As-is sale — What You Need to Know
The vehicle is sold in its current condition with no warranty from the seller. The buyer accepts all risk of defects known or unknown at the time of sale.
Seller guidance
Include explicit "as-is" language in the bill of sale. Under UCC § 2-316(3)(a), writing "as-is" or "with all faults" in the contract effectively disclaims all implied warranties, including the implied warranty of merchantability under UCC § 2-314. Still disclose known material defects — concealing known defects can constitute fraud even in an as-is sale.
Buyer guidance
An as-is sale gives you no recourse for undisclosed defects after closing. Order a pre-purchase inspection from a licensed mechanic before agreeing to price. Review any known issue list the seller provides and get it in writing.
Legal note (Michigan-specific)
Michigan allows private party as-is sales. The Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCL 445.901) prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices regardless of as-is language. Michigan does not require a state safety inspection or emissions test for private sales. Complete TR-52 (Buyer and Seller's Guide) and retain for your records.
As-is sale checklist
- Include "sold as-is, with all faults" language conspicuously in the bill of sale
- Attach a written list of known defects signed by the seller
- Complete a pre-purchase inspection before finalizing price
- Confirm odometer reading is accurate and document it
- Buyer signs acknowledgment of as-is condition
- Complete TR-52 (Buyer and Seller's Guide)
- Include as-is language in the bill of sale and retain copies
Personal Watercraft Safety & Recall Information
Data sourced from NHTSA safety ratings and recall databases
Average Safety Rating
0 / 5
Avg. Price Range
$3,000–$20,000
Odometer Disclosure
Not required
Safety checkpoints for personal watercraft buyers
- Inspect hull for spider cracks and stress fractures around mounting points
- Check wear ring and impeller clearance — determines acceleration and top speed
- Verify HIN (Hull Identification Number) matches registration
- Test electronic throttle and reverse operation
- Confirm lanyard kill-switch cuts power immediately when pulled
- Verify required fire extinguisher is present and current
- Test engine compartment ventilation blower (4-stroke models)
- Inspect tow eye, ski-tow ring, and grab handle attachment
Common recall categories
Fuel SystemSteeringHullEngineElectrical
On average, each personal watercraft model has approximately 1.2 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls before completing a sale.
Claxton As-is sale personal watercraft generator — when to file
Michigan requires title transfer within 15 days of the sale date on the bill of sale. For as-is sale transactions specifically, file at Michigan DMV – Claxton (Visit https://www.michigan.gov/sos to find the nearest Claxton office) during normal hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (verify hours with local office). Miss the 15-day window and Michigan typically charges a late-transfer penalty plus accrued use tax, and the seller can remain on the title for civil liability until the buyer completes retitling. Bring the signed title, the completed Claxton bill of sale, your government-issued ID, and payment for the $15.00 title transfer fee plus 6% sales tax on the purchase price.
Generator reminder. Whether you keep your generator as a generator-produced document, both buyer and seller should leave the signing with an identical executed copy. The buyer needs the original to present at Michigan DMV – Claxton; the seller keeps a duplicate to prove the date of transfer if a future liability question arises before the title fully retitles.