Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

bbug1

Just curious, are there 3 point seatbelts and head rests in all seating positions?

toca

Perhaps you'll have better luck getting an answer here:

/WebX?ed_displayMakeModelRelatedD- iscussions@@.ef14c39!make=GMC&model=Yukon%20- Denali

habitat1

01r1,

I will be looking into this further with my accountant; however, the difference between under 6,000 lbs and over appears very significant. According to a reprint of a Forbes magazine article, the first year write-offs on a 6,000 lb+ GVW vehicle amount to $25,000 on a $45,000 price. At my federal and DC tax rates, that results in a tax savings of nearly $11,000. As a vehicle under 6,000 lbs, the first year write off on a $31,000 Pilot is less than $4,000, for a tax savings of under $2,000. A "small" SUV follows the same depreciation schedule as a passenger car, whereas there are significantly higher deprecaition rates for a large SUV or business "truck".

That said, I certainly won't compromise getting a vehicle I don't like to reduce my taxes. It's just that it makes the economic comparison a little more interesting.

dako_tian,

Did you consider - and have any comments - on the Sequoia?

clpurnell

If you really want a smaller SUV for business purposes lease it then you can write off 80% or more of your lease payment.

dako_tian

bbug1: The Yukon/Yukon XL has 3-point seatbelts for the driver and front-seat passenger in the first row (if you get a front bench seat, the middle seat provides only a lap belt). The second/middle row provides 3-point seatbelts in all 3 positions. The third row provides 3-point seatbelts in the outboard positions and a lap belt only in the center seat.

On vacation next summer with SIL & family, we will put a harness-equipped booster seat in that center third row position for our by-then 5-year-old son. One of the 3-point positions in the second/middle row will have a car seat (for our by-then 3-year-old daughter) and the remaining 6 positions (we got the 8-passenger arrangement) will provide 3-point seat belts for the 4 adults and 2 older children. We expect an excess of cargo space in the back (perhaps encouraging entirely too many and too large purchases?!) and room for a cooler behind the driver's seat, under the legs of our daughter. Should be very comfy for the Disneyland trek.

Habitat1: The 2003 closeout Yukon XL deal ($30,679) was at my outermost comfort zone limits. The Sequoia was way past that. In addition, the Sequoia didn't seem to improve significantly over a Pilot and fell short of the Sienna in cargo room for the requisite luggage accompanying the 8 passengers. Though it wouldn't have stopped us, I also am not at all attracted to the Sequoia's looks (though it seems a fine vehicle in almost every other way).

jay_24

I too went with a domestic SUV (tahoe). 2003 and newer GMs have shoulder belts in the second row center possition. It doesn't have the head rest. However our 6 year old is still able to sit there since the seat back is more than high enough. Our 11 month old will be able to use that posstion for probably another 8 or 9 years so that will work for us.

The kids love the third row! The flip and fold seats are easy enough for my 6 year old girl to do. Kills storage space however.

The shoulder belts and head rests are commonly over looked safety concerns. I'm supprised more domestic vehicals don't have them. Ford really missed here with many laps belts for the center possition.

As for price. Our 2003 4x4 Tahoe with third row, standard class 3 hitch and 5.3 engine was over $3k less than what the stuffy Honda dealer wanted for a Pilot with towing package. We did test drive and enjoyed the Pilot. We just set a 30k price limit.

--jay

vasub

The 7 seater Volvo XC90 is over 6000 lbs with both engines (2.5 T5 and 2.9 T6).

I would double check about the Lexus GX470 qualifying for the tax break. The GX is exactly 6000 lbs, the tax code says it should be GREATER than 6000 lbs. There have been a lot of postings in the Lexus and Volvo forums about the GX not qualifying. I'm not an accountant, but I would definitely double-check this.

I too have a business (S-corp) and have been leaning towards the Volvo for this reason. I believe the Land Rovers are over 6000 lbs too.

lzk

silverpilot03

Both vehicles meet the "over 6000# GVW" requirement of the tax code. I have not checked in the last month, but the deduction WAS raised to 100,000 for year 1. Attempts were being made to get this out of the budget, but I lost track of progress. In reality, most of the cost of a HUMMER can be deducted. This loophole might be closed soon and I hope to finalize a toureg purchase before common sense hits our legislative branch.

dako_tian

You all do realize that the deduction is for a vehicle used 100% for business, correct? It would be nasty to get caught in what would be a fairly simple crackdown by the IRS....

imidazol97

Is the deduction only for 100% business use!!!

I see a lot of large SUVs with magnetic/painted business labels sitting in the parking lot at Bravo's and other restaurants on weekend evenings.
And at the soccer games with their kids.
Maybe I need to start taking notes and send them to the local IRS office so they know whom to start checking data on usage.

dako_tian

If you don't mind that feeling that you'd better keep checking over your shoulder, then maybe there's a 10% finders fee for any funds the IRS recovers....

willieandmary

I'm wondering if it's sufficient to go to the local dealer or worth finding one with a better service department. I can't figure out how to determine which service departments have a better reputation. Is anyone from White Plains NY or nearby? Thanks!

habitat1

Better re-check your figures. According to Edmunds and Volvo's website, none of the XC90 models exceed 6,000 lbs GVW.

As for 100% business usage, that is not a requirement. One needs to keep a log and apportion the mileage between business and personal and prorate expenses and deductions accordingly.

wmquan

Better re-check your figures. According to Edmunds and Volvo's website, none of the XC90 models exceed 6,000 lbs GVW.

Please see:

http://www.volvoxc90.com/details/specs.shtml

Gross vehicle weight (curb weight + payload capacity) for the 7-passenger AWD XC90's are 6,005 / 6,080 lb (2.5T / T6).

nortsr1

I believe the tax deduction is for "curb weight" and not "payload capacity". I this is the case, then the XC90 is "below" 6000lbs.

jlitterer

Any idea when we'll get a longterm update or wrap-up on the 2003 Edmunds Honda Pilot?

wmquan

I believe the tax deduction is for "curb weight" and not "payload capacity". I this is the case, then the XC90 is "below" 6000lbs.

The IRS rules are based on gross vehicle weight. It's not based on curb weight (there are not many 6,000 lb passenger vehicles out there). GVWR is the maximum loaded weight of the vehicle, including fuel, fluids, and payload. One can find it in the door jamb.

The XC90 7-passenger AWD variants definitely qualify for the full tax break.

clpurnell

What are the break in procedures for the Pilot. Do we have to change the oil at 1k miles?

porknbeans

It should be in the owners manual. IIRC, you don't change ANYTHING until 7,500 or 10,000 miles.

01r1

Well, you do change at 3500 miles if you fall in the more severe service category. Check the owners manual.

rcpulk

First, I want to say that I LOVE my pilot--had it since September--3500 miles. I have an 03 and had the opportunity to buy an 04 at the time. The dealership lied to me and told me the only change in the 04 was heated seats in the leather. Well, obviously the 04 has adjustable 2nd row Now, here is the silly question. Is there any way to change my second row to become adjustable? I'm sure I know the answer, but can't hurt to ask. Also, any luck reducing the wind noise using window guards?

clpurnell

What are your thoughts on this. I have been following this service schedule on my infiniti and have on all my previous cars. Now on the pilot I do not know if it is warranted and I don't want to throw away money if I don't have to. Here are the driving behaviors and environments for my cars.

Pilot - Primarily driven by wife, infrequent short trips of less than 10 miles roundtrip during he week and driven 150 or so miles each weekend on trips of varying length.

FX35 Was driven the same as the pilot is now for the begining of it's life. Now however it wil be driven about 45 miles per day during the week and on infrequent trips on the weekends.

We live in houston where in the summer (April - October) temps are in the 90's and A/C is used a lot. Coldest weather in the winter is about 50 during the day and drops below freezing 3-4 times per year overnight.

Would this qualify my vehicles for the Severe schedule or should I be saving money and using the standard schedule. They are both leases so not too concerned about long term high mileage use (by me anyways).

qbrozen

here

qbrozen

here

habitat1

You are indeed correct about the XC90 being over 6,000 lbs GVW with the 3rd row seating package.

However, I went to the dealer yesterday and found the third row seating in the XC90 to be USELESS. Not just for adults, but for kids. I tried putting my 60 lb 8 year old duaghter in the 3rd seat and, when the 2nd row was returned to it's normal position, here legs were severely squished. My 40 lb 5 year old fared better, but by law, shes suppossed to be in a booster seat. Is the XC90's third row seat good for ANYTHING? I can get my daughters into the back of a friend's 911, but not the XC90's third row.

We tried out the PILOT and it felt cavernous by comparison.

Question: How do running boards help with kids getting in and out of the 2nd/3rd row? What do they cost?

itsmedude

I didn't install the running boards. Instead I put the side steps on. I think they are sportier. They help my kids alot. They can use it to get in and out easily. I paid $400 shipped to my door. I believe running boards are maybe $50 more. Took me about 2 hours to install. Just a lot of nuts and bolts to tighten.

ANyone have any success burning a DVD+R media and able to play on the Pilot? I have tried both DVD Xcopy Xpress and DVD Shrink to rip the movie and then burned it but both methods were unsuccessful. I have read numerous stories about how others are able to play DVD-R but none said they could do DVD+R. I hate to have to go out and get a dual format drive especially I have a 100 DVD+R spindle sitting here.

dklanecky

Another issue with running boards vs. the side steps (bars) is with snow/ice. If you have to deal with snow where you live, it will tend to build up on the running boards more so than side steps. It also usually turns to ice (at least in Wisconsin) then making the running boards useless.

Personally, I'd only consider the side steps/bars if snow is an issue where you live.

habitat1

Thanks for the info regarding side steps - I will look into those as well. Did you by these from an aftermarket mail order company or from Honda? Please post a web address if you have one. Thanks much.

itsmedude

I live in Boston and I got mine at Manchester Honda in CT which is like 2 hours away. They shipped same day I ordered and I got it the next day. It is www.manhonda.com and not only was it the cheapest between all Honda places I looked but also the cheapest to ship (because I was so close to them). The folks there are great to work with. I ordered roof bars and it came missing a part and I called them and they shipped the missing part out.

dklanecky

They're actually an option from the honda dealers. You can see them on the web site when you build a pilot.

If you just do a google search, you'll come up with lots to look at. The link below is one example.

http://honda.autowebaccessories.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=- 24_36_66&products_id=212

mrkn

I am looking into purchasing a 2004 Pilot EX with Navigation system. Unfortunately, you get leather seating whether you want it or not. For those of you that purchased the Pilot with leather how do you like it. Is the quality of the leather decent. How is the wear and tear.

I know that the seats are not all leather. Does anyone know what part of the seat is leather, is it the entire seating surface, with the sides vinyl or are the perforated pieces the only thing that is leather. I like the leather in the Acura but not sure about it in the Honda.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

qbrozen

We like the leather just fine. It seems to me that it is thinner than the leather in, say, my Volvo, but that also makes it a bit softer and has more "give" to it. So I think its a trade-off. So far its seems to show creases less than my volvo, too, but, then again, its 5 years younger, so who knows what time will do to it.

Only the seatbacks are not leather and, I've heard, the 3rd row is not leather but a fake vinyl/leather. I'm not sure if this is even true or, if it is, why this is the case.

wmquan

The third row seat is fully vinyl, on both the Pilot and the MDX. The main reasons for this are cost reduction, and because in practicality, the third row is mostly for kids and they tend to be messy.

davidm12

What is the difference between Pilot LX and EX? I am not talking about known options and features. Is there a difference in handling and ride? Is cloth on LX any different from cloth on EX? I'm trying to figure out if the difference in price is worth it. I don't really care about all those extra bells and whistles that EX has. Thanks.

qbrozen

From the honda website:
For that extra bit of refinement, the Pilot EX is the sure choice. It adds a synchronized front and rear automatic climate control system, upgraded interior fabric, an AM/FM/Cassette/CD audio system with 7 speakers (including subwoofer) and the HomeLink® remote system. A security system with remote entry helps to keep your Pilot safe, and roof rails and 16" alloy wheels add style to an already good-looking SUV.

so it looks like the cloth is upgraded in the EX. No, the ride and handling would not be noticeably different.

It all depends on what you are looking for. For me, the much better stereo, privacy glass, power seat, keyless entry, and roof rails made the extra money well worth it. Actually, I considered the roof rails and power seat absolute necessities.

clpurnell

The Pilot ex might ride slightly different due to Alloy wheels vs Steel wheels.

dako_tian

If so, that would make a difference (maybe only a couple hundred dollars, but more if you cannot wait until the cheaper ones wear out)....

qbrozen

i thought about the EX alloys vs. LX steelies and started to even write a little bit about how that would affect unsprung weights, etc. But then checked the curb weights and decided that the extra few pounds of the EX would probably offset it. In any case, a few pounds here or there really isn't going to make much of a difference on a 4400 lb. SUV.

hansienna

Evening TV showed results of testing damage to bumpers. ALthough the Pilot was damaged lightly, the others were damaged much worse.
    How many of us are going to drive our SUV's into a pole or a diagonal wall?
    Were there any results where the SUV's were driven directly into a solid wall perpendicular to the entire bumpers?

ukkonen7

I saw that report on television and It appeared that the Pilot was least damaged and the results were Good.

Oddly enough I'm going to pick up a 2004 Pilot EX-L this morning. With rear flaps and trailer package. Silver with the dark grey interior.

After a test drive of the Pilot, it felt larger than the MDX. Since the shifter is on the column there is a lot more space for gloves and so forth in between the seats. The MDX will be missed but not the monthly payment.

This Thanksgiving we were up in the Boundary Waters area of Minnesota and there was alot of snow and even a freezing drizzle. Driving into a home, in the forest, which also included a steep hill, the MDX went up the grade with no problem. Since the driving systems on both the MDX and Pilot seem similar, I am hoping the same result from the Pilot.

itsmedude

For those who may be interested, I finally got to the bottom of not being able to play burned DVD+R media in my 04 Pilot RES.

As you may be remembered, I burn my movies using DVD Xcopy Xpress and can only use DVD+R media since my drive is a +R and not a dual format. i am able to play on all my home DVD players and computers but when it plays on the Pilot it freezes at the warning screen and won't go any further.

My cousin burned me a movie using the DVD-R media and he also removed the warning screen and it worked beautiful. So I figured I burn again with the DVD+R but remove the warning screen. After that if it still won't work then most likely the Pilot won't play DVD+R media. So I did that and it worked beautiful. Now I am able to burn my kids movies and leave the copies in the car. And because DVD Xcopy Xpress removes all the menus and extra the kids would not have to do anything. Just slide the disc and it starts to play the movie automatically without any of those previews.

If anyone is interested I can send you the instructions on how to remove the warning screen. You will need to download a couple of free utilities as well as running Xcopy Xpress.

hansienna

I personally feel that it should be legal as I have copied some music so that I do not have as
many pages to turn while playing either the piano or organ. I keep my original copy of the music just as you do with your DVD.
    I think Randy Cohen, who writes an ethics column for the New York Times, may feel it is ethical to make copies of either for personal or immediate family to use, but it may cross the line if a copy was given to anyone else.
    I would just warn you to be very cautious when sharing information about copying DVDs. There are many hungry attorneys on the prowl looking for a subject for filing a lawsuit.

clpurnell

is entirely legal for back up purposes. I back up all my dvd's becaus I don't want the originals ruined by the kids in the car. If they scratch a disc I burn a new copy and nothing to worry about. As long as you have the original and are not selling or distributing it you are ok.

clpurnell

I have quit using DVD xcopy xpress and just use DVD shrink and nero and every copy has worked in the pilot on my DVD-R media. I think the warning screen interferes with the pilot's system. I will try removing it and report my results.

itsmedude

if you own the original. I burn all of my kids games as well and save the originals so that if they scratch one then I just burn them another one. I have nothing to hide. Besides, they sell these software even in stores like Best Buy. Before you copy using Xcopy Xpress, it asks you if the movie is a rental or borrowed. If you say YES then the software quits. Obviously the software company has to protect themselves on their end. But then what you do behind your keyboard in the privacy of your home is another.

Copying (making a backup) of a DVD is no difference than gathering 10 of your audio CDs and burn the songs you like onto one single CD. It's just that now DVD burner are more available and prices of both the drives and media dropping.

itsmedude

You are right about the warning screen interfere with the Pilot's DVD system. I had figured that because if the Pilot didn't really play DVD+R then it should display ERR then eject the disc. But because it was able to read the warning screen it made me think DVD+R was fine.

I did try the DVD Shrink and then burned with CD Creator and that worked fine. But now that I was able to get the warning screen removed I will stick with the Xcopy Xpress as I have been pretty happy with it.

hansienna

Excellent idea. I had done the same many years ago with the stereo cassettes. (Does anyone else here still have audio stereo cassettes?)

itsmedude

I used to have the Barney ones and play them for the kids in our minivan. But we have had this Pilot for a month and a half now and I haven't even try to play a cassette yet. We have had a few cases where the summer was hot enough that it sorta melted the cassettes left in the glove box.

itsmedude

We had a dusting of snow this morning and some black ice on the road. Taking my kid to school 2 miles away the ABS must have kicked in 6 times. I did not feel secure at all and I think it's time these Good Year gotta go. I read horrible stories about these tires but figured I wait and experience it for myself and if this is what I am experiencing now I can't imagine what 12" of snow will be like.

robr2

No tires were any good here in Boston this morning!! It wasn't the snow - it was the layer of ice under it.