An as-is sale transfers the vehicle with no warranty of condition. Once the sale completes, faults are the buyer's problem, including ones that appear on the drive home.
Most private sales are as-is by default. Dealer sales vary, and in the United States a dealer must display a buyers guide stating whether a warranty applies.
As-is does not license fraud. A seller who actively lies about known damage, or who tampers with an odometer, is not protected by it.
Why it matters
It shifts every unknown onto you, which is precisely why the inspection and the history check have to happen before the money moves.
How to check it
Read the buyers guide on any dealer vehicle, and get any promise the seller makes in writing rather than in conversation.
Does this apply to the car you are looking at?
Run the VIN or plate and see what is actually on record.
Related terms
Definitions are general guidance, not legal advice. Title rules, total loss thresholds and inspection requirements are set by each state and change over time, so confirm the position with the motor vehicle agency for the state the vehicle is titled in before relying on it.