Dealer visit checklist

2025 Honda Accord checklist

Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.

Inspect the car

Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)

Turbocharged 1.5L engine oil dilution in cold climates — a known issue on prior-gen Accords that Honda has addressed but warrants monitoring with regular oil changes
Honda Sensing driver-assist suite (lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise) can be overly sensitive or require recalibration, especially after windshield replacements
Infotainment touchscreen responsiveness complaints carried over from 2023-2024 models; software updates help but lag persists for some users
CVT-equipped models (if applicable) may exhibit minor hesitation at low speeds, common across Honda's lineup but rarely a repair cost concern
Paint quality on lower trims has drawn criticism for susceptibility to chips and swirl marks, adding minor long-term appearance maintenance costs

Know the typical price: about $28,000 for this model year
Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away