USS Auction Cards and Auction Ratings
Wondering how we verify the condition of cars from Japanese auctions? Among other things, through vehicle auction cards, the assessments contained therein and information about possible malfunctions. Such documents are standard when auctioning cars in Japan's largest auction house — USS. If you want to know more about the auction system in the cherry blossom country, we invite you to read.
What are vehicle auction cards? What information do they contain?
The most popular way to buy a used car in Japan is to participate in auctions. There are many auction houses in the country, such as the USS Tokyo. You can buy luxury, sports or Classic cars from Japan of different age and technical condition. Many people have doubts about whether it is safe to import a car from Japan - most often the buyer does not have the opportunity to see the car live or conduct an inspection of the vehicle. Luckily auction houses provide bidders with photos and special documents, which contain key information about cars.
Auction houses use different document templates, however, the data presented in them are very similar. For example, USS auction cards contain basic vehicle information such as chassis number and mileage, as well as a description of the appearance of the car and information about possible malfunctions. From the documents we will find out, among other things, whether the data Cars from Japan have any scratches, traces of corrosion and whether they have undergone major repairs.
Anyone who buys and imports used cars from Japan, should be perfectly aware of the markings contained in the auction cards and verify their content each time. Although there is no substitute for a personal inspection of the vehicle, documents give you a really good idea of the condition and value of cars.
USS Auction Ratings — What Do They Mean?
One of the most important elements to look out for when analyzing auction cards is auction ratings. Japan applies a special marking system that refers to the general condition of the vehicle, as well as the condition of the interior of the car. What do the individual assessments mean?
As for the general condition, the vehicle can receive a rating of 1, 2, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 or 6. Simply put: the higher the rating, the better. For example:
- rating 1 applies, inter alia, to vehicles damaged by fire or flood,
- rating 3 means that the car has many noticeable defects, both inside (e.g. abrasions, stains) and outside (e.g. scratches, dents),
- 6 rating is given to cars relatively new (maximum 36 months from the date of first registration, mileage less than 30, 000 km), which are in very good condition.
Some vehicles are also given ratings: S (new car that is less than 12 months old, with a maximum mileage of 10,000 km), RA (car after minor damage repair), R (car after accident repair), *** (car seriously damaged, unrepaired or with a faulty engine).
In turn, when it comes to the condition of the interior of the car, the vehicle can receive a rating from A to E. A means that the vehicle does not need repairs and looks like new or almost new, E refers to cars that require major repairs. USS auction ratings are a very good indicator of the technical condition of the car, on the basis of which it is possible to estimate the possible cost of repairs and the actual value of the vehicle.
Sakura Motors — safe import of cars from Japan
Do the rules for buying a car from Japan seem very complicated to you? Are you worried about the risks of importing a car from such a distant country? Contact Sakura Motors — We specialize in importing cars from Japan and we offer comprehensive support in this regard. Our services include assistance in finding a vehicle, verifying the car and participating in bidding on behalf of the buyer. We also organize Car transport from Japan to the indicated address. So you don't have to worry about anything — cooperation with Sakura Motors is a convenient and risk-free solution.