetic or structural wear:

• A1, A2, A3: Surface scratches ranging from minor hairline marks (A1) to more noticeable scratches (A3).
• U1, U2, U3: Dents or dings on the metal panel surface.
• W1, W2, W3: Paint wave or previous panel repainting and bodywork repair marks.
• X or XX: Panel requires replacement (X) or has already been replaced (XX).

4. Inspector Notes and Remarks

Written in handwritten or printed Japanese, the inspector notes section records observations that cannot be drawn on the exterior diagram, such as underbody surface corrosion, dashboard warning lights, seat wear, aftermarket suspension parts, or spare key availability. Reviewing both the diagram and the remarks provides a much clearer picture of the vehicle's condition at auction.