Every vehicle listed at USS Tokyo, TAA, and other major Japan auction houses ships with a standardized inspection sheet. For importers, that sheet is your first filter - long before you calculate freight or customs.
But if you've never seen one before, it can look like a wall of Japanese characters, boxes, and codes that mean nothing. This guide breaks it down completely so you can read any USS auction sheet with confidence.
What Is a USS Auction Sheet?
USS Tokyo is one of the largest vehicle auction networks in Japan. Every car that enters their system gets a physical inspection by a trained assessor. The results are recorded on a standardized sheet - the auction sheet - which accompanies the vehicle listing online and at the auction hall.
The sheet covers the car's overall condition grade, interior grade, mileage, known defects, accident history, and a diagram marking damage locations on the body.
Understanding the Grade Score
The overall grade (typically 3.5 to 5 for passenger cars) reflects cosmetic and structural condition at auction time. A 4.5 grade usually means light wear; below 4.0 warrants closer review of panel notes and underbody photos.
Here is what each grade means in full:
Grade 6 - Essentially new or near-new condition. Extremely rare.
Grade 5 / 4.5 - Excellent to good cosmetic condition. Very low mileage, no repairs needed. The sweet spot for serious importers.
Grade 4 / 3.5 - Visible wear, check repair history. Small scratches or dents easily repaired. Commonly imported.
Grade R - Repaired vehicle after an accident. Not necessarily a dealbreaker but verify work quality closely.
Grade *** - Accident history flagged on sheet. Requires thorough inspection before committing.
Grade 2 / 1 - Poor to very poor condition. Budget or parts car territory only.
At Eisen, we focus on sourcing Grade 4 and above - giving our customers cars that arrive in genuinely good shape without surprise repair bills.
PRO TIP FOR IMPORTERS Always cross-check the auction sheet with USS live photos and Eisen's pre-export inspection report before confirming a bid.
Interior Grade
Separate from the body grade, the interior is rated A through D:
A - Like new. No stains, tears, or odors.
B - Minor wear. Normal for the age and mileage.
C - Noticeable wear. Stains, small tears, or fading present.
D - Poor condition. Heavy staining, tears, or damage.
Always check the interior grade alongside the body grade. A Grade 4 car with a D interior can mean unexpected restoration costs on arrival.
The Damage Diagram
The auction sheet includes an outline drawing of the car - top view and side view - with codes marked at specific damage locations. These codes tell you exactly what kind of damage exists and where.
Common damage codes:
A - Scratch (minor surface)
U - Dent without paint damage
W - Wave or slight panel deformation
C - Crack or crease in the panel
X - Panel needs replacement
XX - Panel already replaced
S - Rust spot
P - Paint repair or repaint
The size of damage is indicated by numbers 1 through 3 next to the code - 1 being small, 3 being large. So "A2" means a medium scratch. "X3" means a large panel requiring full replacement.
A cluster of X and XX codes around the front or rear is a strong signal of prior accident repair - even if the headline grade looks acceptable.
Inspector Notes and Chassis Codes
Handwritten or stamped notes highlight rust, panel replacement, interior stains, and odometer verification. Match the chassis number on the sheet to export documents - mismatches delay clearance at destination ports.
Inspector notes can also mention unusual engine noise, non-standard modifications, missing spare tire or tools, and aftermarket parts fitted. These notes are written in Japanese and are often overlooked by buyers who cannot read them.
When you shortlist stock through Eisen, our team translates key sheet fields and flags vehicles that fit your market - saving hours of manual review across hundreds of weekly listings.
Mileage and Equipment
The odometer reading is listed in kilometers. Many auction sheets also include a checklist of fitted equipment - navigation, sunroof, leather seats, reverse camera, and so on. Higher optioned vehicles command better resale in most export markets, so this section matters when comparing two similar cars at different price points.
What to Do With This Information
Once you can read a USS auction sheet, your buying decisions become significantly sharper. You stop relying on photos alone and start evaluating the actual documented condition of the vehicle.
A Grade 4 car with minor A1 scratches on the rear bumper and a full A interior is a very different vehicle from a Grade 4 car with C3 dents, W codes across two doors, and a B interior - even though both carry the same headline grade.
The difference is in the detail. And the detail is all on the sheet.
Ready to Find Your Next Vehicle?
Browse our current auction and in-stock inventory at Eisen, where every listing includes the original auction sheet and a full condition breakdown - so you always know exactly what you are buying before you commit.
