# GMC Acadia 2007–2016 Pre-Purchase Checklist | CarCaseFile

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> Printable pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2007–2016 GMC Acadia: the generation-specific checks that separate a good one from someone else's problem.

Case file · GMC-ACADIA-2007-2016 · Field document

# GMC Acadia 2007–2016 · Pre-purchase checklist

Bring this to the inspection. Every check below is specific to this generation's documented failure modes, not generic used-car advice.

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Check 01

Cold-start the engine and listen for a rattle in the first few seconds. That's the classic stretched-timing-chain tell. Then scan for codes P0008/P0009/P0016–P0019.

Check 02

Drive it through all gears. Feel for a flare or RPM spike going into 3rd or 5th, and confirm reverse engages firmly and immediately. Slipping reverse is the wave-plate death rattle.

Check 03

Ask for records proving the timing chain and/or 6T75 transmission were already repaired or replaced; a car with documented work is safer than an untouched one.

Check 04

Check the power steering: turn lock-to-lock at idle, listen for a chirp/whine, and look for fluid weeping from the pump, a known leak point.

Check 05

Look under the front of the engine for coolant residue at the water pump; pull the dipstick and cap to check for coolant/oil mixing.

Check 06

Run the A/C on a hot day and watch that the compressor clutch stays engaged over bumps. Intermittent cutout points to the underhood harness/fuse-block issue.

Check 07

On AWD cars, listen for driveline whine and check for service history on the power takeoff unit and rear differential.

Check 08

Pull a VIN recall/special-coverage report (GM owner site or a dealer) to see what was performed and what's now expired.

Walk-away signals

2007–2009 (timing chain + wave plate failures cluster here) · 2010–2012 (still elevated transmission and steering risk)

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