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Pre-purchase used car inspection





Modern vehicles are very complex and computerized, making it difficult even for an owner to know about any upcoming or existing issues that may cost a fortune to fix. To be confident in your next car – order our inspection for in-depth, factual, and objective information about its condition. While a mechanics shop might try to exaggerate a small defect to entice you to pay them to fix it, our detailed inspection is meant only to help you buy a reliable vehicle that meets your expectations.

Get peace of mind!

How it works

Place your order by phone or through our site. Specify a meeting point and time if you've already made an appointment with a seller and want to attend the inspection.

Our specialist will arrive at the vehicle and perform the inspection. The average duration to complete – about 1 hour.

We notify you once the inspection is complete and the report is ready. Have any questions? Call us - we'll be glad to explain.
Inspection types and prices

Single inspection

$220

Includes: Specialists arrival, inspection of 1 vehicle (if you want to check multiple vehicles at the same location – a 20% discount will be applied to further inspections).

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Full day

$650

Includes: Unlimited number of inspections at different locations during the day (9am-8pm), specialists can transport you in their own vehicle if preferred.
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Serving area
Inspection procedure
Engine inspection
(general state, extend of wear). Looking for leaks, stains, and smoke. Listening to abnormal noises and vibrations. Checking condition of fluids and drive-belts.
Computer diagnosis off ALL electronic systems
(ABS, airbags, ESP, HVAC, navigation systems, etc) with comprehensive analysis of the engine and transmission work.
Examination of structural framework
(longerons, pillars, rocker panels, frame) for signs of heavy impacts or bodywork.
Test drive
(if possible) to determine condition of suspension, brakes, steering, transmission, and drivetrain.
Determination of mileage
(matching car condition to declared mileage, if possible reading out mileage data from electronic control modules).
Interior inspection
for wear, damages, dirt, odors, water leaks.
Body survey
(fenders, doors, hood, glasses, headlights, etc) focused on signs of impacts, flooding, and repainting. Pointing out scratches, dents, rust, chipping, matching paint and paint cracks.
Electric components testing
(lights, power windows, locks, sun roof, etc).
Checking the drivetrain
(driveshafts, differentials, CV-joints, low gear, differential lock mechanism, boots) for operability, wearout, backlash, noises.
Transmission testing
(manual and road tests, computer diagnosis for any kind of automatic transmission). Looking for leaks and signs of recent repairs.
1
Engine inspection
(general state, extend of wear). Looking for leaks, stains, and smoke. Listening to abnormal noises and vibrations. Checking condition of fluids and drive-belts.
2
Computer diagnosis off ALL electronic systems
(ABS, airbags, ESP, HVAC, navigation systems, etc) with comprehensive analysis of the engine and transmission work.
3
Examination of structural framework
(longerons, pillars, rocker panels, frame) for signs of heavy impacts or bodywork.
4
Test drive
(if possible) to determine condition of suspension, brakes, steering, transmission, and drivetrain.
5
Determination of mileage
(matching car condition to declared mileage, if possible reading out mileage data from electronic control modules).
6
Interior inspection
for wear, damages, dirt, odors, water leaks.
7
Body survey
(fenders, doors, hood, glasses, headlights, etc) focused on signs of impacts, flooding, and repainting. Pointing out scratches, dents, rust, chipping, matching paint and paint cracks.
8
Electric components testing
(lights, power windows, locks, sun roof, etc).
9
Checking the drivetrain
(driveshafts, differentials, CV-joints, low gear, differential lock mechanism, boots) for operability, wearout, backlash, noises.
10
Transmission testing
(manual and road tests, computer diagnosis for any kind of automatic transmission). Looking for leaks and signs of recent repairs.
Sample report 1 Sample report 2 Sample report 3
Reviews
"I was looking at a late model Sentra with a clean Carfax. I decided to get it checked out by CarAdvisors and I am glad I did. Their report indicated that the car had been involved in a rear impact collision and the repair was not done correctly. I would have been stuck. It is money well spent for peace of mind."

Mark
"Service was convenient and great. Gave me more confidence about the purchase and gave me an idea of what repairs I’ll have to make right away. Definitely recommend to anyone purchasing a used car. "

Gregorio
"Excellent job, this is a truly detailed report with a lot of useful information. Thanks Mr. Karelov, we are very grateful! "

Belen
"This was my 2nd time using car advisors. Inspector Oleg is very professional and very focused when performing his task. I would definitely use him again and recommend him to friends and family. "

Customer
"Extremely thorough inspection. I am so glad that I had the inspection, as I was ready to buy the car. After seeing the report, I am glad that I am waiting for a better vehicle. This is the best $120 insurance policy you can buy. I am now ordering another inspection because I was so pleased."

Ross
"Helped me avoid buying a "like new" car that was, in fact, not like new."

Clay
"CarAdvisors provided an extremely thorough inspection and were a pleasure to work with! I highly reccomend them to anybody looking for a high quality inspection at a competitive rate."

Alex
"Oleg you're amazing. This company is amazing. Thank you guys for all of your help."

Customer
"Used an inspection for peace of mind on a Prius for my family. It's our most reliable car; thanks!"

Nicholas
"Very please with his professionalism (Oleg Karelov)...I would recommend "

latoya
"Great, thorough inspection by Oleg. Found some issues that were minor, but even the sellers (dealership) probably were not aware of. "

Chuck
"Oleg, thank you once again. The Grand Cherokee needed some maintenance taken care of but the dealership would not address or budge on the price so we had to walk away. I cannot see paying a price for a vehicle when maintenance items have not been addressed. Awesome report!"

Robert
"I had a very good experience with Car Advisors. They were able to come out the same day I ordered and the report was also ready the same day. The report was thorough and informative! I did not purchase the vehicle due to the many discovered issues during inspection! $170 saved me thousands!!!"

Jessica
"Excellent review "

David
"Inspection was smooth and lot detailed, helped a lot in deciding to buy the car"

amit
"Car Advisor has done an excellent job of providing guidance in our search for a used vehicle. Highly recommend!"

Stredrick
"Very good service! Will definitely recommend!"

David
"Oleg did a great job and provided a thorough inspection as well as explained any questions afterwards. "

Khorsheda
"Oleg's report was very thorough and brought to our attention some issues that we were not aware of. His attention to detail is second to none and the report was extremely informative and put us in a better spot to make an educated purchase decision."

James
"Great knowledgeable guy. He was on time and gave me great info on the car which I purchasesd and have been driving with no problems"

nicole
Diagnostic equipment
Diagnostic scanner
to check electronic systems and read its current state.
Coating thickness gauge
to find repaired and welded body parts.
Stethoscope
to find the source of abnormal engine noise.
Endoscope
to seek out leaks and damages in hard to reach places.
Advantages
Industry best comprehensive inspection with professional equipment.
Low and flat inspection fee for any type of car - classic, modern, luxury.
Get reports on the same day – on average we can get to a vehicle in only 1.5 hours.
Super detailed but easy to read report. Have a question? Call your inspector!
And of course, you may attend the inspection yourself and see our specialists at work.
Recent orders
Model
Year 2011
Price $12,385
Mileage 193,643mi
Inspected Dec 13 2025
Model
Year 2019
Price $30,000
Mileage 72,001 mi
Inspected Dec 12 2025
Model
Year 2022
Price $36,995
Mileage 41,555mi
Inspected Dec 12 2025
Inspected
Inspected
Inspected
FAQ
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How qualified are your mechanics?
We are a small team of specialists with master’s degrees, a deep knowledge of car electronics, and many years experience in auto inspection. We don’t hire unknown mechanics from all over the country just to expand our presence in other states.
?
What type of vehicles do you inspect?
We inspect all cars and trucks of any age and price. If a vehicle is a hybrid or is electric, we thoroughly inspect the battery and generator with a professional scan tool to make sure that these expensive parts are in working condition.
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Can you perform a computer diagnostic for an older vehicle with a non-standard diagnostic connector(not OBD2)?
Yes, we have special connectors for a wide variety of older vehicles. So even if it doesn't have a carburetor we can perform a computer diagnostic.
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What types of payments do you accept?
You may pay with card (debit or credit), from your account, or by cash or check after the inspection if you decide to see it in person.
?
Can I cancel an inspection that has already been ordered and scheduled?
Yes, you can cancel an inspection at any time without charge. However, it's preferred that you provide at least 1 hour before the scheduled inspection time.
?
Do you inspect vehicles on a lift?
It depends on the seller. If the seller has the facility to lift the vehicle (for example, if the seller is an auto dealer with a shop) then our specialist would inspect it on the lift. In most cases however, there is a necessity for a lift only if the test drive revealed issues with the drivetrain or suspension, and to determine the source of the problem and if it's ok to lift the car. Otherwise, inspection without a lift won't compromise the quality of the inspection itself.