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
"Eduard was amazing. The inspection and report were quite thorough and I really appreciated his candor. "
Michelle
"We received a timely and very thorough inspection! It saved us from buying a car with some serious underlying problems that the seller was attempting to hide! Will definitely be using this service again as we continue car shopping."
Kent
"Thorough and helpful review."
Vandora
"I am very grateful, he inspected the vehicle and test drive it. My wife and I thought it was a good car and a great deal and he saved us a lot of money because the car har multiple leaks that would of costed us thousands. I would definitely recommend."
Anthony
"Fast, thorough and efficient."
Jeffrey
"Great detail in the report. And Oleg was very helpful with additional context ona follow up call!"
Cy
"Oleg has done a very comprehensive report. The seller reduced his price significantly when I sent over the report. The reduction was more than 10 times the cost of the report, making it very good value for money."
Neil
"Oleg is awesome! Very detailed inspection including breakdown of every item found. I ended up using his service for 3 cars. I trust his judgement and he was able to find items I did not notice myself. Highly recommend using his services."
Anthony
"CarAdvisors did a great job of inspecting the Grand Marquis. The information presented was very clear and the pictures clearly showed the issues. I highly recommend using CarAdvisors."
Thomas
"Buying a used car is a risk, why not protect your money and have it checked out by Car advisors. I have a decent handle on auto mechanics, but Oleg found some things wrong a potential vehicle that I wouldn't have even thought to check for. Will use them again and recommend to anyone "
Customer
"Absolutely wonderful! Very professional, reliable and has saved my family and I tons of money and heartbreak. Ten out of ten would definitely recommend! "
Juliet
"Great service that grants peace of mind about a used car purchase. Oleg was great."
Samuel
"Very responsive. They were able to inspect a vehicle on short notice (less than 2 hours) and return the report the same day. I thought the fee was very reasonable for such a thorough inspection (90-120 minutes with the car.)
Highly recommend this service."
David
"They actually did a nice inspection and found multiple flaws that I missed. It was worth taking the ppi with caradvisors"
Venkata
"The mechanic did a thorough search and saved me from spending thousands of dollars on a lemon"
Daniel
"The service was fast. I ordered it in the morning and the pre-inspection took place promptly. They did a pretty good job on the visible and engine inspections. The service provided many pictures that highlighted the issues.
However, I believe they did not test-drive the cars, and I wasn’t informed about this. It might have been due to the car’s low fuel level, and the fact that I wasn’t present. The day after the pre-inspection, I went to test drive the car and noticed that it leaned towards the right side when driving. Additionally, the car didn’t have an emission test."
Tech Kern
"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
"Great experience. Very detailed report"
Customer
"I asked for a review of a 2006 MBZ. From the Carfax report, the car looked to be well maintained and seemed to be in good condition. The Car Advisor's review confirmed that with some exceptions that I would expect of a 2006 car. What Car Advisors did find, which was not reported by Carfax or the dealer were several parts of the car were repainted. This was the result of crash damage. I didn't buy the car. Thank you Car Advisors!"
Paul
"Oleg was quick to get out and inspect the vehicle we were considering same day! He did a very thorough review of the vehicle and answered numerous questions we had around the report. We are using him again due to his professionalism and thoroughness with our inspection. "
ScotDiagnostic 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.
