Engine inspection
(general state, extent of wear). Looking for leaks, stains, and smoke. Listening to abnormal noises and vibrations. Checking condition of fluids and drive-belts.
Home / Pre-purchase 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!
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: Specialist 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).
Place an orderFull day
$650
Includes: Unlimited number of inspections at different locations during the day (9am-8pm), specialist can transport you in their own vehicle if preferred.
Place an order
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.
(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 of ALL electronic systems
(ABS, airbags, ESP, HVAC, navigation systems, etc) with comprehensive analysis of the engine and transmission work.
(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.
(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.
(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).
(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.
for wear, damages, dirt, odors, water leaks.
Body survey
(fenders, doors, hood, windows, headlights, etc) focused on signs of impacts, flooding, and repainting. Pointing out scratches, dents, rust, chipping, matching paint and paint cracks.
(fenders, doors, hood, windows, 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, sunroof, etc).
(lights, power windows, locks, sunroof, etc).
Checking the drivetrain
(driveshafts, differentials, CV-joints, low gear, differential lock mechanism, boots) for operability, wear, backlash, noises.
(driveshafts, differentials, CV-joints, low gear, differential lock mechanism, boots) for operability, wear, backlash, noises.
Transmission testing
(manual and road tests, computer diagnosis for any kind of automatic transmission). Looking for leaks and signs of recent repairs.
(manual and road tests, computer diagnosis for any kind of automatic transmission). Looking for leaks and signs of recent repairs.
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Computer diagnosis of 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, windows, 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, sunroof, etc).
9
Checking the drivetrain
(driveshafts, differentials, CV-joints, low gear, differential lock mechanism, boots) for operability, wear, 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 reports
73/100
2018 Toyota Corolla
Mechanically, this Corolla is in solid shape for its age. Full report →
58/100
2023 Tesla Model 3
Mechanically, this vehicle is in good shape where it matters most for an electric car: the high-voltage battery retains 94% of its… Full report →
31/100
2005 BMW 645i
This convertible has a significant number of mechanical and cosmetic issues that you should weigh carefully against its price. Full report →
13/100
1968 Ford Mustang
This classic Mustang has significant body and structural history that you should weigh carefully. Full report →
Reviews
"Extremely detailed pre-purchase inspection completed. After PPI completed I even spoke to the individual who completed the assessment and got additional information. This is a Great service!"
George
"Denis was the man! Great experience working with him and car advisors. Wanted to buy an old cheap commuter car and wanted some help looking at the car. Denis was super thorough and helpful. Took a lot of time looking over everything and test driving with me. Would definitely send friends and family here and will use in the future!"
Caden
"Very thorough review that provided instrumental information allowing me to assess the vehicle and make a purchase on a used truck. I would definitely recommend CarAdvisors when purchasing a used vehicle"
Customer
"Edward is very thorough and has saved us a lot of money. Thank you!"
Janice
"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
"Oleg is very prompt, thorough, and professional. I am amazed how much detail he is able to provide about a car's condition."
Customer
"CarAdvisors did a great job of inspecting the Grand Marquis. The information presented was very clear and the pictures clearly showed the issues. I highly recommend using CarAdvisors."
Thomas
"The inspector arrived on time, did a very thorough inspection and road test. The report may have saved me from fraud. Worth the money!"
TERRANCE
"Inspection was smooth and lot detailed, helped a lot in deciding to buy the car"
amit
"Great thorough job. Thanks"
Corey
"Used an inspection for peace of mind on a Prius for my family. It's our most reliable car; thanks!"
Nicholas
"I'm so glad I used CarAdvisors. I wanted to buy a Hyundai Veloster and was going to pay asking price because I really liked it and the dealer wasn't willing to work with me, but for the money I was going to spend I wanted to make sure I wasn't making a big mistake. I left the dealership and called CarAdvisors and they were at the dealership in 3 hours. I went home and waited for the report and I'm so thankful I did. The car had mechanical issues and had some major problems about happen not far down the road. The report was extremely thorough and covered the entire car from current problems to guaranteed problems in the near future and included pictures. This service is worth every penny and I will never buy a car without them again. I'm actually using them again next week for an all day multly car inspection day. I highly recommend their services. "
Leanne
"Great detail in the report. And Oleg was very helpful with additional context ona follow up call!"
Cy
"I’m out of state and Oleg did an awesome job. The amount of detail and pictures provided were great. Would use his services again. "
Edgardo
"This was money very well spent! Glad I asked you to look at my second choice. That one is now my first choice based on your reports. Very thorough."
Jeremy
"I will never look for another car the traditional way again. Oleg is definitely the best in his field. He is patient, honest, and provides great communication of his findings if you have any questions or concerns!
Once I identified the car I was interested in, I refused to even go see the vehicle because I trusted Oleg to be my EYES, EARS, and NOSE! I trusted his expertise and his process. There are other PPI's out there, but I will only refer CAR ADVISORS to my family and friends!
Finally, after searching far and wide, I welcomed my new auto baby to the family!"
TRINA
"Detailed report"
Vandora
"Excellent inspection. They identified issues I never would have spotted myself and ultimately saved me from buying a vehicle that would have cost me thousands in repairs. Professional, detailed, and well worth the investment."
Dario
"I was incredibly impressed with the expertise and detail of the inspection by Oleg. The issues he was able to discover from the paint, fenders having had work done on them, rotors being warped. 5/6th gear synchronizers grinding, slipping of the clutch, and the details and effects of the accident the vehicle had been in was astonishing. I was skeptical of detailed the report would be when you weren't able to bring the car to a shop but boy was I wrong. Oleg also went for a test drive with me and pointed out every issue and gave me his opinion on what would need to be replaced. He was prompt and courteous and his knowledge of cars was through the roof. I will definitely be using CarAdvisors before making any used car purchase! "
Michael
"Super thorough and knowledgeable. Great service "
AdonnicaDiagnostic 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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
