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
"The service person, Oleg was on time (even in the rain), extremely polite and professional. He was also fabulously thorough during the car inspection and even took the seller of the van by surprise with the areas he was able to discover needed attention. I would highly recommend CarAdvisor due to the immediate response, user-friendly app and knowledgeable service staff that they have to service your vehicles ~ thanks to Oleg, I was very comfortable with my decision to purchase!!!"
Twana
"Car Advisors has been great to work with! They schedule quick and are very thorough! Would definitely recommend!"
Nathaniel
"This was a great experience.
Oleg communicates in a timely manner and the final report actually looks better than when I've had pre-purchase inspections performed at the dealership.
I will definitely continue to use these guys!"
Jeffrey
"I have used the service for two cars and am about to use it for my third they are great."
Glennis
"Another excellent inspection from Oleg - saved me from buying a car with issues. I've been recommending him to my friends and will continue to use him myself. Thanks!!"
Gary
"Very thorough review that provided instrumental information allowing me to assess the vehicle and make a purchase on a used truck. I would definitely recommend CarAdvisors when purchasing a used vehicle"
Customer
"Oleg was very thorough with the inspection. He saved me a lot of money by not purchasing this vehicle with engine issues. Will do business with Car Advisors again!"
Aja
"Oleg showed up to the appointment on time and was very professional. Plan on using him for another inspection as his report was very thorough and easy to comprehend. "
ANTHONY
"Well worth the investment with Oleg! Caught some potential transmission issues even if not caught with scanner. Saved me a lot of money down the road."
Sabrin
"Great turnaround and thorough report. Thank you"
David
"Very detailed inspection, and save me thousands"
Elder
"Oleg was extremely professional and helped me avoid purchasing a car that needed significantly more work/repairing than I was willing to take on"
Aubrey
"Oleg is the best! So thorough and diligent. His knowledge and expertise is appreciated. "
Caroline
"I needed a reliable car for my daughter and I went online to find a mobile mechanic for peace of mind. Car advisors were so easy to work with. The report came back quickly listing exactly what we would need to consider repairing in the near future. This service is invaluable when negotiating a purchase price!"
Leah
"I used Car Advisors to inspect a used car and Eduard inspected it for me. He has good knowledge
On places to look and he did inspect the engine, transmission etc and provided a detailed report. Had not for him I would have bought the wrong car.
Total worth it"
Jaisimha Rao
"I was very pleased with how quickly and smoothly this process went. The report that I received was very detailed, and it was extremely helpful in my decision-making process. I will absolutely use CarAdvisors again."
Alexandria
"This service is excellent. Worth every penny! Saved me on replacing a very costly transmission that would cost more than the car."
Pamela
"I’m so glad I used this service. Because of it, I chose not to purchase third vehicle. The technician was very professional"
Kimberly
"First, let me say that I was happy with the quick turnaround time from placing the order to the actual car inspection. When you need a car then you need answers fairly quickly. The report was SUPER helpful and outlined things that I would not have considered. Overall, I was saved from a few mechanical issues and the pictures in the report were of good quality and helped me to justify my decision with the car. I would recommend CarAdvisors to honor your customers by not sharing any details or clues about the health of the car with the seller. We, customers/buyers, need as much negotiating power as possible and this weakens our position. I am happy with CarAdvisors and will use them again -- may even recommend them going forward. Thanks."
Tamia
"CarAdvisors was prompt and very thorough when inspecting the vehicle, and saved me from purchasing a complete "lemon"!"
CandisDiagnostic 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.
