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
"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
"Excellent job inspecting a vehicle I was interested. Found lots of hidden damage and deferred maintenance that I didn’t know about which saved me from spending over $60,000 on a car that was not as advertised. Report very detailed and thorough to make sure I truly knew everything there was to know about the car. 10/10 would recommend!"
Thomas
"Oleg was awesome. He was professional, patient, a good communicator, thorough, helpful, insightful, and honored all my requests and answered all my questions. Definitely gonna go to him again if needed in the future! Stopped me from wasting $5000 that was made to look like an actual car, when he found it to be a pile of crap. Good price for his services which are top notch!"
Ariana
"Thorough inspection & report. Very accommodating service!"
David
"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 is a great service and Oleg is very thorough. I’ve used him twice; first time he helped me decide not to buy a car and second time he confirmed that it was a terrific deal. I highly recommend him. "
Customer
"Really impressed by the service and promptness. Highly recommend this option for anyone who is in the market for purchasing a used vehicle. Can’t express enough gratitude thanks again!!!"
Customer
"Glad I had the inspection. Found problems not disclosed by seller.
"
Debra
"I would highly recommend these folks. I scheduled a flight from Nashville to Atlanta to pick up a car that was a "clean" CarFax with factory warranty. Inspector said that that the car was entirely repainted and the paint quality was poor - with dust and paint runs. Also interior scuffs and computer codes. The cost of this inspection saved me a lot of grief and heart ache."
Steven
"Great service again"
Samuel
"Must have for the used car shopper. Awesome service!"
Dominick
"The detailed report helped in making decision to back out from used car purchase. The report was exhaustive and had all photos and detailed explanation given with overall score."
Anand
"Oleg was prompt, professional, knowledgeable and kind. I could tell he prioritized ensuring the car was safe and well-priced. I'd definitely go with him again!"
Isis
"Eduardo did a great job inspecting a Ford Escape. He found problems with the transmission preventing us from costly repairs. I would use this company again."
Customer
"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
"Car Advisors completed the inspection fast. Oleg did a thorough inspection and called to let me know his findings right away. It's great to have direct communication with the inspector."
Sean
"I have only good words about "CarAdvisors". I've used them several times and each and every of them Oleg provided a comprehensive report about a car I was interested in.
He helped me to save several thousand dollars by preventing purchase of a car that looked great, but had a lot of potential problems.
When I'm considering to purchase a car, CarAdvisers is my first and only choice for the inspection."
Oleg
"Very good "
Sakhr
"Extremely reliable and a life saver will partner with him easily in the near future and highly recommend if anyone is in need of thorough prompt and reliable service to pls contact him…"
Basheir
"We've been looking for an older car for my son who just got his license. We've been all over Atlanta looking at cars in different locations and trying to locate mechanics in the area to do a pre-purchase inspection....it's been exhausting!! Some used car dealerships will not even let you take the car off the lot for a pre-purchase inspection. Luckily my google search finally suggested Car Advisors! Oleg was available to come inspect the car at the dealership the same day....within a couple hours and did an excellent job. The report was very thorough and included everything (photos too) needed to make an informed decision. He is also able to advise if the car was in an accident (the carfax may not show that information if it wasn't reported) which is very helpful. We didn't purchase the car he inspected since there were several major oil leaks, but will definitely call for him again on the next car we find! Thank you, Oleg!"
DarleneDiagnostic 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.
