Interior and exterior letter grades
Pick the overall grade plus 外 (exterior) and 内 (interior) letters — for example 4.5 / B / C — to see what that combination typically describes. Educational only.
4.5 · 外B · 内A
What this combination typically describes
Overall 4.5 is typically described as “very good / light use.” Light use, often under ~100,000 km. Strong sweet spot between polish and price.
Exterior B typically means small marks. Small scratches or light marks; typical tidy used car.
Interior A typically means like new. Cabin presented as nearly new — no significant wear called out.
Read the two letters together with the overall grade and the damage map. One clean letter does not erase marks on the other side of the sheet.
This explainer is educational only. It is not a buy, pass, safety, or import decision.
Next: read the damage-map codes and verify the original sheet by chassis number.
A–E letter reference
| Letter | Exterior (外) | Interior (内) |
|---|---|---|
| A | Pristine — No meaningful exterior marks at inspection. | Like new — Cabin presented as nearly new — no significant wear called out. |
| B | Small marks — Small scratches or light marks; typical tidy used car. | Light wear — Light seat or trim wear; still a clean cabin for age. |
| C | Visible scratches/dents — Visible scratches or dents a buyer will notice in person. | Stains / needs cleaning — Stains, burns, or wear that needs cleaning — common on high-cycle cars. |
| D | Needs bodywork — Poor exterior presentation; bodywork is likely in the conversation. | Tears / heavy wear — Tears, heavy staining, or odour. Read inspector notes with this letter. |
| E | Very poor — Very poor exterior condition at inspection. | Needs restoration — Cabin needs restoration-level work. |
Letters are not the overall grade
Japanese auction sheets almost always show two A–E letters next to the headline number. SheetJP treats those letters as presentation marks — cabin and paint — while R / RA remain the usual overall codes for recorded repair history.
Deep dive: interior and exterior letter grades · overall grades explained · interactive overall-grade explainer · Grade 4 vs 4.5.
Frequently asked questions
What does 外B 内A mean on a Japanese auction sheet?
Is a Grade 4 with a D interior the same as a clean Grade 4?
How do I confirm the letters on a real car?
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 sheetLetters describe typical cabin and body presentation at inspection. This is not a buy, pass, safety, or import decision.