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.
Home / Pre-purchase car inspection
Do you want to be confident in your next car? Use our mobile inspection service! We cover the entire Charlotte metropolitan area and can meet you at the car or handle the inspection without you. Equipped with the latest tools, deep knowledge, and years of experience, our inspectors will provide you with comprehensive data on the car's condition and potential future expenses.
Trust the professionals!
Pre-purchase used car inspection
Do you want to be confident in your next car? Use our mobile inspection service! We cover the entire Charlotte metropolitan area and can meet you at the car or handle the inspection without you. Equipped with the latest tools, deep knowledge, and years of experience, our inspectors will provide you with comprehensive data on the car's condition and potential future expenses.
Trust the professionals!
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).
Place an orderFull day
$650
Includes: Unlimited number of inspections at different locations during the day (9am-7pm), specialist 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 of 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, windows, headlights, etc) focused on signs of impacts, flooding, and repainting. Pointing out scratches, dents, rust, chipping, matching paint and paint cracks.
(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).
(lights, power windows, locks, sunroof, etc).
Checking the drivetrain
(driveshafts, differentials, CV-joints, low gear, differential lock mechanism, boots) for operability, wear, backlash, noises.
(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.
(manual and road tests, computer diagnosis for any kind of automatic transmission). Looking for leaks and signs of recent repairs.
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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
73/100
2018 Toyota Corolla
Mechanically, this Corolla is in solid shape for its age. Full report →
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 →
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 →
13/100
1968 Ford Mustang
This classic Mustang has significant body and structural history that you should weigh carefully. Full report →
Reviews
"Excellent inspection. They identified issues I never would have spotted myself and ultimately saved me from buying a vehicle that would have cost me thousands in repairs. Professional, detailed, and well worth the investment."
Dario
"The PPI gave me so much peace of mind. It was a thorough, easy-to-read report with plenty of pictures. I feel 100% more knowledgeable and confident about my purchase!!!"
Kim
"I was very pleased. Oleg did a very detailed inspection of the vehicle and aided me in making a very informed decision of whether this was a good deal or not. I will be using Car Advisors again in the future. "
Brian
"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
"Great service again"
Samuel
"Great service "
Dheeaba
"I'm so glad that I had the inspection done. This helps me make a more informed decision on price negotiation and purchasing. "
Charles
"Oleg was on time and thorough when inspecting the vehicle of interest. Allowed me to make an informed decision and I was able to walk away from a questionable buy. Thank you."
Keenan
"Oleg saved the day again! He was able to identify several problems with the car that are safety issues and things the dealer didn't disclose, and cleverly hide in the advertisement of the car. Yes, other car inspections may be a little less in cost, but I remain SATISFIED with Oleg's work and feel like he's looking out for me and my family. Thanks again, Oleg!"
Tamia
"You should not even consider buying a preowned car in the metro Atlanta area without calling Oleg first.
The car I'd found was exactly what I was looking for, but the Carfax report indicated that the car had passed through three dealers in the last 11 months and had been at the current dealer for nine months. I reached out to Oleg at 10 AM. He was at the dealership by 1:15 PM; I had the report in hand before 5 PM. It was detailed, well organized, easy to read, and included multiple photos. Long story short, he saved me from buying a car that I would have had to drive directly to authorized dealer service. The vehicle also had numerous cosmetic (badly stained upholstery, cracked touchpad, gouged steering wheel and wood paneling; apparently the prior owner was a beaver) and electronic issues in the cabin that would have ended up costing more to replace than the mechanical issues would to repair. The dealer photographs omitted all of those issues. On top of that, the prior owner was a smoker and the car remains decidedly funky almost a year later.
It's the best $170 you'll ever spend. The repairs and replacements would've cost thousands of dollars, never mind avoiding frustration and buyer's remorse. Thanks, Oleg!"
Kieran
"Great fast and easy service highly recommend..he was completely honest and did great "
Joshua
"The inspector Oleg was very thorough and had vast knowledge of the vehicle. I was so impressed he is doing my second inspection. He saved me a 3k repair job. "
Karen
"Once again, Oleg saved me from dealing with a hidden problem. He's straightforward and efficient. I 100% recommend his services for any used car you're considering."
Amaya
"Great per usual!!"
Amaya
"My first inspection with Car advisor I had a great experience, that’s why I am using and relying on Car advisor again to inspect my pre purchase vehicle!"
Consaundra
"Very well done inspection- thoroughly done."
Dalton
"I wish to think your team for the thorough review that was provided. Your attention to detail helped shaped my decision, since I reside out of state."
Anthony
"I went to a sketchy dealership that gave me anxiety about a buying a used car so I used caradvisorspro for ease of mind. Oleg answered every single question I had about the car and made the car buying experience less of a challenge for a first timer like me"
Esveydy
"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
"Great inspector! Definitely using again! Thank you so much!"
JorelDiagnostic 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.
