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.
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: 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).
Place an orderFull 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.
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 off 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, glasses, headlights, etc) focused on signs of impacts, flooding, and repainting. Pointing out scratches, dents, rust, chipping, matching paint and paint cracks.
(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).
(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.
(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.
(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 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.
Reviews
"PHENONENAL Service. CarAdvisors told me everything I needed to know in order to make the right decision! HIGHLY recommend the service."
Steve
"Very thorough inspection. Oleg was able to raise all the issues from mechanic to esthetic... Appointment/Inspection were done in a timely fashion. High quality report: very detailed and illustrated with extra pictures. Very clear communication and excellent customer service. Highly recommend using this service before any pre owned car purchase"
Marouen
"My inspector came promptly on time, was very thorough with the checks, even crawling underneath the car to check for rust on the body! First time I've seen someone go so far. I also liked their no-flattery comments on the things they found or didn't find. Will definitely be using this service again. 5 stars"
Zachary
"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
"Once again, Oleg did a great job for me. The car he inspected had a number of problems I was not aware of."
Gary
"CarAdvisors did another great job on inspecting a car I was looking at. Just as before, the report was very comprehensive and very helpful in helping me determine the condition of the vehicle. Thanks."
Thomas
"Oleg was very efficient and responsive to all my questions during the review. The final report was thorough and provided great insight to my buying decision "
Customer
"Inspection was good. Inspector came on time and performed all inspections and drove test the car. It was worth."
Jojo
"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
"Have uses the service twice now and am happy with the outcome.
Have saved money from purchasing bad cars!"
Stredrick
"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
"My first inspection with Car advisor I had a great experience, that’s why I am using and relying on Car advisor again to inspect my pre purchase vehicle!"
Consaundra
"I was able to negotiate a lower price due to problems that Oleg found during the inspection! He was also willing to answer any questions for days following the inspection. Highly recommend!"
Hannah
"I've used CarAdvisors on several occasions before making a vehicle purchase. Oleg provides a very thorough inspection that helps the purchaser with the decision making process. I feel like these reports have kept me from making poor purchase decisions in the past as well as making the right decision in several instances. I would highly recommend this service before settling on a used car purchase. "
Customer
"The mechanic was very professional and gave his honest opinion on the car. "
Tayari
"Great service again"
Samuel
"This was my 2nd time using car advisors. Inspector Oleg is very professional and very focused when performing his task. I would definitely use him again and recommend him to friends and family. "
Customer
"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
"Excellent service. The report was very detailed and comprehensive. Helped me make the right decision and save $$!"
Chris
"The service was fast. I ordered it in the morning and the pre-inspection took place promptly. They did a pretty good job on the visible and engine inspections. The service provided many pictures that highlighted the issues.
However, I believe they did not test-drive the cars, and I wasn’t informed about this. It might have been due to the car’s low fuel level, and the fact that I wasn’t present. The day after the pre-inspection, I went to test drive the car and noticed that it leaned towards the right side when driving. Additionally, the car didn’t have an emission test."
Tech KernDiagnostic 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
Review
"Really appreciated the level of detail and pictures in the review, down to the paint thickness. Gave me much more confidence in purchasing the car."
David
May 11 2026
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. Otherwise, inspection without a lift won't compromise the quality of the inspection itself.