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.
1
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.
Reviews
"Reliable team of mechanics, I have used them in both the used cars I have purchased, and they where spot on with their estimations!"
Jon
"Did a good job and found an issue that affected the car "
Vinay
"I could not have been more pleased with Car Advisors. I've use Lemon Squad twice in the past. They were fine, but did not go into near as much detail as Car Advisors. Even the dealership was impressed.
No one should buy used car without Car Advisors looking at it first.
Thank you!!!"
Mary
"Thank you for saving us from a pile of repairs. Your reports are great!"
Sherrie
"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
"I am very happy I decided to get a pre-purchase inspection from CarAdvisors. Oleg went to the dealership to inspect the car on the same day I placed my order online and sent me a very thorough professional report by the time I walked out of work at the end of the day. The dealer later told me that they had never seen a mechanic do such a thorough inspection before. Oleg was even happy to answer some follow-up questions I had in the next few days. Gave me peace of mind buying a used car. I highly recommend them."
Benjamin
"Oleg Karelov provided me with an excellent report. It detailed all of the components of the vehicle quite nicely and in a clean manner. Meaning it was well organized with photos and information to explain everything. I was not able to be present and reading the report and speaking with Oleg was just great. Though it really breaks my heart the vehicle had issues that made me change my mind about the purchase (this is my individual decision based on many things and in no way did the report attempt to make the decision for me) it still provided me with an amazing relief. I have a decent amount of mechanical knowledge related to automobiles, probably not comparable to Oleg, but was almost giddy with the technical aspects. I would say delighted. It is a bummer I'm in TN and he works out of Atlanta. I'd love to have an inspector like him for other vehicles. I'm hoping Car Advisors has a branch here in the Knoxville area though at least. As homeowner I get the pleasure (sarcasm) of having lots of fun (sarcasm) inspections done and have crude reports, lack of information, some stuff just plain crap. So I'll sum this up by saying awesome company, and Oleg doesn't know it but he is awesome. His patience during our conversation was great. I really liked how he presented himself, the professionalism, and very clear knowledge. The man is a saint. Company is great. Thank you all! If the company is in my home area I will not shut up about recommending y'all. Take car."
Matthew
"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
"I've have never experienced such a thorough inspection. I wish I knew about Car Advisors instead of the place I had taken my vehicle. We will be using them again as we continue our search!"
Shunnita
"Great service I was saved from being scammed "
christian
"I am definitely going to use caradvisors again."
Melorie
"Oleg you have done it again! I really appreciate his services. He completed the inspection before I got to the dealer and I had time to purchase the car same day. What a time saver! I'm a happy customer, I have bought two cars because of him and I have referred him to my parents and they like him too! Awesome guy! I will recommend his services to anyone I know."
Alexis
"I just wanted to thank you for your professional service of identifying the actual problems of the car. It was nice to do business with you today! "
Nionwa
"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
"I wouldn’t buy a car without getting Oleg’s eyes on it first! He’s very thorough and honest with his inspections, and won’t mislead you into making a regrettable purchase. Would recommend to any and everyone 100%"
Masaun
"excellent turn around time. Prompt response to my inquiry and detailed report after the inspection. Highly recommended"
Jodi
"Second time using CarAdvisors. Very professional and great write up on the vehicle. Highly recommend. "
Aaron
"They did a fantastic job at our first appointment. They saved us from buying a lemon and a lot of money. "
Mike
"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
"This is the second time I've used Oleg for a pre purchase vehicle inspection and once again he did an amazing job. His inspections are very thorough and he answered all of our questions!"
JacquelineDiagnostic 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
?
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.
