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Auction Info

Auction Information Kaori International Co., Ltd

Transparent Auction Guidance for Confident Vehicle Buying

At Kaori International, we’re committed to helping you make informed vehicle purchases from Japanese auto auctions. This page explains how to read and understand Japanese auction sheets, the grading system, and how we support you throughout the buying process.

How to Read Japanese Auction Sheets

Every auctioned vehicle in Japan comes with a detailed inspection report known as an auction sheet. These sheets are created by certified inspectors and provide an honest assessment of the vehicle’s condition.

1

Exhibit Number/ Auction Number

2

Car History

3

Displacement

4

Model

5

Auction Grade

6

First Registration Year/Month

7

Vehicle Inspection

8

Mileage

9

Colour

10

Fuel Type

11

Exhibitor (Dealer or Individual)

12

Recycle

13

Transmission

14

Cooling / Air-Conditioning

15

Genuine Options

16

Sales Point

17

Weight

18

Chassis Number

19

Precautions (repair/defects & condition)

20

Car Examination report by Auction Staff

21

Dimensions (L/W/H)

22

Scratches/ Dents/Damages found at Inspection

Understanding Auction Grades

Auction grades give a quick idea of the vehicle’s exterior condition and overall quality.

 
5
Grade 5 cars are nearly flawless, and vehicles over 10 years old with this grade are extremely rare.
4
Grade 4 cars are above average for their age, may have slight paint fade and medium dents, and usually show under 100,000 km.
3
Grade 3 cars range widely in condition. They may be poor overall, have rust or mechanical problems, or have had minor accidents without frame damage.
R/RA
R-grade cars have been repaired after an accident. They are not salvage or write-offs, but accident severity varies, so quality differs greatly.
4.5
Grade 4.5 cars are excellent for their age, with only minor, easily repairable flaws. Vehicles over 15 years old with this grade are rare.
3.5
Grade 3.5 is the most common. These cars can be in good condition but may have larger dents, paint peeling, or high mileage (100,000–200,000 km), so condition notes should be checked carefully.
2
Grade 2 cars are in very poor condition, often only good for parts, with severe rust on floorboards, body panels, and frames.
0/*
*** or 0-grade cars have no assigned grade and are not inspected. They are usually accident-damaged, unrepaired, or have major issues, and are often non-operational.

Interior Condition Grades

Interior condition is also rated separately to reflect cleanliness and wear

A
Like new. Rare for used cars.
C
Many 15+ year-old vehicles are Grade C. Condition varies from excellent to poor, so check reports for details.
B
B-grade interiors are in good condition, with only minor dirt or wear on parts like the steering wheel or shift knob, and no major repairs needed.
D/E
Poor or heavily used. May require cleaning or refurbishment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

An auction sheet is an official inspection report created by certified inspectors at Japanese auction houses. It summarizes the car’s condition, history, mileage, options, repairs, and any visible damage.

Yes. Auction sheets are independent evaluations—not created by sellers. While some human error is possible, Japanese auctions have strict inspection standards, and most reports are accurate and reliable.

Auction grades represent the overall condition of the vehicle, from Grade 5 (excellent) to Grade 2 or R (poor or accident-repaired). Interior grades (A to D) show the cabin’s cleanliness and wear. Visit our grading guide for full details.

Absolutely! KAORI International provides complete English translations for any vehicle you’re interested in. We’ll also highlight critical damage, repairs, or other notes so you can make an informed decision.

Claims are possible for certain vehicles, especially those under 10 years old, if major issues were not disclosed in the auction report. We’ll guide you through the claim process if needed. However, older vehicles are often sold as-is.

You don’t have to! We translate every part of the auction sheet—including damage diagrams and inspector comments—into clear English. Our team also explains any unfamiliar terms before you bid.

Yes, but we recommend you consult with our team first. We’ll review the vehicle’s condition, check bidding history, and advise you on pricing to avoid overpaying or bidding on risky vehicles.

These grades usually mean the vehicle was involved in an accident and has been repaired. While some are well-restored and usable, others may have underlying structural issues. We help you evaluate whether it’s worth the risk.
It depends on your purpose. If you’re a mechanic, restorer, or parts dealer, low-grade cars can be a bargain. But for personal or resale use, we recommend Grade 3.5 and above for peace of mind.

In most cases, yes. Auction houses provide images, and we request additional media where possible. We’ll help you assess condition beyond the auction sheet whenever available.

Need Help with Auction Sheets? Contact Us Today

Have questions about a vehicle, auction grades, or translation support? Our team at Kaori International is ready to guide you through every step of the process — from understanding inspection reports to securing your ideal car. Reach out now for fast, friendly, and professional assistance.

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