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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
"Mechanic responded quick and in a perfectly professional manner. I received a very detailed inspection, which showed hidden defects. My questions I asked were answered. 10/10 Experience!"

Fiona
"Excellent work, same day service, great communication. Saved me from buying a car I thought was perfect...but wasn't. Will use again."

Louis
"Glad I had the inspection. Found problems not disclosed by seller. "

Debra
"Extremely thorough inspection. I am so glad that I had the inspection, as I was ready to buy the car. After seeing the report, I am glad that I am waiting for a better vehicle. This is the best $120 insurance policy you can buy. I am now ordering another inspection because I was so pleased."

Ross
"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'm so glad that I had the inspection done. This helps me make a more informed decision on price negotiation and purchasing. "

Charles
"Requested an inspection in the afternoon January 20 (holiday). Received a response that the inspection was schedule for 5 pm (same day). Notified that report completed by 8 pm. Very pleased with the completeness of the report and the details. Would recommend for anyone buying a used car! S Walker"

Stredrick
"This was a great inspection which got me to give second thought on this car. Will use car advisor pro anytime I want to purchase a used vehicle. "

Andrea
"Wonderful service. The technician was courteous and professional. Will definitely use again when needed!"

Erica
"Great and thorough inspection by Oleg. Even dealer was impressed by his work. "

Sandra
"They did a fantastic job at our first appointment. They saved us from buying a lemon and a lot of money. "

Mike
"Thank you once again. We are hoping with Mr. Olega this will be the week. Stick with him will make sure you won't get a lemon."

EDWARD
"The inspector was on time and professional. He did a thorough and detailed inspection. Car Advisors pre-purchase inspection guided me making the right buying decision. "

Chris
"First, let me say that I was happy with the quick turnaround time from placing the order to the actual car inspection. When you need a car then you need answers fairly quickly. The report was SUPER helpful and outlined things that I would not have considered. Overall, I was saved from a few mechanical issues and the pictures in the report were of good quality and helped me to justify my decision with the car. I would recommend CarAdvisors to honor your customers by not sharing any details or clues about the health of the car with the seller. We, customers/buyers, need as much negotiating power as possible and this weakens our position. I am happy with CarAdvisors and will use them again -- may even recommend them going forward. Thanks."

Tamia
"Great and detailed service!! Was able to purchase my car in November and have not had any problems as expected based om the inspection!!"

Khalil
"Used an inspection for peace of mind on a Prius for my family. It's our most reliable car; thanks!"

Nicholas
"Had to get an inspection on a 2008 Honda Accord recently, and the Car Advisors guys were super helpful. I had already looked at the car, thinking everything was okay, but the mechanics helped me spot several issues I would have missed otherwise. Without them, I would have bought a very unsafe car, and had to spend a few thousand dollars at least on unexpected repairs."

AJ
"It was a pleasure working with them. Though expensive but gives peace of mind"

Abdul Haq
"Thorough Review! Saved me $$$"

Jordan
"Great fast and easy service highly recommend..he was completely honest and did great "

Joshua
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 2021
Price $41,144
Mileage 57,185mi
Inspected May 20 2026
Model
Year 2024
Price $64,000
Mileage 61,749mi
Inspected May 21 2026
Model
Year 2015
Price $7,200
Mileage 9,300mi
Inspected May 21 2026
Inspected
Inspected
Inspected
FAQ
?
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.
?
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.