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
"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
"Very thorough inspection. Really helpful. "
Claire
"Tremendous value with great customer service.. Oleg was able to meet and perform an inspection of a potential used vehicle the same day. Punctual and professional... Responded to all questions and provided much needed insight into those details that are often overlooked when purchasing a used vehicle.. If you are in the market for a used vehicle, do yourself a favor and guarantee peace of mind by giving CarAdvisors and Oleg a call"
Brendon
"Ole did a great job and provided me with the information I needed to make a decision on whether to purchase this vehicle. He answered all of my questions and was very thorough!"
Jacqueline
"As always, I will never again buy a used car with out a Car Advisors inspection."
Samuel
"Thank you Oleg for such a thorough inspection. Highly recommend!"
Naomi
"They did a through job by inspecting the car. Stopped me from buying a car that would cause me a lot in repairs "
Jessica
"The inspector Oleg was very thorough and had vast knowledge of the vehicle. I was so impressed he is doing my second inspection. He saved me a 3k repair job. "
Karen
"Car advisors did an incredible job, I will definitely use them again and have recommended them to friends and family already. They are extremely thorough with the inspection, I was surprised at the level of detail of their report. Highly recommend!"
Ian
"Fantastic service. Gave us a thorough inspection of the used vehicle we were buying and allowed us to negotiate the price due to repairs that were needed. Highly recommend."
Jason
"Saved me from a bad purchase. I wouldn't have detected the transmission issues on my own."
Samuel
"The inspector arrived on time, did a very thorough inspection and road test. The report may have saved me from fraud. Worth the money!"
TERRANCE
"Sooo glad I chose to do a pre-purchase inspection, Oleg was very prompt in communicating and provided an easy to understand inspection report. I’m buying out of state so this was a huge help to me. Highly recommend"
Kevarious
"Oleg is the best! So thorough and diligent. His knowledge and expertise is appreciated. "
Caroline
"A very thorough inspection of the vehicle was done.
Explanations of findings are given at the time of the inspection, with a written report available online.
This service has saved us many dollars in having full knowledge of the condition of the vehicle."
David
"Thank you Oleg for a great inspection. You found that the radiator was dented under the car and I was able to get this fixed and covered under warranty. I would not have known this had he not pointed this out to me."
Shari
"The tech was was fantastic. He spotted hidden damage and saved me some cash."
Samuel
"Great service... worked out well and had piece of mind about vehicle purchased."
Douglas
"I asked for a review of a 2006 MBZ. From the Carfax report, the car looked to be well maintained and seemed to be in good condition. The Car Advisor's review confirmed that with some exceptions that I would expect of a 2006 car. What Car Advisors did find, which was not reported by Carfax or the dealer were several parts of the car were repainted. This was the result of crash damage. I didn't buy the car. Thank you Car Advisors!"
Paul
"Once again, Oleg saved me money by finding a significant issue. Thanks!"
GaryDiagnostic 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.
