Engine inspection
(general state, extent 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: Specialist 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), specialist 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 of 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, windows, headlights, etc) focused on signs of impacts, flooding, and repainting. Pointing out scratches, dents, rust, chipping, matching paint and paint cracks.
(fenders, doors, hood, windows, 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, sunroof, etc).
(lights, power windows, locks, sunroof, etc).
Checking the drivetrain
(driveshafts, differentials, CV-joints, low gear, differential lock mechanism, boots) for operability, wear, backlash, noises.
(driveshafts, differentials, CV-joints, low gear, differential lock mechanism, boots) for operability, wear, 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 of 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, windows, 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, sunroof, etc).
9
Checking the drivetrain
(driveshafts, differentials, CV-joints, low gear, differential lock mechanism, boots) for operability, wear, 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 reports
73/100
2018 Toyota Corolla
Mechanically, this Corolla is in solid shape for its age. Full report →
58/100
2023 Tesla Model 3
Mechanically, this vehicle is in good shape where it matters most for an electric car: the high-voltage battery retains 94% of its… Full report →
31/100
2005 BMW 645i
This convertible has a significant number of mechanical and cosmetic issues that you should weigh carefully against its price. Full report →
13/100
1968 Ford Mustang
This classic Mustang has significant body and structural history that you should weigh carefully. Full report →
Reviews
"Have uses the service twice now and am happy with the outcome.
Have saved money from purchasing bad cars!"
Stredrick
"Great service"
Michael
"Mr Abdula did great. He was very thorough and helped us avoid issues that could’ve been concerning. Not to mention his very calm, collected, professional demeanor. Cool guy. "
Isaiah
"Oleg was prompt and gave me good feedback. He gets the job done!"
Brandon
"Great inspector! Definitely using again! Thank you so much!"
Jorel
"Eduard did an amazing job. He got there on time and did a thorough inspection of the vehicle. He helped us save a ton of money."
Uday
"Denis inspected my car post-purchase and I wanted to compliment him for a detailed, thorough car inspection. I know I will use Car Advisors again for my next car purchase."
Fred
"My inspector Ollie was very professional. The report was extremely thorough and conclusive. I’m very happy with this service and would definitely recommend it. "
Lauryn
"The mechanic arrived on time, was very knowledgeable and professional. I received my report the same day."
Ada
"Using Car Advisors was the best decision I made while buying my used Audi. Oleg was professional and very thorough and provided me the peace of mind I needed when buying my used car. I definitely recommend using Car Advisors. I plan to use them for my next used car purchase. "
Madeleine
"I don't buy any car without Car Advisors (Oleg) review first. I then assess whether its worth buying. He works for me and not the seller and I am confident in that as well as their report! He thought repairs might cost me up to 2K but I ended up only needing $1200 for the jeep I bought. Great service!"
Jay
"Oleg did a pre-purchase inspection on a used car for me. He is very thorough and went over everything with me. He gives you a detailed written report as well. Thank you for helping us!"
Amber
"Oleg is great! He arranged our first inspection very quickly. He was very thorough and saved us from making a bad purchase decision. About to schedule another appointment with him right now! Worth the cost to save money down the line!"
Eddie
"Buying a used car is a risk, why not protect your money and have it checked out by Car advisors. I have a decent handle on auto mechanics, but Oleg found some things wrong a potential vehicle that I wouldn't have even thought to check for. Will use them again and recommend to anyone "
Customer
"Eduardo did a great job inspecting a Ford Escape. He found problems with the transmission preventing us from costly repairs. I would use this company again."
Customer
"Thank you so much Oleg for your inspection. Saved me from buying a car with possible big issue in future.
Your observations were crisp and inferences were to the point."
Bhavesh
"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
"Oleg did a good job of letting me know what I was buying. We purchased the car and had no issues discovered that wasn't pointed out by the inspection."
Rob
"RJ was super helpful and very diligent. I feel like he equipped me with everything I needed to move forward with negotiations.
Super helpful, couldn’t recommend enough."
Keaton
"Car Advisor has done an excellent job of providing guidance in our search for a used vehicle. Highly recommend!"
StredrickDiagnostic 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.
