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
"Great report. Oleg was extremely thorough and gave us all the information needed to feel confident about the condition of the vehicle."
Clarke
"Car Advisor has done an excellent job of providing guidance in our search for a used vehicle. Highly recommend!"
Stredrick
"Oleg was very efficient and responsive to all my questions during the review. The final report was thorough and provided great insight to my buying decision "
Customer
"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
"I was surprised at how quickly Oleg reached out to me. The inspection was scheduled the next day and I had the review that night. I am very pleased with how thorough the inspection was. I will now recommend him to everyone and will be using this again! "
Rianah
"Oleg was punctual, friendly, attentive, and thorough. Very helpful report and he has great insight and recommendations. Would definitely suggest caradvisors for inspection needs! "
Sara
"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
"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
"CarAdvisors offers an invaluable service. I am an out of state buyer without the ability to inspect the car myself. The detailed report with great photos is better information than if I were to inspect the vehicle myself. This is good piece of mind for such a large purchase. This process is streamlined and CarAdvisors handles scheduling the inspection with the seller for you. You don't have to play middleman. Just sit back and wait for your report. This is a no-risk, all reward service. Thank you Oleg!"
Phillip
"Helped me avoid buying a "like new" car that was, in fact, not like new."
Clay
"Great service and great staff. Thank you guys so much for doing the pre purchase inspection of my car. I honestly had no idea where to go and I'm so glad I found yall! I'd definitely recommend the Caradvisors to everyone looking for pre purchase inspections! Thank you!"
Prasad
"Oleg was quick to get out and inspect the vehicle we were considering same day! He did a very thorough review of the vehicle and answered numerous questions we had around the report. We are using him again due to his professionalism and thoroughness with our inspection. "
Scot
"Always finds the problem and Educates you about the car you’re trying to purchase"
Customer
"I thought at first wow I can have someone come and pre inspect a car/s before I buy it and it was a good job done but not as thorough as one would need. Most of these places mobile or not don't think about testing the monitor to see if it has been cleared and that's what happened to this car and now not even 20 days after I'm getting Catalytic converter codes. When buying a used car and if your car comes with a monitor like mine does. I don't feel this is best way to go. He did a good job but I feel as a pre inspection company you should know these things to look for going in or just test certain makes and models. This was an 08 335I BMW. So I'm very disappointed. So be careful."
Wilhelm
"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
"Thorough and helpful review."
Vandora
"Very thorough inspection report and helpful service"
Adam
"Car Advisors completed the inspection fast. Oleg did a thorough inspection and called to let me know his findings right away. It's great to have direct communication with the inspector."
Sean
"Awesome service, any used car buyer needs Car Advisors!"
Dominick
"Great service! I know nothing about cars so this is a godsend! His service saved me from making a bad buy."
STACEYDiagnostic 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.
