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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
"Glad I chose CarAdvisors, will be using services again. "

Gabriel
"The inspection was very thorough and helped me get a better deal on the car. Highly recommended!"

Michael
"Eduardo did a great job. He met me at the dealership to inspect the car and provided a thorough report. I'm thankful for his services because otherwise, I'm pretty sure I would've bought a lemon. It was worth every penny to get his advise. "

Erin
"Oleg did an incredible job. Very patient. Answered all questions even the annoying ones. Very thorough. His inspection definitely saved us from potential years of regret. Thanks!"

Myla
"Oleg was amazing, gave a thorough and in depth inspection of the vehicle, so much so that I already knew I would pass on the vehicle before the test drive. 10/10 am booking again"

Jackson
"Detailed report"

Vandora
"Thank you for the inspection I appreciate the check. "

Tayari
"Very good thorough inspection and good details. Definitely will recommend to anyone and will be using if needed again. Thank you! "

Eric
"Extremely satisfied. Thorough inspection. Highly recommended."

Dwight
"Worked quickly and did an excellent job with photos. Took requested photos that were asked for and thoroughly checked the car. Will use the information gained to get a better price on the car or move on. Would recommend to anyone for the price."

Michael
"This inspection saved me time and money."

Marlon
"CarAdvisors provides an excellent service! Their pre-purchase inspections are absolutely phenomenal and cover all bases. The inspection provided me with much added confidence to correctly find a vehicle to purchase. Their service is extremely quick, and was done same-day for me. Not only that, when I called to discuss the report, the inspector was extremely helpful in providing his hesitations and what he believed is good/bad with a vehicle. Overall, CarAdvisors is an absolutely amazing service, and worth every penny!"

Leland
"Great service "

Dheeaba
"Oleg was very efficient and responsive to all my questions during the review. The final report was thorough and provided great insight to my buying decision "

Customer
"It's always interesting when you look at car pictures and videos and feel like the car is THE ONE! Until Oleg goes in and does the inspection. There were numerous problems with the car that would be unsafe for me to drive and one found, thanks to Oleg, that caused me to double-back and look at the manufacturer's site I found that the car's issues are prone to igniting a fire. While this is a long process for me to vet/inspect each car, I feel smarter knowing that it's the right way to buy a pre-owned car. Thanks again Oleg!"

Tamia
"I could not have been more pleased with Car Advisors. I've use Lemon Squad twice in the past. They were fine, but did not go into near as much detail as Car Advisors. Even the dealership was impressed. No one should buy used car without Car Advisors looking at it first. Thank you!!!"

Mary
"On-time, thorough, and comprehensive inspection. Really gave me peace of mind - well worth it!"

David
"Great job. The inspector was professional and thorough with the inspection. The report was detailed and informative "

Peter
"Did a great job with Pre purchase Inspection on 2023 Ram Promaster. Would definitely recommend and use service again"

James
"The mechanic arrived on time, was very knowledgeable and professional. I received my report the same day."

Ada
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 2017
Price $19,999
Mileage 154,647mi
Inspected Sep 18 2026
Model
Year 2017
Price $5,000
Mileage 170,000mi
Inspected Sep 19 2026
Model
Year 2023
Price $21,200
Mileage 31,396mi
Inspected Sep 17 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.