How to Read Japanese Auction Sheets When Importing JDM Cars
Importing a JDM car to Canada is a dream for many enthusiasts—but how can you be sure you're getting exactly what you paid for? Enter the Japanese auction sheet, one of the most important documents you'll come across when buying a vehicle from Japan’s massive car auction network.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to read Japanese auction sheets, explain the grading system, and show you how to spot potential red flags. Whether you’re chasing a pristine Nissan Skyline, a tough-as-nails Land Cruiser, or a quirky kei car, understanding this document will make you a smarter buyer.
What Is a Japanese Auction Sheet?
Every vehicle sold at Japan’s car auctions comes with a detailed auction sheet, which acts like a vehicle report card. These sheets are created by independent inspectors who examine each car and document its condition, history, and features.
Why does this matter? Because when importing a JDM car to Canada, you can’t see the car in person before buying. The auction sheet becomes your eyes and ears, offering a transparent look at the car’s condition, mileage, repairs, and more.
Why Auction Sheets Matter for JDM Imports
For JDM enthusiasts importing vehicles directly from Japan, these sheets are essential.
They help you:
Evaluate condition: Spot wear and damage before you bid.
Confirm mileage: Avoid cars with tampered odometers.
Understand history: See if the car has been in an accident or had panels replaced.
Find hidden gems: Identify well-maintained cars others might overlook.
About Scoring
Every auction sheet you see will come with a grade that reflects the car’s overall condition. It’s important to know that the way these grades are shown can vary slightly between different auction houses. For example, a vehicle purchased through USS Auction might have a slightly different grading format than one bought through TAA (Toyota Auto Auction). Below, we’ll walk you through a few examples so you know what to expect.
It’s also worth noting that auction grades aren’t 100% foolproof. Since these inspections are performed by people, there’s always some room for human error. A car might pass through auction once with a clean report, but the next time it’s inspected, a previously missed scratch or dent could be added to the sheet. This is especially true since each auction house works with its own inspection teams, and some are known to be more strict or lenient than others. For example, TAA auctions have a reputation for employing some of the most thorough inspectors in the industry.
Interior Ratings
A - Interior is in pristine condition, with no visible scratches, stains, or signs of wear. It feels like a brand-new carinside.
B - Shows minor signs of use, with light marks or scuffs that are barely noticeable. Any dirt or grime can be easily cleaned.
C - Interior has been used more heavily, with visible defects that may require some touch-ups. These imperfections could affect the vehicle’s resale value.
D - Interior has serious wear and damage. There are stains, tears, or broken components that will need extensive repairs to restore. Some stains may be permanent.
E - The interior is in very poor shape, with severe damage such as cracked dashboards, torn seats, or broken trim. In some cases, the car may have an unpleasant odor that would make it difficult to present for sale without deep cleaning or interior replacement.
Exterior Condition Ratings
A – The body is in excellent condition, with only 2 to 3 minor imperfections such as small scratches or dents, each no larger than 2 cm. These can be easily addressed with minor paint touch-ups.
B – The exterior shows light wear, with several minor scratches (5 to 20 cm) and possibly a golf ball-sized dent. There may also be a small crack in the glass. Overall, no major repairs are required.
C – The car’s bodywork has more noticeable damage, including scratches up to 40 cm long and larger dents about the size of a fist. Some panels may also show surface warping, which cannot be fully hidden with a fresh coat of paint.
D – The exterior has significant damage, including severe dents and deep scratches that require replacing multiple panels. A complete repaint is necessary, and minor rust or corrosion may be present.
E – Extensive repairs are required across the entire exterior. The body has widespread rust, corrosion holes, and structural damage that compromises the car’s appearance and integrity.
Condition Maps
The condition map, typically located in the bottom-right corner of the auction sheet, features a diagram of the vehiclemarked with letters and numbers. These notations are made by the auction inspector based on their evaluation for that week’s auction.
Final Thoughts
Learning to read Japanese auction sheets is one of the best skills you can develop as a JDM enthusiast. Whether you’re importing your first Skyline or adding another kei car to the collection, understanding the language of auction sheets gives you a serious edge—and helps you avoid expensive surprises.
If you’re ready to start your JDM import journey, or you want expert help decoding auction sheets for your next dream car, reach out to the team at JDM Rush Imports. We’ve got your back every step of the way.
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