The number in a grade like 5A or 4.5B rates a car's overall condition at auction in Japan, and the letter rates its interior.
Together they give you a quick summary of the car before you see it.
The number: overall condition
Higher is better. Exact wording differs between auction houses, but this is the general meaning.
| Grade | General meaning |
|---|---|
| 5 | Excellent, with only very minor marks. Hard to achieve, especially on an older car. |
| 4.5 | Very good, with light marks you would expect from careful use. |
| 4 | Good, with some visible wear or small marks. |
| 3.5 | Average for its age and mileage, with more noticeable marks. |
| RA | Minor accident damage that has been repaired. |
| R | Accident damage that has been repaired. |
An R or RA grade does not always mean a bad car, but look closely at the quality of the repair.
The letter: interior condition
| Letter | General meaning |
|---|---|
| A | Close to new |
| B | Clean and tidy, with minor wear |
| C | Noticeable wear, small stains or marks |
| D | Heavy wear, such as stains, tears, burns or smell |
How to use a grade
A grade is a useful starting point, not a guarantee. Auction houses use slightly different standards, and two cars with the same grade can still differ.
- Ask to see the auction sheet, if one is available.
- Compare the grade with the car's age and mileage.
- Inspect the car yourself and take a test drive.
Not sure if you want a recon car at all? Read how recon and used cars differ.
Sources
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