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
"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
"Prompt and thorough! Thanks Oleg."
Mar
"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
"Great service & thorough inspection. I’m so happy that I found this company. As a woman, buying a car alone can be daunting because we can be easy targets. But, this inspection took the insecurities away, & potentially saved me a costly future repair, Big time. Ordering another inspection is a no brainer. "
Tamara
"CarAdvisors is definitely worth it. The inspection was extremely thorough and provided us with an extensive report that saved us from buying a total lemon! He was able to complete it rapidly the same day I placed an order, and his report had far more information than you would be able to acquire from visiting the vehicle by yourself as well as many other car inspection services. Combine that with CarAdvisors flexibility in scheduling visits with and without the client, this is a service that I will definitely use and recommend going forward. Quick, courteous, a great value, and a smart choice when shopping for a used car."
Vincent
"Oleg was so amazing and professional! He kept it real and I appreciated that and put it forward towards my next search! Thank you! "
Savannah
"Great service"
Michael
"This is a great service and Oleg is very thorough. I’ve used him twice; first time he helped me decide not to buy a car and second time he confirmed that it was a terrific deal. I highly recommend him. "
Customer
"Great service I was saved from being scammed "
christian
"Car advisors did an incredible job, I will definitely use them again and have recommended them to friends and family already. They are extremely thorough with the inspection, I was surprised at the level of detail of their report. Highly recommend!"
Ian
"We thought we had found an awesome car. We called and scheduled an appointment for a pre-purchase inspection. The mechanic arrived on time, performed a thorough inspection, and found several faulty major issues with the car that not even the dealer had noticed. We will absolutely have this company inspect all of our cars before we buy them in the future!"
Customer
"Oleg Karelov , I appreciate the detailed report, pictures, and estimates of possible damage to be repaired. This helped me decide about the vehicle and saved me money. I'll use this pre-purchase inspection company again. "
Tatianna
"Johnny was very professional. Arrived before time. Spent a lot of effort checking everything in detail. Addressed my questions. Found some problems in the car because of which I did not buy it. I’m using his service again tomorrow for another car."
Nishant
"My inspector was great! Very detailed and explained everything to me in a simple way. Would definitely recommend this service and a PPI in general."
Isaac
"The inspector was on time and professional. He did a thorough and detailed inspection. Car Advisors pre-purchase inspection guided me making the right buying decision. "
Chris
"Used CarAdvisors for a 2nd time and it worked out great. On time and very professional. "
ANTHONY
"Thank you, CarAvisors. I have never used a pre-purchase inspection before. This was the best decision I could have made. While I'm going to still purchase the car, Mr. Edward gave me a clear, transparent overview of the vehicle. Mr. Edward checks out everything! I had the opportunity to see him at work. He pointed out concerns to me and offered suggestions on them. Even my salesman told me that Edward would not take his answer to anything on the car! He had to check it out for himself. He test-drove the car and performed several steps to check if it would exhibit any signs of a problem. To sum it all up, he checks everything. Things I didn't think of. He's a true professional who gives professional service. He's not there for the dealer, he's there for the customer! Thank you, sir, for your service."
toney
"Fantastic inspection. Really helped reduce risk for such a big decision. A ton of information shared and thorough inspection. Very professional ans communicative. "
Myron
"Very thorough and helpful."
Vandora
"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."
ThomasDiagnostic 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.
