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.
1
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
"Once again, Oleg did a great job for me. The car he inspected had a number of problems I was not aware of."
Gary
"Oleg was punctual, friendly, attentive, and thorough. Very helpful report and he has great insight and recommendations. Would definitely suggest caradvisors for inspection needs! "
Sara
"This was an amazing service to use. I was advised by the company through a family member and I'm glad i used it because the car i was going to purchase was not in the greatest conditions and Oleg was the one who ran an efficient report and I was able to not get myself turned upside down with this vehicle."
Customer
"I am definitely going to use caradvisors again."
Melorie
"Very professional and very thorough, unbiased opinion on condition of vehicle. Detailed inspection report helped me to make an informed purchase."
Carlos
"I highly recommend CarAdvisors. This inspection saved us a lot of money on a vehicle purchase that would have cost us dearly. There were numerous issues with the car. It is better to spend $150 now for a thorough, detailed pre-purchase inspection report including pictures than to spend a few thousand dollars for a car only to find out from the repair shop that there were costly pre-existing problems later. Thank you, CarAdvisors. - Cynthia"
Raymond
"The technician was knowledgeable, thorough and efficient!"
Jeffrey
"Oleg’s inspection was super thorough, communication was very professional, and we always had a quick reply. The report was delivered the same day and is very comprehensive with more pictures than I could have hoped for. We knew that there was prior damage when we ordered the inspection for this car. It was not a salvage title, but had two accidents reported (which isn't necessarily bad If the repairs were done correctly), Oleg found that there was substandard welding, improper gaps in the panels and poor application of paint. Oleg undoubtedly saved me thousands of dollars from buying this Prius. We are having a second car inspected and hope that this one is the one! I would highly recommend him to anybody before they buy a used car in the Atlanta area, it's the cheapest insurance you will find.
Steve (Knoxville, TN)
"
Steve
"Great service & thorough inspection. I’m so happy that I found this company. As a woman, buying a car alone can be daunting because we can be easy targets. But, this inspection took the insecurities away, & potentially saved me a costly future repair, Big time. Ordering another inspection is a no brainer. "
Tamara
"Car Advisors saved me from expensive repairs once again. I absolutely loved the car and was hoping he did not find anything wrong that would prevent me from purchasing it. Working with car advisors can save you future headaches and unforeseen future expenses in repair bills. Add car advisors as part of your used car buying budget. You will be glad you did and your pockets will thank you later.
Mark"
Mark
"Great report. Oleg was extremely thorough and gave us all the information needed to feel confident about the condition of the vehicle."
Clarke
"great as always!"
Amaya
"Oleg, thank you once again. The Grand Cherokee needed some maintenance taken care of but the dealership would not address or budge on the price so we had to walk away. I cannot see paying a price for a vehicle when maintenance items have not been addressed. Awesome report!"
Robert
"Oleg's car inspection SAVED me from buying a used 2018 Jeep Compass from a dealership that had an oil leak and broken fog light which the dealership had no plans of fixing. They claimed to have done a 160 point inspection on the vehicle but Oleg proved otherwise because they would have caught those issues long before I arrived. I'll never buy a used car without having Oleg look at it beforehand, thank you!"
Tylor
"Edward is very thorough and has saved us a lot of money. Thank you!"
Janice
"It’s been 5 years. Never had an issue with this vehicle. Very happy with Oleg’s services. The dealer was annoyed because it was Memorial Day and they had already done their own inspection. But it didn’t faze Oreg. He was thorough and took his time.
It is time to buy another car and will be using his services again if the vehicle is within his service range."
Elizabeth
"Oleg did a great job with my pre-purchase inspection.
The inspection appointment was easy to schedule, and the inspection was very thorough. Problem areas were clearly pointed out supported by high quality photographs of the vehicle.
The vehicle was also carefully road tested as well.
The inspection report was so detailed it even includes measurements of how thick the paint is on various areas of the vehicle. After reading my inspection report I had high confidence knowing the vehicle I was interested in purchasing was a great vehicle. Thank you Oleg for all of your help. "
Reginald
"We were very happy with the inspection done by CarAdvisors. The process was easy and the report was very thorough. When we had questions about specific items that came up on the inspection, details and explanations were also very helpful and given without hesitation.
We were also working on a tight timeline and he was very accommodating and responsive.
Any time I need to buy a used car in the future, I plan on using CarAdvisors."
Steven
"I was extremely grateful for the inspection performed by Oleg. It prevented me from purchasing a vehicle that needed much work: not a good deal from the dealership. "
Customer
"The inspection was done on time and was very thorough. It allowed us to negotiate a couple of repairs into the purchase that would have otherwise cost money right after the purchase. "
JeffDiagnostic 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
?
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.
?
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.
?
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.
?
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.
?
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.
?
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.
