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
Farm Equipment Safety & Recall Information
Data sourced from NHTSA safety ratings and recall databases
Average Safety Rating
0 / 5
Avg. Price Range
$5,000–$200,000
Odometer Disclosure
Not required
Safety checkpoints for farm equipment buyers
- Inspect all safety guards and shields — OSHA requires guarding on all PTO and moving parts
- Check hydraulic system pressure and hose condition
- Verify operator station controls and emergency shutoff function
- Test lights and SMV signage for road transport
- Confirm fire extinguisher is present and current (combine/baler standard)
- Inspect ladder, platform, and handrails on cab-equipment
- Test seat-presence switch and ensure safety interlocks are not bypassed
- Verify pinch-point warning decals are legible and unmodified
Common recall categories
Hydraulic SystemElectricalSafety GuardsFire HazardSteering
On average, each farm equipment model has approximately 0.9 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls before completing a sale.
Detroit As-is sale farm equipment 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 MI Secretary of State – Detroit Office (3046 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202) during normal hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. 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 Detroit bill of sale, your government-issued ID, and payment for the $15.00 title transfer fee plus 6.00% 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 MI Secretary of State – Detroit Office; the seller keeps a duplicate to prove the date of transfer if a future liability question arises before the title fully retitles.