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
"Oleg did a very thorough job inspecting the car and did a great job communicating his findings with me. Thank you!"
Todd
"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
"Mr. Karelov was on time, thorough and professional. The fee was reasonable. Thank you"
Ossie
"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
"Fantastic service as always"
Samuel
"Very thorough and helpful."
Vandora
"Really awesome service. Super thorough inspection for a really good price. I was going to buy an old Ford Truck but saw that too much of the equipment was broken, interior was banged up, and there were some mechanical issues (leaks) that I didn't think were worth the buy. I would definitely recommend. "
Chasen
"The mechanic was very professional and gave his honest opinion on the car. "
Tayari
"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
"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
"Oleg was incredibly helpful and helped prevent me from purchasing a lemon after her discovered the engine was leaking oil somewhere and he said best case scenario it was the radiator. I am so thankful that I used them to inspect the car. Best money spent. "
Rachel
"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
"CarAdvisors did a detailed and thorough job inspecting a car we were considering purchasing. Moreover, they spoke to us over the phone to answer questions and give us context for some of information provided in the report. A great service I can highly recommend."
Customer
"Caradvisors was a Godsend for me. As someone who knows little about cars, I’d have to take the salesman’s word about the car. Instead, Oleg had an instrument to measure the paint thickness in every part of the car which showed they covered up previous damage since the paint had different thicknesses. He could tell that the computer had been reset 4 miles ago, and that the tires didn’t match and would need immediate replacement.
I was fully informed by the end of his inspection, and know I made the smartest choice. I also know I would’ve made the opposite choice without his service."
Rachael
"Jhonny was great again the dealership however, decided to sell the car to somebody else after having this money invested into it and kind of screwed me so but his inspection was thorough and great"
Hunter
"Always thorough and excellent service. "
Dwight
"Oleg showed up to the appointment on time and was very professional. Plan on using him for another inspection as his report was very thorough and easy to comprehend. "
ANTHONY
"Very thorough inspection report and helpful service"
Adam
"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 did a fantastic job! Very thorough, great communication. Report is very detailed and provides peace of mind when purchasing a used vehicle, don’t hesitate!! "
MichelleDiagnostic 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.
