What an auction grade is
Before a car is exported from Japan, it's inspected at auction by an independent assessor. They give the car an overall grade based on its condition - a standardised score that anyone can understand. Because it's done by an independent third party (not the seller), it's an honest, unbiased snapshot of the car's condition.
What the grades mean
Grades typically run on a scale. Here's a plain-English guide to what each level means in practice:
Excellent
Near showroom condition. Very rare for an older car.
Very good to excellent
Exceptional condition with only the lightest signs of use.
Very good
A clean, solid car with only minor wear for its age. Most of what we sell.
Good
Good overall with some cosmetic marks - normal for the age.
Average
More visible wear or minor previous repairs. Worth inspecting closely.
Most of the cars we sell are around Grade 4 - genuinely clean, sound examples that are well worth buying.
Why it gives you confidence
An auction grade means you're not just taking the seller's word for it. It's an independent assessment, recorded before the car ever left Japan. We show the grade openly on our listings, because it's exactly the kind of honest information that helps you buy with confidence.