Identity fields
Chassis/frame number, model code, year, and registration details — check these belong to the car in front of you.
Guide
How to read a Japanese auction sheet
Understand the identity fields, grades, mileage, diagram marks, and inspector comments on a Japanese auction sheet — then verify it by chassis number before you trust a seller copy.
- Identifier-first
- Manual fallback
- Transparent limits
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Why the auction sheet matters
A Japanese auction sheet is the inspector’s record of a car at the time it went through auction. It can show identity details, grades, mileage, condition marks, repair notes, and comments. This guide helps you understand that information for a real vehicle — not just memorise generic symbols — and it recommends verifying any seller-provided sheet against records by chassis or frame number before you rely on it.
What to check first
Start with the vehicle identity: chassis/frame number, model, year, and the mileage recorded at auction. Confirm these match the car and the documents you were shown.
Grades
The overall grade and interior grade summarise condition, but they are a starting point, not the whole story.
Diagram marks
Symbols on the car diagram flag scratches, dents, repairs, repainting, and corrosion where the inspector noted them.
Comments
Inspector remarks add detail a grade alone cannot show — including repair or accident context where recorded.
Grades, marks, and comments together
A grade is most useful when read with the diagram marks, mileage, interior grade, and comments. A strong grade does not automatically mean a car is problem-free, and marks or comments can reveal repaired panels, repainting, or corrosion. Machine translation of Japanese comments can be misleading, so plain-language interpretation matters.
Verify before you trust a seller copy
Seller-provided sheets can be incomplete, mismatched to the car, or altered. The safest step is to verify the sheet by chassis or frame number against records, so you can confirm it belongs to the vehicle you are buying. If the sheet is unclear or you cannot confirm it, Manual Search (€50) is the practical next step.
Continue with the process guide, sample report, or FAQ before checking a vehicle. How it works · Sample report · FAQ
Common questions
What is the most important part of a Japanese auction sheet to check first?
Start with the vehicle identity — chassis/frame number, model, and year — to confirm the sheet actually belongs to the car, then read the grade and comments.
How do I know if the auction sheet matches the car?
Compare the chassis/frame number and model details on the sheet with the vehicle and its documents. Verifying by chassis number against records confirms the match.
What do auction sheet marks usually show?
Diagram marks flag scratches, dents, repairs, repainting, and corrosion where the inspector recorded them. Their exact meaning depends on the auction house.
Can the auction grade hide serious problems?
A grade summarises condition but does not tell the whole story. Always read it with the marks, mileage, interior grade, and comments.
Can inspector comments reveal repair or accident history?
They can, where such history was recorded. Comments and marks may indicate repaired or replaced parts, but coverage varies by sheet and source.
Should I verify a seller-provided auction sheet?
Yes. A seller copy can be incomplete, mismatched, or edited. Verify it by chassis or frame number before relying on it.
Manual Search — €50
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