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

Clay
"Thank you so much for your inspection. Not only have you helped me get the car I’ve wanted for a long time but your appraisal of minor things wrong equipped me to ask the dealer for a little less than the asking price and the dealer agreed! So you also helped me to save money. I have a feeling the car you inspected for me will last a long time but when I need a new car for myself or someone I love I will call you to ask for your services again. Once more I offer many thanks."

Channing
"As always, I will never again buy a used car with out a Car Advisors inspection."

Samuel
"The inspection helped us avoid a lemon. Thankfully for the through report."

Gabrielle
"Oleg was amazing. I was able to book him and have my inspection done the same day. The report was thorough and very helpful...outlining things I normally would not have considered, but were definitely important to know. I've recommended him to others via the NextDoor app and am currently using him to inspect another used car. "

Customer
"Car Advisors’ inspection report was full of great details. I called the inspector to review the report and he gave me great feedback. I felt he was genuine, which I appreciate. "

George
"Great service... worked out well and had piece of mind about vehicle purchased."

Douglas
"It was a pleasure working with them. Though expensive but gives peace of mind"

Abdul Haq
"VERY THOROUGH! found multiple issues w/ the vehicle.sooo glad I decided to get an inspection w/ this company.Thank yall!"

amelia
"Tremendous value with great customer service.. Oleg was able to meet and perform an inspection of a potential used vehicle the same day. Punctual and professional... Responded to all questions and provided much needed insight into those details that are often overlooked when purchasing a used vehicle.. If you are in the market for a used vehicle, do yourself a favor and guarantee peace of mind by giving CarAdvisors and Oleg a call"

Brendon
"Oleg was able to do the inspection and provide the report in the same day. I really appreciate the quick turnaround, and the report was detailed and thorough. Thank you so much!"

Lydia
"Great and professional mechanics. Very convenient and provided great advice. We ended buying the car and it has been a great experience"

Kasra
"Very thorough and helpful."

Vandora
"Very thorough and was available immediately. Would use again!"

Angela
"Great service"

Michael
"Fantastic. We bought the car! Oleg did a great job. "

Customer
"Great service I was saved from being scammed "

christian
"My experience with car advisors was excellent. They have upfront pricing and excellent response time. I was emailed a thorough explanation of all that was inspected, and what was found. I found their 0-100 rating, and their description helpful. They said the car was mediocre, and gave it a 41. I of course passed on it. I am currently booking my second inspection with them. The reasonable fee is worth the peace of mind to me. "

Christine
"I'm extremely thankful I did this. The report was incredibly detailed, and saved me from making a terrible purchase. "

Clover
"The first vehicle this company inspected was awesome. They responded quickly and inspected the vehicle in a timely manner. The inspector was very helpful. "

CHANTELLE
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 2018
Price $18,500
Mileage 120,006mi
Inspected May 4 2026
Model
Year 2006
Price $5,995
Mileage 124,864mi
Inspected May 5 2026
Model
Year 2009
Price $7,000
Mileage 113,529mi
Inspected May 4 2026
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.