Honda Pilot

[Dock Boy]

So the wife says she would like to buy a Honda Pilot. We have always purchased GM products. We wouldn't buy a brand new one, but a newer used. Any experience out there on this medium SUV? Any info is appreciated. Thanks!

[Jeremy airjer W]

Decent rides with little problems. Occasionally a vetch solenoid and a bad coil. Other than that I can't think of anything else of the top of my head that would be a frequent problem.

This is a timing belt engine. The timing belts are due somewhere between 60k and 120k. Most of them get done around the 100k mark. Something to considered if buying used and it has not been done. Depending on where you are this would be a $600 to $1000 job.

[Dock Boy]

Thanks!! They sound like a decent rig.

[Dock Boy]

Jeremy, I found a Pilot locally that has about 94,000 on it. They said the timing belt and water pump were done at 89,000. Newer tires. It's the 2009 model EXL. Anything else I should think about on this rig to ask. Also does it pay for me to schedule an appointment at a Honda dealer to look at it before purchase? Thanks again for your time!!

[Basschaser]

Anybody know how these are for towing a boat? I am also looking to possibly buy a used one. I've heard these vehicles are extremely reliable but I'm not sure how they would handle towing a 2500 pound boat.

[delcecchi]

Anybody know how these are for towing a boat? I am also looking to possibly buy a used one. I've heard these vehicles are extremely reliable but I'm not sure how they would handle towing a 2500 pound boat.

Rated to tow 5000 (or maybe 4500). Same as Explorer. Not familiar with GM vehicles.

[spiritman]

if it doesn't already have a hitch, you should check to see if it has a power steering and transmission cooler installed. I have a 2003 w/o a hitch and Honda wouldn't put on a hitch without the above install. I believe it was approximately $1000 for those, plus a hitch. I didn't have it done because I have another tow vehicle. Great vehicle. I haven't had any issues, except the timing belt/water pump, which cost me $1200 at Honda.

[SkunkedAgain]

My boss has owned nothing but Honda Pilots - has six or seven (used for work purposes and at home). He regularly puts a couple hundred thousand miles on these things without blinking. Rarely a problem. I bought his 2003 Pilot for my wife about four years ago. They are solid little SUVs that carry on the solid reputation that Honda has with its Civics and Accords.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Also does it pay for me to schedule an appointment at a Honda dealer to look at it before purchase? Thanks again for your time!!

You don't necessarily have to take it to Honda for a repurchase. Any reputable shop will do them. A good once over can't hurt. That and the guy looking at it may notice other things like previous body damage, etc. Never hurts to get as much info as you can when buying used.

From personal experience many customers are surprised when we/I show them body damage that has been repaired. Some minor some extensive. The usual comment is carfax didn't show it on there report. If it was never claimed through insurance it will not show up. The wife's Camry had $1200 worth of repairs done. A couple of dents scratches and refinish the entire passenger side of the vehicle. The repair is spotless (I couldn't spot any of the repairs and I new where to look. LeMettry's in Maplewood is fantastic!) and will never show up on a carfax since it was not an insurance claim.

[fish_eat_sleep]

Pilots tow fine. Make sure its an AWD so it has the factory towing equipment. Its the typical rev happy Honda though with a 3.5L. A few positives are the springs are sturdy on the back so it squats less than you'd think (8 pass seating) and it sounds great and is really smooth when you rev it unlike some other vehicles.