2013 and earlier-Honda Pilot Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • dwynnedwynne Member Posts: 4,018
    My wife and I got her new Pilot from Hennessy back in January and the price was down into the hold back. We worked with someone in the "Internet sales department", shoot me an e-mail for more info or just use the price request form on their web page. They have a high "doc" fee but the net price of the Pilot, destination, and fee was under invoice less the dealer money at that time.

    The $3,500 incentive drops to $2,500 if you use the cheap money, but for most folks (that need financing) this still nets out a cheaper payment than taking the extra $1,000 and financing via your bank or credit union. Check with your loan sources to get your rate before deciding.

    Dennis
  • manypilotsmanypilots Member Posts: 25
    No, pull the $3,500 from the dealer invoice, not the TMV, so your estimate for a price will be higher. Anything at $3,500 below dealer invoice, and you are getting into the so-called "dealer holdback".
  • phynephyne Member Posts: 2
    While I was getting my oil changed on my 07 Civic Hybrid, I test drove an 08 Pilot. I liked it. I am trading in an 04 Toyota Sienna van. The offers I am getting via email are from 23,300 to 23,700. After reading this board for hours, it looks like I should get it for $22,500ish. $24,950 (invoice) less the $2500 dealer cash. Of course here in AZ all the dealers have an inflated $369 doc fee, which is ridiculous. Does $22,500 sound like a good offer for a 2wd VP? Thanks for any help.
  • kahamidkahamid Member Posts: 3
    The dealer is trying to sell me extended warranty for the new Honda 4WD with NAV (2008). This is 7years/70K for $2200. Should I buy it, shop for other extended or not get it at all. Just not get any and use the 36/36K limited one from Honda. Also, trying to sell me gap insurance for $700 even I am buying the car.
  • gregbakergregbaker Member Posts: 3
    I just purchased a brand new EX-L AWD today for $27,400 + $229 admin fee (MSRP $34,040) and I went ahead and purchased a 5 year 100,000 miles extended warranty for $850. I felt like I got a pretty good deal.

    If anyone is looking in the Kansas City area I would recommend Frank Ancona Honda.
  • kbaghkbagh Member Posts: 5
    I went to Madison Honda and they proposed 28.4K and 0.9% APR for 36 months. They didn't push for anything else like maintenance.

    Planet Honda will match this with $1K better but they are very pushy folks and will talk if I buy on the spot.

    What is the best I can get in NJ area?

    Hurry, the good colors are running out fast!

    Thanks,
  • jimmyabjimmyab Member Posts: 12
    I paid the lowest ever anyone has paid for a pilot EX 4WD. It depends on the way you negotiaite. I paid $24,416 (including destination charges) for 2008 Honda Pilot EX 4WD. Dealer also threw in wheel locks.
  • arujdparujdp Member Posts: 3
    Can you please post the dealer details, i will jump on this one.
  • jimmyabjimmyab Member Posts: 12
    Willis Honda .... ask for Internet Director Janelle or sales person "Steve" and tell either one that you want the same deal that "Deep" had on his Pilot. As their selling price is usually much higher..... It was an exclusive deal I struck with them.

    I did ask them if they would give the same price if I send anyone..... and they did oblige. Please post your experience once you go there.
  • dwynnedwynne Member Posts: 4,018
    $2,200 for HondaCare is a rip off - unless you are in FL where prices are fixed. In your case, HC does not have a 7/70k plan so the dealer is selling you some 3rd party plan - so no way should you buy that at any price.

    If you check Saccucci Honda online they car do real HondaCare for $640 for 7/80k/$0 deducible. $1,195 is the most expensive HC they sell for a Pilot and that is for 8 years, 120k with $0 deductible. So your dealer's offer is a huge rip off.

    GAP coverage is something you have to decide about for yourself. If you are leasing or financing the Pilot and it is stolen or totalled it makes up the difference between what your insurance company says the Pilot is worth at that time and what you owe on it. If you are buying it cheap ($2,500-$3,500 or more under invoice) and maybe taking the cheap financing, you should be OK. If you are paying cash (obviously) the you don't need it. No one else can tell you yes or no, since if *I* told you not to get it and your Pilot was stolen and the insurance left you owing money to the bank - *I* am not going to pay that for you :D . That said, $700 sounds like a another rip off price for this coverage.

    Dennis
  • dwynnedwynne Member Posts: 4,018
    Did you get the e-mail I sent you?

    Dennis
  • bancheebanchee Member Posts: 1
    I may too! Can you provide the MSRP for the one you purchased for comparison? If I understand correctly, it is a 4WD EX. I need to buy something this week, and I'd be happy to say you referred them. Thanks!
  • kahamidkahamid Member Posts: 3
    Dennis,
    Thanks, I got 2008 pilot 4WD EXL+NAV for 29,000. It was the only one in the area with the gray color we want. So, in this case, it is 7,000+ under the MSPR. I am taking 6 years loan in this car. In this case gap is not important? How about road hazard for the tires. Do I need to buy one?

    Kahamid
  • gooddeal7gooddeal7 Member Posts: 1
    Gap insurance would be a good investment especially when you are going 6 years on the loan. But it really depends how much money you are putting down on the car. If you are putting down less than 20% on the car then it is a good investment. Just don't pay more than $200-300 for it. The dealer usually marks it up a few hundred dollars. As far as tire coverage. It is good as long as it is a reputable program. Again, it costs the dealer about $120-180 so do not let them mark it up the few hundred they usually do.

    http://www.carspace.com/blogs/carbuyingrevealed/
  • fdt22fdt22 Member Posts: 1
    Thanks for the tip, jimmyab. I live in Bucks County, PA and would like to check that out myself.
  • kahamidkahamid Member Posts: 3
    Does anyone know where you get gap insurance? My auto insurance does not offer it and the dealer want to sell for $700.
    Thanks
  • parvizparviz Member Posts: 484
    Are you financing through your bank (or credit union) or the dealer? I know the banks sell it if financed through them. If you are financing through dealer because of a better rate ask your bank to see if they would do it.
  • mikerockmikerock Member Posts: 9
    The best quote I got so far for vp 2wd is 22300 (not including other fees) in So Cal. I heard that some Atlanta dealer offer at 21500 and this my target right now. If some other people bought VP, please share the price, thanks.
  • nlv1nlv1 Member Posts: 28
    I'm in Houston, we bought a 2WD VP last February. The initial quote was $22130 (included destination charge) w/c I think was exactly 3500 below the invoice. One other dealer quoted the same price, another about $200 more and another about $600 more so I believed we were on the right track.
    The 1st dealer tried to add about $500 for the window tint and pinstripes. Told the salesman the pinstripes were like $15 and the tint was already included in the base model (I was thinking of the rear privacy glass but I think he meant the front window tint). He dropped it to $195 for both and I said okay --- if he added wheel locks, tonneau cover, and rear splash guards (total price about $186 from an internet seller; accessories bought from dealers are overpriced, they will even show you their list).
    So the price (w/o doc fees, TT&L) was $22325 and I ended up getting the cargo tray for free (a $79 value) as the tonneau cover was out of stock when we took the Pilot home and the salesman wanted us to be happy (got the tonneau cover a few days later). Hope this helps.
  • jimmyabjimmyab Member Posts: 12
    MSRP $31,145 (w/o Destination Charge)
    I paid $24,416 (includes destination charge)
  • lar6lar6 Member Posts: 3
    I'm about ready to purchase a 2008 Honda Pilot. I test drove an EX-L w DVD 4wd and a 2wd this weekend. I live in southeast Michigan, where it snows a lot. I have owned an 2002 Odyssey with fwd and have had no problems with driving in the snow. My question is...what are other Pilot owners opinions about trade offs for 4wd vs. 2wd. I thought the 2wd had more pep and handled much better when I test drove it. I also know that the gas mileage is better for the 2wd. The 2wd, however, did give me some front wheel spin on the wet pavement when I accelerated hard from a dead stop.
    What thoughts do others have? Please let me know.

    Thanks, lar6
  • jon311jon311 Member Posts: 7
    I just picked up my car Saturday. Bought the gray 2008 Pilot EX-L with black side steps installed for 27,498 plus tax and tags ($158). The price includes destination fee. I got the $3500 cash back and the special 2.9% APR financing, so yes these two things can be combined.
  • jon311jon311 Member Posts: 7
    Forgot to mention that its a EX-L 4WD.
  • mike274mike274 Member Posts: 35
    Hey. Can you please tell me where you got this deal and how long the 2.9 fiancing was for

    Thanks
  • phynephyne Member Posts: 2
    I am working pretty hard in the Phoenix area and the best offer I have worked is $22,700 for a VP. I don't think I have found the bottom yet, however, the white model is in short supply here, so I am rethinking my strategy.
  • kbaghkbagh Member Posts: 5
    I am getting it for $27.2 without side steps and also 0.9% APR financing
    Is that good?
  • jon311jon311 Member Posts: 7
    I got it at Sussman Honda in Roslyn, PA. The 2.9% was for 5 years. You can also get the .9% if you want to pay it off in 3 years. If you don't want the side steps installed, I'm assuming you can get the car for $26,900 plus tax and tags.
  • kbaghkbagh Member Posts: 5
    Thanks, that was helpful.

    Someone mentioned $24.5K and my dealer said it was impossible.

    Well. Thanks for all the help.
  • kbaghkbagh Member Posts: 5
    What is the best way to get Bluetooth and ipod on the EX-L 4x4

    Thanks
  • jon311jon311 Member Posts: 7
    I think the 24.5k was for an EX not an EX-L. I agree wit the dealer, the EX-L for 24.5k is impossible.
  • dwynnedwynne Member Posts: 4,018
    Resale value on 4WD Pilots is greater (percentage-wise) than 2WD Pilots. 2WD Pilots have better gas mileage by a bit, partly due to 2 driven wheels and lower weight and partly due to the cylinder deactivation on the 2WD. The 4WD Pilot has a higher towing capacity than the 2WD. Step up into a 4WD is a bit higher that the 2WD.

    The Pilot is a little odd in that it is a FWD SUV when you get the 2WD model, most mid to large SUVs are RWD which makes the choice to go with 4WD easier.

    If I lived where you live, I would either buy spare wheels and snow tires for winter or get the 4WD. Spare alloys with TPMS and snow tires would run you about $1,000 from TireRack. So you have to weigh that against the extra cost (at invoice) of 4WD and the lower gas mileage. Given the choice of all season tires and 4WD and snow tires and 2WD I would take the snow tires. Of course, 4WD and 4 snow tires is even better.

    Dennis
  • lar6lar6 Member Posts: 3
    Dennis,

    I very much appreciate your response. I found a 2wd EX-L with DVD for $27788, which included destination charge and 0.9% financing. I was even given $5,000 trade in for my 2002 Odyssey with 148000 miles. How am I doing?

    Larry
  • dwynnedwynne Member Posts: 4,018
    Invoice on the 2WD EX-L w/RES is $31,097 less the $2,500 incentive (since you are getting the cheap loan) nets out to $28,597. Your price with the cheap loan sounds too good to be true - they either made a mistake on the price or will hit you with a nice sized doc fee on top of the price. As to the Ody, just check here on Edmunds, KBB, NADA, etc to see what they show for trade value with the miles and condition of yours noted.

    Dennis
  • lar6lar6 Member Posts: 3
    Thanks again for the help Dennis. I believe the dealer is getting me back on the trade-in side of the deal. Edmonds, lists my Ody with 148000 miles as a $7200 trade. Of course, I realize this is trade price version of MSRP but it still might be low by $500 to $1000.

    I'm getting worn down by the decision process but I most appreciated your comments about fwd and snow tires. I think I'll be going in the fwd direction because in the long run, I'll save on gas costs and insurance costs. This will make up for the cost of the snow tires and wheels.

    Again, Thanks much Dennis,

    Larry
  • nycersnycers Member Posts: 4
    Does anyone know if arberdeen green metalic still available or is scarce to get, Im making my deal at the end of the month and im interested in that color, Im also looking to purchase it for 29,405 including destination charge how does that sound ?
  • rsh6rsh6 Member Posts: 7
    Hi Jon311, could you please let me know who you worked with at Sussman Honda as I live nearby and would buy the EXL at those numbers.
  • carsavvy1carsavvy1 Member Posts: 2
    I compared the numbers for when I bought my Honda Accord. The Sussman Honda prices were way higher than Mainline Honda or Conicelli Honda. Another one to avoid is Honda of Philadelphia (Piazza).
  • carsavvy1carsavvy1 Member Posts: 2
    You can get much better deal that that at other dealer than Sussman. Heard several bad things about Sussman Honda. Read the reviews someone posted on Edmunds or DealerRater.com.
  • rsh6rsh6 Member Posts: 7
    I contacted a number of Philadelphia area dealers earlier in the month re: Pilot EXL pricing and no one agreed to full $3500 incentive + preferred rate (basically was getting standard invoice less $2500 less few hundred in holdback + preferred rate; or $3500 + preferred rate). I saw the negative post about Sussman above, so I decided not to consider the dealership -- but thought I would now.

    By the way, when I was shopping in Feb, I had a horrible experience at Martin Mainline -- a manager "what if'ed" me out of the dealership (i.e. "what if we lower the price by $250, what if we lowered the price by $500, by $X750, by $1k ... and when we came in the next day to buy, it was as if we never had the conversation). To the skilled ear, the gentleman never made an offer; however, his approach certainly fell short of artful negotiation or good business.

    Based on my experience from Feb, I have found that the Philadelphia area dealers, including the Piazza dealerships, Martin Mainline and Conicelli, would match each other, noting Conicelli offered the lowest price and everyone else generally matched (I say generally because the Piazza dealerships balked by a few hundred).

    On a side note, when we buy the Pilot, we will need to buy out the lease on our '06 Accord and then trade it in to the dealer from whom we buy the Pilot. This will add a few thousand to the "final price." Given that dealers generally match prices for Pilots, we need to find the dealership that will pay the most for the trade-in -- unfortunately, that was Martin Mainline back in Feb and we refuse to deal with that breed of car salesman. I would really appreciate hearing from anyone that has any input on which Honda dealerships in the area makes good offers on trade-ins.
  • jimmyabjimmyab Member Posts: 12
    Hi rsh6,
    Like carsavvy said, I was deceived by all false numbers thrown by the internet sales department at Sussman Honda in Willow Grove(PA). When I went there the sales manager was rude as was the sales person. They just made a big fun of the written quote i had from another dealer.
    I gave up on the Philadelphia area dealers and finally bought my Pilot from Willis Honda in Burlington, NJ. I think it is approx 15 miles east of Philadelphia. I got the best price for my trade-in. Here is my experience in short:

    Vehicle of interest: 2008 Honda Pilot EX 4WD
    All below prices include destination charge:

    NJ Dealers:
    Mahwah Honda $25,033
    Burns Honda $25,339
    VIP Honda $25,838
    DCH Academy Honda $25,338
    Coast Honda $27,839
    Honda of Turnersville $25,339
    Open Road Honda $24,616

    Philadelphia Area dealers:
    Conicelli Honda $25,655
    Mainline Honda $ 25,638
    Philadelphia Honda $25,239
    Sloanne Honda $25,338

    Sussman Honda $25,974 **
    **(Remember, At Sussman Honda he manager started making nasty comments about their internet quotes that I had to walk out of the dealership in 10 minutes. So this price is not valid.)

    My final purchase:
    Willis Honda $24,416 (they basically beat the Open Road deal by $200)

    I take the pride in paying the lowest price ever paid on Edmunds or any forum I have seen for all 3 Honda cars that I have owned.
    My philosophy is simple and short...... no negotiating at dealership..... talk on phone an if they can beat the lowest number... I go there and buy. Thats what I have done all the 3 times. ;)
  • aixaix Member Posts: 30
    Well I guess if you're trying to decide between the '08 or '09, there is plenty of press and first drive reviews on the '09. See Pilot 2009 thread.
    We personally decided to go with the 2008 4WD EX-L w/Nav
    MSRP $36,280 (includes dest.)
    Price $29,750 (includes dest.) ($3,155 under invoice)
    Savings $6,530 and we're taking the 2.9 financing.
    If we weren't taking the financing, probably could have got an even lower price. But overall, happy with the deal. If we went with the 2009 Touring (we need the leather and Nav) estimate MSRP is around $40K price. And I'm sure that the discounts would initially not be very good. So for the approximate $10K difference, and better styling in my personal opinion, the 2008 was the right choice for us.

    Good luck to everyone looking to get into one soon! :)
  • jon311jon311 Member Posts: 7
    I think you can't go by what everyone says. I had a good experience there. You just have to do all your research before you go in. I got 5 dealers quotes from the internet and for about a week I played them with each other and printed out the email with the lowest offer I got and took it in. I made an appointment with the GM and showed him the email and he came back beating my lowest by $152. I was in and out of the dealer in about an hour. You have to realize that all dealers are only in it for one thing, profit. Do your research before you go in and you have to be ready to walk out.
  • abapnjabapnj Member Posts: 4
    These are just my 2 cents......
    I went to Sussman Honda last Saturday and did have some bad experience. The price they told me someone by name Pat or Yvette was not the same when the sales person met me. He ignored the price quoted by the internet department and told me to agree on a FAIR number mutually OK for both. And the number he agrees on 2008 Pilot EX-L AWD was $27,600 (excludes $635 destination) which was much higher than other dealers. The internet department quoted me $27,417 that includes the $635 destination charge. So I ended my discussion and bought my SUV at Sloanne Honda. I asked the dealer (Sussman Honda) about the bad reviews they have on the internet. He said they will take care of the reviews.

    So my assumption is "Jon311" who has just joined the Edmunds forum on April 14, 2008 is someone from the Sussman Honda Dealership posting positive comments. If this is a genuine user...... then please accept my sincere apologies. My assumption was based on the fact that you have just joined the forum yesterday and just started by attacking Carsavvy who posted his bad experience about Sussman Honda.
  • cjkbme2wcjkbme2w Member Posts: 82
    Willis Honda is saying that I need to call them to discuss any deals. They will not give me any prices by email. This is not the way I want to get a car, so I will look elsewhere.
  • cjkbme2wcjkbme2w Member Posts: 82
    Progressive offers it. It is not called "Gap" insurance, but "loan/lease" payoff.
  • cjkbme2wcjkbme2w Member Posts: 82
    This is why you should always separate the purchase and the tradein. Never mention that you have a tradein until you agree on the purchase price.
  • cjkbme2wcjkbme2w Member Posts: 82
    Do all these prices include doc fees from the dealers? Which of these dealers did you have to call to get the numbers, vs email only?
  • jimmyabjimmyab Member Posts: 12
    Hi cjkbme2w,
    Since Willis Honda numbers were the lowest I just went and bought the SUV from them. No dealer if they are making a lowest offer will give it to you by email. Because you will take that number and shop elsewhere.

    Everyone has their own priorities while buying a car....... mine is get the lowest and no negotiations at dealership. If the deal turns out different then they told over the phone I simply do not buy the car. I hate driving from dealership to dealership so kept it simple by first sending emails with quotes and then worked the lowest numbers from the people who were at close to the lower end in internet quotes. Open Road Honda & Willis Honda were my picks. So Willis took my OR offer on both the new and used car and beat the new car by $200 and matched the trade-in offer.

    Its totally up to you to buy the car.... so feel free to shop around. Almost all dealers amongst I mentioned have doc fees ranging from $90 to $200. I think Willis had a doc fee of $120. I need to check the docs.
    So my final price was $24,416 + doc fee($120) + tags + taxes

    Good luck

    Most of the dealers will make you come to their dealerships saying they will beat the deal. From my past experience I know well that they just get you into the dealership and add mysterious prices and on very few occasions will match or beat an offer. So the dealer who says they will beat an offer in writing WINS and there you go and buy. They may not send you an email with cost of vehicle..... but most of the genuine offer beater dealerships will send you an email saying the will beat the lowest offer from another dealer by $300 or $500 or so on.
  • dwynnedwynne Member Posts: 4,018
    Everyone has their own priorities while buying a car....... mine is get the lowest and no negotiations at dealership

    I agree. Give me the lowest possible price and all the numbers before I get there. When I arrive hand me the keys and let me test drive, when I am done we sit down and sign the paperwork - which has the numbers that match what I was told before I left home. I have done that many times now and get great deals and no aggravation and no long time spent at the dealership.

    If any dealer will not give me their best price and complete numbers on the phone or via e-mail then I just go elsewhere. I have not sat at a dealership grinding away for a better price is YEARS. A real waste of my time (and the dealership's time) to do it any other way.

    Dennis
  • dwynnedwynne Member Posts: 4,018
    in all is glory, or ugliness, depending on your tastes.

    Here at the Honda web site

    I don't see or read about enough improvements that would make ME want to wait for it to arrive and pay MSRP (or close) when I would have the "old" Pilot for $2,500-$3,500 under invoice with cheap financing optional.

    3" longer, larger interior volume, a bit more power and torque, VCM now on 4WD Pilots as well as 2WD, about the same MPGs, etc. Old design = bugs worked out long ago = more reliability long term. New design = all new bugs and you get to help with the "research" :D . Still, if it floats your boat it should be available at a dealership near you next month. Honda has targeting selling more "09" Pilots than they sold in 2007 (which was a down year). The only way that happens is due to the long selling year (May of 08 to Aug/Sept of 09) or if down the road they drop some serious deals on these.

    Dennis
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