Birmingham Mobile Mechanics Co.
205-548-8200
Pre-Purchase Used Car Inspections
We don’t care what the seller says — we’ll tell you what the car's true state is.
You found the car. It looks clean. The price sounds good. The seller says it “runs perfect” and was “just serviced.” But you’ve bought used cars before, and you know how this goes. Anyone can polish a turd, clear a check engine light, and roll the odometer back with a grin.
That’s where we come in.
Birmingham Mobile Mechanics Co. offers full, on-site pre-purchase inspections anywhere in the Birmingham Alabama area and surrounding cities. We show up wherever the vehicle is parked — private sale, dealer lot, office park, dirt driveway — and we go over that thing with a sharp eye and a healthy dose of skepticism. Not because we’re paranoid. Because we’ve seen what gets hidden.
If the car’s solid, we’ll tell you.
If it’s a disaster with a fresh coat of wax, we’ll tell you that too.
No bias. No BS. Just facts.
Buying a Used Car Without an Inspection Is a Gamble
You wouldn’t buy a house without an inspection. A vehicle’s no different — it might look fine on the outside, but what’s going on under the hood, under the frame, and inside the wiring is what really matters.
Too many people in Birmingham get burned because they rush the buy. The seller’s pushing. The price looks right. They want it gone today. And a week later, you’re stuck with:
- A blown head gasket
- A failing transmission
- Leaky struts and warped rotors
- An oil-caked engine running on hopes and prayers
- Or a salvage title from a flood three states away
That “deal” just turned into a $3,000 repair bill.
Our job is to stop that from happening.
What’s in a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
We do more than take a quick peek and kick the tires... We run a real-world diagnostic, test critical systems, and look for the tricks sellers don’t want you to notice. Here’s what we check:
🧰 Engine & Powertrain
- Visual inspection for leaks, cracks, and obvious neglect
- Signs of overheating or oil burning
- Engine noise, idle quality, and startup behavior
- Check for smoke, odd smells, or misfires
- Compression checks if needed (on-site)
- Transmission operation — smooth shifts, slippage, hesitation
- Fluid condition (engine oil, trans fluid, coolant, brake fluid, power steering)
⚙️ Suspension, Steering & Brakes
- Bounce test, road feel, and body roll
- Check for clunks, knocks, or wandering
- Rotor and pad wear, brake response, pulling, or vibration
- Parking brake function and hydraulic condition
💡 Electrical Systems
- Battery test and alternator charging check
- Check lights, windows, mirrors, wipers, horn, and all accessories
- Scan for current or stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
- Check for signs of tampering or cleared codes
- Verify odometer matches wear level
🔍 Interior & Cosmetic
- Upholstery condition, headliner, odor check (mold, smoke, etc.)
- HVAC system – heat, A/C, defrost
- All dash lights functional (no warning light tape tricks)
- Door locks, windows, seat adjustments
- Look for signs of flood damage, mildew, or electrical corrosion
🚘 Tires & Frame
- Tread depth and tire age
- Evenness of wear (alignment check)
- Rust inspection — especially undercarriage and suspension
- Frame damage, accident signs, body panel gaps
- VIN verification and label consistency (watch for swapped parts)
🧠 Scan Tool Diagnostics
We plug in and pull real-time data from the vehicle’s onboard computer. This shows us not only what codes are present, but how the car’s been behaving — misfire history, fuel trims, sensor readings, and more.
We can tell if the seller just cleared a light yesterday.
We can tell if that “smooth idle” is masking a history of trouble.
We read the vehicle like a report card.
How Mobile Inspections Work
- You book the appointment. Give us the seller’s info and location. We’ll coordinate the time that's best for everyone involved.
- We show up and inspect. You don’t have to be there — but we’ll walk you through everything by phone if you’re remote.
- We report honestly. We’ll text or call with a summary right after the inspection.
- You decide. No pressure. If it’s a good buy, great. If it’s a rolling money pit, walk away with confidence.
Some customers even use our evaluation to negotiate down the price. If we find issues — and we often do — you’ve got real, professional backup for your offer.
Why Buyers Trust Us
Because we don’t sugarcoat.
We don’t rush.
We don’t care if the car gets sold or not — we’re not part of the sale.
Our only job is to protect you. That means being honest, thorough, and mechanical about it. No guessing. No “looks good from here.” We’ve saved buyers from flood-damaged imports, frame-bent flip jobs, and engines held together by stop-leak and duct tape.
We’ve also confirmed great buys — vehicles that were actually cared for and priced fairly. When that happens, we give you the green light with confidence.
Who’s This For?
Anyone buying a used car — especially:
- Private sales on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp
- Dealer lots that don’t offer warranties
- Out-of-town buyers purchasing remotely
- Parents helping their kids get a first car
- Commercial buyers adding work vehicles or vans
We’ve done inspections for first-time buyers, mechanics who wanted a second opinion, military families, and even out-of-state flippers who just wanted to be sure.
What Happens If You Don’t Get It Inspected?
You roll the dice.
And maybe you get lucky. Maybe the car really is solid. But maybe you drive off with hidden issues that cost thousands — ones a simple inspection could’ve caught in 45 minutes. Once you hand over the cash, it’s your problem... we try to prevent that.
No Shop. No Tow. No Games.
We bring the inspection to you — fast, professional, and brutally honest. You don’t have to wait at a dealership or rely on a seller’s buddy mechanic. We’re independent, mobile, and on your side.
If something’s off, we’ll spot it.
If it’s solid, we’ll back it.
And if it’s sketchy, you’ll know before you buy it — not after.
Get the Truth Before You Buy. Not Regret After.
Don’t get burned buying someone else’s problem. Call us for a mobile pre-purchase inspection in Birmingham, and we’ll give you the real story on that vehicle — before you hand over a dollar. No pressure. No bias. Just the truth.