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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
"Wonderful experience with CarAdvisors! The peace of mind gained before purchasing our vehicle was priceless. Thank you for the great service. "

Joe
"Oleg was amazing! He did such a detailed inspection and found several things that would have been an immediate issue had I of purchased the car. I highly recommend this company!"

Cherry
"Used an inspection for peace of mind on a Prius for my family. It's our most reliable car; thanks!"

Nicholas
"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
"Oleg was so detailed in his inspection, and even explained the costs associated with the issues he found!"

Roberta
"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
"Oleg was prompt, very knowledgeable, and flexible. Been in the car he helped look over for about 2 years now and have only had standard maintenance. Think he did a pretty good job "

Barrett
"Oleg did a great job with the inspection of the 2016 Toyota Prius. We bought the car and have driven it for over 4 months with no problems. I really appreciate the peace of mind we had from your thorough inspection."

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

Jeffrey
"Eduard did an excellent job and found several issues that would've otherwise gone unnoticed; very good attention to detail!"

Nikita
"Inspection very detailed! Gave me a lot of confidence and they saw things that I would have missed myself!"

Jovan
"Excellent service extremely thorough job explained everything well examined car throughout. Was able to get an appointment the same day I would definitely use this company again for any pre own car I would purchase and recommend to my family and friends to use thank you for your service it was great"

Customer
"Great, thorough inspection by Oleg. Found some issues that were minor, but even the sellers (dealership) probably were not aware of. "

Chuck
"I would highly recommend these folks. I scheduled a flight from Nashville to Atlanta to pick up a car that was a "clean" CarFax with factory warranty. Inspector said that that the car was entirely repainted and the paint quality was poor - with dust and paint runs. Also interior scuffs and computer codes. The cost of this inspection saved me a lot of grief and heart ache."

Steven
"Car Advisor has been an extremely useful tool. This service performs with great profesionalism."

Donald
"Oleg was awesome, on time, great communication and thoroug!! "

Bruquesha
"Did a good job and found an issue that affected the car "

Vinay
"Thank you! "

EDWARD
"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
"Oleg was incredibly helpful and helped prevent me from purchasing a lemon after her discovered the engine was leaking oil somewhere and he said best case scenario it was the radiator. I am so thankful that I used them to inspect the car. Best money spent. "

Rachel
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 2023
Price $22,997
Mileage 45,234mi
Inspected Jul 7 2025
Model
Year 2023
Price $22,747
Mileage 49,238mi
Inspected Jul 7 2025
Model
Year 2015
Price $5,995
Mileage 116,010mi
Inspected Jul 6 2025
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.
?
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.
?
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.