Auction grade explainer
Tap a grade to see what it usually means for condition and buying risk. The headline number is a summary — always read it with the damage map.
Grade 4
Good used — minor flaws
The market’s sensible default: solid car with only minor cosmetic issues. Check interior letters too.
Buyer take: Safe baseline for most imports
Risk band: low. Always read the damage map codes with the headline grade.
Interior / exterior letters (A–E)
| Letter | Exterior | Interior |
|---|---|---|
| A | Pristine | Like new |
| B | Small marks | Light wear |
| C | Visible scratches/dents | Stains / needs cleaning |
| D | Needs bodywork | Tears / heavy wear |
| E | Very poor | Needs restoration |
Why grades alone are not enough
Japanese auction grades compress a long inspection into one headline. Two Grade 4 cars can differ wildly once you read damage codes on the body diagram. Mileage can also tell a different story — run the mileage sanity check before you budget with the import cost estimator.
Deep dive: auction grades explained · R & RA meaning · how to read a full sheet.
Frequently asked questions
What does Grade 4 mean on a Japanese auction sheet?
What is R or RA grade?
Are letter grades the same as overall grades?
Next: verify the original auction sheet
Tools identify models and risks. The paid check pulls Japan’s real grade, mileage and damage map.
Verify auction sheet