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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
"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
"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
"Great inspection and very detailed. Pictures was great and showed the hail damaged on the car "

ELROY
"Oleg was awesome, very knowledgeable and attentive. He was thorough and on time. Saved me from a headache by pointing out some immediate issues with the car I was thinking about purchasing. Thanks Oleg!"

Pryce
"I have been using Car Advisors for a few years and always receive excellent service and advice. Thank you!"

Quinyata
"Everything went to plan. Needed inspection after online car order. Tech was professional and did a great job!"

Phillip
"I had an excellent experience! The team was professional, thorough, and incredibly efficient. They inspected my vehicle with great attention to detail and provided a clear, detailed report that helped me understand the car's condition. "

Eric
"This was my first inspection with Oleg and I’m highly satisfied. Very thorough review with lots of pictures and details. As a person who doesn’t know cars very well the inspection saved me from getting in over my head. "

Mario
"Buying a used car is a risk, why not protect your money and have it checked out by Car advisors. I have a decent handle on auto mechanics, but Oleg found some things wrong a potential vehicle that I wouldn't have even thought to check for. Will use them again and recommend to anyone "

Customer
"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
"Very responsive. They were able to inspect a vehicle on short notice (less than 2 hours) and return the report the same day. I thought the fee was very reasonable for such a thorough inspection (90-120 minutes with the car.) Highly recommend this service."

David
"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
"Oleg did an incredible job. Very patient. Answered all questions even the annoying ones. Very thorough. His inspection definitely saved us from potential years of regret. Thanks!"

Myla
"I’m out of state and Oleg did an awesome job. The amount of detail and pictures provided were great. Would use his services again. "

Edgardo
"Fast and extremely professional service!"

Tabitha
"Thank you! The inspection was done very quickly and the report was clear and easy to understand!"

Kaila
"Excellent review "

David
"This is a great service and Oleg is very thorough. I’ve used him twice; first time he helped me decide not to buy a car and second time he confirmed that it was a terrific deal. I highly recommend him. "

Customer
"Fast, thorough and efficient."

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

Peter
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 2018
Price $12,997
Mileage 126,125mi
Inspected Nov 21 2025
Model
Year 2024
Price $47,685
Mileage 21,068mi
Inspected Nov 21 2025
Model
Year 2016
Price $14,500
Mileage 159,561mi
Inspected Nov 20 2025
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.