USS auction sheet from the inside: how to read an inspection in 6 steps

Every Japanese auction sheet has two grade fields, a damage map, and inspector's notes. 90% of import scams happen where the buyer doesn't know the codes. This guide walks the whole document — how to read it, what to look for, what disqualifies a car.

Step 1. The 1–6 grade scale

The first number on the sheet is the overall grade.

• S / 6 — museum, <20,000 km, flawless.
• 5 — showroom, fully serviced.
• 4.5 — very good, minor marks.
• 4 — good, normal wear.
• 3.5 — used, minor flaws.
• 3 — heavily used.
• 2 / 1 — needs restoration.
• R / RA — post-accident.

Step 2. Interior A–D

Separate scale for the cabin. A = unused, B = light wear, C = visible wear, D = serious damage. A sheet marked "4.5 B" means a very good car with lightly worn interior.

Step 3. The damage map

The right side of the sheet has a line drawing with letters and numbers. Letters = type, numbers = severity.

• A — scratch. A1 small, A3 large.
• U — dent. U1 small, U3 big.
• W — wave / repainted. W2+ is a red flag.
• S — rust. S1 surface, S3 deep.
• X — replaced panel. Automatic pass.
• XX — replacement required.

Step 4. Inspector's notes

At the bottom — handwritten in Japanese. We translate every one. Key phrases:

「エンジン異音」 — abnormal engine noise. Disqualifies.

「修復歴あり」 — repair history (usually post-accident). Needs deep explanation.

Step 5. Verified mileage

The Japanese auction network verifies mileage against shaken (biennial inspection) history. If the sheet mileage differs from shaken records by >10%, the field carries a U1 mark (rolled-back odometer). Automatic disqualification.

Step 6. 9 red flags

1. Interior grade 2 steps lower than overall.
2. Any "X" on the map.
3. "W3" or "W4" — major paint repair.
4. "U1" on mileage.
5. Non-matching engine / gearbox numbers.
6. Missing service book.
7. Oil leaks in the report.
8. Yellow flags on sill rust (S2+).
9. Inspector notes about abnormal engine sounds.

Karasaki — we translate every sheet and add our own on-site inspection report in Japan (photos, video, paint thickness gauge) before clearing a car for bid. Any of these flags → we pass at the brief stage.