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
"Oleg was prompt, professional, knowledgeable and kind. I could tell he prioritized ensuring the car was safe and well-priced. I'd definitely go with him again!"
Isis
"CarAdvisors provides an excellent service! Their pre-purchase inspections are absolutely phenomenal and cover all bases. The inspection provided me with much added confidence to correctly find a vehicle to purchase. Their service is extremely quick, and was done same-day for me. Not only that, when I called to discuss the report, the inspector was extremely helpful in providing his hesitations and what he believed is good/bad with a vehicle. Overall, CarAdvisors is an absolutely amazing service, and worth every penny!"
Leland
"I thought my inspection results was some what vague especially where there was noise front suspension area. But other things he did very good"
Customer
"Extremely thorough inspection. I am so glad that I had the inspection, as I was ready to buy the car. After seeing the report, I am glad that I am waiting for a better vehicle. This is the best $120 insurance policy you can buy. I am now ordering another inspection because I was so pleased."
Ross
"Great job on letting me know what was wrong with this car. Great customer service money well spent. It was worth it cause I could have brought a car that had a lot of problems. I will definitely use you again. Thanks so much! Mrs. Merritt"
LaTasher
"I give 5 stars on the compete report. Don’t purchase without this company looking first."
Charles
"Oleg did an extremely thorough inspection and had it to me within a few hours. He helped me avoid a potential issue that would've cost a lot of money to fix."
Richard
"Great work great job thanks again"
Customer
"Excellent work, same day service, great communication. Saved me from buying a car I thought was perfect...but wasn't. Will use again."
Louis
"CarAdvisors is very professional Company. They did a fantastic job with the inspection, pictures, and diagnostic. It is definitely in your best interest to use CarAdvisors when purchasing a vehicle."
Customer
"Great job Everytime "
Dheeaba
"Incredibly helpful. They found things I never would have found on my own. "
MATT
"Amazing. They helped me pick a mechanically sound car. Thank you! "
Esme
"I'm so glad that I had the inspection done. This helps me make a more informed decision on price negotiation and purchasing. "
Charles
"I was in the market for an E46 M3, and this particular car looked beautiful and within my budget. Oleg quickly contacted me and let me know he would be contacting the dealer to schedule an appointment. The report was completed the same day. While there was nothing majorly wrong with the vehicle, there was enough that would need to be done immediately (new tires, potentially a new steering rack) that it was going to cost more than I wanted it to. I appreciated the amount of detail in the report, and will definitely hire Oleg again in the future."
Micah
"Car advisors did an incredible job, I will definitely use them again and have recommended them to friends and family already. They are extremely thorough with the inspection, I was surprised at the level of detail of their report. Highly recommend!"
Ian
"Eduard was amazing and so detailed!! I ended up not buying the car because of how detailed Eduard was. I’m so thankful that he saved me from what would’ve been a not good car! "
Elena
"It was a very professional service and saved me from buying a car with a lot of underlying issues I did not notice. "
Peter
"I am so happy that I decided to get Oleg to examine the car for me. Clark Howard was right when he said that every used car should be inspected before you buy. He was on time and did a thorough job in his review and subsequent discussions with me regarding the issues. I was able to have all the issues addressed prior to purchase. This is a very valuable service. "
Jacqueline
"Well worth the cost. I dodged a bullet recently. Thanks!"
JasonDiagnostic 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.
