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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: 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).

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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.
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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 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
"Great service & thorough inspection. I’m so happy that I found this company. As a woman, buying a car alone can be daunting because we can be easy targets. But, this inspection took the insecurities away, & potentially saved me a costly future repair, Big time. Ordering another inspection is a no brainer. "

Tamara
"Oleg has done a very comprehensive report. The seller reduced his price significantly when I sent over the report. The reduction was more than 10 times the cost of the report, making it very good value for money."

Neil
"Wonderful experience with CarAdvisors! The peace of mind gained before purchasing our vehicle was priceless. Thank you for the great service. "

Joe
"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
"Oleg you have done it again! I really appreciate his services. He completed the inspection before I got to the dealer and I had time to purchase the car same day. What a time saver! I'm a happy customer, I have bought two cars because of him and I have referred him to my parents and they like him too! Awesome guy! I will recommend his services to anyone I know."

Alexis
"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
"Amazing service! Oleg was prompt and very efficient. He reviewed everything from under the hood to under the car inside the vehicle the paint job etc. The concerns he came up with were the timing chain was about to go out and the vehicle had an oil leak and the shocks were bad. I’m happy he saved me so much money on repairs."

Charletta
"Oleg showed up right on time, was very thorough and efficient, and probably saved me from making a big mistake on a used car purchase. Sent a written report later that evening as promised. Does a great job. Recommended."

David
"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
"It was a very professional service and saved me from buying a car with a lot of underlying issues I did not notice. "

Peter
"The inspection was very thorough. Answered all of the questions I had. I did not buy the car because of the potential issues that the car would have in the future that was pointed out by the inspection."

Brandon
"All of this was spur of the moment! I found a vehicle I liked and it was more than 4 hours away. Found Car Advisors online and in moments I had the car Inspection scheduled. The Inspector must have been around the corner because he was at the Dealer in about an hour. The Inspection took awhile and waiting on the report took a while too, but the inspector was being thorough. The report had lots of information and pictures of everything good and bad. This definitely helped me in my decision to purchase the vehicle. Thanks Eduard! "

Robert
"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
"Second time using CarAdvisors. Very professional and great write up on the vehicle. Highly recommend. "

Aaron
"Oleg was great! Very prompt and efficient! He was patient with us and helped us understand various car issues and which cars would be more ideal than others! I would highly recommend this service ! "

Customer
"Oleg is great! Definitely recommend as he saved me from a bad purchase. He does a very thorough inspection."

Customer
"Oleg is a very great car inspector! He told us very unbiased review about the car and all details about the car parts and what issues it may or may not have. Overall, I was very satisfied and I felt like I was making an informed decision. Money well spent! :D"

Emily
"i loved the inspector and the process! very KNOWLEDGEABLE and quick! DEFINITELY RECOMMEND TO FUTURE CAR BUYERS "

Jackie
"Mechanic responded quick and in a perfectly professional manner. I received a very detailed inspection, which showed hidden defects. My questions I asked were answered. 10/10 Experience!"

Fiona
"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
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 $6,900
Mileage 97,043mi
Inspected Apr 27 2026
Model
Year 2017
Price $25,964
Mileage 121,331mi
Inspected Apr 27 2026
Model
Year 2006
Price $4,850
Mileage 138,705mi
Inspected Apr 27 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.
?
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. Otherwise, inspection without a lift won't compromise the quality of the inspection itself.