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
"Amazing feedback! saved me tons"
Scott
"Everything went as planned. They have inspected a vehicle for us in the past, and we are very satisfied. We are in the market to purchase another car now and will hire them again to inspect it. They give us confidence in knowing that you are making an informed decision."
thomas
"Very detailed report. Lots of pictures, more than I expected. Very fast turn around and great communication. Week definitely use again. "
Andre
"I give 5 stars on the compete report. Don’t purchase without this company looking first."
Charles
"We thought we had found an awesome car. We called and scheduled an appointment for a pre-purchase inspection. The mechanic arrived on time, performed a thorough inspection, and found several faulty major issues with the car that not even the dealer had noticed. We will absolutely have this company inspect all of our cars before we buy them in the future!"
Customer
"I highly recommend CarAdvisors. This inspection saved us a lot of money on a vehicle purchase that would have cost us dearly. There were numerous issues with the car. It is better to spend $150 now for a thorough, detailed pre-purchase inspection report including pictures than to spend a few thousand dollars for a car only to find out from the repair shop that there were costly pre-existing problems later. Thank you, CarAdvisors. - Cynthia"
Raymond
"Awesome! They checked for everything. I found out about a faulty car before buying it. Absolutely Worth the price. "
Maya
"Thanks again for the great work!"
Amaya
"We've been looking for an older car for my son who just got his license. We've been all over Atlanta looking at cars in different locations and trying to locate mechanics in the area to do a pre-purchase inspection....it's been exhausting!! Some used car dealerships will not even let you take the car off the lot for a pre-purchase inspection. Luckily my google search finally suggested Car Advisors! Oleg was available to come inspect the car at the dealership the same day....within a couple hours and did an excellent job. The report was very thorough and included everything (photos too) needed to make an informed decision. He is also able to advise if the car was in an accident (the carfax may not show that information if it wasn't reported) which is very helpful. We didn't purchase the car he inspected since there were several major oil leaks, but will definitely call for him again on the next car we find! Thank you, Oleg!"
Darlene
"Everything went to plan. Needed inspection after online car order. Tech was professional and did a great job!"
Phillip
"Car advisors did an incredible job, I will definitely use them again and have recommended them to friends and family already. They are extremely thorough with the inspection, I was surprised at the level of detail of their report. Highly recommend!"
Ian
"Oleg’s service was excellent. Thoroughly inspected every single thing in the car and gave me solid report! "
David
"Excellent service."
Lawrence
"It was a pleasure working with them. Though expensive but gives peace of mind"
Abdul Haq
"Fast, thorough and detailed! Great communication as well!"
Harper
"Thank you Oleg! You kept me from buying a car with major issues. While the car had some nice bells and whistles, overall it isn't worth what they were asking, and kept us form having to fix repeated issues. Great service and very detailed and thorough reporting. "
Matthew
"Very good company to use. They go over every inch of the car"
elliott
"Car Advisors proved once again that appearances can be deceiving. Despite what looked like a clean CarFax and solid service records, Oleg’s thorough and professional assessment uncovered several hidden issues and concerns under the hood that I never would have noticed on my own. His detailed inspection save me from costly future repairs and gave me the clarity I needed to make a confident buying decision. Based on the issues found, I decided not to buy this particular SUV. I highly recommend Car advisors—one of the smartest investments you can make when purchasing a used car."
Mark
"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
"I will never buy another used car without hiring CarAdvisors. They saved me a lot of money by finding major repair items on the car I was considering. Highly recommend. "
LaraDiagnostic 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.
