🧾 How to Read and Understand Japanese Car Auction Sheets (With Real Examples)
🧾 How to Read and Understand Japanese Car Auction Sheets (With Real Examples)
If you're thinking about importing a car from Japan to Kenya, one of the most critical documents you’ll encounter is the auction sheet.
Unfortunately, many Kenyan buyers skip this step or don’t understand it fully — and end up with cars that are accident-damaged, clocked, or even repaired flood vehicles.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll teach you how to read Japanese auction sheets like a pro — so you can import with confidence.
🚗 What Is a Japanese Car Auction Sheet?
A car auction sheet is a detailed inspection report filled out by professional assessors at Japanese auction houses. Every vehicle that goes through auction is evaluated and graded.
It includes:
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Overall condition
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Interior and exterior grades
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Engine condition
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Scratches, dents, and rust
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Mileage
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Auction grade
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Accident history
This document is your window into the true condition of the vehicle before it’s shipped.
🧠 Why It Matters for Kenyan Buyers
In Kenya, importing a car is a significant investment — usually KES 1M–5M+ depending on the model.
Without a verified auction sheet:
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You can be lied to about mileage
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You might buy a previously crashed vehicle
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You risk paying full price for a refurbished or accident-repaired unit
Auction sheets protect you by showing the real history and integrity of the car.
📄 Breakdown of the Auction Sheet Sections
Let’s go over the main areas one by one.
1. Vehicle Details
Usually in the top left of the sheet.
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| 車名 (Car Name) | E.g., Toyota Axio |
| 型式 (Model Code) | E.g., DBA-NZE141 |
| 年式 (Year) | Manufacturing year |
| 排気量 (Engine CC) | E.g., 1496cc |
| ミッション (Transmission) | AT (Auto) or MT (Manual) |
| 駆動 (Drive Type) | 2WD or 4WD |
| 燃料 (Fuel) | Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid |
| グレード (Trim Level) | E.g., G, X, RS |
2. Odometer (走行距離)
Located near the center or right of the sheet.
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Measured in kilometers
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Beware of anything above 100,000 km unless you’re ready for wear and tear
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Over 150,000 km often gets grade RA or R
3. Auction Grade (評価点)
Perhaps the most important part — this tells you the overall condition of the car.
| Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 6, 5 | As new (rare) |
| 4.5 | Excellent, minimal wear |
| 4 | Very good, normal use |
| 3.5 | Good, visible wear |
| 3 | Fair, scratches, possible rust |
| 2 | Poor condition |
| R, RA | Accident repaired |
| A | Modified car |
| *** | Uninspected or missing info |
✅ Best Grades for Kenyan buyers: 4.5, 4, or 3.5
❌ Avoid: R, RA, 2, A
4. Interior Grade (内装評価)
Usually marked as A (Excellent) to D (Very poor)
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| A | Clean, looks new |
| B | Light stains, slight use |
| C | Worn seat fabric, dashboard faded |
| D | Dirty, torn interior, damaged panels |
5. Inspector Notes (所見)
Written in Japanese — these are hand-written notes by the auction officer.
They may include:
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Engine condition
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Battery status
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Oil leaks
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Comments on repair work
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Smells or stains inside
👉 Use Google Translate, or ask your agent to translate.
6. Condition Diagram
Also called the vehicle damage map, found at the bottom right.
This is a top-down view of the car showing:
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Panels
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Doors
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Bonnet
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Bumper
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Roof
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Trunk
Each panel is marked with codes:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A1 | Small scratch |
| A2 | Medium scratch |
| A3 | Large scratch |
| U1 | Small dent |
| U2 | Medium dent |
| U3 | Large dent |
| W1 | Light wave panel |
| X | Panel needs replacement |
| XX | Panel has been replaced |
| G | Stone chip on glass |
| C1 | Corrosion (light rust) |
| P | Paint marked/faded |
| B | Dent with broken paint |
✅ Look for minor codes like A1, U1
❌ Avoid cars with X, XX, C2, or A3 on multiple panels
🖼️ Real Auction Sheet Example
Example: Toyota Fielder 2016
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Auction Grade: 4.0
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Interior Grade: B
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Mileage: 78,400 km
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Notes: “Minor scratches on left rear, small dent on right door”
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Diagram:
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A1 on right rear
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U1 on front bumper
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✅ GOOD BUY — clean, no major damage
🛑 Red Flags to Watch For
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RA or R Grade
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Car had an accident and was repaired.
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May have compromised frame or airbags.
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XX or X in the Diagram
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Panel has been replaced. Possible accident.
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Very Low Mileage (under 50,000 km)
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Could be clocked — especially if not matching service records.
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Interior Grade C or D
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Indicates a car used by smokers, or previously used as a taxi.
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Handwritten Warning Notes
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Terms like "オイル漏れ" (oil leak) or "修復歴有り" (accident history) are major alerts.
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📘 Glossary of Key Japanese Auction Terms
| Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 無事故車 | No accident history |
| 修復歴有り | Accident repaired |
| エアバック展開 | Airbag deployed |
| エンジン異音 | Engine noise |
| 書類あり | With documents |
| タイヤ要交換 | Needs tyre replacement |
| キズ有り | Has scratches |
| 登録済 | Registered |
📌 Tips for Kenyan Buyers
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Always Ask for the Auction Sheet
A genuine agent or dealer will provide this. If they hesitate, walk away. -
Match Auction Sheet to Photos
Check if dents/scratches in the sheet appear in real car images. -
Verify with Third Parties
Platforms like JUMVEA and CarVX.jp allow you to check auction histories using chassis number. -
Don’t Chase Too Low Mileage
A 2017 car with 27,000 km? Could be clocked or dormant. -
Work with a Verified Importer
Especially one registered with NTSA, JEVIC, or KEBS in Kenya.
📱 Suggested Images for This Article
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Real Japanese auction sheet with labels
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Screenshot of a condition diagram and damage codes
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Infographic of all auction grades
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Side-by-side comparison: Grade 4.5 vs RA car
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Translation sheet with Japanese and English glossary
🛠️ Tools You Can Use
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CarVX.jp – Check Japanese auction history by chassis number
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Google Lens – Translate Japanese text on sheets
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Code & Clutch’s WhatsApp Assistant – Send auction sheets for analysis
🚦 Final Takeaway
An auction sheet is more powerful than a logbook when it comes to imports.
If you’re importing a car to Kenya from Japan in 2025, understanding the auction sheet can save you hundreds of thousands in repairs, heartbreak, or fraud.
Don’t just trust the seller. Trust the sheet.
👉 Need Help Interpreting Auction Sheets?
Send your sheet to our assistant on WhatsApp 📲 0717423659
We’ll break it down, highlight red flags, and advise — free of charge.
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