What is the Wisconsin Buyers Guide on the window?
Ask Swant Graber · Barron, WI
What is the Wisconsin Buyers Guide on the window?
Reviewed by Cory Gunderson, Internet Sales & Finance Manager · Last checked October 27, 2026
Short answer
The Wisconsin Buyers Guide is the window label Wisconsin dealers must post on most used vehicles. It shows how the vehicle was used, any title brands, whether it's sold with a warranty or as-is, the results of the dealer's inspection, the price and any service fee.
What it means in the Barron area
Most states use the FTC's Buyers Guide. The FTC notes that Wisconsin dealers display their own version. WisDOT says the dealer must inspect the vehicle before offering it, show the results on the guide, and post it where it's readable from outside. You keep the window copy.
- Prior use: private, lease, rental, business or police.
- Title brands: such as salvage, flood or manufacturer buyback.
- Warranty: remaining manufacturer warranty, a dealer warranty, or "As-Is."
- Equipment condition: known problems the dealer found must be disclosed, even if it's sold as-is.
- Odometer, price and service fee at the time of inspection.
Worked example Estimate
| Warranty box | As-Is, or the terms of any warranty |
|---|---|
| Title brands | None, or the brand that will appear on future titles |
| Prior use | For example, privately driven or lease |
| Service fee | The fee the dealer will charge, if any |
| What to do | Compare it to the history report and the vehicle, and ask about anything marked |
Estimate, not a quote. Example of how to read one. Check the actual guide on the vehicle you're considering. Figures last checked October 27, 2026 against the sources below. Confirm your exact numbers with our team.
Questions? Talk to a real person in Barron.
Call or message us and we'll give you a straight answer about the vehicle, the paperwork or your rights, or point you to the right office if it's not ours to answer.
More buyer questions
- Ask Swant Graber: Car-Buying Questions in the Barron Area
- How many miles is too many on a used truck?
- Does Wisconsin's lemon law cover used cars?
- What does 'out the door' price mean?
Helpful Swant Graber pages
- Full guide: reading the Wisconsin Buyers Guide
- Used vehicle history checklist
- Free vehicle history reports
3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.
Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.
Swant Graber Motors
Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-5657Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Swant Graber Ford
Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-9500Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Questions
Does As-Is mean the dealer doesn't have to disclose problems?
No. WisDOT says even as-is, the dealer must inspect and disclose existing problems, and the guide must reflect the vehicle's condition at sale.
Do I get a copy of the Buyers Guide?
Yes. The purchaser keeps the window copy.
Is the Wisconsin guide the same as the FTC Buyers Guide?
No. The FTC says Wisconsin dealers display their own version.
Which vehicles don't need one?
WisDOT lists exceptions such as trucks over 16,000 pounds, demonstrators still in service and unrepaired salvage vehicles.
Next steps at Swant Graber
Two stores across Highway 8 from each other in Barron, serving Rice Lake, Cumberland, Chetek, Cameron and the whole Barron area. Ask for an itemized out-the-door quote on any vehicle.
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge)
1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657
Swant Graber Ford
1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-9500
Sources
- Wis. Admin. Code Trans 139.04: Wisconsin Buyers Guide: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
- WisDOT Motor Vehicle Salesperson Manual 2026: wisconsindot.gov
- WisDOT: Problem used car: wisconsindot.gov
- WisDOT: Vehicle buyers guide (Wise Buys): wisconsindot.gov
- FTC: Buying a used car from a dealer: consumer.ftc.gov