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
"This service is excellent. Worth every penny! Saved me on replacing a very costly transmission that would cost more than the car."
Pamela
"Helpful and thorough."
Vandora
"Great detail, completed as advertised. The report helped me make an informed decision - great amount of good detail. Thank you"
Jay
"Oleg Karelov was phenomenal! Not only did he save me money and time but car advisors gave me peace in knowing I made the right choice on not buying the vehicle. Oleg Karelov was patient and very thorough with the inspection. He was honest in his delivery of information! I will definitely use car advisors every time I purchase a car. Ask for Oleg Karelov! You won't regret it. "
LaSai
"Oleg was AWESOME! He was on time and spent a considerable amount of time reviewing the car I was really excited about. But ultimately he found enough issues that I walked away from the car! Well worth it! Even the seller of the car, who sells cars regularly, was impressed with how thorough Oleg was."
Dale
"I was extremely pleased with the pre-purchase inspection. They did a thorough job, and I'd absolutely do business with them again."
Matthew
"I used CarAdvisors for a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) of a used car that looked great per the CarFax report.
They did not waste any time and were there the same day.
They found several things that did not appear on the CarFax website or in the report that I would have never been aware of. They even cited which of these were most critical and what my cost might be to correct them.
This gave me some negotiating points had I decided to talk money with the dealer.
Going forward, I would not purchase a car without getting a PPI."
Chris
"Very good thorough inspection and good details. Definitely will recommend to anyone and will be using if needed again. Thank you! "
Eric
"Wonderful experience with CarAdvisors! The peace of mind gained before purchasing our vehicle was priceless. Thank you for the great service. "
Joe
"Very careful, thorough inspection, helped me avoid a less than great vehicle. Extremely satisfied, Highly recommend!"
Jacob
"Eduard was really professional on time and knowledgeable!! I’m glad I had him inspect the vehicle I’m going to purchase! I feel more confident making a decision in my purchase! I hope I get him again if I’m in the market for another car!"
Edgar
"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
"Extremely Thorough and detailed. Save us potentially thousands of dollars from a bad purchase. Will use again! Thank you."
SCOTT
"Oleg was very professional and we have already booked him for another inspection."
Justin
"The inspection was done quickly and the issues uncovered helped us to not buy a bad car for our family!"
Allison
"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
"Great inspection. Found stuff I overlooked. Great group to work with. Very professional and detailed. "
Brandon
"Oleg was awesome. He was professional, patient, a good communicator, thorough, helpful, insightful, and honored all my requests and answered all my questions. Definitely gonna go to him again if needed in the future! Stopped me from wasting $5000 that was made to look like an actual car, when he found it to be a pile of crap. Good price for his services which are top notch!"
Ariana
"Once again, Oleg saved me money by finding a significant issue. Thanks!"
Gary
"I was very pleased with Oleg. He was a professional. He found two items that would have cost a great deal to fix. I highly recommend this service and have decided to use it for every used car I purchase. So easy."
LauraDiagnostic 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.
