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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).

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Full 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.
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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
"CarAdvisors is definitely worth it. The inspection was extremely thorough and provided us with an extensive report that saved us from buying a total lemon! He was able to complete it rapidly the same day I placed an order, and his report had far more information than you would be able to acquire from visiting the vehicle by yourself as well as many other car inspection services. Combine that with CarAdvisors flexibility in scheduling visits with and without the client, this is a service that I will definitely use and recommend going forward. Quick, courteous, a great value, and a smart choice when shopping for a used car."

Vincent
"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
"The service was fast. I ordered it in the morning and the pre-inspection took place promptly. They did a pretty good job on the visible and engine inspections. The service provided many pictures that highlighted the issues. However, I believe they did not test-drive the cars, and I wasn’t informed about this. It might have been due to the car’s low fuel level, and the fact that I wasn’t present. The day after the pre-inspection, I went to test drive the car and noticed that it leaned towards the right side when driving. Additionally, the car didn’t have an emission test."

Tech Kern
"As always, I will never again buy a used car with out a Car Advisors inspection."

Samuel
"Thorough inspection & report. Very accommodating service!"

David
"Amazing service! Oleg was prompt and very efficient. He reviewed everything from under the hood to under the car inside the vehicle the paint job etc. The concerns he came up with were the timing chain was about to go out and the vehicle had an oil leak and the shocks were bad. I’m happy he saved me so much money on repairs."

Charletta
"I’m so glad I used this service. Because of it, I chose not to purchase third vehicle. The technician was very professional"

Kimberly
"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
"Good experience! "

Xin
"Thanx a lot Oleg for another great and reliable inspection..found exactly what I’m looking for thnx to you..pls if you are reading this DO NOT set an appointment with any one else but this guy.."

Basheir
"This was my 2nd time using car advisors. Inspector Oleg is very professional and very focused when performing his task. I would definitely use him again and recommend him to friends and family. "

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

Matthew
"The inspection helped us avoid a lemon. Thankfully for the through report."

Gabrielle
"My inspection was very detail oriented. Oleg answered all my questions and was very helpful. I would definitely use him again."

Andrea
"Prompt and thorough! Thanks Oleg."

Mar
"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
"I can’t recommend Car Advisors enough! Got a complete pre-purchase inspection done and it saved me thousands on a costly used vehicle. There were multiple problems that I wouldn’t have known about and would’ve been a huge mistake to purchase! Thank you Car Advisors!!"

Crystal
"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
"Excellent service."

Lawrence
"Great knowledgeable guy. He was on time and gave me great info on the car which I purchasesd and have been driving with no problems"

nicole
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 2024
Price $45,788
Mileage 16,808mi
Inspected Sep 12 2025
Model
Year 2019
Price $48,997
Mileage 27,810mi
Inspected Sep 12 2025
Model
Year 2015
Price $6,980
Mileage 131,461mi
Inspected Sep 11 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.
?
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.