What Is the Japanese Car Auction Grade System?
Japan's used vehicle auction houses use a standardised grading system to rate every vehicle's condition before it sells. This grading system is the most trusted measure of a used Japanese car's condition and is used by exporters, dealers, and importers worldwide. Understanding it protects you when buying a used Japanese car for import.
The grading system covers two areas: exterior/overall condition and interior condition. Both appear on the auction sheet (also called the inspection sheet) that accompanies every vehicle at auction.
Overall Condition Grades (Exterior + Mechanical)
Grade S (Shinsha / New Car)
A virtually brand-new, unregistered vehicle. Grade S vehicles are dealer stock that was never registered or used. These are the highest-grade vehicles possible — showroom condition with near-zero kilometres. Extremely rare at auction and priced accordingly.
Grade 6
Exceptionally well-maintained, almost like new. No scratches, dents, or paint issues. Typically very low mileage with full service history. Rare and commands a premium price.
Grade 5
Excellent condition. Minor surface marks only — so small they are practically invisible. Mechanically perfect. Very well-maintained with good service history. An outstanding vehicle.
Grade 4.5
Very good condition with only very light scratches or a tiny dent that is barely noticeable. No repairs required. Mechanically sound. One of the most desirable grades for importers — excellent condition at a reasonable price premium.
Grade 4
Good condition. May have a few small scratches, minor dents, or light paint fade in one or two spots. No serious body damage. Mechanically reliable. Grade 4 is the most common "target grade" for importers — represents a well-maintained vehicle at a fair price.
Grade 3.5
Average to good condition. Small dents, some scratches, or minor paint repairs that are visible on close inspection. Mechanically fine. Acceptable for most import buyers who prioritise mechanical reliability over cosmetic perfection.
Grade 3
Average condition. Noticeable scratches, a few dents, or small repairs. Mechanically sound but cosmetically below average. Suitable for buyers on a budget who can accept some cosmetic work needed.
Grade 2
Below average. Significant scratches, multiple dents, or paint damage across several panels. Mechanically may be fine but requires cosmetic repair. Often bought by panel beaters or buyers willing to repair.
Grade 1
Poor condition. Heavy damage, serious rust, significant accident damage, or major mechanical issues. Not recommended for import buyers seeking a reliable vehicle.
Grade R (Repaired / Restored)
The vehicle has had accident repairs or bodywork. This does not necessarily mean the vehicle is bad — Japan's repair standards are very high — but it means a panel, section, or structural component has been worked on. R grades are priced lower but require careful review of the auction sheet to understand what was repaired.
Grade RA
Similar to R but indicates repairs to airbag deployment or significant structural components. More serious than regular R grade. Approach with caution.
Interior Condition Grades
Interior grade appears separately on the auction sheet, typically as a letter grade:
- A: Excellent interior — no stains, tears, or odours. Like new.
- B: Good interior — minor marks or slight wear to seats/carpets. Normal for the age.
- C: Average interior — visible stains, some wear, light damage to trim. Acceptable.
- D: Poor interior — significant staining, tears, damage or strong odour. Needs attention.
How to Read the Auction Sheet
An auction sheet is the inspection report completed by the auction house's inspector. It includes:
- Overall grade (e.g., 4.5) and interior grade (e.g., A or B)
- A diagram of the vehicle showing the exact location and severity of all cosmetic issues
- Codes indicating the type of issue: A = scratch, U = dent, W = wave/flex, P = paint, C = corrosion/rust, X = needs replacement, XX = serious damage
- Odometer reading as confirmed by the inspector
- Notes on mechanical condition, service history, and extras
Always ask your Japanese exporter for the original auction sheet (in Japanese). Many exporters can also provide a translated version.
What Grade Should You Buy?
For most importers, Grade 4 to Grade 4.5 represents the best value: excellent mechanical reliability with only minor cosmetic imperfections, at a price well below Grade 5 or 6. Grade 3.5 is acceptable if budget is a constraint and you don't mind minor cosmetic work after import.
Avoid Grade R and RA unless you understand exactly what was repaired and are comfortable with the structural implications.
JEVIC vs Auction Grade
Auction grades are assigned by the auction house inspector and apply at the time of auction. JEVIC (Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Centre) is an independent pre-export inspection conducted specifically for export purposes. Both are useful:
- Auction grade: Snapshot of condition at auction — the vehicle may have had cosmetic repairs since
- JEVIC: Independent pre-export check — confirms condition, odometer reading, and that the vehicle meets export standards
For the best protection, ask for both the auction sheet AND a JEVIC certificate when buying a Japanese used vehicle for import.
Find Verified Exporters Who Provide Auction Sheets
Japanese Auto World's verified exporters provide full auction sheets and JEVIC certificates on request. You can inspect the exact grade and condition of your vehicle before paying. Browse verified exporters and buy with confidence.
