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 (North Carolina-specific)
North Carolina allows private party as-is sales. NC General Statutes § 20-71.4 requires odometer disclosure on all title transfers. Emissions testing is required in 27 NC counties. The bill of sale should include as-is language, and the seller must still provide a valid title.
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 odometer disclosure as required by NC Gen. Stat. § 20-71.4
- Determine if emissions testing applies in the buyer's county
Heavy Equipment Safety & Recall Information
Data sourced from NHTSA safety ratings and recall databases
Average Safety Rating
0 / 5
Avg. Price Range
$10,000–$300,000
Odometer Disclosure
Not required
Safety checkpoints for heavy equipment buyers
- Verify ROPS/FOPS (Rollover/Falling Object Protective Structure) certification
- Check engine hours — the primary value indicator for heavy equipment
- Inspect undercarriage condition (tracks, rollers, idlers) on tracked machines
- Test all hydraulic functions through full range of motion
- Confirm fire-suppression system is charged and inspection-current (mining/forestry)
- Verify backup alarm and 360-degree warning lights function
- Test seat-belt and operator-presence interlocks
- Inspect steps, ladder, and grab handles for damage or unauthorized welds
Common recall categories
Hydraulic SystemElectricalROPS/FOPSEngineFire Suppression
On average, each heavy equipment model has approximately 0.7 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls before completing a sale.
Raleigh As-is sale heavy equipment generator — when to file
North Carolina requires title transfer within 28 days of the sale date on the bill of sale. For as-is sale transactions specifically, file at NCDMV – Raleigh East Office (2431 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615) during normal hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Miss the 28-day window and North Carolina 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 Raleigh bill of sale, your government-issued ID, and payment for the $56.00 title transfer fee plus 3.00% 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 NCDMV – Raleigh East Office; the seller keeps a duplicate to prove the date of transfer if a future liability question arises before the title fully retitles.