An auction sheet is a Japanese vehicle inspection report issued by auction houses like USS, TAA, JAA, and CAA. When buying a Japanese imported car in Pakistan, the auction sheet is your most important document — it tells you the car's real condition before purchase. Here's how to read one like a professional.
What Is an Auction Sheet?
Every car sold at a Japanese auto auction is inspected by a certified inspector and assigned grades for exterior condition, interior condition, mechanical condition, and overall grade. The sheet uses a standardized grading system understood by dealers worldwide. Pakistan imports nearly 90% of used cars from Japan, making auction sheet verification essential.
Auction Sheet Grading System Explained
| Overall Grade | Meaning | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 6 / S | Brand New / Showroom | Virtually unused, under 1,000 km |
| Grade 5 | Excellent | Nearly perfect, minimal wear, no repairs |
| Grade 4.5 | Very Good | Minor wear, no accident history, light marks |
| Grade 4 | Good | Small scratches, no dents, clean interior |
| Grade 3.5 | Above Average | Minor repairs done, some wear visible |
| Grade 3 | Average | Noticeable wear, may have repaired dents |
| Grade 2 | Below Average | Significant damage or major repairs required |
| Grade 1 | Poor | Major accident damage, frame damage possible |
| Grade R / RA | Repaired Accident | Has been in accident — repaired but marked |
| Grade A | Modified / Non-Standard | Modified car, may not be original spec |
How to Read the Damage Symbols
The auction sheet has a car diagram with marks showing exactly where damage exists. Each mark uses a symbol code:
| Symbol | Meaning | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| A | Scratch (kizu) | Minor — surface only |
| U | Dent without scratch (hekomi) | Moderate |
| W | Wave / Ripple in panel | Moderate — possibly repaired |
| C | Cracked (wareta/kaketa) | Significant |
| X | Needs replacement (koukan) | Major — panel needs replacing |
| XX | Already replaced (koukan-zumi) | Major — repaired but noted |
| S | Rust (sabi) | Serious — check for flood or age |
| P | Paint blemish (haku) | Minor |
| E | Dent + Scratch combo | Moderate to significant |
| B | Burn mark | Significant |
Grade Numbers on the Diagram
Numbers 1–3 are written next to damage symbols to indicate size: 1 = small (coin-sized), 2 = medium (palm-sized), 3 = large (larger than palm). So "U2" means a medium-sized dent without a scratch. "X3" means a large panel needing replacement. "A1" means a small scratch — very common and typically nothing to worry about.
Interior Grading
| Interior Grade | Condition |
|---|---|
| A | Excellent — like new |
| B | Good — minor wear |
| C | Average — visible wear |
| D | Poor — stains, tears, or heavy wear |
How to Verify an Auction Sheet in Pakistan
Auction sheets can be forged. Here's how to verify authenticity:
- Ask for the original sheet with the auction house's official stamp and watermark
- Cross-check the chassis number on the sheet with the car's actual chassis number plate
- Verify online: USS sheets can be verified at uss-auction.co.jp, TAA at taa.co.jp
- Check the auction date — compare to the import date to ensure authenticity
- Use a third-party verification service (several available in Lahore/Karachi for Rs. 2,000–5,000)
What the Sheet Doesn't Tell You
- Mechanical problems not visible during inspection (failing sensors, worn bearings)
- Flood damage in some cases (water can dry without visible rust on auction day)
- Odometer tampering (less common in Japan but still happens)
- How the car was used before the auction (taxi, rental, private)
- Pakistan-specific issues: what happens to the car during shipping and during months it sits at port
Red Flags to Watch in Pakistan's Used Car Market
- Dealer refuses to show auction sheet — walk away immediately
- Sheet shows Grade R or 2 but dealer claims "fully restored" — price should reflect this
- Chassis number on sheet doesn't match car's chassis — possible document swap (serious crime)
- Very low mileage on a Grade 3 car — mileage likely tampered
- Auction date is missing or illegible — possibly a copy of a copy
Best Grade Recommendations by Car Type
| Use Case | Recommended Grade | Acceptable Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Daily city driver | Grade 4.5 or 5 | Grade 4 |
| Family SUV / MPV | Grade 4.5 | Grade 4 with clean interior |
| Budget buy | Grade 4 | Grade 3.5 (cosmetic issues only) |
| Long-distance driving | Grade 5 | Grade 4.5 |
| Resale-focused buyer | Grade 5 or above | Grade 4.5 |
