What does R and RA grade mean?

Updated July 15, 2026 · 7 min read

Seeing an R or RA on a Japanese auction sheet stops most buyers cold — and it should make you pause. These codes flag repair or accident history. Here's exactly what each means, how they differ, and how to decide whether the car is still a smart buy.

R grade — structural repair history

R (sometimes written as 0, ★, or 事故 depending on the auction house) marks a vehicle that has had repair work to a structural part of the body — pillars, frame rails, roof, floor, or other crash structure. Fresh paint and new outer panels can hide that history completely. The R grade is often the only honest record that the car was repaired after an impact.

An R grade does not always mean the car is unsafe today. Many R cars were properly repaired in Japan to a high standard. It does mean you should assume crash history, inspect the damage map carefully, and negotiate a discount versus a clean Grade 4 of the same model.

RA grade — lighter repaired accident

RA typically indicates a lighter accident that has been fully and properly repaired. Think repaired door skin with no frame damage, or a front-end hit that didn't compromise the structure. Auction practice varies slightly by house, but RA is generally treated as less severe than a full R.

R vs XX — don't confuse them

An XX on the damage map means a panel was replaced. On a door, bumper or fender that is routine and does not equal an R grade. Structural accident repair is shown in the overall grade as R or RA. Buyers who panic at every XX often miss good cars — and buyers who ignore an R often overpay. Full symbol list: auction sheet symbols.

How to evaluate an R or RA car

1. Read the whole damage map. Look for clusters of W (repair-wave), X/XX, and marks near pillars or the roof — not just one isolated panel.
2. Compare price to a clean Grade 4. If the discount doesn't clearly cover repair risk and future resale hit, walk away.
3. Check mileage and interior grade. An RA with high km and a tired cabin is a different proposition from a low-km RA with a clean map.
4. Verify the sheet is genuine. Accident grades are exactly what faked sheets try to hide. Verify by chassis number before you pay.

Why sellers hide R and RA grades

Abroad, many buyers will not touch an R-grade car at full price. That creates a strong incentive for dishonest sellers to edit the grade, crop the sheet, or claim it was “lost.” If a dealer shows you a Grade 4 image but won't let you verify the chassis, treat that as a warning — not a paperwork inconvenience.