Vehicle
Toyota Prius, model code DAA-ZVW30, 1,800 cc hybrid
Help centre · auction sheets
Read the whole sheet—not only the grade.
Learn where to find the vehicle identity, condition grades, mileage, equipment, inspector remarks and body damage before asking NTC to bid.
Annotated example
A JU Aichi Prius auction sheet
12345678Teaching example supplied by NTC. Handwriting should be translated from the original-resolution record before a bid.
Reading this example
What can be identified confidently.
This is a useful first-pass reading, not a substitute for translating every handwritten note.
First registration
Heisei 26, month 10 — October 2014
Recorded mileage
69,873 km shown in the mileage field
Headline condition
Overall grade 4, exterior C and interior B
Body diagram
Several scratch and dent codes are marked around the vehicle
Next action
Translate the remarks, request matching photographs and verify the chassis number
Overall condition grade
A filter, not a verdict.
Auction houses use broadly similar scales but set their own inspection standards. The auction house's legend and inspector comments always take priority over a general online grade table.
S / 6Near-new or exceptionalUsually very recent, very low mileage and with minimal evidence of use. Some houses impose age and mileage limits.
5Excellent used vehicleVery clean condition with only minor signs of use. Read the diagram and notes even at this grade.
4.5Very goodLight cosmetic wear may be present. A strong grade, but not the same as a warranty.
4Good, presentable used vehicleA common desirable grade. Expect age-appropriate scratches, dents or maintenance needs.
3.5Average used conditionVisible wear or several marked defects. Photographs and inspector comments matter more.
3Noticeable wear or repair needsMay have multiple defects, paintwork or mechanical comments requiring a cost allowance.
2 / 1Poor, altered or heavily wornDefinitions vary. Corrosion, major wear, modifications or serious condition issues may be involved.
R / RARepair historyIndicates repaired accident/structural history under that auction's rules. The exact R-versus-RA threshold is not universal.
0 / X / *Unrated or special conditionCan indicate damage, non-running status or another special classification. Never interpret without that auction's legend and a full translation.
Body diagram codes
Letter = defect. Number = usual severity.
A1 commonly means a small scratch and A3 a larger one, but sizes and symbols vary. Confirm the legend printed for that auction.
Scratch
A1 is usually small; higher numbers normally mean a larger or more obvious scratch.
Dent
A depression in the panel. The number commonly indicates increasing size or severity.
Dent with scratch
Combined panel damage; terminology differs between auction houses.
Repair or paint wave
Evidence of repainting, filler or an uneven repaired surface.
Rust
Surface rust or a rust-affected area. Location and severity are important.
Corrosion
More developed corrosion. Underbody photographs or inspection should be requested.
Paint deterioration
Fading, peeling or other paint-surface deterioration.
Crack
A cracked component or panel area; commonly used for bumpers or trim.
Replacement required
The marked part is judged to need replacement.
Panel replaced
The part has already been replaced; check why and whether structure was affected.
Glass mark
A stone chip or crack in glass; confirm the auction's exact notation.
Dimple
One or more small shallow dents, depending on the number shown.
Interior and exterior letters
Read A–E separately.
Many sheets give separate letter grades. A generally indicates the cleanest condition, followed by B, C, D and E as wear or repair needs increase. A C interior might involve stains, burns, tears, odour or wear; the actual remarks explain why.
On this sheet: exterior C, interior B
That combination adds context to the overall 4. It does not cancel the body marks or handwritten comments.
Common equipment shorthand
PSPower steering
PWPower windows
SRSunroof
AWAlloy wheels
TVTelevision / display
NAVINavigation
AACAutomatic air conditioning
AT / IAT / CVTTransmission notation
A circled abbreviation commonly means the item is present. Confirm operation and specification from photographs or an additional check.
The parts buyers miss
Handwriting and warning marks matter most.
Seller notes describe equipment and declarations. Inspector notes can record noises, leaks, warning lamps, smells, corrosion, missing parts or repair evidence that the headline grade cannot express.
Mileage
Confirm the unit and ask about any symbol beside the reading. Auction houses use marks for mileage history, replacement odometers or uncertainty.
Japanese calendar
Heisei year + 1988 gives the Western year; Reiwa year + 2018 gives the Western year. First registration is not always the manufacturing date.
Repair history
A replaced bolt-on panel is not automatically structural repair. Translate the repair-history field and inspect pillars, rails, floor and apron notes.
Mechanical scope
The sheet is usually a visual/operational auction inspection, not a workshop diagnosis, road test or underbody strip-down.
Before authorising a bid
Use this eight-point check.
- 1Ask for the original auction-house sheet, not only a typed summary.
- 2Match the chassis/model code and lot details to the vehicle being offered.
- 3Translate every handwritten seller and inspector remark—not just the grade.
- 4Compare the body-diagram marks with close photographs of those exact panels.
- 5Check whether mileage is in kilometres or miles and whether any warning symbol is present.
- 6Treat R, RA, 0, X or unclear structural notes as a reason for deeper inspection.
- 7Confirm warning lights, fluid leaks, noise, smoke, corrosion and underbody condition separately.
- 8Use the auction sheet as evidence from one inspection date, not as a mechanical warranty.
An auction sheet is evidence—not a guarantee.
Its condition snapshot is valuable, but it cannot promise future reliability or replace a detailed inspection when risk or value justifies one.
Need a sheet explained?
Send the original sheet before you bid.
NTC can help identify the vehicle fields, request translation of the handwritten comments and discuss the marked condition with you.