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
"Team was thorough and efficient. Will use service again"
Corey
"Thank you so much, money well spent, wish I had this type of inspection done on my last vehicle I found online. Great work, very detailed, highly recommend to anyone. "
RONALD
"Had to get an inspection on a 2008 Honda Accord recently, and the Car Advisors guys were super helpful. I had already looked at the car, thinking everything was okay, but the mechanics helped me spot several issues I would have missed otherwise. Without them, I would have bought a very unsafe car, and had to spend a few thousand dollars at least on unexpected repairs."
AJ
"Car advisors was great! They got the review done quickly and the results were returned faster than expected. I highly recommend them. "
Michael
"Everything went as planned. They have inspected a vehicle for us in the past, and we are very satisfied. We are in the market to purchase another car now and will hire them again to inspect it. They give us confidence in knowing that you are making an informed decision."
thomas
"CarAdvisors is giving me peace of mind in my used car search. The reports have been invaluable."
Stredrick
"Super detailed report. Great job."
Matthew
"Mr. Karelov was on time, thorough and professional. The fee was reasonable. Thank you"
Ossie
"Great Service! Highly recommend using Car Advisiors! The incpection report was very through and helped us make an informed decision about the vehicle. We ended up not purchasing it due to engine codes that were present at the time of inspection, but were not tripping the check engine light. Potentially saved us a headache down the road. Well worth the cost of the inspection. "
Thor
"Good experience! "
Xin
"This is our second time using Car Advisors and it was well worth it. Based on a very thorough inspection report, we made an informed decision with regard to purchasing this vehicle, which we did. Car Advisors did an excellent job, even the seller was impressed with the amount of time spent doing the inspection and the detailed report. Because of Car Advisors, we were able to negotiate a lower price. Thank you again. "
Raymond
"Eduard did an excellent job and found several issues that would've otherwise gone unnoticed; very good attention to detail!"
Nikita
"I was incredibly impressed with the expertise and detail of the inspection by Oleg. The issues he was able to discover from the paint, fenders having had work done on them, rotors being warped. 5/6th gear synchronizers grinding, slipping of the clutch, and the details and effects of the accident the vehicle had been in was astonishing. I was skeptical of detailed the report would be when you weren't able to bring the car to a shop but boy was I wrong. Oleg also went for a test drive with me and pointed out every issue and gave me his opinion on what would need to be replaced. He was prompt and courteous and his knowledge of cars was through the roof. I will definitely be using CarAdvisors before making any used car purchase! "
Michael
"I'm extremely thankful I did this. The report was incredibly detailed, and saved me from making a terrible purchase. "
Clover
"Oleg is great! He arranged our first inspection very quickly. He was very thorough and saved us from making a bad purchase decision. About to schedule another appointment with him right now! Worth the cost to save money down the line!"
Eddie
"Johnny has been excellent in assisting me and my wife. He helped us with the whole process of purchasing used cars, what to look for and his inspection was very thorough and detailed. We appreciate him greatly"
Stuart
"Wow!!!! You really saved me from making a purchase i would have regretted. Again, thanks for a detailed review."
Christopher
"Really easy process - they were incredibly thorough and gave me an incredible overview of the car. "
Aaron
"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
"Helpful and thorough."
VandoraDiagnostic 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.
