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.
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: 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).
Place an orderFull 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.
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 off 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, glasses, headlights, etc) focused on signs of impacts, flooding, and repainting. Pointing out scratches, dents, rust, chipping, matching paint and paint cracks.
(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).
(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.
(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.
(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 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.
Reviews
"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
"Oleg was prompt, communicated well, and did a amazingly complete inspection. I was very, very impressed and will used CarAdvisors again."
Gary
"Very detailed report. Lots of pictures, more than I expected. Very fast turn around and great communication. Week definitely use again. "
Andre
"Oleg did a great job with my pre-purchase inspection.
The inspection appointment was easy to schedule, and the inspection was very thorough. Problem areas were clearly pointed out supported by high quality photographs of the vehicle.
The vehicle was also carefully road tested as well.
The inspection report was so detailed it even includes measurements of how thick the paint is on various areas of the vehicle. After reading my inspection report I had high confidence knowing the vehicle I was interested in purchasing was a great vehicle. Thank you Oleg for all of your help. "
Reginald
"Very thorough inspection. Really helpful. "
Claire
"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 have only good words about "CarAdvisors". I've used them several times and each and every of them Oleg provided a comprehensive report about a car I was interested in.
He helped me to save several thousand dollars by preventing purchase of a car that looked great, but had a lot of potential problems.
When I'm considering to purchase a car, CarAdvisers is my first and only choice for the inspection."
Oleg
"Oleg was great! He was very thorough in inspecting the vehicle and uncovered a few issues that I definitely would not have caught on my own!"
Connor
"Superb, very well detailed inspection. Oleg is very helpful!"
Shaunak
"I never buy a used car without a pre-inspection report being done first, and CarAdvisors are my go-to experts. My son found a CRV he wanted for driving from school to his various jobs, and within a day we had scheduled a tech from CarAdvisors to provide us a detailed inspection report to let us know of any issues. As a bonus, we asked whether the seller's price was reasonable, to which we got a confirmation that the value of the car was in-line with the price they were asking. CarAdvisors gave us confidence in our purchase. Highly recommend!"
CJ
"Thank you!"
EDWARD
"Car Advisors is professional, convenient, and efficient. They know their stuff and future you will thank you for working with them to prevent unforeseen car headaches. Will def be using again. "
Customer
"Very professional and thorough inspection. Helpful advice and honest review "
Davron
"This is the second pre-purchased Car Advisors did for our family and now, a full year later, the car they inspected is 100% as they predicted it would be. Solid professionals, will use them for my next 2 purchases (2 kids getting driver licenses soon!)"
Jon
"Oleg is a fantastic technician. He has saved my butt a couple of times."
Samuel
"I am so happy that I decided to get Oleg to examine the car for me. Clark Howard was right when he said that every used car should be inspected before you buy. He was on time and did a thorough job in his review and subsequent discussions with me regarding the issues. I was able to have all the issues addressed prior to purchase. This is a very valuable service. "
Jacqueline
"Eduard did the inspection on a 2022 Mercedes GLC300 I was looking at. He was extremely thorough with his work and helped me a dodge a bad deal because of a fuel pressure issue. I will be scheduling more PPIs with Car Advisor in the future."
Adil
"I highly recommend CarAdvisors! Oleg was very thorough. The pictures and written report were very clear and helpful. The inspection was done the day after we ordered it, and the report was ready by the end of the day. "
Pamela
"Amazing experience 10/10"
Justin
"Great service "
HarrisonDiagnostic 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. Otherwise, inspection without a lift won't compromise the quality of the inspection itself.
