Honda Pilot 2003 through 2005

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Comments

  • davisdogdavisdog Member Posts: 99
    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
  • davisdogdavisdog Member Posts: 99
    ...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
  • rms41rms41 Member Posts: 80
    I just double-checked with my dealer. They have a sage brush Pilot on the lot. It is not sandstone. It arrived a couple of days ago.
  • bill01923bill01923 Member Posts: 57
    Here are some posted Sandstone Pics from another board.

    Thanks and credit go to Threadhead.


    http://www.honda-pilot.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=5309#post5309

  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    Hell, nice colour. My dealer told me Sandstone is sort of like the Mojave Mist on the CR-V. They're not even close!
  • pwitzpwitz Member Posts: 51
    That is too funny! No one but a dealer can think of a name for a "package" such as that! Are the pinstripes reflective at nite? Be very afraid.
  • dtr2132dtr2132 Member Posts: 2
    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.
  • davisdogdavisdog Member Posts: 99
    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)
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Davisdog - Thanks. I'll have to go back and reread the thread.

    Sandstone is the color that I'm looking to get (eventually). Thanks for the pics, Bill.
  • ghammaghamma Member Posts: 2
    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)...

    What a roller coaster!
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    which "supposedly" is not damaged. But it may have been damaged as well, just not over the $1000 threshold for disclosure.
  • leokadia1leokadia1 Member Posts: 94
    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?
  • homerghomerg Member Posts: 30
    I don't know how long between build and delivery, but the spare tire is under the rear of the vehicle, it's a full size donut.
  • davisdogdavisdog Member Posts: 99
    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
  • wplus11wplus11 Member Posts: 1
    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?
  • davisdogdavisdog Member Posts: 99
    wplus11,

    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.

  • johnc22johnc22 Member Posts: 2
    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
  • johnc22johnc22 Member Posts: 2
    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).

    Again, thanks for the website link!
  • cascadeboycascadeboy Member Posts: 1
    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.
  • mikmaxmikmax Member Posts: 5
    Are the dealers selling any of you 5 year extended warranties? What$$$$do they want for it?
  • cpintucsoncpintucson Member Posts: 41
    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?

    Thanks.
  • mikmaxmikmax Member Posts: 5
    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.
  • ghammaghamma Member Posts: 2
    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)
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    I'm glad you got what you wanted, although I'm surprised you still paid over MSRP after all that.

    I think these dealerships all behaved shamefully.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    ...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.
  • sedated_stolisedated_stoli Member Posts: 1
    Folks,

    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.
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    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.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    Of course, if you fall in love with one model, you're ripe for the plucking

    Exactly!
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    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 - 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

  • fengliu63fengliu63 Member Posts: 2
    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
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    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
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    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.
  • pilotmanpilotman Member Posts: 22
    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!
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    It occurs in the MDX too, however I wouldn't say the noise is invasive.
  • bill01923bill01923 Member Posts: 57
    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.
  • eagleeye3eagleeye3 Member Posts: 44
    My Black EX-L is due in a few weeks. Interested in a few DIO's. Wonder if anyone has any input/feedback on the following:

    Lower Trim
    Wood Interior Trim Kit

    and what's the difference between the sidesteps vs. the running boards? One better than the other?
  • eagleeye3eagleeye3 Member Posts: 44
    In addition, I was wondering if anyone has added 17 inch wheels to their Pilot, and if so, if it made a significant difference in the ride.
  • ssmintonssminton Member Posts: 155
    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.

    Overall though, the Pilot is doing great.
  • iceman03iceman03 Member Posts: 10
    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:


    http://honda-pilot.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=666

  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    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.
  • mikmaxmikmax Member Posts: 5
    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.
  • mikmaxmikmax Member Posts: 5
    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?
  • homerghomerg Member Posts: 30
    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.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    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.
  • caseyfcaseyf Member Posts: 1
    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.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Sept 21 in NJ all SUVs welcome! Info at


    http://isuzu-suvs.com/events


    -mike

  • sjwsmwsjwsmw Member Posts: 131
    Anyone know if the ETA of this new color to dealers?
  • joew5joew5 Member Posts: 17
    I pick up my EX sagebrush pearl on friday the 16th. It was delivered on the 8th here in Chicago to my dealer.
  • thotruthotru Member Posts: 2
    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
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    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.
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