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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
"I was extremely pleased with the pre-purchase inspection. They did a thorough job, and I'd absolutely do business with them again."

Matthew
"Scheduling the appointment was quick and easy. The inspector should up in a matter of hours and was very professional and detailed. He provided much valuable insight. I will never purchase a used car without the help for caradvisors! Money well spent!"

Jasmine
"I give 5 stars on the compete report. Don’t purchase without this company looking first."

Charles
"great as always!"

Amaya
"Inspection was timely and very thorough! It kept us from purchasing a car that had some hidden issues. Definitely recommend and will use again!"

Wendy
"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
"The mechanic did a thorough search and saved me from spending thousands of dollars on a lemon"

Daniel
"Mr. Karelov thank you. One of theses days we're going to hit the jackpot with your help."

EDWARD
"Car advisors was great! They got the review done quickly and the results were returned faster than expected. I highly recommend them. "

Michael
"Excellent service. Very complete report. Good investment. Don’t throw away thousands just to save a couple of hundred. Totally worth it."

Amy
"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
"Great experience really thorough inspection great job would truly recommend and come to you again ! "

Customer
"CarAdvisors report was so detailed and informative. It let me know about some very costly issues the car had. The pictures and descriptions were very helpful in making an informed decision about the car. "

Patricia
"Oleg did an amazing job! He is very skillful."

Karen
"Very well done inspection- thoroughly done."

Dalton
"I am very grateful, he inspected the vehicle and test drive it. My wife and I thought it was a good car and a great deal and he saved us a lot of money because the car har multiple leaks that would of costed us thousands. I would definitely recommend."

Anthony
"Concise report."

Vandora
"Thank you for saving us from a pile of repairs. Your reports are great!"

Sherrie
"Can't say enough good things about Oleg. The inspection was completed the day after I placed the request, and the report was unbelievably thorough. I feel like if I had used a less detail-oriented service I may have made a mistake and bought something I would have regretted. Thank you Oleg!"

Charles
"Great service...????"

Michael
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 2010
Price $5,350
Mileage 147,513mi
Inspected May 14 2025
Model
Year 2009
Price
Mileage 121,657mi
Inspected May 14 2025
Model
Year 2015
Price $13,750
Mileage 134,821mi
Inspected May 12 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.
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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.
?
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.