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
Modern vehicles are very complex and computerized, making it difficult even for an owner to know about any upcoming or existing issues that may cost a fortune to fix. To be confident in your next car – order our inspection for in-depth, factual, and objective information about its condition. While a mechanics shop might try to exaggerate a small defect to entice you to pay them to fix it, our detailed inspection is meant only to help you buy a reliable vehicle that meets your expectations.
Get peace of mind!
Pre-purchase used car inspection
Modern vehicles are very complex and computerized, making it difficult even for an owner to know about any upcoming or existing issues that may cost a fortune to fix. To be confident in your next car – order our inspection for in-depth, factual, and objective information about its condition. While a mechanics shop might try to exaggerate a small defect to entice you to pay them to fix it, our detailed inspection is meant only to help you buy a reliable vehicle that meets your expectations.
Get peace of mind!
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-8pm), 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 did an excellent job and found several issues that would've otherwise gone unnoticed; very good attention to detail!"
Nikita
"The inspector came out within a couple hours of us booking the inspection online. Before he came out, he called to let us know the limitations of a Tesla inspection (the Tesla diagnostic computer is proprietary so they can only go by what is shown on the service mode screen as far as error codes and faults). He arrived promptly as promised and did a very thorough inspection, including removing parts as needed to expose the mechanicals of the vehicle. Following the inspection, he explained his findings. He emailed his written report later that day, but we had already decided to go ahead and purchase the vehicle based on his verbal report after the inspection. The inspector was friendly and professional. Definitely would recommend for any pre-purchase auto inspections that you need."
Adam
"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
"Good experience! "
Xin
"Great detailed inspection report!"
Daniel
"Always thorough and excellent service. "
Dwight
"Car advisors did an incredible job, I will definitely use them again and have recommended them to friends and family already. They are extremely thorough with the inspection, I was surprised at the level of detail of their report. Highly recommend!"
Ian
"Reliable service and expert advise always saves me from bad purchases."
Jon
"Oleg did a very thorough job inspecting a vehicle for me. The report that he produced is incredibly detailed. Thanks to his inspection report, I did not make a decision that I would regret."
Customer
"This experience was better than expected. Oddly enough the check engine light came on after purchase and he came out to see what was missed. It was just that the gas cap wasn’t secure. I appreciate the urgent response and quick through inspection. "
Camri
"Eduard was really professional on time and knowledgeable!! I’m glad I had him inspect the vehicle I’m going to purchase! I feel more confident making a decision in my purchase! I hope I get him again if I’m in the market for another car!"
Edgar
"Car Advisors is a phenomenal service to take advantage of. My advisor Oleg, was absolutely wonderful. He was extremely through and found things on my pre-purchas that I would have missed. I will always use car Advisors and I STRONGLY RECOMMEND USING THEM FOR A PRE-INSPECTION BEFORE PURCHASING A USED VEHICLE!!
Stephanie "
Stephanie
"I came across car advisors by looking at yelp for a pre pirchase inspection (PPI) specialist. As a buyer from out of state, I was cautious with whom I should use and after researching his website I was sold. I scheduled an appointment and Oleg and contacted the dealer the next day and completed the inspection. The dealer had 100+ photos online but, Oleg provided some I had not seen before that needed attention. The next day the dealer called me to say how impressed he was with the inspector and the patience it took him to inspect the whole vehicle. After reading my report I messaged Oleg through the website to get clarification on a question I had. He quickly responded and answered my question with satisfaction. If you’re looking for a PPI specialist I highly recommend Car Advisors."
Tyler
"Excellent service."
Lawrence
"Oleg saved the day again! He was able to identify several problems with the car that are safety issues and things the dealer didn't disclose, and cleverly hide in the advertisement of the car. Yes, other car inspections may be a little less in cost, but I remain SATISFIED with Oleg's work and feel like he's looking out for me and my family. Thanks again, Oleg!"
Tamia
"Thank you Oleg! You kept me from buying a car with major issues. While the car had some nice bells and whistles, overall it isn't worth what they were asking, and kept us form having to fix repeated issues. Great service and very detailed and thorough reporting. "
Matthew
"Incredibly helpful. They found things I never would have found on my own. "
MATT
"I was surprised at how quickly Oleg reached out to me. The inspection was scheduled the next day and I had the review that night. I am very pleased with how thorough the inspection was. I will now recommend him to everyone and will be using this again! "
Rianah
"Once again, Oleg saved me money by finding a significant issue. Thanks!"
Gary
"Eduard was amazing. The inspection and report were quite thorough and I really appreciated his candor. "
MichelleDiagnostic 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.
