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
"I cannot stress the need for PPI particularly on higher end vehicles. These guys got it done for me same day and saved me from making a huge mistake on a vehicle that the CarFax did not tell the full story. Will definitely use them again!"
Trinity
"I've never used a service like this, but I was very impressed with CarAdvisors. My inspection was scheduled within 24 hours and was done very professionally. There was full transparency and I was able to communicate easily over phone with the mechanic even though the inspection was in a different state. Every single aspect of the car was covered, including things I would have not thought to look for. Will be using this service again and recommending to others. "
Rohan
"Excellent report. Saved me from buying a car with a lot of headaches. 100 percent recommend. "
Darren
"Great report. Oleg was extremely thorough and gave us all the information needed to feel confident about the condition of the vehicle."
Clarke
"Always finds the problem and Educates you about the car you’re trying to purchase"
Customer
"Oleg was great. Very responsive and timely with his inspection, and very thorough. I ended up not buying the car as a result of the inspection and feel I was truly protected from buying a lemon. I’ll be using this service again. THANK YOU!"
John
"Excellent service extremely thorough job explained everything well examined car throughout. Was able to get an appointment the same day I would definitely use this company again for any pre own car I would purchase and recommend to my family and friends to use thank you for your service it was great"
Customer
"Incredible tech-enabled service. Highly detailed report and friendly, responsive customer service. Will be a customer for life."
Customer
"Great job didn't purchase vehicle do to info that was found will use again very detailed very professional "
Charles
"Thank you Oleg for a great inspection. You found that the radiator was dented under the car and I was able to get this fixed and covered under warranty. I would not have known this had he not pointed this out to me."
Shari
"GREAT SERVICE!!! I choose Caradvisors because of detail reports...
I first heard about them from working as a sales consultant for a major dealership.
They gave customers a full report help the customer to make a better decision to purchase or not....Even negotiate STRONG!
Knowledge is Power!!"
Walter
"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
"Fantastic service as always"
Samuel
"Great job- inspection was thourough and he got out to the vehicle quickly. Saved me from a lemon!"
Lara
"Mr. Karelov was on time, thorough and professional. The fee was reasonable. Thank you"
Ossie
"Extremely thorough, punctual and helped to provide me with the confidence to purchase a car without any worries or surprises. Was able to discover the fact that the alarm system wasn't working properly, as well as a history on all of the computer errors and alerts over the life of the car. Will definitely use again!"
Kirk
"I was incredibly impressed with the expertise and detail of the inspection by Oleg. The issues he was able to discover from the paint, fenders having had work done on them, rotors being warped. 5/6th gear synchronizers grinding, slipping of the clutch, and the details and effects of the accident the vehicle had been in was astonishing. I was skeptical of detailed the report would be when you weren't able to bring the car to a shop but boy was I wrong. Oleg also went for a test drive with me and pointed out every issue and gave me his opinion on what would need to be replaced. He was prompt and courteous and his knowledge of cars was through the roof. I will definitely be using CarAdvisors before making any used car purchase! "
Michael
"Very thorough and was available immediately. Would use again!"
Angela
"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
"Thorough Review! Saved me $$$"
JordanDiagnostic 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. Otherwise, inspection without a lift won't compromise the quality of the inspection itself.
