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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
"The inspector was on time and professional. He did a thorough and detailed inspection. Car Advisors pre-purchase inspection guided me making the right buying decision. "

Chris
"Great inspection. I appreciate everything the inspector is doing to help select my next car for the future."

Perry
"1st time using this service and saved me alot of headache in purchasing a lemon i have shared this company to many of my friends "

Monique
"Oleg was very efficient and informative. He showed up on time, as well as being friendly and knowledgeable. Will definitely be using this service again soon!"

Corey
"Thank you for saving us from a pile of repairs. Your reports are great!"

Sherrie
"So pleased with the professionalism if this company. Regrettably several issues were found with the car so I passed on the purchase. I reside out of state from the car and this service saved me time and from buying the wrong car."

Customer
"Thank you for the inspection I appreciate the check. "

Tayari
"Oleg is the best! So thorough and diligent. His knowledge and expertise is appreciated. "

Caroline
"Oleg was prompt, communicated well, and did a amazingly complete inspection. I was very, very impressed and will used CarAdvisors again."

Gary
"So thankful for this service. Saved me a trip to the dealer for nothing. Truck was in poor condition, that was not shown by dealer's photos. Very easy process. Great communication. Well worth every penny. Highly recommend "

Frank
"The process with CarAdvisors was very smooth. They were very professional and inspected my car thoroughly. They explained all of the car's issues, which helped me make an informed decision about whether to purchase the vehicle. It was a great experience. "

Denice
"Worked quickly and did an excellent job with photos. Took requested photos that were asked for and thoroughly checked the car. Will use the information gained to get a better price on the car or move on. Would recommend to anyone for the price."

Michael
"The inspector was great. Very knowledgeable of the ins and outs of the vehicle. Saved me from buying a money pit of a vehicle. I'll definitely continue to use car advisors for any used vehicle purchase I'll make in the future. "

Darryl
"Oleg was AWESOME! He was on time and spent a considerable amount of time reviewing the car I was really excited about. But ultimately he found enough issues that I walked away from the car! Well worth it! Even the seller of the car, who sells cars regularly, was impressed with how thorough Oleg was."

Dale
"Oleg has done a very comprehensive report. The seller reduced his price significantly when I sent over the report. The reduction was more than 10 times the cost of the report, making it very good value for money."

Neil
"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
"Having the PPI from CarAdvisors helped me feel very confident in my purchase. The report detailed issues that were eventually addressed and helped me have a smooth purchase. Great work."

Maurice
"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
"I was totally impressed with the prompt & meticulous service of Car Advisors. The technician was professional, organized, and thorough in his assessment. The thing that set this experience apart was the objectivity of the review - it removes any emotion in the car buying process and focuses you on the facts. I’ve been raving to my friends about this service and the best testament to its effectiveness is - the seller wanted to get the phone number for his next purchase! This wasn’t the car for me, but rest assured, before I do make a car buying decision in the future - I will be calling Car Advisors !"

Derek
"My inspection was very detail oriented. Oleg answered all my questions and was very helpful. I would definitely use him again."

Andrea
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 2019
Price $24,490
Mileage 68,843mi
Inspected Feb 28 2026
Model
Year 2023
Price $20,997
Mileage 28,877mi
Inspected Feb 28 2026
Model
Year 2023
Price $29,956
Mileage 30,482mi
Inspected Feb 28 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.
?
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.