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Grade 4 vs Grade 4.5 — what usually changes

Updated August 23, 2026 · 6 min read

Grade 4 and Grade 4.5 sit next to each other on the Japanese scale. The half-step usually means lighter use and tidier presentation — and a higher ask. This is a comparison of typical sheets, not advice to buy either grade.

Short version: Grade 4 is the market’s everyday “good used” summary — minor cosmetic flaws are expected. Grade 4.5 usually means lighter use and a cleaner look, often under roughly 100,000 km, at a premium. The useful difference is the rest of the sheet: letters, mileage and the damage map.

Side-by-side (typical, not a rule)

Grade 4Grade 4.5
Usual summaryGood used; minor visible flawsVery good; light use
Mileage storyHonest used kilometres are commonOften lower; still read the number
PriceBaseline ask in many export marketsPremium over Grade 4
Letters to watchInterior C/D can hide a tired cabinA/B letters should match the “tidy” story
If you only read the numberYou miss map marks and cabin wearYou may pay extra for polish

Full scale: Japanese auction grades explained. Neighbours on the ladder: Grade 4 vs 3.5 and Grade 4.5 vs 5. Interactive letters: letter-grade explainer.

When the half-grade is doing real work

  • The 4.5 sheet also shows strong 外/内 letters and a quiet damage map.
  • The price gap in your market is small compared with the jump to Grade 5.
  • You are comparing two verified originals — not a dealer PDF against a hope.

When Grade 4 is the more honest read

  • The 4.5 premium is large and the map/letters look similar to a verified 4.
  • The 4.5 interior letter is C or weaker — the cabin may not match the headline.
  • You have not seen the original record. A half-grade on a screenshot is not evidence.
SheetJP does not tell you which grade to purchase. It retrieves the original overall mark so you can compare it to the listing. Educational comparison only.

See whether the sheet says 4 or 4.5

Verify the original auction record by chassis number.

Verify auction sheet

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Grade 4 and Grade 4.5?
Grade 4 is typically good used condition with minor cosmetic flaws. Grade 4.5 typically means lighter use and cleaner presentation, often at a higher price. Always read letters, mileage and the damage map on the original sheet.
Is Grade 4.5 always better than Grade 4?
The headline is usually stronger, but a 4.5 with a tired interior letter or a busy map is not automatically a better car than a clean Grade 4. Compare whole sheets.
Should I pay extra for Grade 4.5?
SheetJP does not advise purchases. Buyers typically weigh the price gap against letters, kilometres and the damage map on a verified original.
How do I confirm Grade 4 vs 4.5 on a real car?
Enter the vehicle's full chassis number on the SheetJP homepage.

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