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
"Detailed report"
Vandora
"Inspection was done well and prevented me from spending money on a car that needed too many repairs. It was well worth the money!"
Shalonda
"CarAdvisors did another great job on inspecting a car I was looking at. Just as before, the report was very comprehensive and very helpful in helping me determine the condition of the vehicle. Thanks."
Thomas
"Exceptionally thorough inspection conducted by Oleg. He went into every nook and cranny of the car and wrote the most comprehensive report that I have ever received. You can trust his work and make a thoughtful decision as to purchasing the car. In my case the inspection revealed many flaws that were not apparent on first examination by a normal car buyer. You must have Oleg inspect any car or truck before purchase. "
Peter
"Thank you, Oleg for your amazing review! It's obvious this car is absolutely and completely not worth the price that they're asking at the dealership at Streetside in Atlanta. The car has so many issues, that it would probably cost me thousands upon thousands to get it into reasonable shape. Such a thorough review helped me avoid buying a lemon. Thank you again for your expertise!"
John
"Amazing. They helped me pick a mechanically sound car. Thank you! "
Esme
"Very responsive. They were able to inspect a vehicle on short notice (less than 2 hours) and return the report the same day. I thought the fee was very reasonable for such a thorough inspection (90-120 minutes with the car.)
Highly recommend this service."
David
"CarAdvisors offers an invaluable service. I am an out of state buyer without the ability to inspect the car myself. The detailed report with great photos is better information than if I were to inspect the vehicle myself. This is good piece of mind for such a large purchase. This process is streamlined and CarAdvisors handles scheduling the inspection with the seller for you. You don't have to play middleman. Just sit back and wait for your report. This is a no-risk, all reward service. Thank you Oleg!"
Phillip
"I was incredibly impressed with the expertise and detail of the inspection by Oleg. The issues he was able to discover from the paint, fenders having had work done on them, rotors being warped. 5/6th gear synchronizers grinding, slipping of the clutch, and the details and effects of the accident the vehicle had been in was astonishing. I was skeptical of detailed the report would be when you weren't able to bring the car to a shop but boy was I wrong. Oleg also went for a test drive with me and pointed out every issue and gave me his opinion on what would need to be replaced. He was prompt and courteous and his knowledge of cars was through the roof. I will definitely be using CarAdvisors before making any used car purchase! "
Michael
"PHENONENAL Service. CarAdvisors told me everything I needed to know in order to make the right decision! HIGHLY recommend the service."
Steve
"Inspection very detailed! Gave me a lot of confidence and they saw things that I would have missed myself!"
Jovan
"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!! "
Michelle
"Worked quickly and did an excellent job with photos. Took requested photos that were asked for and thoroughly checked the car. Will use the information gained to get a better price on the car or move on.
Would recommend to anyone for the price."
Michael
"Having a car inspected before purchasing offers so much peace of mind and Oleg does a really great job being thorough and objective about the condition of the vehicle. It's very much worth the money and you are given a detailed report afterwards. Highly recommend!"
Sarah
"I’m glad I ordered an inspection. Quickly they identified the issues with the car."
Anthony
"Absolutely wonderful! Very professional, reliable and has saved my family and I tons of money and heartbreak. Ten out of ten would definitely recommend! "
Juliet
"I was looking to purchase a 2016 Honda Civic from a local dealership and decided to get a pre-purchase inspection done first. I chose CarAdvisors and I'm glad I did. They found multiple issues which would've cost thousands for me to repair. I passed on the car and CarAdvisors got a loyal customer!"
Ryan
"Oleg was very professional and extremely thorough for my car inspection, I appreciated his insights and would like to see him again for other cars!"
Asharib
"I had a very good experience with Car Advisors. They were able to come out the same day I ordered and the report was also ready the same day. The report was thorough and informative! I did not purchase the vehicle due to the many discovered issues during inspection! $170 saved me thousands!!!"
Jessica
"Used an inspection for peace of mind on a Prius for my family. It's our most reliable car; thanks!"
NicholasDiagnostic 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.
