Interior and exterior letter grades (A–E)
Beside the overall number, a Japanese auction sheet grades the body and the cabin with letters A–E (外 and 内). Those letters describe presentation at inspection. They are not a buy or pass verdict.
How letters sit next to the overall grade
The headline grade (4, 4.5, 5, R…) is a one-number summary. The letters answer “where does the wear show?” Overall grades are explained here. R and RA remain overall repair-history codes — letters do not cancel them. See what R and RA mean.
A–E in plain English
| Letter | Exterior (外) | Interior (内) |
|---|---|---|
| A | Pristine — no meaningful marks | Like new — no significant cabin wear |
| B | Small scratches or light marks | Light wear, still a tidy cabin |
| C | Visible scratches or dents | Stains, burns, or wear that needs cleaning |
| D | Poor — bodywork is in the conversation | Tears, heavy staining, or odour |
| E | Very poor exterior | Cabin needs restoration-level work |
Houses sometimes stop at D instead of E. Treat the scale as “A is best, later letters are more tired,” then read that specific sheet.
Combinations buyers misread
- 4.5 / B / A — light exterior marks, strong cabin. Often matches a “tidy used” story. Still read the damage map.
- 4 / A / D — body presented well, cabin did not. High-cycle or fleet-style wear can look like this. Not a label that the car “was a taxi.”
- R / B / B — presentation can look ordinary while the overall code still records repair history.
Interactive version: interior and exterior letter explainer. Comparisons: Grade 4 vs 4.5 and Grade 3 vs 3.5.
What letters are not
- Not a structural inspection and not a safety rating.
- Not permission to skip the damage map or mileage line.
- Not a SheetJP opinion that you should buy or walk away.
See the letters on the original sheet
Retrieve the unaltered auction record by chassis number.
Verify auction sheetFrequently asked questions
What does 外B 内A mean on a Japanese auction sheet?
What does interior grade C mean?
Can letter grades disagree with Grade 4 or 4.5?
How do I confirm letter grades on the original record?
Related reading
What Japanese auction grades mean
What auction grade 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, R and RA mean on a Japanese sheet — plus when to buy and when to walk. Plain-English grade guide.
Read guide Guide · 8 minHow to read a Japanese auction sheet
A step-by-step guide to reading a Japanese car auction sheet: the overall grade, interior and exterior letter grades, the damage map symbols, mileage and equipment — and how to spot a faked sheet.
Read guide Blog · 6 minGrade 4 vs Grade 4.5 — what usually changes
Grade 4 is the common good-used baseline on a Japanese auction sheet. Grade 4.5 usually means lighter use and cleaner presentation, often at a higher price. Compare letters, mileage and the damage map — not the half-grade alone.
Read article Guide · 7 minWhat does R and RA grade mean?
R and RA on a Japanese auction sheet mean repair or accident history. Learn the difference, how to read the damage map, when an R-grade car is worth buying, and how to verify the grade is real.
Read guide