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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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.
Reviews
"Oleg is excellent, his attention to detail is amazing. I Highly recommend him for any pre-purchase inspection!
Thanks again! "
Customer
"Oleg was prompt, professional, thorough, and efficient. We are happy to have found him and will use him again. I would recommend without hesitation"
Tracey
"Absolutely kept me from buying something I may have regretted. Highly detailed so that if I did want to risk buying that vehicle I would know exactly what I was going to be repairing in the near future. Wonderful job"
Keith
"Well worth the investment with Oleg! Caught some potential transmission issues even if not caught with scanner. Saved me a lot of money down the road."
Sabrin
"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
"Great service I was saved from being scammed "
christian
"I am definitely going to use caradvisors again."
Melorie
"Caradvisors was a Godsend for me. As someone who knows little about cars, I’d have to take the salesman’s word about the car. Instead, Oleg had an instrument to measure the paint thickness in every part of the car which showed they covered up previous damage since the paint had different thicknesses. He could tell that the computer had been reset 4 miles ago, and that the tires didn’t match and would need immediate replacement.
I was fully informed by the end of his inspection, and know I made the smartest choice. I also know I would’ve made the opposite choice without his service."
Rachael
"I highly recommend CarAdvisors! Oleg was very thorough. The pictures and written report were very clear and helpful. The inspection was done the day after we ordered it, and the report was ready by the end of the day. "
Pamela
"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
"Great and professional mechanics. Very convenient and provided great advice. We ended buying the car and it has been a great experience"
Kasra
"I am very happy I decided to get a pre-purchase inspection from CarAdvisors. Oleg went to the dealership to inspect the car on the same day I placed my order online and sent me a very thorough professional report by the time I walked out of work at the end of the day. The dealer later told me that they had never seen a mechanic do such a thorough inspection before. Oleg was even happy to answer some follow-up questions I had in the next few days. Gave me peace of mind buying a used car. I highly recommend them."
Benjamin
"Great Inspection saved thous6"
Keith
"The service was excellent. i could not believe how thorough the inspector was. He covered everything, and so many thing that I would never have checked, He saved me a lot of time and money with his findings"
Tyrone
"All of this was spur of the moment! I found a vehicle I liked and it was more than 4 hours away. Found Car Advisors online and in moments I had the car Inspection scheduled. The Inspector must have been around the corner because he was at the Dealer in about an hour. The Inspection took awhile and waiting on the report took a while too, but the inspector was being thorough. The report had lots of information and pictures of everything good and bad. This definitely helped me in my decision to purchase the vehicle. Thanks Eduard! "
Robert
"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
"I had a good experience with Car Advisors. The rep showed up on time and finished his inspection within the hour. He was very professional and thorough with his notes.
I will be using them again!
"
Kevin
"Great detailed inspection report!"
Daniel
"So glad I found this service. Oleg did an amazingly detailed job on the pre-purchase inspection. Gave me complete confidence in my purchase. Thank You!"
Christopher
"I am so happy that I decided to get Oleg to examine the car for me. Clark Howard was right when he said that every used car should be inspected before you buy. He was on time and did a thorough job in his review and subsequent discussions with me regarding the issues. I was able to have all the issues addressed prior to purchase. This is a very valuable service. "
JacquelineDiagnostic 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.
