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
$200
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
$600
Includes: Unlimited number of inspections at different locations during the day (9am – 9pm), 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
"Requested an inspection in the afternoon January 20 (holiday). Received a response that the inspection was schedule for 5 pm (same day). Notified that report completed by 8 pm. Very pleased with the completeness of the report and the details.
Would recommend for anyone buying a used car!
S Walker"
Stredrick
"Oleg you're amazing. This company is amazing. Thank you guys for all of your help."
Customer
"I am very happy I decided to get a pre-purchase inspection from CarAdvisors. Oleg went to the dealership to inspect the car on the same day I placed my order online and sent me a very thorough professional report by the time I walked out of work at the end of the day. The dealer later told me that they had never seen a mechanic do such a thorough inspection before. Oleg was even happy to answer some follow-up questions I had in the next few days. Gave me peace of mind buying a used car. I highly recommend them."
Benjamin
"Oleg did an amazing job getting the inspection done asap for me. He also took the time to go through the report and explain the things I should consider when chatting with the salesman. Thank you! I strongly recommend Car Advisors! "
Galina
"Service was convenient and great. Gave me more confidence about the purchase and gave me an idea of what repairs I’ll have to make right away. Definitely recommend to anyone purchasing a used car. "
Gregorio
"Second time using CarAdvisors. Very professional and great write up on the vehicle. Highly recommend. "
Aaron
"Oleg services was impressive to me and the car salesman. The salesman was impressed by the thoroughness of the inspection as it was being completed. I had confidence that whatever was in the report was accurate and complete. I appreciate the extra pictures in the report and no detail was let out. Looking forward to using Oleg again. We were able to get an inspection completed the same day. Excellent customer service!"
Customer
"After a little research, I decided to find someone to do an inspection before my next used car purchase. There are other companies online that appear to provide a lot, and I was confused as to whether their inflated prices were worth the money. I chose Car Advisors based on pricing and the sample reports available online. After finding a seemingly perfect BMW X5 with low miles, I setup an appointment online. He setup the inspection with the seller and took care of everything. The report was easily made available online after payment was processed. I was amazed. The report was so detailed, and the inspector was thorough. He found things I never would have thought to look for. And he also discovered some pretty major problems and some computer codes that were cleared out that could have been catastrophic. Inspection fee is a great value and saved me from a potential mistake worth $1000s. I highly recommend Car Advisors and already have another inspection setup for my next prospective vehicle!"
Troy
"I really appreciate Oleg! He is professional, punctual, and knowledgeable! I asked a lot of questions and he let me go on the test drive with him during the inspection. I would recommend him to anyone that is looking to buy a used car. I went back to the dealership and bought the car and I’m a 100% satisfied customer!"
Alexis
"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
"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
"I was so pleased with the detail from Oleg. In addition his interactions on the phone and availability made it easy to get the vehicle checked swiftly. The inspection spared us from buying a lemon from a smooth talking salesman."
Charlotte
"I was very pleased with Oleg. He was a professional. He found two items that would have cost a great deal to fix. I highly recommend this service and have decided to use it for every used car I purchase. So easy."
Laura
"I was looking to purchase a 2016 Honda Civic from a local dealership and decided to get a pre-purchase inspection done first. I chose CarAdvisors and I'm glad I did. They found multiple issues which would've cost thousands for me to repair. I passed on the car and CarAdvisors got a loyal customer!"
Ryan
"Oleg is a professional and knowledgeable mechanic. He was punctual even on a same day appointment! Oleg saved me thousands from buying a lemon and helped me find a reliable older vehicle all in the same day. I would HIGHLY recommend him to all women who don’t know much about engine’s and want something reliable!!"
Aida
"Timely inspection and timely report. Would recommend for anyone looking for a used vehicle. "
Shenika
"This company is Amazing. I highly recommend them. They are very serious and very thorough about the work that they do. They take pictures and videos of things that they find. This company is very well worth the money. Ive used numerous of times to buy my company vehicles and not once have i been disappointed. Thank you for service."
Customer
"The service person, Oleg was on time (even in the rain), extremely polite and professional. He was also fabulously thorough during the car inspection and even took the seller of the van by surprise with the areas he was able to discover needed attention. I would highly recommend CarAdvisor due to the immediate response, user-friendly app and knowledgeable service staff that they have to service your vehicles ~ thanks to Oleg, I was very comfortable with my decision to purchase!!!"
Twana
"This is the second time I've used Oleg for a pre purchase vehicle inspection and once again he did an amazing job. His inspections are very thorough and he answered all of our questions!"
Jacqueline
"Thank you Oleg for a great inspection. You found that the radiator was dented under the car and I was able to get this fixed and covered under warranty. I would not have known this had he not pointed this out to me."
ShariDiagnostic 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.
