Varmint... I read OM's note the other way around. Sandstone has been in production for a couple weeks. Sagebrush had it's initial color match run last friday and went into production this week. That matches what folks are seeing. There are a couple people that have posted pics of the Sandstone's they just picked up the last day or two. I havent seen anybody having picked up (or pictures of) a sagebrush. People are just getting VINs for the first builds now, meaning a week or two for delivery. At least that is my understanding
...your dealer is full of you know what!!!!...when they get them from Honda they will not have Pinstripes, a Collison Package or Sidesteps!!!! Guaranteed. They are flat out lying flat and trying to gouge you. Have them get their Regional Honda Rep on the phone and clarify that right in front of you...better yet... RUN...don't walk from them
herm4376.... The repair order says that they installed a B-Pillar clip which was missing. Obviously, that has not resolved the problem. They have not offered to replace the seal nor was that mentioned as a possible problem. I thought I had seen some reference to the driver's door seal earlier on in the Pilot discussion, and it does seem like the noise diminishes when the window is down. I also think the passenger side has a similar vibration though it's much less noticeable and bothersome since it's not as close. I will probably schedule an appointment at the dealer toward mid-August since it will be due for its first oil change. If you or your dealer figures out a solution, please post that information.
I'm sure by calling it a collision package, the dealer not only includes reflectivity in the pinstripes, but they also radiate a forcefield that keeps other cars at a safe distance (at least for the price he should)
I received a call from my dealer last night to tell me that my white EX Pilot had arrived. We negotiated a time the next evening to get together and decide if it's the car for me.
Half an hour later I got another call to tell me that my car was severely damaged in transit, as were two other Pilots arriving at the same time. They were all heavily damaged underneath (exhaust system, etc.) I was offered the option to inspect the vehicle and sign a waiver showing I understood that it had arrived with more than 1000USD damage and that I would accept it after it was fixed by the dealer.
Since I'm trying to have the best experience with this car, rather than wanting it in the worst way, I declined. They said the cars would be returned to Honda.
They received one undamaged white EX-L not spoken for and, since my deposit was the earliest placed, I've been given the right of refusal on that one. Otherwise, they'll use it as a bargaining chip to see if they can swap another dealer for the one I wanted. We'll see (when pigs fly)...
My dealer called with the dates of August 18-22 for my Silver EX-L Pilot. What the average time after a Pilot is build is it delivered??? I am picking it up in New Jersey.
Where did Honda hide the spare tire and is it on a alloy wheel?
It varies, but I'd guess it will arrive around the first of Sept (I think delivery is generally 10-14 days, and you are closer to the factory then most). And the spare is only a temporary tire (I think it's narrow), and not an alloy. You can buy one and fit it in the slot, just hangs down a little lower and costs some $'s
I will be getting a sage green in about 2 weeks, and the dealer is trying to add on mud flaps, cargo mat, paint sealer, fabric sealer and undercoating for $800. I want the flaps and mat but was wondering if anyone who already has a pilot feels these sealers are necessary or desirable? Also, has anyone put on the tran cooler and ps cooler for the towing pkge. Can you get that away from the dealer - markup is outrageous but I don't want to risk the warranty?
I'm sure its been stated a few times in here somewhere...don't let them bilk you for the sealer crap...pretty much pure profit for them. The cargomat and mudflaps can be bought from several excellent online honda dealers for ~$100 (for both). Do yourself a favor and go that route for accessories.
You can also buy the tow package online for about $450 and if you are handy, put it all on yourself (or find a much cheaper route to pay for install). You need the coolers if you are really going to tow stuff, but some folks are not buying just the hitch if they just need it for bike racks and other light stuff (honda has told them its fine warranty wise, as long as you don't tow stuff) w/o the coolers.
davisdog - thanks for the website reference. wanted to confirm if the $450 tow package you reference includes or excludes the transmission and ps cooler? thanks
sorry, davisdog...just found the tow package accessory on your website link and see that it DOES include the transmission and ps coolers for the $450 price you referenced. Amazing that Honda wants to charge $1500 (although my dealer offered it for $300 less right off the bat and obviously I can see why).
When I picked up my silver pilot there were four rubber plugs about 2"long by 1" wide in the glovebox. Dealer doesn't know where they go. Has anyone else seen these plugs? Thanks.
I left my key in the ignition last night (with the Pilot in the locked garage). This morning we hopped in the Pilot EX-L to go to church and when I turned the key - nothing.
All I can think of is that the headlights did not turn off automatically with the key in the ignition, in the OFF position.
Anyone have this problem, or can anyone explain why my battery would have drained?
Most new cars "KNOW" the key is in the ignition, regardless of on or off. They use this to provide info to a variety of other events, such as auto-light controls and door locks (to prevent you from locking keys in the car). If you left them in the ignition all night, I'd bet it overrides normal lighting turnoffs. My Siena Minvan does this as well.
Mine was the Pilot EX White Cloth that was damaged in transit...
It turns out the alternative vehicle they had offered was the dealer's assigned demo unit from Honda, which they can't sell.
I asked the fleet manager (my contact) what options I have and how he can help me. He provided a list of all CA dealers with a white EX cloth in stock (13) or on order (20, with dates). Then he provided a script for placing the call to the fleet manager at those dealerships, to ask if they would match a committed sale price at another dealership. He offered to provide documents to back up their offer, which Honda improved to MSRP + $500 by way of apology.
We both started calling the next day and compared notes as we went along. Most of the cars in NorCA had already sold or been committed, but I found one in stock that was being used as the dealer demo with an asking price of MSRP + $5000! I went through the script, and the general manager approved an offer of MSRP + $1000 less $700 credit on options at their "cost". It turns out their official demo vehicle is arriving this week, so it works for them to sell this one.
Since I wanted the trailer hitch (and it's dumb to not get the coolers, given the warranty situation), that made the option attractive, and I bought the car.
Both dealerships did a good job of responding. Another dealership where I had reserved a sandstone (weeks out) was also very helpful and responsive. I'd praise: Stevens Creek Honda in Cupertino (original) Mike Harvey Honda in Burlingame (purchased) Val Strough Honda in Seaside (sandstone)
...once you show the dealerships that you *really*, *really* like the vehicle, they know that they can sell it above retail price. It's just a matter of how much more.
But, ghamma might have also had an immediate need for a vehicle which only the Pilot can fulfill. It's not a great situation to be in but seems that people get into them more often than not. I would have bailed out and looked elsewhere.
There are at least a half-dozen other cars that offer more or less the same package as the Pilot. If you are willing to have a top three list, it makes getting a good deal a lot easier.
Of course, if you fall in love with one model, you're ripe for the plucking.
I'm here to announce the new Honda Pilot Owners club now available on Edmunds.com Owners Club board. Please stop by and introduce yourself in Meet the Members and let me know how I can help build your club.
I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in SUVs.
These discussions in SUVs have been moved to Pilot Owners.
Honda Pilot - Prices Paid *Now titled "Pilot Owners: What did you pay?"
If you have subscribed to either of the above discussions, I beleive you will need to re-subscribe to them over on Pilot Owners. Sorry for any inconvenience.
I've had my Pilot for two weeks and have discovered two annoying problems. The creaking noise from the front driver side door when car is on rought pavement and the sloshing sound from the gas tank when stop the car with brakes, especially when the tank is full. Otherwise, the car has behaved well. I remember reading reports of both problems on this board. The dealer has order a door trim part from the factory to fix the creaking noise and was told by the factory engineer that this could be a step by step process and might take a few visits. I was told by the dealer service rep. that the sloshing sound was normal because the tank is underneath the middle row seats. I found that very irresponsible and will certainly press the issue and get it fixed. I do not know if it is a design flaw or an assembly problem. So please pay attention when you step on the brakes next time and see if you could hear the sloshing from the rear seating area. If a lot of you have the experience I have, it may well be a design problem and Honda has to fix it once and for all. Thanks for your attention. FL
If the gas tank is similar to the Odyssey implementation, it's probably as good as it's going to get. People complained a lot about the Odyssey tank when it first came out. Some baffles were put in, iirc, but some noise is still there, due to the flat nature of the tank.
That said, most people get used to the sound in a short while and learn to ignore it. I rarely see complaints about it on the Vans boards these days. Maybe there's more of a fix available, but I doubt it. Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Fengliu - It's a design characteristic. There are two ways to resolve it. Move the gas tank, or surround it with sound insulation. The first isn't likely to happen anytime soon. If the noise bothers you that much, I'd recommend a sound dampening product like Dynamat or something similar.
I have called and now written Honda. This is more than annoying. It to me is a big deal and sounds horrible. I did not spend this kind of money to heard a thud everytime I hit the brakes. Why should we pay to have the issue get better!
My Pilot has the same problem. Sloshing doesn't quite describe the sound though. I've had vehicles that sloshed. I'm sure I don't have the right adjective but I'll go with thumping or slapping. This noise is not a minor annoyance it's very intrusive and Honda needs to fix it. I'm waiting to see if anyone gets results before having them tear apart my truck for something they have no fix for.
I also need to have them fix the window gasket issue as well. I'm gun shy with window gaskets though. I had wind noise on my last truck only until they repaired it then I had wind noise and a gasket creaking sound.
After 6000 miles, I really only hear the gas tank when backing up and maneuvering harshly around the parking lot (lots of forward and reverse). Otherwise, I don't really hear the issue.
Now the window seal is another story. I actually carry some folded business cards that I slide in between the weather stripping and the door frame above the window. This seems to stop the "creaking". To test if this will help you, use your finger to put pressure on the seal above the window. You can actually feel what was causing the noise. I go into the dealer tomorrow to have the seal replaced. I'll let you know how it is after. Also, I went on a two week business trip a couple weeks back. The noise has been much less frequent since my Pilot sat for two weeks, untouched. Not sure why that is, but I am certainly not complaining.
I have 17's on my pilot and find the ride just as good. Tires are 255/60 - 17 with the wheels 8" wide. Makes it look much better IMHO.....If you want to check them out:
If larger rims interest you, it is a good argument to consider a MDX. It is probably a good $800-$1000 value for better rims and nicer tires which come standard.
only real difference is appearance and preference. The running board is just "that", a board, it is closed next to the body. I don't care for running boards. They collect dirt, dust, salt, etc...pain to wash. The side steps are actually "cylinders with flat tops" that protrude a a bit to step up on. They have an opening between them and the body. They don't collect as much junk and in my opinion look sporty, while the running boards look "nerdy". But that's just my opinion.
I really want a Pilot. Want to get rid of the Minivans once and for all. However, I often take 4 people on a long trip with 6-8 fishing poles, which I lay in the center between the captains seats of the minivan. They are in excess of 5 feet. Anyone see how you can get fishing poles and people in the Pilot at the same time?
Fold the 40 % part of both the 2nd and 3rd rows. You can fit 3-4 adults in the first 2 rows, and 2 kids in the 3rd. The poles would fit nicely on top of the folded seats.
After market ski racks are great for poles. They also make specific roof racks for poles, but I think those limit the number you can hold to 2 per set, where a ski rack, you can fit however many fit.
Went to the dealer here on Honolulu two Friday's ago for the first time and drove off the lot with my EX-L w/ entertainment system that day. Payed $500 over MSRP. Redrock Pearl. Gracious dealership (Tony Autoplex), friendly service and sales staff. My only complaint is that they had already given out all their Pilot ball caps!! No problems after 1500 miles. Getting over 20 mpg freeway.
I have heard that the rule of thumb for any new car break in period is the first 1k mile. During that period, I should not drive the car faster than 55mph. Anyone knows if that rule of thumb would still apply for new cars like the Pilot. We got our new Silver Pilot EX-L on Monday Aug 12. My wife and kids love it. Our first Honda ever! We've always had Toyota. Please advice. Thanks in advance. thomas
Complete break in information should be found in your owner's manual. That would be the safest place to get information WRT what the manufacturer considers a proper break in procedure.
Comments
I read OM's note the other way around. Sandstone has been in production for a couple weeks. Sagebrush had it's initial color match run last friday and went into production this week. That matches what folks are seeing. There are a couple people that have posted pics of the Sandstone's they just picked up the last day or two. I havent seen anybody having picked up (or pictures of) a sagebrush. People are just getting VINs for the first builds now, meaning a week or two for delivery. At least that is my understanding
Thanks and credit go to Threadhead.
http://www.honda-pilot.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=5309#post5309
Sandstone is the color that I'm looking to get (eventually). Thanks for the pics, Bill.
Half an hour later I got another call to tell me that my car was severely damaged in transit, as were two other Pilots arriving at the same time. They were all heavily damaged underneath (exhaust system, etc.) I was offered the option to inspect the vehicle and sign a waiver showing I understood that it had arrived with more than 1000USD damage and that I would accept it after it was fixed by the dealer.
Since I'm trying to have the best experience with this car, rather than wanting it in the worst way, I declined. They said the cars would be returned to Honda.
They received one undamaged white EX-L not spoken for and, since my deposit was the earliest placed, I've been given the right of refusal on that one. Otherwise, they'll use it as a bargaining chip to see if they can swap another dealer for the one I wanted. We'll see (when pigs fly)...
What a roller coaster!
Where did Honda hide the spare tire and is it on a alloy wheel?
I'm sure its been stated a few times in here somewhere...don't let them bilk you for the sealer crap...pretty much pure profit for them. The cargomat and mudflaps can be bought from several excellent online honda dealers for ~$100 (for both). Do yourself a favor and go that route for accessories.
You can also buy the tow package online for about $450 and if you are handy, put it all on yourself (or find a much cheaper route to pay for install). You need the coolers if you are really going to tow stuff, but some folks are not buying just the hitch if they just need it for bike racks and other light stuff (honda has told them its fine warranty wise, as long as you don't tow stuff) w/o the coolers.
http://www.handaaccessories.com/ has all the install manuals online if you want to read how its done.
Again, thanks for the website link!
All I can think of is that the headlights did not turn off automatically with the key in the ignition, in the OFF position.
Anyone have this problem, or can anyone explain why my battery would have drained?
Thanks.
It turns out the alternative vehicle they had offered was the dealer's assigned demo unit from Honda, which they can't sell.
I asked the fleet manager (my contact) what options I have and how he can help me. He provided a list of all CA dealers with a white EX cloth in stock (13) or on order (20, with dates). Then he provided a script for placing the call to the fleet manager at those dealerships, to ask if they would match a committed sale price at another dealership. He offered to provide documents to back up their offer, which Honda improved to MSRP + $500 by way of apology.
We both started calling the next day and compared notes as we went along. Most of the cars in NorCA had already sold or been committed, but I found one in stock that was being used as the dealer demo with an asking price of MSRP + $5000! I went through the script, and the general manager approved an offer of MSRP + $1000 less $700 credit on options at their "cost". It turns out their official demo vehicle is arriving this week, so it works for them to sell this one.
Since I wanted the trailer hitch (and it's dumb to not get the coolers, given the warranty situation), that made the option attractive, and I bought the car.
Both dealerships did a good job of responding. Another dealership where I had reserved a sandstone (weeks out) was also very helpful and responsive. I'd praise:
Stevens Creek Honda in Cupertino (original)
Mike Harvey Honda in Burlingame (purchased)
Val Strough Honda in Seaside (sandstone)
I think these dealerships all behaved shamefully.
But, ghamma might have also had an immediate need for a vehicle which only the Pilot can fulfill. It's not a great situation to be in but seems that people get into them more often than not. I would have bailed out and looked elsewhere.
I ordered a Pilot EX. My dealer stated that he orders end of month, and gets delivery within 45 days.
Also, My dealer isn't gouging - and is actually working deals to move certain allocated Pilots - like LXs and strange colored EX-Ls.
So, I was qouted 60 days when ordered before the end of the month.
Of course, if you fall in love with one model, you're ripe for the plucking.
Exactly!
I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in SUVs.
These discussions in SUVs have been moved to Pilot Owners.
Honda Pilot - Aftermarket Accessory *Now titled "Pilot Owners: Accessories & Modifications
Honda Pilot - Prices Paid *Now titled "Pilot Owners: What did you pay?"
If you have subscribed to either of the above discussions, I beleive you will need to re-subscribe to them over on Pilot Owners. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Looking forward to meeting everyone!
KarenS
Host
Owners Clubs
That said, most people get used to the sound in a short while and learn to ignore it. I rarely see complaints about it on the Vans boards these days. Maybe there's more of a fix available, but I doubt it.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I'm waiting to see if anyone gets results before having them tear apart my truck for something they have no fix for.
I also need to have them fix the window gasket issue as well. I'm gun shy with window gaskets though. I had wind noise on my last truck only until they repaired it then I had wind noise and a gasket creaking sound.
Lower Trim
Wood Interior Trim Kit
and what's the difference between the sidesteps vs. the running boards? One better than the other?
Now the window seal is another story. I actually carry some folded business cards that I slide in between the weather stripping and the door frame above the window. This seems to stop the "creaking". To test if this will help you, use your finger to put pressure on the seal above the window. You can actually feel what was causing the noise. I go into the dealer tomorrow to have the seal replaced. I'll let you know how it is after. Also, I went on a two week business trip a couple weeks back. The noise has been much less frequent since my Pilot sat for two weeks, untouched. Not sure why that is, but I am certainly not complaining.
Overall though, the Pilot is doing great.
http://honda-pilot.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=666
http://isuzu-suvs.com/events
-mike
We got our new Silver Pilot EX-L on Monday Aug 12. My wife and kids love it. Our first Honda ever! We've always had Toyota.
Please advice. Thanks in advance.
thomas