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
"I thought my inspection results was some what vague especially where there was noise front suspension area. But other things he did very good"

Customer
"CarAdvisors provided an extremely thorough inspection and were a pleasure to work with! I highly reccomend them to anybody looking for a high quality inspection at a competitive rate."

Alex
"Oleg was awesome, very knowledgeable and attentive. He was thorough and on time. Saved me from a headache by pointing out some immediate issues with the car I was thinking about purchasing. Thanks Oleg!"

Pryce
"We thought we had found an awesome car. We called and scheduled an appointment for a pre-purchase inspection. The mechanic arrived on time, performed a thorough inspection, and found several faulty major issues with the car that not even the dealer had noticed. We will absolutely have this company inspect all of our cars before we buy them in the future!"

Customer
"Once again Oleg was phenomenal. I recommended him to all my friends, thanks again!"

Customer
"Eduard was very thorough. Showed me potential issues/concerns throughout the process, as well as a detailed report after the inspection."

Logan
"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
"Reliable service and expert advise always saves me from bad purchases."

Jon
"Oleg was extremely professional and helped me avoid purchasing a car that needed significantly more work/repairing than I was willing to take on"

Aubrey
"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
"This experience was better than expected. Oddly enough the check engine light came on after purchase and he came out to see what was missed. It was just that the gas cap wasn’t secure. I appreciate the urgent response and quick through inspection. "

Camri
"Mechanic responded quick and in a perfectly professional manner. I received a very detailed inspection, which showed hidden defects. My questions I asked were answered. 10/10 Experience!"

Fiona
"It's always interesting when you look at car pictures and videos and feel like the car is THE ONE! Until Oleg goes in and does the inspection. There were numerous problems with the car that would be unsafe for me to drive and one found, thanks to Oleg, that caused me to double-back and look at the manufacturer's site I found that the car's issues are prone to igniting a fire. While this is a long process for me to vet/inspect each car, I feel smarter knowing that it's the right way to buy a pre-owned car. Thanks again Oleg!"

Tamia
"I had an awesome experience. Will refer to all of my friends and family. Great information."

Tayari
"Eduardo did a great job inspecting a Ford Escape. He found problems with the transmission preventing us from costly repairs. I would use this company again."

Customer
"Glad I chose CarAdvisors, will be using services again. "

Gabriel
"This is by far the best pre-purchase inspection around in the Atlanta Metro area. The overall customer service is superior, and the inspector is professional, efficient, and courteous. I am a repeat customer that always receives great advice and guidance. "

Jay
"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
"This was money very well spent! Glad I asked you to look at my second choice. That one is now my first choice based on your reports. Very thorough."

Jeremy
"The mechanic was very professional and gave his honest opinion on the car. "

Tayari
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 2019
Price $61,990
Mileage 84,783mi
Inspected Jan 31 2026
Model
Year 2016
Price $18,000
Mileage 89,665mi
Inspected Jan 31 2026
Model
Year 2023
Price $41,988
Mileage 32,796mi
Inspected Jan 31 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.