Deciphering an Auction Sheet

Much has been written on reading Japanese Auction Sheets. Just check out the articles here, here and here. What I am going to do here is summarize the very basics, post an example sheet, and then explain what my criteria will be moving forward.

Overall Grades:
Each auction sheet will give an overall grade for the exterior and interior of the vehicle.

Exterior
2-4, with 2 being poor and 4 being very good. 3 is about average for year and mileage
R - This is a special case which can mean repaired or modified.

Interior
A-D, with A being mint and D avoid. Some auction houses may use the 2-4 scale.

Vehicle Diagram
Each auction sheet will also include a vehicle diagram, which will show specific types of damage, severity, and location. These can be on a different scale of 1-4, 1 being minor and 4 being major. These can include:

A: Scratch
U: Dent
W: Wavy
X: Panel Damage
XX: Panel was replaced (sometimes can mean damage)
Y: Head/Tail Light Damage
C/S: Rust
X/G: Windshield Damage

Below is an example of an Auction Sheet:

 While I am willing to trade off on some things here and there, at my price range, I am looking at an overall Exterior Rating of at least 3, with an overall Interior Rating of at least C.  I am not super concerned about the interior since this a 2-seat convertible so there isn't much interior to being with. I also am looking as close to rust free as possible, and will accept replaced panels and small dents or scratches. I know it won't be perfect. In relation to an R rating, I will consider if all everything else looks good, and will have to rely on a third party inspection to confirm it is of good quality.

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