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HELP GUIDE FOR
THE NEWLY
ARRIVED
Birmingham was founded on
June 1, 1871, at the crossing of
two railroad lines, stands in the
heart of the Deep South, but is
not an Old South city.
Birmingham is a young,
traditional, vibrant, friendly,
complex, and, some even say,
exotic, Southern city. Unlike
some larger Southern cities that
have chosen to trade soul for
growth and development,
Birmingham has retained its true
Southern character.
Birmingham Facts
Average Temperature: 64˚F
(17.9˚C)
Average Rainfall: 53.69"
(1,363.7 cm)
Average Snowfall: 1.7" (4.3 cm)
Elevation: 644 feet
(140 m)
Land area: 151.9 square miles
(388 km2)
Latitude: 33.53˚ N Longitude:
86.79˚ W
Birmingham is the largest city
in Alabama. The
Birmingham-Hoover
Metropolitan Area (population
1,128,047) houses about onequarter of the entire
population of Alabama.
The city was nicknamed “The
Magic City”, because it was
the fastest growing city in the
country in the 1900s. It is also
nicknamed “The Pittsburg of
the South,” because of its
major iron and steel
industries. The tallest building
in Birmingham, Wells Fargo
Tower, stands at 454 ft.
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT
BIRMINGHAM
International Recruitment & Student Services
Welcome to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), home of
the UAB Blazers!
UAB is a comprehensive urban university and medical center complex
with an annual enrollment exceeding 17,000 students.
As an autonomous campus of the University of Alabama System, UAB
serves the largest metropolitan area in the state. More than one-fifth of
the state’s population lives within 25 miles of the urban campus. With
classes scheduled from 6:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m., UAB offers unique
educational opportunities to area citizens. These programs, combined
with the University’s research and service efforts, make UAB an exciting
institution and a contributing community citizen.
UAB’s primary purpose is to provide educational opportunities for
members of a diverse student body. For this reason, educational
programs are broad-based and designed to serve the most current needs of
contemporary society. At the undergraduate level, degree programs
range from business to the fine arts, from natural sciences to the
humanities and the life sciences. At the graduate level, programs serve
the career needs of educators and business leaders, as well as those
involved in advancing the frontiers of the health sciences. Training for
health professionals is available through programs at the certificate (subbaccalaureate), baccalaureate, masters, doctorate and professional degree
levels.
UAB:
Then and
Now
 1936 - The University
of Alabama opened its
Birmingham Extension
Center in an old house at
2131 6th Avenue North. For
the first term, 116 students
enrolled.
 1955 - Research and
training grants at the
Medical Center totaled
$312,000.
 1969 - Governor
Albert P. Brewer announced
the establishment of The University of Alabama System comprising
autonomous campuses in Tuscaloosa (UA), Birmingham (UAB), and
Huntsville (UAH).
 1970 - UAB received acceptance as a National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA). Total student enrollment for the fall term the
second year of classes at UAB was 6,629, with 2,724 females.
 1973 - The UAB School of Business became the youngest business school
in the nation to be accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate
Schools of Business.
 1977 - The UAB Mini
Park was dedicated.
 1978 - A pink dragon
served as the first
official mascot for
the UAB Blazers.
 1989 - UAB
celebrated $100
million in active
grants and contracts.
 1990 - UAB awarded
its 50,000th degree.
 1992 - U.S. News and
World Report named
UAB the #1 up-andcoming university in
the United States.
 1993 - UAB's
economic impact on
the Birmingham
region was estimated
at more than $1.5
billion per year.
 1995 - Blaze the
dragon was unveiled
as the new UAB mascot.
 1998 - UAB's economic impact on the Birmingham region was estimated
at more than $2 billion per year.
 2001 - Classes began on a semester basis for the first time. UAB was the
last university in the state of Alabama to convert from a quarter to a
semester system.
 2002 - Ground was broken for UAB’s long-awaited Student Recreation
Center.
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 2008 - A
smoke-breathing
statue of the UAB
dragon mascot was
unveiled on the
concourse in front of
Bartow Arena.
Created by T. J.
Neil of Homosassa,
Fla., the three-ton
statue is nine feet
tall and sixteen feet
long.
 2009 - UAB
celebrated its 40th
Anniversary as an independent institution of higher learning, and had the
largest enrollment in the school’s 40-year history. Freshman enrollment
was up 19% and graduate student enrollment hit its largest number ever.
A record 18,047 students enrolled in courses at UAB.
2010 - The Schools of Natural Science and Mathematics, Social and
Behavioral Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and Education are combined
to form the College of Arts and Sciences.
2011- The UAB Bioethics Team was named champions of the 2011
National Bioethics Undergraduate Conference held in Durham, North
Carolina. Dr. Gregory Pence was the faculty sponsor of the team.
2012- For the fourth consecutive year, UAB had a record student
enrollment with 17,999 students entering the fall term. Enrollment of
incoming freshmen increased 4.4 percent and a record number of students
lived in UAB’s on-campus housing.
2013- The University of Alabama Board of Trustees selected Dr. Ray L.
Watts as the seventh president of UAB.
HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS LIST
ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
BIRMINGHAM DRIVERS LICENSE OFFICE………………(205) 252-7445
JEFFERSON TAG AND TITLE……………………………… …(205) 325-7151
http://www.dps.alabama.gov/
http://jeffconline.jccal.org/revenue/
BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU -- (205) 558-2222
http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org
BIRMINGHAM NEWS (Newspaper) -- (205) 325-4444 http://www.bhamnews.com/
BUS SERVICE – SCHEDULE INFORMATON-- (205) 521-0101 http://www.bjcta.org
BOARD OF EDUCATION:
Birmingham -- ..(205) 231-4600 http://www.bhamcityschools.org/domain/108
Jefferson County -- (205) 379-2000 http://www.jefcoed.com/Board/Pages/default.aspx
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE -- (205) 324-2100 http://www.birminghambusinessalliance.com/
CRISIS CENTER-- (205) 323-7777 www.crisiscenterbham.com
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE:
FIRE:
Emergency…………………………………………………………………911
Other ………………………………………………………...(205) 254-2052
http://www.birminghamal.gov/fire/index.html
POLICE:
Birmingham Police Department
Emergency………………………………………………………………...911
Other…………………………………………………………(205) 328-9311
http://www.informationbirmingham.com/police
UAB Police Department
UAB Emergency…………………………………………..(205) 934-3535
UAB Other……….…………………………….…………...(205) 934-4434
www.uab.edu/police
UAB Hospital……………………………………………………….(205) 934-9999
www.health.uab.edu
JEFFERSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE :……………...................(205) 325-5300
http://jeffconline.jccal.org/home/
LIBRARYIES – You can join for free if you can prove you live in Birmingham:
Birmingham Public Library— (205) 226-3600 www.bham.lib.al.us
UAB Sterne Library – (205) 934-6364 http://www.mhsl.uab.edu/
UAB Lister Hill Library-- (205) 934-2230 http://www.uab.edu/lister/
UTILITIES – NEW SERVICE:
Alabama Gas Corporation -- .1-800-292-4008
www.alagasco.com
Alabama Power Company -- 1-800-245-2244 www.alabamapower.com
Birmingham Water Works-- (205) 244-4000 www.birminghamwaterworks.com
CELL PHONE PROVIDERS:
Cellular Express – (205) 941-1144 – 337 Green Springs Hwy (Carries Tmobile, Boost, and Virgin)
Walmart – Carries many different options
Tmobile – www.t-mobile.com
Simple Mobile -- www.mysimplemobile.com
Boost Mobile – www.boostmobile.com
Virgin Mobile – www.virginmobileusa.com
If you bring your own cell phone, often you can just purchase a sim card to get US service with
no contract. Prices vary from $35-75 dollars per month depending upon the kind of service you
need.
TIME, TEMPERATURE, & WEATHER-- (205) 664-3010
www.weather.com
UAB NUMBERS TO KNOW
CAREER SERVICES…………………………………………………
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES………………
FINANCIAL AID………………………………………………
HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE……………………
INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & STUDENT SERVICES.
REGISTRATION/ACADEMIC RECORDS……………………
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT- Leadership organizations……
STUDENT AFFAIRS (Activities)……….……………………
GRADUATE SCHOOL………………………………………
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS……………………
…..(205) 934-4324
…………………..(205) 934-4205
…………..(205) 934-8223
………….(205) 934-2092
.(205) 934-3328
……...(205) 934-8222
…..(205) 934-8020
………..(205) 934-8225
……………(205) 934-8227
……………..(205) 934-8221
TIPS ON NAVIGATING WWW.UAB.EDU AND BLAZERNET
Changing Your Address – Blazernet under Personal Information – All students must update
their local mailing address
Insurance – Blazernet under Personal Information – Mandatory Insurance Plan
www.uab.edu – Upper Right Hand Corner – Quick Links – This will help you get to
Blackboard, Directory (Campus phonebook), Academic Calendar, etc. You can also use the
search engine on the UAB Main page.
HEALTH INSURANCE AND MEDICAL IMMUNIZATIONS
Student Health Information – www.uab.edu/studenthealth -- This is where you can obtain
your Personal Health History Form. All students will need to provide the university with
immunization information.
You will go to www.certifiedbackground.com and create a profile. In this profile, you will
scan an upload your Student Health History Form and immunizations. International
Students in non-clinical programs (Ex. Business, Computer Science, Math, History, English,
etc.), will use the package code UC66. If you are in a health related programs, such as Public
Health, Nursing, etc, you must get the package code information from your
department/program. As you enter your profile information, you will be prompted for a
Social Security number, if you do not have one, please enter 000-00-0000. Questions, please
email [email protected] .
TB Skin tests must be done in the US unless you did the Quantiferon Gold Blood Test in
your home country. If you have a positive test, you may have to do a chest x-ray at the
Jefferson County Department of Health which is located at 1400 166th Ave South (205) 9339110.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
MAX (Metro Area Express) provides an in-town
bus service and maintains the trolley-style
D.A.R.T. buses in the downtown area. Bus
schedules are available near the Information Desk
at the Hill University Center. For additional
schedule information and prices, please contact
205-521-0101 or visit www.bjcta.org
GREYHOUND/TRAILWAYS provides interstate
and Canada bus service. For more information, please call
1-800-231-2222 or visit
www.greyhound.com
AMTRAK provides daily railroad passenger
service. For more information, please call 1800-872-7245 or visit www.amtrak.com
TAXIS: There are several taxi companies in
the Birmingham Metro Area. Check the
Yellow Pages www.yellowpages.com for
additional listings.
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Yellow Cab Company……..(205)328-4444
American Cab Company.…(205)322-2222
AIRPORT SHUTTLE
Airport Express Shuttles from Birmingham to Atlanta – www.theairportexpress.com
CHURCHES, MOSQUES, AND SYNAGOGUES
Feel free to attend the religious organization of your choice. For a more complete listing,
check the Yellow Pages at www.yellowpages.com
BAPTIST
Southside Baptist Church
1016 19th Street South
(205)933-8381
PRESBYTERIAN
South Highland Presb. Church
2035 Highland Avenue South
(205)933-0790
METHODIST
Highlands United Met. Church
1045 20th Street South
(205)933-8751
BUDDHIST
Tibetan Losel Maitri – Tibetan Buddhist Center
3118 Belwood Drive Suite 116
Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
(205) 262-9186
ISLAMIC
Birmingham Islamic Society
Muslim Community Center
2524 Hackberry Lane
Hoover , AL 35209
(205) 879-4247
LUTHERAN
St. Paul Lutheran Church
132 6th Avenue South
(205) 324-2063
EPISCOPAL
St. Andrews Episcopal Church
1024 12th Street South
(205) 251-7898
AFRICA METHODIST EPISCOPAL
Bethel AME Church
2617 Mamie L Foster 18th Place South, Homewood
(205) 780-4393
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE
The First Church of Christ, Scientist
3116 Highland Avenue
(205) 933-8880
HINDU
200 North Chandalar Drive
Pelham, AL 35124
(205) 621-1155
ROMAN CATHOLIC
St. Stephen University Parish
1515 12th Avenue South
(205)933-2500
JEWISH --Reformed
Temple Emanu-El
2100 Highland Avenue South
(205)933-8037
U.S. POSTAL SERVICE (www.usps.com)
Downtown
351 24th Street North
Birmingham, AL 35203
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
UAB Post Office
1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingha, Al 35294
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday: Closed
South Highland
1821 11th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35205
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
APPLYING FOR ALABAMA DRIVER’S LICENSE
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU BRING AN INTERNATIONAL LICENSE,
YOUR HOME COUNTRY LICENSE MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED IN ALABAMA
UNLESS YOU HAVE ONE
Who’s eligible to apply for an Alabama driver’s license?
Anyone in a valid nonimmigrant status (F, J, H, TN, and their dependents), a U.S.
citizen or a permanent resident can apply for an Alabama driver’s license. Alabama law
requires that the applicant must have a U.S. social security number or proof from Social
Security Administration that they are not eligible for a social security number (denial letter).
Do you need a social security number to obtain an Alabama driver’s license?
Yes. BUT, for those individuals who do not have, or are not eligible to obtain, a U.S.
social security number, you should go to the Social Security Administration located at 1200
Rev Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, Alabama, 35285 and request proof of denial of
the social security number. This letter should state that you are not eligible for a social
security number. It should be presented along with your immigration documents to the
driver’s license office. F-1 and J-1 students without a job will have to get a Social Security
denial letter in order to obtain a driver’s license or State ID.
Where do you go to apply for an Alabama driver’s license?
There are several offices in Birmingham where people can apply for an Alabama
driver’s license but due, to the complicated nature of immigration documentation, Foreign
Nationals must go to the following address:
908 Bankhead Highway
Birmingham, AL 35204
Phone #: (205)252-7445
http://www.dps.alabama.gov
What are the hours of business for the driver’s license office?
The written and road exams are offered Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
They administer tests on a first come, first serve basis, so make sure you get there as early as
possible.
What documents should you take when applying for the Alabama driver’s license?

Valid foreign passport with an acceptable visa or resident alien card

I-94 card documenting the applicant’s most recent admittance into the United
States

Social Security Card (or number verification) or letter from Social Security
stating non-eligibility

If dependent of F or H, you will need to bring a denial letter from the Social
Security Administration to prove you are not eligible for a number. F-1 or J-1
students without a job also need a denial letter.

Bring one of the following items: DS-2019, I-20, H approval notice, O approval
notice, or TN/TD approval notice

Birth certificate (not required but helpful if you have it with you)

F-1 or J-1 students need to submit a Letter of Good Standing from IRSS.

People in Adjustment of Status to Permanent Resident must have an
Employment Authorization Document (work permit) to be eligible. The
expiration date on the license will be based upon the work authorization.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: In order to apply for a license, or renew a license, you must have at
least 160 days left in your immigration status as reflected by the program or status end date
on your I-20, DS-2019, or other immigration documents. This does not include any grace
periods. Renewals cannot be completed until you are within 30 days of the driver’s license
expiration date.
TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (ITIN) VERSUS SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN)
In order to receive any type of scholarship or fellowship (trainee) payment from UAB, you
need a Tax Identification Number. If you have a job or assistantship which pays an actual
salary (not fellowship, traineeship, or athletic scholarship), you need a Social Security
Number (SSN). Only those with verifiable employment can receive a SSN. If a person has a
SSN or is in the process of obtaining one, they are not eligible for an ITIN.
If you qualify for a Tax ID number, then you need to make an appointment with an
authorized ITIN person and provide the following documentation:
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Original passport, visa, I-94 card, and I-20/DS-2019 or other documentation
verifying current immigration status
Copies of passport, visa, I-94 card (both sides), and I-20/DS-2019 or other
documentation verifying current immigration status (ex. I-797)
Social Security Administration denial letter (Social Security will be at the
Activity Fairs)
Bank Request letter for ITIN (You must obtain this letter from your bank
before mailing your ITIN application)
BUYING A BICYCLE
There are bicycle shops in Birmingham where bicycles and/or accessories are sold. For a
more comprehensive list, please visit www.yellowpages.com.
BOB’S BIKES
1944 28th Avenue South
Homewood, AL
205-879-2258
HOMEWOOD CYCLE AND FITNESS
2834 18th Street South
Homewood, AL
205-879-3244
www.bobs-bikes.com
www.cahabacycles.com
BIG K(K-mart)
230 Green Springs Hwy
Homewood, AL
205-916-0610
www.kmart.com
WAL-MART SUPERCENTER
209 Lakeshore Pkwy
Homewood, AL
205-945-8692
www.walmart.com
SAM’S CLUB (Must have a
membership card)
201 Lakeshore Pkwy
Homewood, AL
205-941-3326
www.samsclub.com
Used bikes are sold through the newspaper in
the classified advertising section. See the
When you are looking for an apartment, you need to find somewhere that you will be comfortable for
the duration of your time renting. You will be making a formal agreement, called a lease, with the
landlord, or with UAB housing if you choose to live on-campus. A lease is a contract where the
landlord allows the tenant temporary use of a dwelling in return for payment, known as rent. This
sounds straightforward, but it is a legal obligation. Make sure you feel safe, happy and comfortable
where you plan to live. If you make a bad decision, you may have to pay high financial penalties to
break your leasing agreement.
Birmingham News, UAB Reporter, Kaleidoscope, or Thrifty Nickel. They are also
sometimes sold at garage/yard sales. Garage/yard sales are advertized in the newspaper sold
on Fridays.
AVOID THEFT!! Buy a quality lock because many bikes are stolen in the Birmingham area.
Locks are available at all bike shops, and at department stores. You can ask the
salesperson’s advice as to which is the best quality lock. The UAB Police advises that, when
you purchase a lock, be sure to buy a lock that cannot be cut with bolt cutters. The police
also strongly suggest that you bring your bicycle indoors with you, if possible.
RENTING APARTMENT
Questions to ask before signing the lease:
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How much is the rent?
When is the rent due?
What is included in the rent payment? Utilities? Phone? Cable?
Do you require a security deposit?
Will you return my security deposit when I move out?
For how long may I sign a lease agreement? What is the minimum length of lease I
have to sign?
What are the penalties if I have to break my lease early?
Does the lease renew automatically?
If I am not going to renew my lease, how much notice do I need to give?
Is subletting allowed? If yes, what are the procedures?
Are there laundry facilities?
Do you have furnished apartments available?
Where is the nearest grocery store?

Do you allow for wall decorations, such as pictures, to be hung?
If you have a car or a motorcycle:
 Is parking available and what kind is it? Garage,
parking lot or street?
 Are there any
charges for parking?
 Are there an
assigned number of
parking spaces per unit?
If you have a pet:
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
Are pets allowed? Is there a maximum size? Weight?
Height? Type?
Is there a pet deposit? How much is it? Is it
refundable?
If you have children:
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Do you allow children?
Do you have childcare facilities? If you do, are there additional charges?
Where is the nearest school or daycare?
Where is the nearest playground or park?
Where to look for an apartment:
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www.apartments.com
www.selectmyspace.com
www.al.com
www.rent.com
www.apartmentfinder.com
www.liveonhighland.com
www.bluecanoeproperties.com
www.apartmentguide.com
www.birmingham-apartment.com
ApartmentList.com
http://www.universityhouse.com/uh-birmingham/
http://www.theplaceapts.com/
http://www.cityville-apts.com/apartment_communities/cityvilleBlock121-Birmingham/
TIPS FOR FINDING A ROOMMATE
Questions to consider and ask:
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Before you begin your roommate search, make a list of everything you want in a
roommate. Also, make a list of everything you do not want in a roommate. This will
help you select or eliminate candidates later on.
Before making your decision, make sure to conduct a thorough interview with a
potential candidate.
o Discuss if this person is a night or a morning person. Failure to learn this
information up front may negatively affect your sleep and studies.
o Discuss and set rules on visitors, especially during the week and on days when
you have a morning class. This includes girlfriends/boyfriends and possible
“sleepovers”.
o Discuss topics such as groceries, cleaning up, and use of furniture.
o Make sure to ask about smoking, and set up rules up front about smoking in
the house.
o Discuss pets and significant others. You do not want to sign an agreement
only to realize that this person is moving in with their significant other or a
pet.
o Discuss allergies and religious practices. For example, if your potential
roommate is a vegetarian, would he/she be offended if you prepare meat in the
house?
Ask for a list of previous landlords and employers. This will help you learn more
about the individual. Ask questions such as:
o Why did your previous lease/employment end?
o Were there any problems/complaints?
o Did you pay rent on time?
Ask for personal references. Ask for a letter, or contact information.
Discuss rent, when it is due every month, and additional security deposits before your
roommate moves in.
Please note that your best friend may not always be the best roommate.
Where to look for a roommate:
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Post an ad in your department/school
Post an ad in a local newspaper
Ask your friends if they know of someone looking for a room to rent
Check out roommate-finding sites online (such as www.roommates.com)
RENTER’S INSURANCE
What would you do if all
your personal possessionscomputer laptop, TV, DVD
player, cell phone, MP3
player, calculator, textbooks,
clothing - were stolen or
destroyed?
 National Student Services Inc.
provides property insurance to students
living in residence halls, off-campus
apartments or houses.
 The Student Personal Property
Plan covers clothing, textbooks, musical
instruments, computers, furniture,
electrical (such as TVs, cell phones,
microwaves, etc.), photographic cameras
and lenses, etc.
For more information, please visit www.nssi.com

Please note National Student Services Inc. is
only one of many insurance companies that
provide services for college student.
 For additional companies, please visit
www.yellowpages.com
We hope you never have to
experience such a loss while
at UAB, or elsewhere, but just
in case…
GET RENTERS INSURANCE!
Better safe than sorry.
RESTAURANTS AND GROCERY STORES
There are many restaurants within walking distance of UAB. Here are a few restaurants in
the area:
The Commons
Located at the Commons on the Green
Diner (upstairs on 2nd Floor
Located on Campus
Simply to Go
Wow Cafe
Einstein Brothers Bagles
ZeBi
Starbucks
Power Zone
http://www.uab.edu/dining/locations
Near UAB
Al’s Deli & Grill
1629 10th Avenue S
(205) 939-4278
Purple Onion
1717 10th Avenue S
(205) 933-2424
Burger King
1524 6th Avenue S
(205) 933-2653
Arby’s
2100 7th Avenue S
(205) 328-2586
th
Subway (Sandwiches)
1321 10 Avenue S
(205) 939-3100
th
Giuseppe’s Italian
925 8 Street S
(205) 324-2626
th
Mellow Mushroom (Pizza) 1200 20 St S, #100
(205) 212-9420
Dreamland BBQ
1427 14th Ave S
(205) 933-2133
Chick-Fil-A
2000 Highland Avenue S
(205) 930-8000
The Fish Market
612 22st Street S
(205) 322-3330
th
Golden Temple (Vegetarian) 1901 11 Avenue S
(205) 933-8933
th
Original Pancake House
1931 11 Avenue S
(205) 933-8837
th
Surin West (Thai)
1918 11 Avenue S
(205) 324-1928
Taj India
2226 Highland Avenue S
(205) 939-3805
Metroprime Steakhouse
1035 20th Street S
(205) 623-5288
Makarios
940 20th Street S
(205) 731-7414
Sekisui Pacific Rim
1025 20th St S
(205) 933-1025
Sitar
729 20th Street S
(205) 323-6500
Becky’s South (Burgers)
2009 University Blvd
(205) 324-2421
Lucy’s Coffee & Tea
2007 University Blvd
(205) 328-2007
Grocery Stores
Piggly Wiggly—3314 Clairmont Avenue (205) 252-0684 – (Lakeview Stop on the DART puts
you within 2 blocks )
Chai’s Oriental Food Store 2133 7th Avenue S
(205) 324-4873
Western Supermarket
2230 Highland Avenue S
(205) 933-6220
CVS
1431 11th Ave S
(205) 933-8374
BUYING A CAR
Do not provide any type of payment or deposit to see and/or test drive the car. Pay for the
vehicle only when you are taking possession of it.
Buying from a car dealership:
 You may buy a new or used car from a car dealership. Some dealerships have a make
focus, such as Toyota or Honda, while others sell various makes and models.
 Used cars that are available for purchase at a dealership are trade-ins: a person came
in his/her old car, bought a new car from the dealership, and sold their old car to the
dealership.
 Please note that dealership-owned cars may be more expensive.
Buying from a private person:
 These cars are sold by private citizens. You can find ads in a local newspaper, or
online at www.craigslist.com
 Be aware: not all advertisements are legitimate, so use caution. If the offer sounds too
good to be true, it probably is. The best advice is to walk away from such
advertisements.
 Always check the car on Kelley’s Blue Book for its value. You may visit
www.kbb.com for a reference.
 Always ask for a CarFax report. If the owner refuses to provide one, ask for the VIN
number of the car and look it up yourself. CarFax is not free, and you will be required
to pay a fee to set up the service. However, CarFax will provide you with information
on the previous owners and reported car accidents. For more information, please visit
www.carfax.com
Problems to look for before buying a car:
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Always visually inspect the car before purchasing. If you are not sure, ask the
owner to meet you at a mechanics store and ask for a mechanic to inspect the
vehicle for you.
Always test drive a vehicle before purchasing it.
Always ask for how many miles are on the odometer and if the vehicle was ever in
a car accident.
Always ask for the type of title that is on the vehicle. If the vehicle has a salvaged
title, this means the car was in a car accident and was deemed as a total loss by a
car insurance company. Vehicles with salvaged titles are difficult to insure in the
state of Alabama.

Leaks - Look at the pavement under the car for dark stains or puddles. This may
indicate that the oil or brake fluid is leaking which can be expensive to repair.

Body – Look for any type of rust or “bubbling” under the car’s paint. Check the
wheel wells, door edges, and trunk floor and lid. Bring a small magnet and try
attaching it to different exterior areas of the car’s body. If it does not stick, this
might indicate that the car was hastily repaired with temporary plastic parts,
possibly due to an accident. Ask the seller what happened.

Steering – Before turning on the ignition, unlock the steering wheel and turn it.
There should not be a lot of motion or “play”. When driving, there should not be
any vibration in the steering.

Engine and Transmission – The car should start and accelerate smoothly. If there
is any bucking, skipping, hesitation, or noise, the car will probably need expensive
repairs. Check the gears; they should shift smoothly and quietly.

Tires – Bald tires, or multiple brands of tires, on a car whose odometer only says
10,000 miles could mean that the odometer has been “rolled back” or
disconnected. Check for uneven tire wear which can indicate an accident or
alignment problem. Remember to examine the trunk and spare tire equipment.
Make sure all the necessary parts of the jack are there, and that there are no water
leaks in the trunk.
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Suspension – Push and pull the top of each front tire. If it moves or makes a noise,
the bearings or suspension joints could be badly worn. Push down with your body
weight on each fender and make the car bounce up and down a few times. Then
give the car one more downward push and release it. The car should bounce back
up and stop moving. If it does not level off and continues to bounce, it may need
repairs or new shock absorbers.
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Interior – Be sure to check window controls, safety belts, seat adjusters, warning
lights, wipers, washers, radio, heater and air conditioner. Check the seats for
comfort, broken springs, and torn seat covers. Have a friend stand in front of and
behind the car while you turn on the headlights, turn signals, parking lights, and
brake lights. Everything should be in good working condition. Look at the
rubber pedal pads; if they are greatly worn or new and the car has low mileage,
ask questions. Also, check along the window seams for water leaks.

Alignment – Drive straight, through a puddle if possible, with a friend standing
outside the rear of the car. The front and rear wheel should follow each other in a
straight line. If it moves, even slightly, to one side, then it was probably in an
accident and has a bent frame. This is very expensive to repair. Do not buy the
car.
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Brakes – Drive the car at 45 mph on a quiet road and apply the brakes firmly
without locking them. Do this three times. The car should come to a quick stop
without swerving, and the brakes should not vibrate or grab. When you stop the
car completely, push the brake pedal down. It should stop well off of the floor. If
not, and it goes down close to the floor or feels spongy, there may be a leak in the
brake fluid or problems with the master cylinder. These repairs can be very
expensive.
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Oil Use – After the engine has warmed up, drive the car at highway speed and take
your foot off the gas pedal for a few seconds. Then, press the gas pedal down hard
for two seconds and have a friend look for exhaust smoke. Blue smoke means the
car is burning oil. Repairs for this car could be very expensive. Black smoke
means that that fuel system may need a minor adjustment.
ADDITIONAL HELPFUL WEBSITES
 Alabama Local News
www.al.com
 The Official Website for Birmingham Alabama
www.informationbirmingham.com
Help Guide 2012-2013.docx
SF-05/14/2013