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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
"Oleg was awesome, on time, great communication and thoroug!! "

Bruquesha
"Prompt and thorough! Thanks Oleg."

Mar
"I was pleased with their service. I was buying a car online, from a dealership, and I decided to have it inspected by a third party. Oleg got out there quickly and provided me with a good report and lots of pictures. I also called him to discuss the report after I had a chance to review it. I asked the dealer to take care of a handful of the issues that were noted in the report, and they agreed. The car has been running great since we bought it in late April, and we recently drove it from South Carolina to Dallas, TX without issue."

Mike
"I've have never experienced such a thorough inspection. I wish I knew about Car Advisors instead of the place I had taken my vehicle. We will be using them again as we continue our search!"

Shunnita
"The inspector Oleg was very thorough and had vast knowledge of the vehicle. I was so impressed he is doing my second inspection. He saved me a 3k repair job. "

Karen
"Oleg is very thorough with his inspection and completes the job in a timely manner. I would definitely recommend! "

Jasmyn
"I just wanted to thank you for your professional service of identifying the actual problems of the car. It was nice to do business with you today! "

Nionwa
"Great thorough job. Thanks"

Corey
"Very thorough inspection. Really helpful. "

Claire
"Really awesome service. Super thorough inspection for a really good price. I was going to buy an old Ford Truck but saw that too much of the equipment was broken, interior was banged up, and there were some mechanical issues (leaks) that I didn't think were worth the buy. I would definitely recommend. "

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

Timothy
"I came across car advisors by looking at yelp for a pre pirchase inspection (PPI) specialist. As a buyer from out of state, I was cautious with whom I should use and after researching his website I was sold. I scheduled an appointment and Oleg and contacted the dealer the next day and completed the inspection. The dealer had 100+ photos online but, Oleg provided some I had not seen before that needed attention. The next day the dealer called me to say how impressed he was with the inspector and the patience it took him to inspect the whole vehicle. After reading my report I messaged Oleg through the website to get clarification on a question I had. He quickly responded and answered my question with satisfaction. If you’re looking for a PPI specialist I highly recommend Car Advisors."

Tyler
"The service provided by Car Advisors was Excellent. Very prompt service and thorough and lots of pictures. I would strongly suggest Car Advisors to anyone purchasing a vehicle, Outstanding service!!!!"

Customer
"Inspection worth every penny. The technician found several signs of hidden rust, poor repair work done, and found that the mechanic was trying to cheat by clearing the check engine light code. Saved me from putting money down on a junk car. Excellent work!"

Charles
"He did a great job. Went above and beyond and did the most you can do without having the car on a lift. Report is helpful."

nicholas
"I had an awesome experience. Will refer to all of my friends and family. Great information."

Tayari
"The process was very smooth to book it. They did a great job and I was able to take a decision after their inspection "

Alina
"Extremely reliable and a life saver will partner with him easily in the near future and highly recommend if anyone is in need of thorough prompt and reliable service to pls contact him…"

Basheir
"Oleg is a wizard! It was easy to schedule for the next day and he was prompt. He works with focused energy & wastes no time at all. He gave me a verbal summary when he finished and sent a full electronic report. I didn't end up purchasing the car because of some major items Oleg uncovered that I couldn't see. I will definitely use him again when I spot the next potential car purchase."

Reginald
"He did great"

Devin
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 2024
Price $58,893
Mileage 20,465mi
Inspected Jul 4 2026
Model
Year 2024
Price $32,990
Mileage 2,252mi
Inspected Jul 5 2026
Model
Year 2013
Price $10,000
Mileage 306,839mi
Inspected Jul 3 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.
?
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.