Buying basics
What is a Japanese auction sheet and how to read it
The auction sheet is the single most important document for a recond car. Learn to read the grade, interior score, mileage and damage map in five minutes.
Tue, 1 Sept 2026 · 3 min read
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When a car is sold at a Japanese auction house such as USS, TAA, JU, CAA or HAA, an independent inspector checks it and writes an auction sheet (in Japanese, 出品票). It is the car's report card, and for a recond buyer in Malaysia it is the best evidence you have of the car's condition before it left Japan.
Every car at our showrooms is sold with its original sheet. Here is how to read one.
The overall grade
The large number, usually at the top right, is the overall grade. It summarises the whole car.
| Grade | What it means |
|---|---|
| S or 6 | Brand new or under 1 year old with very low mileage |
| 5 | Excellent, almost new condition |
| 4.5 | Very good, minor marks only |
| 4 | Good, a few small scratches or dents |
| 3.5 | Average, visible wear or several marks |
| 3 and below | Poor, significant wear or damage |
| R / RA | Repaired accident damage (structure) |
| 0 or *** | Flood, fire or major damage |
Most recond cars sold in Malaysia are grade 4 to 5.
The interior grade
Next to the overall grade is a letter for the interior: A (like new), B (clean, light wear), C (stains or wear), D (poor) and E (very poor). For a family MPV like the Alphard or Vellfire, interior B or better is what you want.
Mileage and year
The sheet shows the odometer reading at auction in kilometres. Compare it with the mileage on the car today. The difference should be small, just the distance from auction to port and from port to showroom.
The damage map
The drawing of the car shows where the inspector found marks. Each mark is a letter plus a number for size (1 is small, 3 is large):
- A: scratch (A1 small, A3 large)
- U: dent
- B: dent with scratch
- W: wave or repaired panel
- S: rust
- C: corrosion
- P: paint mark or repaint
- X: panel needs replacing
- XX: panel already replaced
- Y: crack or hole
A few A1 and U1 marks are normal on any used car. Lots of W, XX or S marks mean repair work and are worth asking about.
Inspector's notes
The written comments are often the most useful part: they mention things like "sunroof", "pilot seats", "smell of smoke", "engine noise" or "windscreen chip". We translate these for you on request.
How to verify a sheet
- Ask for the auction house and lot number.
- Check that the chassis number and mileage match the car and its export certificate.
- Buy from a dealer who shows the sheet openly. On our site you can view it on every car page.
Once you can read the sheet, you can compare two cars at the same price and know which is really the better buy.
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- Photo coming soonAuction sheet verified
- Photo coming soonAuction sheet verifiedReserved
Frequently asked questions
What is a good auction grade for a recond car?
Grade 4 and above with interior B is a good everyday buy. Grade 4.5 and 5 are close to new. Grade 3.5 is acceptable if the price reflects it and the damage map shows only small marks.
What does grade R or RA mean?
R means the car has had a repair to its structure or frame, usually after an accident. RA is a minor structural repair. These cars sell for much less and should be inspected carefully.
Can an auction sheet be faked?
Yes. Ask for the lot number and auction house, then check that the mileage matches the export certificate. A reputable dealer will show you the original sheet and let you verify it.
Adakah semua kereta recond ada auction sheet?
Kereta recond dari lelongan Jepun sepatutnya mempunyai auction sheet. Kereta dari UK biasanya tiada auction sheet, jadi semak sejarah servis dan laporan pemeriksaan pula.
Questions? Ask a recond specialist.
We reply on WhatsApp, usually within minutes during showroom hours.