Auction reports are difficult to read If you don’t have a grasp of the Japanese language.

They are written buy the auction house engineers and generally give you an accurate description of the condition of the car.

Here is a break down of what every thing means

Grading’s (we hear alot about these)

Main grading’s Exterior grades

5 new or near new condition
4.5 almost new very very good condition
4 as new Very minor scratches
3.5 good condition has minor dents and scratches “may”
3 good condition has minor dents and scratches “will”
2 will need repairs
1 needs repair or is modified Tricky grade to rate as condition can vary you need a good buyer who you can trust to inspect these vehicles

interior grading’s

A excellent
B good condition may need clean
C average needs clean and or has damage

Markings on Vehicle report

1 minor
2 medium
3 big

A scratches
B or U dent or pin
C or S rust we don’t want this
W wave in panel or paint
XX panel has been replaced

Transmission

AT Automatic
FAT Automatic
CAT Column Auto
4F 4 speed
5F 5 speed
6F 6 speed
C4 column manual

The years of the Japanese ca lander

These are a mystery for a lot of people but its quite simple

they represent the rule of different Emperors

S standing for Showa and H for Hensei a link with more info is here

S57 = 1982 H1 = 1989 H8 = 1996
S58 = 1983 H2 = 1990 H9 = 1997
S59 = 1984 H3 = 1991 H10 = 1998
S60 = 1985 H4 = 1992 H11 = 1999
S61 = 1986 H5 = 1993 H12 = 2000
S62 = 1987 H6 = 1994 H13 = 2001
S63 = 1988 H7 = 1995 H14 = 2002
H15 = 2003