🎯 Why Japanese Auction Grades Matter

 

🎯 Why Japanese Auction Grades Matter

Japanese car auctions are some of the most transparent vehicle marketplaces in the world. The grading system is designed to give buyers a quick, reliable snapshot of a car’s condition.

When you understand the grading system:

• You’ll avoid overpaying

• You can spot hidden damage

• You'll know when you're getting a solid deal

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🧾 Where to Find the Grade

On every Japanese auction sheet, the grade is usually written near the top or in the center of the inspection report.

It’s usually shown as:

• A single number (e.g., 4, 4.5, 3.5)

• A letter grade (e.g., RA, R)

• Sometimes combined with interior grade like B or C

Example: A car may be listed as Grade 4.5 / Interior B

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📊 The Main Auction Grades Explained

🔹 Grade 6, 5, 4.5 — Like New Condition

These are top-quality used cars.

🏆 Grade 6

• Extremely rare

• Usually less than 10,000 km

• Practically brand new

• Might even be unused stock from a dealership

✅ Ideal for luxury buyers or resale business.

⭐ Grade 5

• Very low mileage (under 50,000 km)

• Excellent condition with minimal signs of wear

• Almost new

✅ Perfect for importers targeting high-end Nairobi buyers.

🌟 Grade 4.5

• Light usage and very minor wear

• No accident history

• May have 1-2 minor scratches

✅ Great balance between quality and price.

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🔸 Grade 4 — Good Condition, Slightly Used

This is the most common grade seen in Kenyan imports.

• Mileage typically under 100,000 km

• Clean body with minor dents or scratches

• Mechanically sound

• Interior condition ranges from B (good) to C (average)

✅ Reliable for daily drivers or Uber/Bolt cars.

⚠️ Watch out: Some unscrupulous dealers will clock mileage to make a Grade 3.5 look like a 4.

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🔸 Grade 3.5 — Fair Condition

• Mileage between 100,000–150,000 km

• May have visible dents, faded paint, or touched-up bodywork

• Interior may show wear and stains

✅ More affordable and still usable with minor restoration.

⚠️ Important: Inspect the auction sheet map for hidden body repairs or rust.

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⚠️ Grade 3 — Below Average

• Higher mileage: often over 150,000 km

• Likely to have noticeable scratches, faded paint, or dents

• Interior may be torn, stained, or aged

• Mechanical parts may need attention

✅ Only consider if the price is a major factor — and be ready for repairs.

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🚨 Grade R / RA / A1-A3 — Accident or Repair History

This is where things get risky if you don’t know what to look for.

🟥 Grade RA

• Minor accident with professional repair

• Might involve replaced panel (e.g., door, bumper)

• Mechanically restored and aligned

✅ Can be good value if repaired well

⚠️ Ask for repair documentation or photos if possible.

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🟥 Grade R

• Major accident history

• May include chassis damage, engine replacement, or structural welding

• Repaired to varying standards (some good, some bad)

⚠️ Risk of issues with alignment, suspension, safety.

❌ Not recommended for first-time importers.

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🔧 Grade A1–A3 (Repair Levels)

These are minor to moderate repairs noted individually:

• A1 = Small scratch (under 10cm)

• A2 = Medium scratch (10–30cm)

• A3 = Long/deep scratch (over 30cm)

These apply to individual panel conditions, not the overall car grade.

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🛋️ Interior Grades: A, B, C, D

Alongside the overall car grade, the auction sheet lists an interior grade.

Grade	Meaning
A	Like new — showroom level
B	Clean and tidy, some minor wear
C	Used — some stains or scratches
D	Heavily worn or damaged

✅ Go for at least Interior B for comfortable use.

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🗺️ Decoding the Auction Sheet Map

Most auction sheets have a vehicle diagram showing damage marks.

Here’s how to read it:

Symbol	Meaning
A1/A2/A3	Scratches
U1/U2/U3	Dents
W1/W2/W3	Waves or warps
S1/S2	Rust spots
X	Needs replacement
XX	Replaced already

💡 Tip: A car with Grade 4 but 3–4 X marks could still have replaced panels. Check which panels before importing.

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🧠 Example Comparison: Grade 4 vs Grade RA

Let’s say you're importing a 2017 Subaru Impreza:

Grade	Description	Price Estimate	Risk Level
4.5 / B	44,000 km, clean, no repair	KES 1.35M	✅ Low
RA / C	61,000 km, repaired rear door	KES 1.05M	⚠️ Moderate

📌 A well-repaired RA grade car might save you KES 300K–500K — but you must inspect repair quality or request full photos.

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🇰🇪 What Grade Should You Choose in Kenya?

For Private Use:

• Grade 4 or 4.5 / Interior B

• Good balance of reliability and condition

For Business (Taxi, Uber, Resale):

• Grade 3.5 or 4 / Interior C or B

• Manageable condition with affordable pricing

For Budget Buyers:

• Grade 3 or RA (with care)

• Always verify accident extent and ask for repairs

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✅ How to Confirm a Car's Auction Grade

1. Request the Original Auction Sheet

   • Never accept summaries or PDF screenshots only.

2. Use Chassis Number on CarVX.jp

   • Verifies grade, mileage, accident, and auction history

3. Avoid Cars Without Auction Records

   • These often mean:

     • Accident cars sold outside auction

     • Forged sheets

     • Clocked mileage

4. Use an Inspector or Contact Code & Clutch Assistant

   • Send us the auction sheet for quick verification on WhatsApp.

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🚧 Warning: Some Dealers Forge Grades

Not all local dealers in Kenya are honest.

Common tricks:

• Use fake auction sheets with inflated grades

• Buy Grade R cars and reprint as Grade 4

• Photoshop auction maps and mileage

🛡️ Protect yourself:

• Double-check on CarVX.jp or JEVIC

• Compare multiple sources

• Ask your seller direct questions

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🖼️ Suggested Images for This Article

1. A sample Japanese auction sheet with grades circled

2. Comparison of Grade 5 vs Grade RA exterior

3. Close-up of interior condition (Grade A vs C)

4. Screenshot of CarVX auction history report

5. Diagram showing symbols like A1, U2, W3 on auction sheet

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🧮 Final Thoughts

Japanese car auction grades aren’t just numbers — they tell the real story of a car.

When you understand these grades:

• You can buy smarter

• Negotiate better

• Avoid imported lemons

📌 “Grade 4.5 with Interior B” isn’t just a spec — it’s peace of mind.

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💬 Need Help Decoding Your Auction Sheet?

Send it via WhatsApp to:
📲 0717423659

We’ll decode the grades and damage symbols — free of charge.