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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: 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).

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Full 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.
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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 of 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, 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).
Checking the drivetrain
(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.
1
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.
2
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

2018 Toyota Corolla 73/100 2018 Toyota Corolla Mechanically, this Corolla is in solid shape for its age. Full report → 2023 Tesla Model 3 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 → 2005 BMW 645i 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 → 1968 Ford Mustang 13/100 1968 Ford Mustang This classic Mustang has significant body and structural history that you should weigh carefully. Full report →

Reviews
"Helped me avoid buying a "like new" car that was, in fact, not like new."

Clay
"Oleg did a great job and saved me thousands of dollars! He is very thorough and unbiased. Highly recommend!"

Terry
"This is a great, easy, and reliable company to use. With every test he performed I knew I would make the perfect decision with buying a used car. Definitely will used them in the future."

Jamecea
"Car Advisors is professional, convenient, and efficient. They know their stuff and future you will thank you for working with them to prevent unforeseen car headaches. Will def be using again. "

Customer
"I asked for a review of a 2006 MBZ. From the Carfax report, the car looked to be well maintained and seemed to be in good condition. The Car Advisor's review confirmed that with some exceptions that I would expect of a 2006 car. What Car Advisors did find, which was not reported by Carfax or the dealer were several parts of the car were repainted. This was the result of crash damage. I didn't buy the car. Thank you Car Advisors!"

Paul
"Caradvisors was a Godsend for me. As someone who knows little about cars, I’d have to take the salesman’s word about the car. Instead, Oleg had an instrument to measure the paint thickness in every part of the car which showed they covered up previous damage since the paint had different thicknesses. He could tell that the computer had been reset 4 miles ago, and that the tires didn’t match and would need immediate replacement. I was fully informed by the end of his inspection, and know I made the smartest choice. I also know I would’ve made the opposite choice without his service."

Rachael
"Had to get an inspection on a 2008 Honda Accord recently, and the Car Advisors guys were super helpful. I had already looked at the car, thinking everything was okay, but the mechanics helped me spot several issues I would have missed otherwise. Without them, I would have bought a very unsafe car, and had to spend a few thousand dollars at least on unexpected repairs."

AJ
"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
"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
"Ole did a great job and provided me with the information I needed to make a decision on whether to purchase this vehicle. He answered all of my questions and was very thorough!"

Jacqueline
"Great Service! It was great to be able to order an inspection and receive a detailed report that saved a lot of money from being wasted on a car with issues."

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

Gary
"Oleg Karelov was phenomenal! Not only did he save me money and time but car advisors gave me peace in knowing I made the right choice on not buying the vehicle. Oleg Karelov was patient and very thorough with the inspection. He was honest in his delivery of information! I will definitely use car advisors every time I purchase a car. Ask for Oleg Karelov! You won't regret it. "

LaSai
"The inspection was very helpful in our search for a used car. It was scheduled fairly quickly and it provided us with a very thorough and detailed analysis. The technician, Oleg, did a great job explaining what he found and he was very professional. Well worth the time and money."

Velma
"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
"Excellent service."

Lawrence
"I was looking at a 2014 Mercedes C250. Oleg was extremely thorough. The engine had three oil leaks, and the engine control module had recently been cleared, so other things were being hidden from the diagnostics. I will be using them again!"

Customer
"I’m glad I ordered an inspection. Quickly they identified the issues with the car."

Anthony
"Oleg Karelov was my car inspector. He was great and very thorough. The report was very detailed. The report was complete with any or old codes that the car had. This is a terrific service to use; especially if you're going to make a decision on a used car. I would definitely recommend this service."

Kennedy
"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
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 $18,481
Mileage 150,600mi
Inspected Nov 2 2026
Model
Year 2025
Price $18,400
Mileage 12,945mi
Inspected Nov 2 2026
Model
Year 2024
Price $200,184
Mileage 5,851mi
Inspected Nov 2 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.
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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.
?
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.