Japanese Auction Reports – information they show

S15 Example auction sheet 800px

Obtaining past Japanese auction reports is not only a good way to perform a Japanese odometer check but auction reports can also reveal a LOT about the history of a Japanese car in addition to the kms.

This can support the value of your own car or protect you from buying a lemon.

While Japanese auction reports are not perfect, they do provide an unbiased evaluation of the condition and odometer reading at the time the car went through auction, as well as pictures taken by the auction.

This may be at more than one auction event depending on how many times the vehicle was auctioned.

Japanese auction reports can also include details of past repair or existing damage, rust, odometer repair or replacement, aftermarket parts fitted, spare parts or wheels included with the car, extra keys, service history, cam or timing belt replacement, whether it was a one owner car, the location in Japan it likely came from, auction sold price and more.

Take for example a classic 1990’s Japanese turbo car presented for sale in your country in standard original condition with low kms. The seller is asking a relatively high price given the apparently good condition and low kms.

Is it the real thing ?

Obtaining the original Japanese auction information may show it to have been a low grade or even damaged car with modified parts fitted including boost controller and 320 km/h speedo.

In this case you will know the seller has returned it back to standard condition to present it in a better light and (assuming you are still interested at this point) you should be wary of additional kms and wear and tear on the car as well as checking where and how it has been repaired.

If the genuine condition and kms are supported by past auction data, you will know when the car was auctioned and what it sold for, which may enable you to negotiate a discount from the seller.

If you buy, you will also have essential evidence to support the future value of your car.