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
"I was in the process of purchasing an out of state vehicle for my daughter, however after investing in a pre-purchase inspection I decided to continue with our search. The $130 investment paid for itself in terms of the 8 hour round trip travel time that it saved me. The very detailed inspection report that I received far exceeded my expectations. I was very surprised to learn that they test the paint thickness to determine if the vehicle has been painted multiple times. I would highly recommend this service to anyone who is currently in the market for a used car.
Oleg Karelov, the service rep. contacted me immediately after I submitted an inspection request. First rate service. Thank you again for your assistance. "
Gerald
"Very thorough inspection. Was sad to not purchase a car on the day, but saved me from spending money on a car with a lot of minor issues that I would not have known about"
Fintan
"Called Oleg for an inspection and he came same day! Very responsive and courteous, and does an excellent job. Very thorough, gave good advice during the inspection, and provides a very thorough report. So helpful in making the decision whether or not to buy the car. Also, the report is very useful even after the purchase, because it details some things that you will need to be aware of in the future. Well worth the price!"
Customer
"Oleg was so professional and so thorough. He went through everything and found issues that I would have never found! He even went back to the dealership when they challenged his findings and texted me updates! Oleg saved me a ton of money. He is amazing and I will refer him to everyone I can!"
Nicole
"Good experience! "
Xin
"Great Job! Saved me from buying a lemon and saved me hours of driving to go check out a car I should not purchase. Thanks!"
James
"Extremely Thorough and detailed. Save us potentially thousands of dollars from a bad purchase. Will use again! Thank you."
SCOTT
"Great service... worked out well and had piece of mind about vehicle purchased."
Douglas
"Incredible tech-enabled service. Highly detailed report and friendly, responsive customer service. Will be a customer for life."
Customer
"oleg does a great job at providing report and i would rercommend him to everyone"
CHRISTY
"The technician was knowledgeable, thorough and efficient!"
Jeffrey
"Really easy process - they were incredibly thorough and gave me an incredible overview of the car. "
Aaron
"Oleg’s service was excellent. Thoroughly inspected every single thing in the car and gave me solid report! "
David
"We've been looking for an older car for my son who just got his license. We've been all over Atlanta looking at cars in different locations and trying to locate mechanics in the area to do a pre-purchase inspection....it's been exhausting!! Some used car dealerships will not even let you take the car off the lot for a pre-purchase inspection. Luckily my google search finally suggested Car Advisors! Oleg was available to come inspect the car at the dealership the same day....within a couple hours and did an excellent job. The report was very thorough and included everything (photos too) needed to make an informed decision. He is also able to advise if the car was in an accident (the carfax may not show that information if it wasn't reported) which is very helpful. We didn't purchase the car he inspected since there were several major oil leaks, but will definitely call for him again on the next car we find! Thank you, Oleg!"
Darlene
"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
"Using Car Advisors was the best decision I made while buying my used Audi. Oleg was professional and very thorough and provided me the peace of mind I needed when buying my used car. I definitely recommend using Car Advisors. I plan to use them for my next used car purchase. "
Madeleine
"Oleg did a great job with the inspection of the 2016 Toyota Prius. We bought the car and have driven it for over 4 months with no problems. I really appreciate the peace of mind we had from your thorough inspection."
Customer
"I could not have been more pleased with Car Advisors. I've use Lemon Squad twice in the past. They were fine, but did not go into near as much detail as Car Advisors. Even the dealership was impressed.
No one should buy used car without Car Advisors looking at it first.
Thank you!!!"
Mary
"Thank you for saving us from a pile of repairs. Your reports are great!"
Sherrie
"My experience with car advisors was excellent. They have upfront pricing and excellent response time. I was emailed a thorough explanation of all that was inspected, and what was found. I found their 0-100 rating, and their description helpful. They said the car was mediocre, and gave it a 41. I of course passed on it. I am currently booking my second inspection with them. The reasonable fee is worth the peace of mind to me. "
ChristineDiagnostic 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.
