When a car is put up for sale in a Japanese car auction, they are fully inspected and further graded. These Japanese car auction grades are important, as they give an insight into the condition of the car, which can be useful if you are buying the car with plans to import it into the UK. However, if you’re not a Japanese speaker, or you aren’t clued up on Japanese car auction grades, the whole process can get a little stressful!
Here at Advance Insurance, as experts in specialist Japanese Import Car Insurance, we’ve put together a guide on auction grades to help make the import process a little less confusing and get your Japanese car hunt off to a good start.
Why Is An Auction Grade Sheet Important?
You may encounter various grades when it comes to buying a Japanese car. They are important as they are direct from the auction house, to give you an insight into the exterior and interior condition and further the repair history. Essentially, it will ensure that you can expect a good car so it’s important to read auction grades before you bid!
What Each Auction Grade Means
We have put together the following on auction exterior and interior grading and what it means, to help you to understand more about the vehicle’s condition;
Exterior Grading
| Exterior Grade | Details |
|---|---|
| Grade S | Pristine exterior condition, under 12 months old and under 6000 miles. |
| Grade 6 | As new condition, up to 3 years old and under 18,500 miles. |
| Grade 5 | Almost perfect, under 31,000 miles. |
| Grade 4.5 | Very good condition, under 62,000 miles. One of two small scratches, a stone chip here or there, or very minor dents. |
| Grade 4 | Overall good condition, minor bodywork damage and visible scratches or small electrical faults. |
| Grade 3.5 | Average condition. Both bodywork and interior may be worn, faded paint, and likely needs a thorough cleaning. |
| Grade 3 | Will need a thorough clean inside and outside. |
| Grade 2 | Very poor condition. Best bought only for parts. |
| Grade 1 | Extensive engine problems, damaged bodywork, corrosion holes, or windshield crack or hole. |
| *** | Major engine trouble, or accident history. Will not move on its own. |
| Grade R | Accident damage that has been repaired. |
| Grade RA | Minor accident damage, that has been repaired. |
Interior Grading
| Interior Grade | Details |
|---|---|
| Grade A | Immaculate. No work needed. |
| Grade B | Very good, slightest visible flaws. |
| Grade C | Needs a good clean, signs of wear. |
| Grade D | Interior marks, stains, tears or smells. |
| Grade E | Stained, torn and in bad shape. All of the above and worse. |
What Auction Grade Should You Buy?
Japanese car auctions are known for being a great way to get quality cars. They’ve quickly gained stature for the good condition of vehicles and the trust and reliability of Japanese auction centres.
Knowing what auction grade you should buy can be tough. It all depends on what you want from your car. Getting a pre-auction inspection sheet is important to spot a potential problem and avoid importing a vehicle in poor mechanical condition.
Whilst a pre-auction inspection may not pick up on every problem, it could save you a lot of money down the line.
If you are looking to buy a car that is around 10 years old, look for a grade 4 with an interior score of at least B. However, if you want very good condition, go for grade 4.5.
