wheel My order
Home / Pre-purchase car inspection


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 order

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.
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.
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
"Very detailed and informative inspection that disclosed some issues that weren't noted in the sellers description. Thanks!"

DaShaun
"Excellent service as usual."

Samuel
"Oleg was very knowledgeable and informative. He let us know about all potential areas for concern. He eased our minds immensely which is why we come back to him for all our car purchases!"

Karen
"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
"Great job Everytime "

Dheeaba
"I am so happy that Oleg inspected this car. He did a really good job. There were problems with the car that I was not aware of. "

Duncan
"Thoroughly enjoyed working with CarAdvisor. First inspection saved me money and am using them for a second inspection."

Timothy
"Oleg is very responsive and courteous. Provides every single detail of the car from paint job, electrical, mechanical, driving and anything you can think of. He is very professional and I will continue to use him for any car inspection."

Cheyianne
"Eduard was very thorough. Showed me potential issues/concerns throughout the process, as well as a detailed report after the inspection."

Logan
"Thorough and helpful review."

Vandora
"Oleg was very professional and extremely thorough for my car inspection, I appreciated his insights and would like to see him again for other cars!"

Asharib
"I am so happy that I decided to get Oleg to examine the car for me. Clark Howard was right when he said that every used car should be inspected before you buy. He was on time and did a thorough job in his review and subsequent discussions with me regarding the issues. I was able to have all the issues addressed prior to purchase. This is a very valuable service. "

Jacqueline
"My experience with car advisors was excellent. They have upfront pricing and excellent response time. I was emailed a thorough explanation of all that was inspected, and what was found. I found their 0-100 rating, and their description helpful. They said the car was mediocre, and gave it a 41. I of course passed on it. I am currently booking my second inspection with them. The reasonable fee is worth the peace of mind to me. "

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

Tayari
"Oleg was communicative and had my report ready <5 hours after the inspection occurred. The inspection was thorough with high quality photos. Being an out of state purchase he's my eyes and ears and his inspection was invaluable."

Jeff
"CarAdvisors report was so detailed and informative. It let me know about some very costly issues the car had. The pictures and descriptions were very helpful in making an informed decision about the car. "

Patricia
"Great mechanic!"

Paul
"Very thorough inspection report and helpful service"

Adam
"Superb, very well detailed inspection. Oleg is very helpful!"

Shaunak
"Oleg is fantastic! He is clearly an expert and I am so grateful to have his advice to avoid making bad decisions and to help me make the right ones. He is also kind and professional."

Joshua
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 2021
Price $28,000
Mileage 33,880mi
Inspected May 1 2026
Model
Year 2024
Price $39,500
Mileage 15,408mi
Inspected May 1 2026
Model
Year 2015
Price $3,800
Mileage 122,314mi
Inspected May 1 2026
Inspected
Inspected
Inspected
FAQ
?
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.
?
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.