# Honda Accord 2008–2012 Pre-Purchase Checklist | CarCaseFile

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> Printable pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2008–2012 Honda Accord: the generation-specific checks that separate a good one from someone else's problem.

Case file · HONDA-ACCORD-2008-2012 · Field document

# Honda Accord 2008–2012 · 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

On any V6: check the oil level and condition, then ask the owner how often they top off. A quart every 3,000 miles or less is the VCM oil-consumption tell.

Check 02

On a V6, pull a spark plug or ask for service history. Oil-fouled plugs and past misfire codes point to VCM-related consumption.

Check 03

Ask whether Honda's VCM software update (TSB 11-033) and/or the piston/ring oil-consumption repair (TSB 12-087) were performed; get it in the records.

Check 04

Inspect the REAR brake pads specifically. Inner edges wear out first on this car. Worn rears with healthy fronts is the known EBD pattern.

Check 05

Cold-start a four-cylinder and listen for a 1–2 second rattle/grind at startup, the VTC actuator (TSB 09-010).

Check 06

Check the power-steering reservoir level and look for reddish fluid weeping at the pump and rack seals.

Check 07

Look at the A/C condenser through the grille for stone damage; test A/C output on a hot day.

Walk-away signals

2008–2010 V6 with no VCM/oil-consumption fix history · Any car with undisclosed rear-brake or oil-burning history

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