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
"Really easy process - they were incredibly thorough and gave me an incredible overview of the car. "
Aaron
"Fast, thorough and detailed! Great communication as well!"
Harper
"Absolutely kept me from buying something I may have regretted. Highly detailed so that if I did want to risk buying that vehicle I would know exactly what I was going to be repairing in the near future. Wonderful job"
Keith
"I reached out to Car Advisors because I was looking to buy a car in another city. Denis handled the whole inspection without me having to travel anywhere, which was a huge relief and a total game-changer.
He provided a super detailed report with tons of photos, called me to walk through all the details, and even sent several videos of the car so I could get a complete picture.
Thanks to his thorough work, I decided not to buy the vehicle. It was money extremely well spent—it saved me a whole day of driving, a ton of hassle, and thousands of dollars in potential repairs. If you need a reliable vehicle inspection in the Charlotte area, I highly recommend Denis and Car Advisors!"
Kevin
"Glad I had the inspection. Found problems not disclosed by seller.
"
Debra
"Great, thorough inspection by Oleg. Found some issues that were minor, but even the sellers (dealership) probably were not aware of. "
Chuck
"Oleg did an extremely thorough inspection and had it to me within a few hours. He helped me avoid a potential issue that would've cost a lot of money to fix."
Richard
"Oleg was awesome. He was professional, patient, a good communicator, thorough, helpful, insightful, and honored all my requests and answered all my questions. Definitely gonna go to him again if needed in the future! Stopped me from wasting $5000 that was made to look like an actual car, when he found it to be a pile of crap. Good price for his services which are top notch!"
Ariana
"Very thorough review that provided instrumental information allowing me to assess the vehicle and make a purchase on a used truck. I would definitely recommend CarAdvisors when purchasing a used vehicle"
Customer
"I've used Car Advisors to inspect two vehicles I was considering buying, and I'm about to use them again for a third one.
They've been very professional and thorough each time. The inspection reports gave me a much better understanding of the condition of the vehicles, and in both cases, they uncovered issues that could have cost me a lot of money down the road. Because of their inspections, I decided not to buy those cars.
I also think their fees are very reasonable and a great value for the service they provide. I'd much rather spend a little money upfront than end up with expensive repairs later.
"
Sonia
"Wonderful service. The technician was courteous and professional. Will definitely use again when needed!"
Erica
"I am so happy that Oleg inspected this car. He did a really good job. There were problems with the car that I was not aware of. "
Duncan
"Oleg was great! Very prompt and efficient! He was patient with us and helped us understand various car issues and which cars would be more ideal than others! I would highly recommend this service ! "
Customer
"Excellent service! The inspector came out timely and gave a detailed inspection. Friendly and professional. "
Dagem
"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 thorough, timely, and cares about inspecting your vehicle before you make a costly mistake. It worth the money!"
Customer
"He was super helpful, he checked all the little deatails of the car and informed me what i was getting into."
Daniel
"The service provided by Car Advisors was Excellent. Very prompt service and thorough and lots of pictures. I would strongly suggest Car Advisors to anyone purchasing a vehicle, Outstanding service!!!!"
Customer
"I am very impressed with this thorough inspection. This car look good on Carfax but had lots of concerns. I was able to dodge a bullet here!"
Laura
"Great job. Thank you!"
DougDiagnostic 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.
