wheel My order
Home / Pre-purchase car inspection


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 order

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.
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.
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
"Very professional and identified a oil leak"

Aravind Karthik
"Wow, first time trying this and I am super impressed. I haven’t bought a used car in 15 years because I’m always worried about having issues etc but I needed an older used car completely out of warranty. Late one Saturday night I booked an appointment for an inspection Sunday morning and Edward showed up and did an incredible job inspecting a 10 year old Hyundai Sonata for me. Pointed out a few things I never would’ve thought of and gave a few pointers to keep her running well for a long time as well."

Brandon
"Very please with his professionalism (Oleg Karelov)...I would recommend "

latoya
"This service is excellent. Worth every penny! Saved me on replacing a very costly transmission that would cost more than the car."

Pamela
"1st time using this service and saved me alot of headache in purchasing a lemon i have shared this company to many of my friends "

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

Stredrick
"Oleg is fantastic! He is clearly an expert and I am so grateful to have his advice to avoid making bad decisions and to help me make the right ones. He is also kind and professional."

Joshua
"Denis was extremely nice and Helpful. It felt like I brought a friend who knew a ton about cars with me. "

John
"I am so happy that I decided to get Oleg to examine the car for me. Clark Howard was right when he said that every used car should be inspected before you buy. He was on time and did a thorough job in his review and subsequent discussions with me regarding the issues. I was able to have all the issues addressed prior to purchase. This is a very valuable service. "

Jacqueline
"I was very pleased with how quickly and smoothly this process went. The report that I received was very detailed, and it was extremely helpful in my decision-making process. I will absolutely use CarAdvisors again."

Alexandria
"Amazing support. Inspection was completed within 24 hours of order. A high quality report was delivered with all information you need. Highly recommend."

Curtis
"CarAdvisors provides an excellent service! Their pre-purchase inspections are absolutely phenomenal and cover all bases. The inspection provided me with much added confidence to correctly find a vehicle to purchase. Their service is extremely quick, and was done same-day for me. Not only that, when I called to discuss the report, the inspector was extremely helpful in providing his hesitations and what he believed is good/bad with a vehicle. Overall, CarAdvisors is an absolutely amazing service, and worth every penny!"

Leland
"Very detailed report. Lots of pictures, more than I expected. Very fast turn around and great communication. Week definitely use again. "

Andre
"Once again, Oleg did a great job for me. The car he inspected had a number of problems I was not aware of."

Gary
"Once again l would like to thank Mr. Karelov for being Johnny on the spot. He did two inspections for me in one day. I got the information right away. Thank you!"

EDWARD
"Oleg is a professional and knowledgeable mechanic. He was punctual even on a same day appointment! Oleg saved me thousands from buying a lemon and helped me find a reliable older vehicle all in the same day. I would HIGHLY recommend him to all women who don’t know much about engine’s and want something reliable!!"

Aida
"Johnny has been excellent in assisting me and my wife. He helped us with the whole process of purchasing used cars, what to look for and his inspection was very thorough and detailed. We appreciate him greatly"

Stuart
"I am definitely going to use caradvisors again."

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

Abdul Haq
"Good looking car with worn transmission. Thank you for saving my money) !"

David
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 2015
Price $23,000
Mileage 99,000mi
Inspected Aug 13 2026
Model
Year 2018
Price $30,000
Mileage 103,685mi
Inspected Aug 13 2026
Model
Year 2014
Price $8,999
Mileage 85,396mi
Inspected Aug 13 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.