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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).

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

Gabriel
"First, let me say that I was happy with the quick turnaround time from placing the order to the actual car inspection. When you need a car then you need answers fairly quickly. The report was SUPER helpful and outlined things that I would not have considered. Overall, I was saved from a few mechanical issues and the pictures in the report were of good quality and helped me to justify my decision with the car. I would recommend CarAdvisors to honor your customers by not sharing any details or clues about the health of the car with the seller. We, customers/buyers, need as much negotiating power as possible and this weakens our position. I am happy with CarAdvisors and will use them again -- may even recommend them going forward. Thanks."

Tamia
"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
"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
"Thorough Review! Saved me $$$"

Jordan
"Very thorough and detailed reports."

Vandora
"I highly recommend Oleg with Car Advisors! I was looking to purchase a vehicle outside of Atlanta, which would have been an 8hr drive. I found C.A from a quick google search and contacted them. I've never hired an out of state inspector before so I didn't know what to expect. Oleg's report on my potential purchase was extremely thorough and professional. His report was way beyond the scope of what I expected with additional photos/sidenotes attached. After the report, I decided to not make that trip. His service is worth every dollar!!! If you are unable to travel or just aren't knowledgeable enough about doing your own inspection or if your looking for someone you can trust, please contact Oleg! Thank you!"

joseph
"Oleg showed up to the appointment on time and was very professional. Plan on using him for another inspection as his report was very thorough and easy to comprehend. "

ANTHONY
"Excellent service as usual."

Samuel
"Helped me avoid buying a "like new" car that was, in fact, not like new."

Clay
"Service was convenient and great. Gave me more confidence about the purchase and gave me an idea of what repairs I’ll have to make right away. Definitely recommend to anyone purchasing a used car. "

Gregorio
"Excellent service extremely thorough job explained everything well examined car throughout. Was able to get an appointment the same day I would definitely use this company again for any pre own car I would purchase and recommend to my family and friends to use thank you for your service it was great"

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

Tayari
"I was pleased by the promptness and thoroughness of the report. It saved me from a long trip to the dealer just to find out the car was a beat up old lemon."

Mark
"Very detailed report. Saved me a ton of trouble."

Morris
"My inspector came promptly on time, was very thorough with the checks, even crawling underneath the car to check for rust on the body! First time I've seen someone go so far. I also liked their no-flattery comments on the things they found or didn't find. Will definitely be using this service again. 5 stars"

Zachary
"He was super helpful, he checked all the little deatails of the car and informed me what i was getting into."

Daniel
"Extremely thorough inspection. I am so glad that I had the inspection, as I was ready to buy the car. After seeing the report, I am glad that I am waiting for a better vehicle. This is the best $120 insurance policy you can buy. I am now ordering another inspection because I was so pleased."

Ross
"Oleg was very efficient and informative. He showed up on time, as well as being friendly and knowledgeable. Will definitely be using this service again soon!"

Corey
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 2014
Price $11,000
Mileage 117,088mi
Inspected May 9 2026
Model
Year 2020
Price $55,185
Mileage 61,626mi
Inspected May 8 2026
Model
Year 2015
Price $5,900
Mileage 139,818mi
Inspected May 8 2026
Inspected
Inspected
Inspected
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.
?
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.