Understanding how the auctions work will make sourcing your vehicle much smoother and you will

feel more comfortable throughout the process. This Auction Guide has been prepared to assist you
to become familiar with the Japanese auction process, including detail about the grading and
abbreviations used on auction sheets. Please contact us on 0719966557 if you need further help or
advice.

Auction Codes – Quick reference Guide

Exterior Comment 5 - As new with no condition faults

4.5 - Very clean, one panel affected by minor paint blemish
4 - More than one panel affected by minor paint blemishes
3.5 - Some attention to panel and paint is required
3 - Rough overall condition
2 - Serious panel damage, rusty or water damaged
1 - Performance upgrades or mechanical changes
A / 0 / R - Accident damage and repair

Interior Comment A - As new with no condition faults

B - Very clean and nice
C - Average / clean for age including expected wear and tear
D - Cigarette burns / smell, rips, tears, or other damage to interior, significant wear and tear Vehicle

Options abbreviations

SR - Sunroof
AW - Alloy Wheels
PS - Power Steering
PW - Power Windows
AB – Airbag
RS – Rear spoiler
AC – Air conditioner
AAC – Climate control air conditioner
NAVI – Navigator
TV – Television Vehicle

Diagram shows damage

type A1 A scrape which is the size of a fist.

A2 A scrape which is the size of two palms.
A3 A scrape which is more than size
A2. E1 A dent which is barely visible.
E2 A few dents which are barely visible.
E3 Some dents which are barely visible.
U1 A dent which is the size of a thumb.
U2 A dent which is the size of a palm.

U3 A dent which is more than size U2.

Y1 A tear which is the size of a thumb.

Y2 A tear which is the size of a palm.

Y3 A tear which is more than size

Y2. W1 A panel which has been repaired slightly, and is in good condition.

W2 A panel which has been repaired slightly, and has a slightly wave.

W3 A panel which has been repaired slightly, and has a conspicuous wave.

S1 Rust which is the size of a fist.

S2 Rust which is more than size S1.

C1 Major rust corrosion which is the size of a fist.

C2 Major rust corrosion which is more than size C1.

X A panel which needs to be replaced.

XX A panel which has been replaced.

Auction Grading Every auction uses a grading sheet which lists the details of the vehicle plus
information about the vehicle condition. Each auction house is a little different in the format of the
sheets but the basic information is the same.

Vehicles are given from 0 to 5 for the overall grade with A to D used for interior grade (A is the best).
Some auctions will add an extra A to D grade for body condition, so you may see a 4 B B for
example. A interiors should be virtually as new. B is also considered extremely clean, and C is often
used for average condition. For some auctions a C is still very good, while at others it will mean the
interior is dirty, has cigarette burns, or obvious wear an d tear. C for an vehicle older than 10 years is
generally expected, but would be cause for concern on a 2-year old vehicle. D usually means very
untidy, dirty, smoke-affected, or stripped out for racing. Damaged or Repaired Vehicles without a
grade are those with unrepaired(usually recent) damage, mechanical or other major faults. 0, R, A
are all used to denote repaired vehicles, with RA, A1, 01 being minor repairs.

Anyway we are avoiding importing these damaged or repaired vehicles. We, Direct Car Importers
generally prefer vehicles above grade 4. Occasionally a lower grade vehicle might be worth
considering, e.g. some large scrapes and scratches on the body kit / bumpers could result in a 3.5
grade for what is otherwise a very nice car. This cosmetic damage maybe easy to fix yet result in
significant savings on newer vehicles .

Grade 2 indicates very poor condition or water damage.

Grade 1 is a sign of ‘significant modifications’, whether it is performance upgrades such as larger

turbos, a transmission change from auto to manual, or an engine change. So it’s a matter of
reviewing the auction sheet and pictures for any vehicles of interest with an open mind to selecting
your dream vehicle. Direct Car Importers is always ready to help you. Please contact us for further
information. Hope this post will give you all an idea about the Japanese vehicle auctions.

Cheers!...