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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
"Inspection was smooth and lot detailed, helped a lot in deciding to buy the car"

amit
"The inspection I ordered met my expectations fully. It was very in-depth and thorough. I heavily weighed my decision to not purchase the vehicle."

Matthew
"Always thorough and excellent service. "

Dwight
"I've never used a service like this, but I was very impressed with CarAdvisors. My inspection was scheduled within 24 hours and was done very professionally. There was full transparency and I was able to communicate easily over phone with the mechanic even though the inspection was in a different state. Every single aspect of the car was covered, including things I would have not thought to look for. Will be using this service again and recommending to others. "

Rohan
"Reliable service and expert advise always saves me from bad purchases."

Jon
"I was very impressed with the results of this inspection."

Aja
"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
"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
"Reliable team of mechanics, I have used them in both the used cars I have purchased, and they where spot on with their estimations!"

Jon
"Another excellent inspection from Oleg - saved me from buying a car with issues. I've been recommending him to my friends and will continue to use him myself. Thanks!!"

Gary
"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
"Exceptional service as usual."

Samuel
"I was extremely pleased with the pre-purchase inspection. They did a thorough job, and I'd absolutely do business with them again."

Matthew
"Eduard was very thorough. Showed me potential issues/concerns throughout the process, as well as a detailed report after the inspection."

Logan
"I was surprised at how quickly Oleg reached out to me. The inspection was scheduled the next day and I had the review that night. I am very pleased with how thorough the inspection was. I will now recommend him to everyone and will be using this again! "

Rianah
"Fast and extremely professional service!"

Tabitha
"Oleg is excellent, his attention to detail is amazing. I Highly recommend him for any pre-purchase inspection! Thanks again! "

Customer
"My first inspection with Car advisor I had a great experience, that’s why I am using and relying on Car advisor again to inspect my pre purchase vehicle!"

Consaundra
"The technician was knowledgeable, thorough and efficient!"

Jeffrey
"The mechanic was very professional and gave his honest opinion on the car. "

Tayari
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 2024
Price $35,000
Mileage 5,610mi
Inspected Feb 4 2026
Model
Year 2019
Price $25,980
Mileage 102,000mi
Inspected Feb 4 2026
Model
Year 2003
Price $4,000
Mileage 153,600mi
Inspected Feb 3 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.
?
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.