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
It’s hard to overestimate the importance of a pre-purchase inspection. The risk of buying the wrong car is not just unexpected expensive repairs but compromised safety as well. Non-functional SRS airbag systems, loose bolts in suspension components, rotten frames, and leaking exhaust systems – that’s just a glimpse of what we see every day. To be confident in your next car, order our best-in-class pre-purchase inspection.
Now in Dallas, Texas!
Pre-purchase used car inspection
It’s hard to overestimate the importance of a pre-purchase inspection. The risk of buying the wrong car is not just unexpected expensive repairs but compromised safety as well. Non-functional SRS airbag systems, loose bolts in suspension components, rotten frames, and leaking exhaust systems – that’s just a glimpse of what we see every day. To be confident in your next car, order our best-in-class pre-purchase inspection.
Now in Dallas, Texas!
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-7pm), 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
"Thank you so much for your inspection. Not only have you helped me get the car I’ve wanted for a long time but your appraisal of minor things wrong equipped me to ask the dealer for a little less than the asking price and the dealer agreed! So you also helped me to save money.
I have a feeling the car you inspected for me will last a long time but when I need a new car for myself or someone I love I will call you to ask for your services again. Once more I offer many thanks."
Channing
"Great detail, completed as advertised. The report helped me make an informed decision - great amount of good detail. Thank you"
Jay
"Thorough and very fast to deliver. I was very impressed by the report and the speed at which they completed the inspection. I would highly recommend them, especially for people who are not 100% knowledgeable about vehicles and their potential pitfalls."
Jason
"Oleg is a professional and knowledgeable mechanic. He was punctual even on a same day appointment! Oleg saved me thousands from buying a lemon and helped me find a reliable older vehicle all in the same day. I would HIGHLY recommend him to all women who don’t know much about engine’s and want something reliable!!"
Aida
"Great service! I know nothing about cars so this is a godsend! His service saved me from making a bad buy."
STACEY
"Extremely satisfied. Thorough inspection. Highly recommended."
Dwight
"Contacted Oleg and luckily he was able to work us in to his busy schedule the same day.
This was our third car inspection with Oleg
And it was exactly the first two. He works efficiently in his reports, are easy to follow and completely objective.
I trust with all my car purchased inspections. "
Mitchell
"CarAdvisors is giving me peace of mind in my used car search. The reports have been invaluable."
Stredrick
"Edward is very thorough and has saved us a lot of money. Thank you!"
Janice
"I will never look for another car the traditional way again. Oleg is definitely the best in his field. He is patient, honest, and provides great communication of his findings if you have any questions or concerns!
Once I identified the car I was interested in, I refused to even go see the vehicle because I trusted Oleg to be my EYES, EARS, and NOSE! I trusted his expertise and his process. There are other PPI's out there, but I will only refer CAR ADVISORS to my family and friends!
Finally, after searching far and wide, I welcomed my new auto baby to the family!"
TRINA
"Denis was extremely nice and
Helpful. It felt like I brought a friend who knew a ton about cars with me. "
John
"Very thorough inspection. Was sad to not purchase a car on the day, but saved me from spending money on a car with a lot of minor issues that I would not have known about"
Fintan
"The inspection was quick and detailed, many factors were checked and gave me better insight when deciding whether or not to purchase the vehicle!"
Jason
"I am so happy that Oleg inspected this car. He did a really good job. There were problems with the car that I was not aware of. "
Duncan
"Great per usual!!"
Amaya
"Inspection went well. You saved me from buying a lemon. Thank you!"
Abel
"Car Advisors’ inspection report was full of great details. I called the inspector to review the report and he gave me great feedback. I felt he was genuine, which I appreciate. "
George
"My inspection experience was great. Was able to receive the report the following day after placing the order. I would definitely use this service again."
Neil
"Very thorough and was available immediately. Would use again!"
Angela
"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!!!"
KimDiagnostic 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.
