Read the grade and the panel diagram together
Auction grades summarize only part of an inspection. Grade A is not a guarantee of no accidents, no structural damage or completed repairs. A report can show structural findings without changing its accident grade. Check the original diagram, inspection notes and present repair needs before bidding.
Accident and exterior/condition ratings are separate. Glovis and K Car display a letter with a numeric score; SK, AJ and Lotte display two letters. For numeric scores, 9 is best and 1 is worst. The same letter does not necessarily mean the same thing at different houses.
House-specific meanings
| House | How to read the accident grade |
|---|---|
| Glovis | A means no major frame replacement history under its criteria. It does not rule out other damage or work. Read the original report for the affected structural parts. |
| SK | The accident grade counts replacement history, not panel work. A means no replacement history under SK criteria; W findings can still be present. |
| AJ / Kolon | Current A means no structural-panel replacement history. Structural W and exterior-panel replacement do not change that grade. |
| Lotte | A means no structural-panel replacement history. Panel work and painting do not count toward the accident grade. |
| K Car | Apply K Car’s own criteria. We have not verified its detailed current A–F thresholds against an official grading table; do not substitute another house’s definitions. |
For example, Glovis A/7 combines no major frame replacement history with a good condition score. It does not establish structural safety. A/1 has the same accident letter but a very poor condition score. Neither is automatically a better purchase than B/7: compare the actual findings and repair needs.
A 2021 Audi A5 at AJ’s September 22, 2026 auction had A/A with W on four structural panels and XX on four exterior panels. That is compatible with AJ’s rules, not proof of an incorrect grade or a damage-free structure. W can include deformation still needing repair.
Damage codes depend on the house and report version
| Source | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| SK | XX | Previous replacement |
| SK | X / Q / P | Replacement / panel work / paint needed now |
| SK | W | Panel work / welding / bending; not proof of completed repair |
| Current AJ | XX / P | Replacement history / paint history |
| Current AJ | W | Panel work / welding / bending, including possible existing deformation |
| Current AJ | X / R | Replacement / repair needed |
| Legacy AJ | X | Replacement history |
| Legacy AJ | U / E / F | Panel work and paint needed / replacement needed / bent or warped |
| Lotte | XX / X / Q | Replacement history / replacement needed / panel work and paint needed |
| K Car | X / W | Replacement / panel work findings in the original report |
The legacy AJ legend is visible on the original Korean sheet reproduced on page 2 of the 2024 BE FORWARD guide. Do not apply legacy X to the current-condition X slot on newer AJ reports.
A missing mark is not proof of an undamaged panel: the source may omit a panel or an inspection category. A repair-history mark does not certify repair quality. Structural parts such as pillars, side sills, rear quarter panels, wheelhouses and side members require close review; their exact classification depends on the house. Do not infer the cause or severity of a collision from a single mark.
Mechanical findings are separate
Look for 수리요 / 정비요 (repair or service needed), 교환요 (replacement needed), 누유 (oil leak) and 부식 (corrosion). A high grade does not cancel these findings. Flood, fire and total-loss disclosures must be checked separately; the letter alone does not identify them.
Use the auction grading guide for each house’s tables and legends. Primary references include SK inspection criteria, AJ / Kolon’s guide, and Lotte’s inspection scoring criteria. The current AJ explanation follows guide ver.1 issued August 4, 2026.