Decoding JDM Auction Sheets: The Ultimate Guide
Welcome to the Ultimate JDM Auction Sheet Guide!
If you're considering buying your next Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicle, by the end of this post, you’ll be able to read a JDM auction sheet like a pro, ensuring your next JDM buy is as smooth as GT-R34 with a high-flow cat!
Let's get started.
What Is a Japanese Auction Sheet?
An auction sheet is a standardized JDM vehicle report that provides a detailed inspection of a vehicle’s condition. It’s created by independent inspectors at Japanese auction houses to help buyers like you accurately and confidently assess vehicles without actually being physically present.
Auction sheets are trustworthy documents generated by independent inspectors in Japan, adhering to strict industry standards. They are widely regarded as reliable due to the credibility and integrity of Japanese auction houses. These sheets are designed to provide buyers with a transparent and accurate assessment of a vehicle's condition, ensuring informed purchasing decisions.
What’s Included in an Auction Sheet?
Auction sheets typically include the following fields, each offering critical insights into the vehicle:
Registration Date: Written in Japanese calendar format (e.g., H17/3), this field indicates the year and month of the vehicle’s first registration.
Overall Auction Grade: A single number or letter indicating the overall condition of the vehicle. It ranges from 5 (like new) to R (repaired) or even lower for heavily damaged vehicles.
Interior Grade: A letter grade (A to E) reflecting the condition of the interior, including cleanliness, wear, and damage.
Damage Diagram: A visual representation of the vehicle, marking dents, scratches, rust, and repairs using standardized codes.
Vehicle Make: Specifies the manufacturer and model name for easy identification.
Vehicle Model: Specifies the vehicles specific sub-model name for easy identification.
Engine CC: Indicates the engine size in cubic centimeters (CC), providing insight into the vehicle’s power.
Inspector Notes: A section where inspectors note any mechanical issues, repairs, or unique features of the vehicle. This is often written in Japanese and may require translation.
Chassis Number: The unique identifier for JDM vehicles, similar to a VIN in North America, used for tracking and verification.
Odometer Reading: Displays the mileage of the vehicle, sometimes accompanied by symbols like an asterisk (*) or dollar sign ($) to indicate anomalies or verified readings.
Real World Example: 2005 (H17/3) BMW 3 Series Auction Sheet
To help us decode each section - let’s break down this auction sheet for a 2005 BMW 3 Series that was recently up for auction on USS Ninja - Japan's largest auction house. This will give you a real-world example of how an auction sheet is structured and a more detailed explanation of the sections of the sheet provide vital information.
Decoding Section #1. Registration Date
One of the most critical pieces of information on a Japanese auction sheet is the registration date, typically written in the format "H17/3" and found in the very top left corner of the sheet. This letter/number code provides the year and month of the vehicle’s first registration. Understanding this system is vital, as it determines if a vehicle is eligible for import into Canada or the United States.
A Brief History of the Japanese Calendar System
Japan’s calendar system is based on the era of the reigning emperor. Each era has a unique name, and the years reset to 1 at the beginning of a new era. For example:
Heisei (H): Began in 1988 and ended in 2019.
Reiwa (R): Began in 2019 and is the current era.
To determine the vehicle’s manufacturing year, you’ll need to convert the Japanese year to the Gregorian calendar:
Locate the Registration Date: Found near the top-left corner of the auction sheet, often formatted as a letter followed by numbers (e.g., H17/3).
Identify the Era:
"H" stands for Heisei, "R" for Reiwa.
Convert the Year:
For Heisei (H), add 1988 to the number following "H" (e.g., H17 = 2005).
For Reiwa (R), add 2018 to the number following "R" (e.g., R2 = 2020).
Read the Month:
The number after the slash (e.g., "/2") indicates the month (e.g., February).
Confirm Import Eligibility:
In Canada, the vehicle must be at least 15 years old from its manufacturing date.
In the USA, it must be 25 years old.
Example Conversion
If the registration date is H17/3:
Era: Heisei (H)
Year: 17 + 1988 = 2005
Month: March
Registration Date: March 2005
By following this method, you can confidently determine the vehicle’s eligibility for import and its historical context.
Decoding Section #2. Overall Auction Grade
The exterior auction grade numbers summarize the overall exterior condition of the vehicle.
Let’s break down what each grade means:
Grade 5
Condition: Virtually new or close to new. Over 12 months old, with 30,000-60,000 km.
Details: Only a few small dings or surface scratches that don’t require repair.
Ideal Buyer: Someone looking for a pristine, showroom-quality vehicle.
Grade 4.5
Condition: Excellent, slightly used. Mileage between 60,000-100,000 km.
Details: Minor blemishes like small scratches or dents that are easily fixable with paintless dent repair or light cleaning.
Ideal Buyer: Someone wanting a nearly new vehicle with minor touch-ups.
Grade 4
Condition: Above average, well-maintained, with under 150,000 km.
Details: Noticeable but repairable scratches, dents, or small interior wear (e.g., minor burns or stains). Mechanically sound with no major issues.
Ideal Buyer: Buyers comfortable with light cosmetic repairs for a better deal.
Grade 3.5
Condition: Average used condition, under 200,000 km.
Details: Noticeable wear such as larger dents, scratches, or burns. Some rust or minor mechanical issues (e.g., oil leaks or a malfunctioning power window). Repairs may be needed to maintain value.
Ideal Buyer: Someone looking for a functional, budget-friendly option with minor repairs.
Grade 3
Condition: Poor, with no mileage limit. Significant visible damage, such as large dents, scratches, or corrosion.
Details: May have broken seats, upholstery issues, unknown engine noises, or major oil leaks.
Ideal Buyer: A buyer prepared for significant repairs or restoration work.
Grade 2
Condition: Very poor quality with little commercial value.
Details: Extensive damage, rust, or wear beyond repair. Often sold for parts or scrap.
Ideal Buyer: Parts dealers or restoration enthusiasts.
Grade 1
Condition: Severe damage due to water or fire exposure.
Details: Often indicates a history of flooding or the use of fire extinguishers.
Ideal Buyer: Rarely recommended unless for parts.
Grade R
Condition: Repaired vehicles with non-original parts. The grade masks actual condition, which can range from 3 to 4. R grades don’t always mean the car is in poor condition. Enthusiasts love R grades as there can be great opportunities for getting unique mods and aftermarket accessories not normally found on stock JDM cars.
Details: May include body kits, replaced panels, or accident repairs. Critical to have these vehicles inspected thoroughly to identify structural damage.
Ideal Buyer: Enthusiasts who value rare or restored models but are cautious about hidden issues.
Decoding Section #3. Interior Auction Grade
Interior grades provide insight into wear and cleanliness of the vehicle:
A: Near-new, with minor dirt marks that are easily cleaned.
B: Light discolouration or minor stains, such as small burn marks or screw holes.
C: Average wear, with cleanable stains or dashboard cracking.
D: Excessive wear, including sagging headliners, large tears, and cigarette burns.
E: Permanent damage with odours, missing pieces, or signs of flooding.
Decoding Section #4. The Damage Diagram
A diagram on the auction sheet highlights defects using:
Letters:
A: Scratches
U: Dents
B: Dents with scratches
S/C: Rust/Corrosion
X/XX: Needs repair/Repaired
Y: Cracks
G: Glass chips
W: Wavy finish
Numbers:
1: Thumbnail size
2: Palm size
3: Larger than a hand
Decoding Section #5. Vehicle Make
This section identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. On the auction sheet, it is typically located to the right of the registration date. For example, in our BMW 3 Series example, the Make is BMW. This section ensures buyers know exactly who produced the car and can cross-reference this with their research on the specific manufacturer.
Decoding Section #6. Vehicle Model
Directly next to the Make section, the Model specifies the exact version of the car. For example, in our BMW 3 Series example, the Model is 3 Series. This is essential for identifying whether the vehicle meets your expectations, as manufacturers often produce multiple variations within a model line.
Decoding Section #7. Engine CC’s
This section provides the engine displacement, measured in cubic centimeters (CC). In our example, the BMW 3 Series has a 3000 CC engine, which translates to a 3.0-liter engine. This information is critical for determining the car's power and performance capabilities.
Decoding Section #8. Inspector Notes
Located at the bottom-left corner of the auction sheet, this section contains detailed observations from the inspector. These notes often highlight mechanical issues, cosmetic damage, or unique features. Since the notes are written in Japanese, just ask us to translate this section for you, or give Google Translate a try here.
Decoding Section #9. Vehicle VIN/Chassis Number
Unlike North American vehicles that have Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), JDM vehicles use a Chassis Number to identify the car. The chassis number is typically located just above the damage diagram on the auction sheet. This identifier is critical for verifying the vehicle's history and ensuring it matches auction records. While it serves a similar purpose to a VIN, the chassis number format may differ, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with its structure when importing a JDM vehicle.
Decoding Section #10. Odometer Reading
The odometer reading on a Japanese auction sheet reflects the total kilometers the vehicle has traveled and is a critical indicator of its usage and potential wear. Typically displayed prominently, the mileage may sometimes include symbols that provide additional context. For example, an asterisk (*) next to the mileage indicates uncertainty about the accuracy of the reading, often due to odometer replacements or discrepancies in recorded data. A dollar sign ($) suggests the mileage has been verified as accurate despite a replacement or modification. Inspecting this section carefully is essential, as higher mileage can mean more wear, while inconsistencies might warrant further investigation. Understanding these symbols ensures you’re fully informed about the vehicle’s history before making a purchase.
Things to Look for in a JDM Auction Sheet
Knowing what to focus on can really help you decide if the vehicle fits your specific criteria for what you’re looking for in a JDM car. Here are key areas to pay attention to and some general advice on what this means in the big picture when assessing the overall condition of the JDM vehicle:
Red Flags to Watch For
Rust or Corrosion:
Indicators like “S” or “C” on the damage diagram show rust or corrosion. Extensive rust could mean costly repairs and structural issues.
Grade R or Low Grades:
Grades like 1, 2, or R suggest significant past damage, repairs, or poor overall condition. This doesn’t automatically disqualify the vehicle, but it requires deeper investigation.
Mileage Anomalies:
An asterisk next to the mileage may indicate tampering or uncertainty about the vehicle’s true mileage.
Inspector Notes:
Comments about oil leaks, engine noises, or significant mechanical problems should not be overlooked. These are typically written in Japanese and can be hard
Non-Deal-Breakers
Minor Scratches and Dents:
Codes like “A” (scratches) or “U” (dents) with size indicators (1, 2, or 3) are common and often inexpensive to fix. Or may be so minor - you would question why they’re even on the sheet. This is a testament to the quality of the inspection process and attention to detail these auction inspectors take when assessing each JDM vehicle.
Interior Wear:
Grades like B or C indicate typical use. Even Grade D interiors can be restored with professional cleaning or minor repairs.
Repaired Panels (XX):
If repairs were done professionally, they might not affect the car’s value significantly, especially for older or rarer models.
Understanding these details will help you differentiate between minor, fixable issues and significant red flags, making you a more confident buyer.
At JDM Rush We Make Auction Sheets Make Sense.
So there you have. it! Interpreting a Japanese auction sheet isn’t as straightforward as it seems. With detailed diagrams, codes, grades, and handwritten inspector notes (often in Japanese), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Missing even a small detail could lead to costly surprises, like hidden rust, significant repairs, or mileage discrepancies.
Let JDM Rush Imports Simplify the Process
At JDM Rush Imports, we specialize in making the auction sheet decoding process seamless and stress-free. With our expertise, you’ll never have to worry about missing critical details or making a costly mistake.
Here’s how we can help:
Professional Translation: We ensure every detail, from inspector notes to auction house-specific codes, is clearly understood.
Expert Analysis: Our team evaluates grades, diagrams, and odometer readings to identify potential risks and hidden value.
Personalized Advice: We guide you through the process, answering questions and ensuring you make an informed decision.
Confidence in Your Purchase: With our help, you’ll know exactly what you’re buying, avoiding unpleasant surprises.
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