How can I check the type of shift on a car’s auction sheet?

Different auction venues use specific notations. For example, TAA uses "FAT" for Floor Automatic Transmission, USS uses "AT" for Automatic Transmission, and JU uses "CAT" for Column Automatic Transmission. These abbreviations indicate where the shift lever is located and the type of transmission.

What are the common types of shift levers in Japanese used cars?

Common shift levers include Floor Shift (between seats), Column Shift (attached to the steering column), Instrument Panel Shift (on the dashboard), and Electronic or Paddle Shifts for advanced or sporty models. Each offers unique advantages for space, visibility, or driving experience.

What is a Floor Shift, and which cars typically use it?

A Floor Shift is located on the floor between the driver and passenger seats, commonly used in driving school cars and sedans. Cars like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Mazda Demio often feature this shift type.

What is a Column Shift, and why is it useful?

A Column Shift is attached to the steering column, freeing up space between the front seats for easy movement. It is popular in commercial and family vehicles like the Toyota Town Ace, Nissan Caravan, and early Honda Stepwgn models.

What is an Electronic Shift, and which models use it?

An Electronic Shift relies on digital controls instead of a physical lever, often found in modern and electric vehicles like the Toyota Prius, Nissan Leaf, and BMW i3. It saves space and enhances the interior design but requires an adjustment period for some drivers.

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How to Check the Transmission Type on an Auction Sheet

AoyamaShuhei

When purchasing a car at an auction, it is essential to check the type of shift (transmission type) on the auction sheet. This article explains the types of transmission and shift that can be verified on the auction sheet, and how to confirm them.

Introduction

A car changes gears to adjust speed during driving. This gear-changing process is called "shifting," and the lever used for this operation is known as the "shift lever." Generally, the term "shift" may also refer to the shift lever itself. There are two main types of transmissions: automatic (AT) and manual (MT), each with different methods for operating the shift lever. In this article, we will explain these transmission types, shift levers, and how to check them in detail.

How to Check the Shift on an Auction Sheet

In Japanese used car auctions, the format for indicating the type of shift varies depending on the auction venue (TAA, USS, JU). Understanding these formats correctly is key to selecting the right vehicle.

TAA

Format : FAT
Explanation : "FAT" stands for "Floor Automatic Transmission." This means that the shift lever is located on the floor between the driver's and passenger's seats.

USS

Format : AT
Explanation : "AT" simply indicates an "Automatic Transmission." This notation is common and is widely used for its ease of operation.

JU

Format : CAT
Explanation : "CAT" stands for "Column Automatic Transmission." This means that the shift lever is attached to the steering column (next to the steering wheel), often seen in commercial vehicles and minivans.

On each auction sheet, the type of transmission and shift lever is often represented by abbreviations, which can be difficult to understand for first-time buyers. To avoid misunderstandings, we recommend requesting a free translation from our staff to provide accurate information and ensure a smooth purchase.

Common Shift Lever Notations

AT (Automatic Transmission): A general term for automatic gears.

FAT (Floor Automatic Transmission): An automatic shift placed on the floor.
IAT (Instrument Panel Automatic Transmission): A shift lever placed on the instrument panel (dashboard).
CAT (Column Automatic Transmission): An automatic shift located on the steering column.
MT (Manual Transmission): A transmission where gears are shifted manually.
FMT (Floor Manual Transmission): A manual shift placed on the floor.
IMT (Instrument Panel Manual Transmission): A manual shift located on the instrument panel.
CMT (Column Manual Transmission): A manual shift on the steering column.

**Instrument Panel Shift (In-dash Shift)**

Types and Characteristics of Shift Levers

Floor Shift

The floor shift is located on the floor between the driver and passenger seats. It is a very common shift type, often found in vehicles used for driving schools.

Advantages: Easy to operate, and the area around the steering wheel remains uncluttered.
Disadvantages: The area between the driver and passenger seats is blocked, making it difficult to move between the seats.

Representative Cars with Floor Shift

Toyota Corolla: Often used as a driving school car, where the floor shift automatic is common.
Honda Civic: Many models feature floor shift automatic or manual options, offering ease of use.
Nissan Note: The floor shift is a standard feature in automatic models.
Subaru Impreza: The floor shift automatic is standard, providing good operability.
Mazda Demio: Uses a floor shift automatic transmission, which is popular for its ease of use.

Column Shift

The column shift is installed on the steering column (the shaft of the steering wheel). It was commonly used in minivans and commercial vehicles in the 1990s.

Advantages: Space is maintained between the driver and passenger seats, allowing for easy movement within the cabin.
Disadvantages: Visibility is somewhat poor, making it difficult to check which gear is engaged.

Representative Cars with Column Shift

Toyota Town Ace: Commonly used in minivans of the 1990s.
Nissan Caravan: Often used as a commercial van, with a column shift for better space utilization.
Honda Stepwgn: Early models featured a column shift, offering a spacious interior.
Mitsubishi Delica: Equipped with a column shift in both minivan and commercial vehicle models.
Daihatsu Hijet: The column shift in this light truck/van model makes it easier to move between the driver's and passenger's seats.

Instrument Panel Shift

The instrument panel shift is located on the dashboard. This type has become increasingly popular in recent cars, allowing for efficient use of interior space.

Advantages: Good visibility, easy operation, and creates extra space between the driver and passenger seats that can be used for storage.
Disadvantages: Drivers accustomed to a floor shift may find it awkward at first.

Instrument Panel Shift

Toyota Voxy: A popular minivan that uses an in-dash shift, allowing better use of space between the driver and passenger seats.
Honda Freed: This compact minivan features an in-dash shift, making it easier to move inside the vehicle and providing more storage.
Suzuki Solio: Though a compact car, it uses an in-dash shift to make efficient use of interior space.
Nissan Serena: A minivan that uses an in-dash shift to provide a spacious and comfortable interior.
Daihatsu Tanto: A kei car that uses an in-dash shift, maximizing space efficiency in its design.

Electronic Shift

The electronic shift is a new type of shift where operations are electronically processed. It was first introduced in the 2003 Toyota Prius.

Advantages: Space-saving and improves the interior design.
Disadvantages: Lacks a physical feedback feel and requires some getting used to.

Advantages: High operability, allowing gear changes while holding the steering wheel, ideal for sporty driving.
Disadvantages: Depending on hand size, the paddles may be difficult to use
Toyota Prius: The first model to adopt an electronic control shift, offering space-saving and a cutting-edge interior.
Lexus RX: A luxury SUV featuring electronic control shift for intuitive and comfortable operation.
Nissan Leaf: This electric vehicle also uses an electronic shift, providing advanced technology and efficient gear shifting.
Honda Clarity: Uses an electronic shift to accommodate electrification, offering an efficient, futuristic shifting experience.
BMW i3: A compact electric car with electronic shift, characterized by innovative design and operability.

Paddle Shift

The paddle shift is mounted on the back of the steering wheel, allowing the driver to change gears without taking their hands off the wheel. It is commonly used in sports cars.

Enables gear changes at the fingertips, providing high operability and a sporty driving experience.
Disadvantages: May be difficult for those with smaller hands.

Representative Cars with Electronic Control Shift

Ferrari 488 GTB - A flagship sports car, featuring extremely fast gear changes with paddle shifters.
Lamborghini Huracán - A high-performance supercar, designed for aggressive driving with its paddle shifters.
Porsche 911 (992 generation) - The latest 911 models come with paddle shifters and PDK transmission for smooth shifting.
BMW M3/M4 - BMW's high-performance M models feature paddle shifters that make driving on both the track and street enjoyable.
Mercedes-AMG C63 - The AMG series from Mercedes comes with paddle shifters, allowing for sporty driving experiences.

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Q＆A

How can I check the type of shift on a car’s auction sheet?: Different auction venues use specific notations. For example, TAA uses "FAT" for Floor Automatic Transmission, USS uses "AT" for Automatic Transmission, and JU uses "CAT" for Column Automatic Transmission. These abbreviations indicate where the shift lever is located and the type of transmission.

What are the common types of shift levers in Japanese used cars?: Common shift levers include Floor Shift (between seats), Column Shift (attached to the steering column), Instrument Panel Shift (on the dashboard), and Electronic or Paddle Shifts for advanced or sporty models. Each offers unique advantages for space, visibility, or driving experience.

What is a Floor Shift, and which cars typically use it?: A Floor Shift is located on the floor between the driver and passenger seats, commonly used in driving school cars and sedans. Cars like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Mazda Demio often feature this shift type.

What is a Column Shift, and why is it useful?: A Column Shift is attached to the steering column, freeing up space between the front seats for easy movement. It is popular in commercial and family vehicles like the Toyota Town Ace, Nissan Caravan, and early Honda Stepwgn models.

What is an Electronic Shift, and which models use it?: An Electronic Shift relies on digital controls instead of a physical lever, often found in modern and electric vehicles like the Toyota Prius, Nissan Leaf, and BMW i3. It saves space and enhances the interior design but requires an adjustment period for some drivers.

Beginner