2013 and earlier-Honda Pilot Prices Paid and Buying Experience

aix

According to Edmunds, manufacturer to dealer incentive is $3500 (with exception of VP). If you take the low apr Honda financing, this reduces the incentive to $2500. At this point in the year, you should be getting this off of the INVOICE price, as '09's are literally weeks away.

In my case I took the low apr financing and still got $3155 off invoice. This is translates to $6530 off of MRSP. So I think that the dealer gave up part of their holdback, unless there are other hidden incentives unknown to me. If I wasn't financing, I would have tried harder to negotiate for that extra $1000 off. I have seen people getting better deals than this, but I guess it depends on the dealer, their inventory, your trim requirements, etc. We HAD to have the 4WD EX-L Navi in Billet Silver. Only two dealerships on the east coast had this left, hence less negotiating power. Good luck and let us know what you end up with!

steved192

I'm trying to find invoice prices....how can I do that? Sorry, I'm new to this.

aix

Click through the edmunds new cars tab. Specify what make/vehicle/trim you want, and edmunds will show you the invoice price alongside the MSRP. Please keep in mind that you have to add the destination charge, as this is generally a non-negotiable charge from the factory. In the case of the Pilot the dest. chrg. is $635.

mike274

Hi Dennis

Can you please let me know if this is an ok deal or anyone else please. A 2008 Pilot EX-L AWD with 1400 miles on it as a demo for $27,400 plus tax and the 2.9 financing. THe 1400 miles troubles me. They told me it was just used for test drives

THank you

ronimac

I live in NC (Triangle area) and have been negotiating with the local dealers who are somewhat relunctant to negotiate. The lowest quote that we received was 23,554 without the special financing. I've seen lower quotes on the forum for a 2008 EX Front Wheel Drive Pilot. Should we take this deal and run?

dwynne

Look up the invoice price, take off the $3,500 incentive ($2,500 since you are doing the cheap financing) and how does that compare to your price? To take a demo off of their hands, you need to be at about invoice - incentive - nearly all of hold back (2% of MSRP).

Dennis

dwynne

Same answer as the previous question: Look up invoice, take off $3,500 incentive ($2,500 if doing the cheap financing) and how does that compare to your price? If your price is at or below invoice - incentive then you have a nice deal.

Dennis

rich97303

First off...through trying to make a deal with Portland dealers, found out there is an extra $1000 regional incentive. You should be able to get $4500 off invoice on EX model up without 2.9.

21K on trade for 07 EX AWD Pilot with 14K (which was tough to get due to the fact you can get a new one for 24,500). Paid $26,708 out the door for Silver SE AWD (including DMV), did not pay for mudguards.

RC

kimpmui

Rich,

Can you let me know who did which dealer and who did you work with in Portland? I'm in the market for an EX. Thanks.

Kim

prithis

1400 miles equals about 466 test drives, assuming that each test drive takes 3 miles.

That looks like a very high number of test drives for a car. My feeling is that it may have been a loaner car or a shuttle for service customers to the local train station (or similar), or maybe a returned car.

aix

It's truely a personal decision when considering a demo. If one person drove it, like a sales manager, I would view that differently then if it was actually used as a demo or loaner car (many drivers). 1400 miles isn't a whole lot. You have to decide how much those 1400 miles are worth to you. You should also verify that the car has not been titled or registered yet, if it has, then this is a USED car. Do they have a "new" 4WD EX-L that you can price against this?

We had the opportunity to purchase a sales manager's demo car (5K miles on it, near limit for demo cars), but we wanted an extra few thousand off plus all the incentives. They only wanted to give an extra few hundred off for the mileage. Not worth it to us, so we bought a new one out of state.

Also for what it's worth, we've had our "new" one for 2.5 weeks and have already put 500 miles on it. But they were OUR miles, following the proper break in procedure. Good luck and let us know what you do!

david140

I understand that the 3,500 incentive drops to 2,500 for the VP, and that for the other models the 3,500 incentive also drops 1k if you take the special financing -- but does anyone know if you can combine the 2,500 on the VP with the special financing, or if that drops to 1,500?

Thanks for sharing all the info -- this site has been a big help doing research.

aix

If you click through Edmunds new cars tab, you can select make/trim. There is an "incentives" tab that will layout what's available to you. According to Edmunds, I believe the special financing can be combined with the $2500 on the VP, it's referred to as dealer finance cash. Other higher trims had dealer cash of $3500 that could not be combined with special financing.

steved192

So can the $2500 be combined with the 2.9%? It seems that people are paying about $29,600 for an EXL with the DVD system in my area, and that seems to be right at about invoice.

aix

Yes. You should at the very least have the $2500 and 2.9% available to you. In some cases, people have gotten more than $2500 with low apr, due to dealer holdback, regional incentives, etc.

rich97303

Capitol in McMinnville. Use the internet team. Was also able to work about the same deal with Beaverton Honda through internet dept. They were willing to do 20250 for the trade of my used EX, and 26010 for the price of the SE AWD (which is same deal worked at Capitol. Once the price was hammered out, it was a good experience to deal with folks in McMinnville. No funny business added, did what they said they would do.

You should able to get an EX AWD for around $24,500 if you don't take finanicing of 2.9. Good Luck.

One other word of advice. Don't buy black. One of the huge reasons for the purchase of the New 08 SE (Silver) was because the Black Pilot was harder than hard to keep clean and showed every single door ding. It's was sharp clean, but even the dust in the air make it look like crap a day after washing.

RC

markandhills

Rich, do you know if that regional incentive is 1) good on the EX-L, and 2) extends to Seattle?

Good thoughts on the color black. We were leaning towards the nimbus gray, but we recently switched to wanting the black. However, we live in a very dusty, dry place, and I fear it wouldn't stay clean...

rich97303

They told me it was a regoinal discount. I would ask them strait out.....find the invoice on EXL (AWD or FWD????) add destination charge, take off the -4500 and make the offer. Bummer on having to pay sales tax. If you can't find the deal around Sea-Tac, work a deal in PDX, and take the train down and drive it home.

Good Luck. Just say no to black.......

RC

markandhills

Sounds good... I'm pretty sure that you only have to pay taxes for the state you're registering the vehicle in, so I'm good there... I've already had a few guys in Seattle offering to match my current deal... still waiting to hear from the Portland guys.

Thanks for the heads up!

mike274

Just went to the dealership and got a quote for a 2008 Pilot EX-L AWD for $27,700 plus taxes in the Nimbus Gray. I think I am going to take it, beacuse it is hard to find 2008 Pilots in the New York Area in the color and ex-l. Please let me know what you think and thank you everyone for your help.

manypilots

Hello,

If my calculations are correct, EX-L invoice w/ destination less the $3,500 incentive is about $27,400. So, it does not appear that you have gotten into the dealer "holdback", which many of us have. If memory serves, I got a quote about a month back here in MD for my brother-in law on an EX-L AWD for about $27,000 even plus TTL.
So, you may be able to do better. Like you said, it all depends on the inventory on hand in a region.

cyclone4evr

Honda typically has some decent specials for the Memorial Day Week-end...anybody hearing anything yet? With the number of '08 pilots on lots I figure that Honda may want to move 'em...especially with the '09 hitting the streets next week.

Thanks...

John

singlemind

"an EX-L AWD for about $27,000 even plus TTL"

That's pretty impressive. Could you please tell us which dealership in MD did your brother-in-law get that offer from?

dwynne

Those are usually regional / local deals. They already have $2,500 to $3,500 in dealer money and cheap financing, so unless they are going to drop the rate to 0.0% I am not sure what else they will do. Just wait and see, I guess, if you are not picky about model and colors. Some dealers have few of one model (VP) and a lot of loaded up models (EX-L w/Nav or RES). If your area dealerships are like that and you don't want the expensive models, waiting further reduces your choices.

Dennis

manypilots

I looked at the paperwork from the dealer, my memory of about 27 K was pretty much spot on. I don't know if I got a deal as a repeat customer of Pilots (thus my handle manypilots). The dealership is O'Donnell Honda in Ellicott City MD. I've loved the experience with them, from sales to service. They treat you right, like a valued customer. They are one of the bigger volume dealers in the Baltimore/DC area. You can check the inventory online.
Whether that deal still would hold, I don't know.....but we all know that the '09s are on the way, and the '08 inventory has to be moved.
I know I can't give sales person info here, but I would be happy to share the name of my sales guy. I enjoyed dealing with the young man both 4 years ago, and again just last month. But, I don't know how that would happen, as the terms of use don't allow email information to be posted.

singlemind

Thanks a lot, Manypilots. O'Donnell Honda, I remember the name. Actually, I have been there one time but didn't talk to any salesperson. I definitely will check with them again.

aix

You're at about $3200 under invoice. If you're taking low financing, I'd say this deal was pretty good. If you don't need financing, you should be able to get the full $3500 off, which should put you around $27,400 as someone said. Some people are getting into the holdback. But supply/demand play a key role in the negotiation. Please let us know what you do. Good luck!

aix

One thing to keep in mind when purchasing out of state. You should double check with your DMV to see how they calculate tax. In Massachusetts, unless the dealer is registered with Massachusetts, they will use the NADA value (which in this case is MSRP) to calculate tax. This cost me a few hundred extra in tax versus buying from a registered Massachusetts dealer, where I believe the tax would have simply been calculated off the actual sale price. Check with your DMV how they handle this, this could be a factor in your pricing. Good luck.

david140

Some dealers in the Boston area are offering 0.0 or 0.9 financing. Another one mentioned up to 3,500 dealer cash alongside a picture of the VP. I don't know if thats an indication that there is now a greater incentive, or if that would still only apply to the higher models despite the picture. Any suggestions where to start negotiating? It seems like the invoice minus the known incentive of 2,500 or even 3,500 and holdback would still be a little high considering the timing, and I assume there must be some volume based incentives as well. Anyone know any more information regarding incentives?

cloudyday

First off I want to thank everyone for making the price negotiations so easy. With all the pricing info on here it was a piece of cake emailing all the dealers for a good quote. After a week of emailing I finally found a dealer with the colors and options I want for a good price, though I probably could have gotten a few hundred more off if it weren't so close to the 09's coming out because its near impossible to find a 08' ex-l awd w/navi in california in a color besides red or a demo car. With memorial day coming up, has anyone else been notified of better incentives? I just got an email from one of the dealers that I emailed but not purchasing from that for memorial day they are offering up to 4500 incentive and 0.0% financing. Might be regional but was wondering if other areas are doing the same? Hopefully I can get them down some more when I go in and complete the transaction.

markandhills

Hey Rich -

Talked to Gary at McMinnville... Told him my good friend "Rich" told me to give him a call... Gave me a great price on their last EX-L... Gonna see if I can sell my wife on the silver...

hodog16

Went to go look at the 2008 Pilot as I've narrowed it down to that and the 08 Highlander. Looking to buy after I move to Indiana in a little over a month. The dealer I went to is medium-sized (I'd guess anyway) and basically had only SE AWD's left except for 2 EX-L AWD's, one of which was a demo model with 5,000 miles that of course was offered to me first.

Told the guy I basically had done my homework and knew these were going for invoice + $3500 + even part of the holdback. He replied that their holdback was only $300 for these models, although I thought it was 2% of MSRP making it roughly $680 or so?

Also gave me the typical "we've sold most of them in the past week" and that the model I was test driving wouldn't be around in 3 days if I didn't buy today. Anyway, drove an SE which was nice, although if I end up getting an 08 Pilot I'd want the EX-L Nav model, although those seem to be getting rare 'round these parts. Hopefully there are more in Indiana!

rich97303

Do the Silver!!!!! The Black is painful, I trade got rid of the Black EX to get the Silver, the Black looks good when (which is just about never) it is clean. Plus, it shows every nick and chip. If you buy from Gary, you better tell him to send me my $100 gas card (ha-ha). Pretty funny stuff, just got an e-mail from them today in regards to referal program.

These guys will do what they say they will do.

RC

azbuckeye

Is this a good deal or can I do better. I was offered a 2008 new Pilot FWD VP for invouce of 22,100. After tax, etc I can drive it off the lot for $26,400. They offered me $2500 incentive and 2.9%. What do you think? Also, another dealer offered it at 23,000 and after tax, tags, etc it came out to $26,689 OTD. With the difference of "base sale price" I was surprised that they ended up near the same price. Are these fees negotiable?

kyfdx

How does one dealer add $4300 for tax and tags... and the other dealer had $3689??!!

Where the heck do you live?

azbuckeye

I live in Phoenix, Arizona

I had one guy offer "$24,500" out the door, but Im trying to get it in writing.

captain6497

I am thinking about getting a new pilot. On Edmunds It looks like the invoice price of the EX-L FWD is 29,652. What would be a fair price to offer the dealer? They don't have an EX-L in right now (usually priced at 32,680). The cloth version with RES is like 32,200. How much do you think the 2008 EX-L with RES can be had for right now?

Also, do you think its worth waiting for the debut of the 2009 from the aspect of special pricing on the 2008, or maybe it'll be a deal to get a 2009?

Thanks in Advance!
:confuse:

hodog16

I'm interested in the Pilot too, but what I gather from reading this post and talking to my local dealer is to pay no more than original invoice minus $3,500 (roughly $6k off MSRP or so).

I would try to get into the holdback if they have a lot of the model on the lot. Around here the dealers have SE's coming out of their ears, I imagine with some negotiating I could do well on that model versus the EX-L Nav's and EX-L RES which seem to be rarer, only 1-2 on the lots of the larger dealers.

Unless you're interested in paying MSRP or waiting a few months, I wouldn't even worry about the 2009's in terms of any deals on those. Rumors abound that Memorial Day weekend and the summer may have better incentives for the 2008's, but waiting too long may make certain models hard to find.

bigdadi118

Example
Below this week Pilot FWD promotions in Boston, a high vol. Honda dealership Boch.
Inverntory is running LOW, just 2-3 vehicles avail on ea.

SALE PRICE : $22,988
EVERY EXL MSRP 32,680
EVERT SE MSRP 33,230

SALE PRICE : 20,988
EVERY EX MSRP 30,380

rich97303

29,652 (don't offer invoice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

minus 4500 without finance
minus 3500 with finance

That is the price to offer dealer, try to get them to throw in DMV if you would like. I didn't pay mine. Tell them you want the price "out the door".

RC :shades:

azbuckeye

My current proposal to me is a 2WD SE.
Internet price of 25,031
Plates/Reg $544.54
Taxes $2,019
DOC $369
Tire Tax $5
PCK (whatever that stands for?) $857 includes tax tint, door guards/splash guards
OTD price
$28,825.80

What do you think?

captain6497

Thanks for the information!

rich97303

Which State is this? Does DMV cost $500 + in the state? Do you want the add-ons (mudguards, etc)?

RC

azbuckeye

This is in Arizona. I do not want the add-ons for that price, and it does not make sense to add the DMV costs to the total and finance it. We will go to the DMV oursleves. Also, they say the DOC fee is not negotiable, yet dealers here vary from $399 to $349 and I got a salesman to tell me that they can put whatever they want for it, so that can be waived im sure.
After posting, I read quite a few of the older posts to gain some knowledge. Im going to try for 4500 off invoice of an SE, but may be wishful thinking.

dwynne

In most places the doc fee is non-negotiable, they have to charge the same to one person as the do to everyone else.

That said, you can shop for dealers that have little or no doc fees. You can also simply include the doc fee in your offers. Nothing to stop you from saying "I will give you $xx,xxx for this Pilot including destination and doc fee". The same $399 or whatever will appear on your paperwork but they will discount the Pilot to make it work out. A couple of the really cheap Honda dealers I have leased or purchased from the past have really high doc fees, but the NET of the vehicle, destination, and fee is what matters.

Dennis

rich97303

I'm with Dennis on this...its the final price that matters. For instance, on the last few rigs I have bought I told the dealer they are going to pay DMV. That is 150 to 200 dollars in my state. Sure, I'm really paying for it. They are just taking less for the car I am buying.

I really think one of the most important terms you can learn from this site is OTD. The "out the door price". Always talk to the dealer in terms of what the final cost will be to you.

27,000 OTD means exactly that, 27,000 is my final price for the car with all fees.

RC

PS-Do some states require Doc fees. I always thought this was an extra add-on for the dealer to make money. The business manager is going to make the same salary (right).

aochoa211

I just purchased a Honda Pilot Ex-l 4wd from Vip Honda in North Plainfield Nj . I called there internet dept and spoke to the manager George . He gave me a leasing price and informed me they only had 2 left instock. I gave him a deposit over the phone and picked the Pilot up that night. The process took less than an hour. I was very pleased with the service. I went to planet honda a few days before and got jerked around. I would tell all my friends to use Vip Honda they treat you with great respect

mike274

HI Rich

Congrats on the new Pilot. Can you let us know what price you paid and if you had any financing

Thanks

drexlr

Just bought a Silver FWD w/ accessories black side step,cross beams, and 4 oil changes this past weekend at Diamond Honda in the City of Industry for $30k OTD. A few other dealers were willing to offer the same deal with whatever color they have in stock.

dwynne

From AW:

The redesigned 2009 Honda Pilot goes on sale on Thursday, May 22, with a base price of $28,230, including shipping charges, the same price as the 2008 model it replaces.

All '09 Pilots are fitted with a 250-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine. The engine uses Honda's cylinder-deactivation technology, which switches among six-cylinder, four-cylinder and three-cylinder modes for better fuel economy.

The EPA-estimated fuel economy for the new Pilot is 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway for two-wheel-drive models, 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway for four-wheel-drive models.

Standard equipment includes a Class III towing hitch, 17-inch wheels and eight-passenger seating.

Honda will have three additional trim levels for the '09 Pilot:

-- The Pilot EX will start at $31,030 and includes alloy wheels and an upgraded audio system.

-- The Pilot EX-L starts at $34,230 and adds leather upholstery.

-- The Pilot Touring edition starts at $37,430.

All prices include a shipping charge of $635.