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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: Specialist 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), specialist 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 of 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, windows, 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, sunroof, etc).
Checking the drivetrain
(driveshafts, differentials, CV-joints, low gear, differential lock mechanism, boots) for operability, wear, 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, extent of wear). Looking for leaks, stains, and smoke. Listening to abnormal noises and vibrations. Checking condition of fluids and drive-belts.
2
Computer diagnosis of 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, windows, 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, sunroof, etc).
9
Checking the drivetrain
(driveshafts, differentials, CV-joints, low gear, differential lock mechanism, boots) for operability, wear, 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 reports

2018 Toyota Corolla 73/100 2018 Toyota Corolla Mechanically, this Corolla is in solid shape for its age. Full report → 2023 Tesla Model 3 58/100 2023 Tesla Model 3 Mechanically, this vehicle is in good shape where it matters most for an electric car: the high-voltage battery retains 94% of its… Full report → 2005 BMW 645i 31/100 2005 BMW 645i This convertible has a significant number of mechanical and cosmetic issues that you should weigh carefully against its price. Full report → 1968 Ford Mustang 13/100 1968 Ford Mustang This classic Mustang has significant body and structural history that you should weigh carefully. Full report →

Reviews
"100% Perfect inspection! Saved me from a dangerous car purchase and will use again when looking for cars within the Dallas area. Eduard performed an excellent detailed inspection. Thank you !"

Sandor
"Very well done inspection- thoroughly done."

Dalton
"Great service I was saved from being scammed "

christian
"Called Oleg for an inspection and he came same day! Very responsive and courteous, and does an excellent job. Very thorough, gave good advice during the inspection, and provides a very thorough report. So helpful in making the decision whether or not to buy the car. Also, the report is very useful even after the purchase, because it details some things that you will need to be aware of in the future. Well worth the price!"

Customer
"Glad I chose CarAdvisors, will be using services again. "

Gabriel
"RJ was super helpful and very diligent. I feel like he equipped me with everything I needed to move forward with negotiations. Super helpful, couldn’t recommend enough."

Keaton
"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
"Eduard was incredibly thorough and made me feel comfortable with by purchase on top of being very personable. Great working with him, and would do it again in a heartbeat. "

Jeremy
"Oleg was very thorough and great to work with. Will definitely use car advisor anytime I purchase a car."

Terrance
"Very professional and knew his stuff when it came to the audi, nothing was neglected and the report was great."

Ozzie
"Super thorough and knowledgeable. Great service "

Adonnica
"The inspector was great. Very knowledgeable of the ins and outs of the vehicle. Saved me from buying a money pit of a vehicle. I'll definitely continue to use car advisors for any used vehicle purchase I'll make in the future. "

Darryl
"Great and detailed service!! Was able to purchase my car in November and have not had any problems as expected based om the inspection!!"

Khalil
"Service was prompt and the inspection was in-depth, helping me make an informed decision! I will be using them for every purchase moving forward."

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

Aaron
"Thorough inspection with easy to read report."

Gerald
"Inspection was good. Inspector came on time and performed all inspections and drove test the car. It was worth."

Jojo
"Thorough inspection & report. Very accommodating service!"

David
"I was very pleased with Oleg. He was a professional. He found two items that would have cost a great deal to fix. I highly recommend this service and have decided to use it for every used car I purchase. So easy."

Laura
"Oleg was great. Very responsive and timely with his inspection, and very thorough. I ended up not buying the car as a result of the inspection and feel I was truly protected from buying a lemon. I’ll be using this service again. THANK YOU!"

John
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 2016
Price $11,000
Mileage 141,450mi
Inspected Oct 21 2026
Model
Year 2014
Price $8,400
Mileage 175,025mi
Inspected Oct 21 2026
Model
Year 2023
Price $32,000
Mileage 29,559mi
Inspected Oct 20 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.
?
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.