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. Once payment is finalized you can review the detailed results.
Inspection types and prices
Single inspection
$190
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
$600
Includes: Unlimited number of inspections at different locations during the day (9am – 9pm), 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
"Another excellent inspection from Oleg - saved me from buying a car with issues. I've been recommending him to my friends and will continue to use him myself. Thanks!!"
Gary
"Oleg is excellent, his attention to detail is amazing. I Highly recommend him for any pre-purchase inspection!
Thanks again! "
Customer
"Oleg was great! He was very thorough in inspecting the vehicle and uncovered a few issues that I definitely would not have caught on my own!"
Connor
"Oleg was so professional and so thorough. He went through everything and found issues that I would have never found! He even went back to the dealership when they challenged his findings and texted me updates! Oleg saved me a ton of money. He is amazing and I will refer him to everyone I can!"
Nicole
"CarAdvisors is giving me peace of mind in my used car search. The reports have been invaluable."
Stredrick
"Great service & thorough inspection. I’m so happy that I found this company. As a woman, buying a car alone can be daunting because we can be easy targets. But, this inspection took the insecurities away, & potentially saved me a costly future repair, Big time. Ordering another inspection is a no brainer. "
Tamara
"I cannot recommend this service enough. I heard about this service through a friend, and contacted Oleg literally the day of when I was at a dealership. Within an hour, Oleg was on-site and performed a very thorough inspection and had a 12 page, detailed report to me in about 2-3 hours. A must have if buying a used car for peace of mind, and I highly recommend Oleg if you are purchasing long distance and unable to test drive, etc. The report includes detailed comments and photos of any potential issue identified. Lastly - the price is beyond reasonable and I guarantee you the inspection will pay for itself when negotiating the price of the car. Thank you, Oleg!"
Brian
"Great Job! Saved me from buying a lemon and saved me hours of driving to go check out a car I should not purchase. Thanks!"
James
"I asked for a review of a 2006 MBZ. From the Carfax report, the car looked to be well maintained and seemed to be in good condition. The Car Advisor's review confirmed that with some exceptions that I would expect of a 2006 car. What Car Advisors did find, which was not reported by Carfax or the dealer were several parts of the car were repainted. This was the result of crash damage. I didn't buy the car. Thank you Car Advisors!"
Paul
"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
"This was money very well spent! Glad I asked you to look at my second choice. That one is now my first choice based on your reports. Very thorough."
Jeremy
"They did a through job by inspecting the car. Stopped me from buying a car that would cause me a lot in repairs "
Jessica
"The inspection I ordered met my expectations fully. It was very in-depth and thorough. I heavily weighed my decision to not purchase the vehicle."
Matthew
"We were really impressed with this inspection service. Oleg was professional and objective and gave us a fair report on the vehicle we were looking at. Unfortunately, this car didn’t work out for us but we will definitely use this service again for future cars! Highly recommend!"
Sarah
"Oleg did a great job and saved me from making an expensive mistake! The car looked great but Oleg found hidden defects and saved my bacon. "
Customer
"Thanks again for the great work!"
Amaya
"This service is excellent. Worth every penny! Saved me on replacing a very costly transmission that would cost more than the car."
Pamela
"Oleg showed up on time and provided a detailed report on the car. He was very professional, will definitely use their services in the future!"
Gina
"Oleg was awesome, on time, great communication and thoroug!! "
Bruquesha
"Wow-These guys are incredible. I was buying a car out of state-2017 - BMW X5. I wanted an unbiased opinion for the condition after being told otherwise by the dealership. I ordered and although the report came back with negative findings so I spent money without purchasing, they saved me from making a HUGE mistake. The report is so detailed including undercarriage pictures, every scratch flaw possible you could find. They also drove it and found an issue. I am so thankful I spent the money! Sincerely THANK YOU!! Rich"
RichDiagnostic 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.
No prepayments – pay after inspection
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.
