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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
"I'm so glad I used CarAdvisors. I wanted to buy a Hyundai Veloster and was going to pay asking price because I really liked it and the dealer wasn't willing to work with me, but for the money I was going to spend I wanted to make sure I wasn't making a big mistake. I left the dealership and called CarAdvisors and they were at the dealership in 3 hours. I went home and waited for the report and I'm so thankful I did. The car had mechanical issues and had some major problems about happen not far down the road. The report was extremely thorough and covered the entire car from current problems to guaranteed problems in the near future and included pictures. This service is worth every penny and I will never buy a car without them again. I'm actually using them again next week for an all day multly car inspection day. I highly recommend their services. "

Leanne
"CarAdvisors did a great job of inspecting the Grand Marquis. The information presented was very clear and the pictures clearly showed the issues. I highly recommend using CarAdvisors."

Thomas
"Awesome service! Saved me from buying a car that was severely beaten. Also saved me from having to make a long trip to go see the car! Definitely recommend caradvisors to anyone looking to buy a pre owned vehicle!"

Sahel
"CarAdvisors is giving me peace of mind in my used car search. The reports have been invaluable."

Stredrick
"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
"Once again, Oleg saved me money by finding a significant issue. Thanks!"

Gary
"This inspection saved me time and money."

Marlon
"On-time, thorough, and comprehensive inspection. Really gave me peace of mind - well worth it!"

David
"Timely inspection and timely report. Would recommend for anyone looking for a used vehicle. "

Shenika
"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
"If you're wondering if you can afford to hire this guy, I can tell you that you can't afford not to hire this guy; it's dangerous out there."

Troy
"Our technician was on time, knowledgable, and professional, and the information he provided will help us make an informed decision on purchasing the vehicle."

Daniel
"Fast and detailed service! Definitely would use again"

Kendra
"Great experience. Very detailed report"

Customer
"I highly recommend this company for pre-purchase inspections! Denis was very knowledgeable and professional. He thoroughly inspected the car and let me know about all the potential issues with it. His expert opinion helped me to make an informed decision on getting my new car. "

Nikolai
"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
"Thank you! "

EDWARD
"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
"This was a great experience. Oleg communicates in a timely manner and the final report actually looks better than when I've had pre-purchase inspections performed at the dealership. I will definitely continue to use these guys!"

Jeffrey
"Very careful, thorough inspection, helped me avoid a less than great vehicle. Extremely satisfied, Highly recommend!"

Jacob
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 2011
Price $5,500
Mileage 144,350mi
Inspected Oct 18 2025
Model
Year 2021
Price $27,000
Mileage 80,490mi
Inspected Oct 18 2025
Model
Year 2019
Price $10,500
Mileage 129,012mi
Inspected Oct 19 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.
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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.
?
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.