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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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
"I cannot stress the need for PPI particularly on higher end vehicles. These guys got it done for me same day and saved me from making a huge mistake on a vehicle that the CarFax did not tell the full story. Will definitely use them again!"
Trinity
"Can't say enough good things about Oleg. The inspection was completed the day after I placed the request, and the report was unbelievably thorough. I feel like if I had used a less detail-oriented service I may have made a mistake and bought something I would have regretted. Thank you Oleg!"
Charles
"Extremely Thorough and detailed. Save us potentially thousands of dollars from a bad purchase. Will use again! Thank you."
SCOTT
"I'm so glad that I had the inspection done. This helps me make a more informed decision on price negotiation and purchasing. "
Charles
"They did a fantastic job at our first appointment. They saved us from buying a lemon and a lot of money. "
Mike
"I cannot recommend this service enough. I heard about this service through a friend, and contacted Oleg literally the day of when I was at a dealership. Within an hour, Oleg was on-site and performed a very thorough inspection and had a 12 page, detailed report to me in about 2-3 hours. A must have if buying a used car for peace of mind, and I highly recommend Oleg if you are purchasing long distance and unable to test drive, etc. The report includes detailed comments and photos of any potential issue identified. Lastly - the price is beyond reasonable and I guarantee you the inspection will pay for itself when negotiating the price of the car. Thank you, Oleg!"
Brian
"I highly recommend CarAdvisors. This inspection saved us a lot of money on a vehicle purchase that would have cost us dearly. There were numerous issues with the car. It is better to spend $150 now for a thorough, detailed pre-purchase inspection report including pictures than to spend a few thousand dollars for a car only to find out from the repair shop that there were costly pre-existing problems later. Thank you, CarAdvisors. - Cynthia"
Raymond
"Oleg was amazing. Very thorough, was able to detect damage the dealer tried to hide, including the memory wipe on the engine. "
Tucker
"Oleg did an incredible job. Very patient. Answered all questions even the annoying ones. Very thorough. His inspection definitely saved us from potential years of regret. Thanks!"
Myla
"Fast , efficient and thorough!"
Jeffrey
"Oleg was prompt and gave me good feedback. He gets the job done!"
Brandon
"Eduard was great! Great report, very responsive! I would absolutely use him again to do an inspection!"
Andrew
"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
"Oleg has done a very comprehensive report. The seller reduced his price significantly when I sent over the report. The reduction was more than 10 times the cost of the report, making it very good value for money."
Neil
"Car Advisors proved once again that appearances can be deceiving. Despite what looked like a clean CarFax and solid service records, Oleg’s thorough and professional assessment uncovered several hidden issues and concerns under the hood that I never would have noticed on my own. His detailed inspection save me from costly future repairs and gave me the clarity I needed to make a confident buying decision. Based on the issues found, I decided not to buy this particular SUV. I highly recommend Car advisors—one of the smartest investments you can make when purchasing a used car."
Mark
"CarAdvisors is definitely worth it. The inspection was extremely thorough and provided us with an extensive report that saved us from buying a total lemon! He was able to complete it rapidly the same day I placed an order, and his report had far more information than you would be able to acquire from visiting the vehicle by yourself as well as many other car inspection services. Combine that with CarAdvisors flexibility in scheduling visits with and without the client, this is a service that I will definitely use and recommend going forward. Quick, courteous, a great value, and a smart choice when shopping for a used car."
Vincent
"My inspection experience was great. Was able to receive the report the following day after placing the order. I would definitely use this service again."
Neil
"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
"Incredibly helpful. They found things I never would have found on my own. "
MATT
"Oleg was very prompt and provided a detailed report that saved me money and more importantly time. "
JohnDiagnostic 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.
