Buying a car at auction in Japan is a lottery, where the winnings do not depend on luck, but on the ability to read between the lines. The main document determining the real value and condition of the lot is the auction list. It is the one that is contained in it. objectiveThey are hidden behind dry numbers and letter designations. Understanding these symbols avoids buying a “cat in a bag” and overpaying for hidden defects.
Many beginners mistakenly believe that a high score guarantees the perfect condition of the car. However, the Japanese classification system takes into account many nuances, from the state of the paintwork to the operation of the engine. Auctions Japan is famous for its honesty, but without knowledge of specifics. auction-estimation It's easy to get confused in terms. In this article, we will discuss how to interpret the data from Japan.
Japan’s car valuation system is considered one of the most transparent in the world. It was designed to standardize the trading process and minimize disputes between sellers and buyers. Each vehicle is thoroughly inspected by independent experts who assign it to the vehicle. grade (Evaluation) and record all defects. These data are entered in a special form - an auction list, which accompanies each lot.
Common assessment system: from S to RA
The first thing that the buyer pays attention to is the overall evaluation of the car, which is usually located in the upper right corner of the auction list. It is indicated by a number or letter and gives a general idea of the state of the machine. Highest grade S It is assigned to new cars or machines with minimal mileage, which actually did not have operation.
Evaluation 6 The car is in a state close to the ideal new. There may be barely noticeable traces of storage or washing, but no technical or serious cosmetic defects. Machines with evaluation 5 They are also in excellent condition, but may have minor scratches or scuffs that do not require painting elements. These cars are often called “nearly new.”
Decrease in assessment to 4 or 3.5 It is important to note that the vehicle needs attention. A score of 4 allows for scratches, dents, or traces of corrosion that may require cosmetic repairs or polishing. A 3.5 score often indicates more noticeable body or cabin defects that are conspicuous. Machines with evaluation 3 and below2, 1, R, RA) are considered problematic.
⚠️ Attention: An R or RA rating means that the car has been in an accident and has signs of major repairs or replacement of structural elements of the body. Buying such a car requires additional diagnostics on the lift.
It is important to understand that the assessment is not a verdict, but only an indicator of the condition. A car with a 3 rating may be technically fit but have a poor appearance. Conversely, a car with a score of 4 can be completely whole, but have a large mileage, which also affects the final score. Auction houses strictly monitor the compliance of the real state with the declared grade.
Body condition codes and paint coatings
In addition to the overall assessment, the auction list contains a detailed body diagram with alphanumeric symbols. These codes indicate specific defects in certain areas of the vehicle. The letter indicates the type of defect, and the number is the degree of its severity. For example, code W1 It will mean a slight slackness, and W3 - a deep scratch to metal.
Let’s look at the main signs that are most common. Code. U (Uchi) means dent. The number next indicates the size: U1 is a small dent, U3 is a deep or large dent. Code. X or XX The body element needs to be replaced or has already been replaced. Availability of code XX On the wing or door often reduces the cost of the lot.
- 🚗 W (Wrinkle/Scratch) - Scratching or scuffing. W1 stands for a slight scratch that can be polished. W2 is a scratch that requires painting. W3 – deep scratch to the ground or metal, necessitating full repair.
- 🎨 P (Paint) - Repainted element. P1 means that the repainting is made qualitatively and visible only by the device. P2 – The repainting is visible. P3 is a rough repainting with defects.
- 🛡️ C (Corrosion) - Corrosion. C1 is surface rust. C2 is a deep corrosion that requires intervention. C3 is through corrosion or holes.
Special attention should be paid to the code XX. If you see it on the diagram, it means that the detail has changed. This is not always bad: the part could be replaced after a minor accident with the original. But often XX He's hiding the story of a serious accident. There's also a code. W without numbers in some old sheets, which is usually treated as moderate scratches.
What is the XXX code on the auction list?
The code XXX (three crosses) is rare and indicates that the body element was not just changed, but was replaced by a non-original or has critical geometry violations. Often these cars have an overall R or RA rating. Buying a car with the mark XXX without professional defects is extremely risky, as this may indicate a violation of the power structure of the body.
Assessment of technical condition and mileage
The technical condition of the car in Japanese auctions is often indicated by a separate letter marking, although in modern sheets it is integrated into the overall assessment. However, inspectors pay close attention to the operation of the engine, gearbox and chassis. Car mileage is a critical parameter that affects the price.
In the auction lists, the mileage is indicated in kilometers. However, be careful: if the mileage is not documented or causes doubts among the expert, next to the figure may be a question mark or mark. ***. This means that the mileage may have been twisted and the real figure is unknown. These lots are usually cheaper.
The state of the engine and transmission is often encoded in letters. G (Good) or F (Fair) If the motor status is marked with a letter or a text ASo the engine's fine. The presence (oil undercuts) may be indicated by the code oil leak in the text part of the description. It is important to check the section Remarkswhere the dealer may indicate knocking, vibrations or exhaust problems.
☑️ Checking the technical condition by photo
Particular attention is paid to hybrid cars. For them, the condition of the traction battery is critical. The sheets may contain a note about the replacement of the battery or, conversely, about its degradation. If the battery is changing, that’s a huge plus. If the mileage is large, and the battery is native, it is worth putting in the budget its possible replacement, since the cost of a new unit is high.
Condition of the salon and interior
The interior of the car is evaluated separately from the body, although it affects the overall grade. Inspectors check the cleanliness, presence of smells, upholstery condition of the seats, steering wheel and dashboard. Japanese people are very sensitive to odors in the cabin, so having the smell of tobacco or animals can significantly reduce the score, even if the visual interior is perfect.
The codes of defects of the cabin are similar to the codes of the body, but have their own specifics. S1 - slight scuffing on the seats. S2 - noticeable rubbing or contamination. S3 Holes, tears or severe contamination that require dry cleaning or dragging. Separately, the state of plastic and the presence of cracks on the torpedo are noted.
| Code. | Transcription | Impact on price |
|---|---|---|
| AC | Working air conditioner | Standard |
| J | Availability of audio/video system | Plus. |
| PS | Power steering | Standard |
| AW | Alloy wheels | Plus. |
In the complete setup section, abbreviations are often found. AC (Air Conditioner), PS (Power Steering), AW (Alloy Wheels) Lack of air conditioning (code) No AC) reduces the liquidity of the vehicle, especially in hot regions. Also checked the operability of all electric drives, windows and hatch (if any).
⚠️ Attention: If the description of the cabin indicates the mark "Smell" (smell), specify its origin. The smell of tobacco (Tobacco) weathers out long and difficult, which can be a problem for allergic people or just an unpleasant surprise.
Special codes and additional symbols
Japanese auction lists contain a variety of additional codes that tell the full history of the car. For example, code FM It means the presence of a complete set of documents (Service Book, keys). The absence of keys or service book may be referred to as Keyless or the absence of appropriate marks, which requires the cost of manufacturing duplicates.
The codes are special, indicating the history of operation. Commercial Vehicle commercial transport that could be used more intensively. Recall Information on the ongoing or unconducted recall campaigns. It is important to check the section Auction Conditionswhere export restrictions or specific payment requirements may be specified.
There are also specific designations for certain types of bodies. For minivans, the cleanliness of the cabin and the absence of smells are important. For sports cars - the absence of track operation (overheated brakes, specific settings). URJ (Unregistered/Junk) It is sometimes found for cars that cannot be registered on public roads without major repairs, and their purchase is only possible for disassembly for parts.
Please note the date of the inspection. The auction list is valid only at the time of inspection. If the car stood in the parking lot for a long time, new defects (for example, bird droppings or scratches from transportation) that were not in the photo could appear in it.
Typical errors in decoding sheets
The most common mistake is to ignore the text of the auction sheet (the text of the auction list).Remarks). Figures and schemes give only the overall picture, but it is in the text that dealers describe the nuances: “the suspension knocks”, “the air conditioner does not work”, “the frontal cracked”. Missing this information may lead to the purchase of illiquid.
The second mistake is underestimating the impact of mileage on the assessment. A car with a mileage of 150,000 km and a score of 4 may cost more than a car with a mileage of 50,000 km and a score of 3.5 if the second has doubts about the integrity of the run. Japanese buyers are very sensitive to the history of the car.
The third mistake is the inattention to the replacement codes. Replacing a bumper or wing is normal. But replacing a spar, rack or floor (Frame) is serious. If you see the codes of replacement of power elements, it is better to bypass such a lot side, you are a professional bodybuilder.
The main principle of a successful purchase is never to rely on a general grade. Always look into the defect scheme and the auctioneer’s text comments, as that’s where the real cost of rebuilding the car is hidden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the R rating mean at a Japanese auction?
R (Repair) means that the car has been in an accident and has traces of body repairs. This does not necessarily mean that the machine is “beaten” in our understanding (total). Often it is a replaced bumper or wing. However, the RA (Repair Accident) score indicates more serious damage to the frame. These cars are cheaper, but require a thorough check of the geometry of the body.
Can you trust this auction run?
In Japan, mileage twisting is considered a serious violation, and auctions are fighting it. However, mileage may not be documented (mark ***). In this case, it is considered that the mileage could have been changed. Focus is on the condition of the cabin, pedals and steering wheel, as well as the history of service.
What is an “Auction Sheet” and why is it needed?
Auction Sheet The auction list is the main document accompanying the car. It contains all the information: assessment, defects, equipment, mileage. Without the original or a high-quality copy of the auction sheet, customs clearance of a car in many countries (including the Russian Federation) is impossible or difficult.
How do I know if the airbag has changed?
In the auction list, this can be indicated by the code. W (in the meaning of Warranty/Work) or text comment in the section RemarksFor example, "Airbag deployed" or "Airbag replaced". Also, an indirect sign can be repainting of elements where pillows are attached (torpedoes, racks, steering wheel).