2013 and earlier-Honda Pilot Prices Paid and Buying Experience

mitch65

I'm not surprised that they don't answer my questions directly. But sadly, that's what I expect from them. Either I play email tag with them and not get my questions answered directly, or I make a trip to see them.
I could ask them what they want or the car, but what difference would that make? It would be a pie in the sky number that I would have to bring down by several thousand I'm sure. That's why I want to know what would be a fair price, in the end. And hopefully, it does exist and is new. Actually on their website inventory, they allow you to print out the specs on the car, and even shows the VIN#. So how do I go about checking out the VIN# ?
Thanks.

bigdadi118

48,631 MILES was listed. Doesn't look like NEW to me.

you can use ebay cheaper rate to check the VIN# to see whether registered before.

mitch65

I went back to ebay and looked at the vehicle again. The VIN # listed matches the one on the dealers website, so I'm confident this vehicle exists. However, I checked the vehicle history report on eBay and saw that there was at least 8,000 mile on the car! And it had already been registered.
Can they still call this new? Anyway, it looks like no deal for me.

scottgbwi

I think if it's a "DEMO" car they can list it as new.

bigdadi118

"Demo" is NOT registered. Once it's registered, it is SOLD & USED, IMHO.

mitch65

Here is their response to my email. Do intelligent people work there?

Hi

I believe that this particular Pilot had about 52k miles. We only provide VIN's to vehicles when it is purchased. We have a wharehouse in Brooklyn and found alot of brand new vehicles. Yes, it is a brand new vehicle. We have had alot of calls on this particular Pilot, when can you make it into our showroom and go over your options?

Kimberly
Internet Specialist
718-xxx-xxxx

Can you tell me the miles on the NEW 2005 Pilot.
Can you also tell me the VIN# ?
And why do you still have a 2005 model. Is it really new?
Is there anything unusual about it?
Thanks.

fred25

Mitch 65

You can check out the VIN by doing a car fax -

Second when you and I speak of new vehicle it should have less that 25 miles.

when the dealer speaks of NEW they are saying its new to THEIR inventory and it may have hundreds of miles on it. So be careful.

Third the reason I do not like to throw out numbers first is that the dealer has a price he wants to move the vehicle - since this is a 2005, IMO you should start with 23 - 25 K. you may also want to see what other 2005's are selling for at other dealers . I suggest you go to:
DealersOverstock.com, Autotrader.com. edmunds.com, carsdirect.com .

Hope this helps you -

FRED

fishhoppa

The KBB suggested retail for an excellent condition Pilot was something like ~$24k, just like earlier posts. The reality is, who still pays full suggested retail? the dealer can certainly ask for it. The trade in value is only worth ~$14k and that's in the good to excellent range - how many dealers are even willing to offer that for the trade? especially in this market.

IMO go with a much lower offer and definitely research what the going rates are for a used one --- because anyway you look at it, it will instantly become a 4 year old used vehicle as soon as you drive it off the lot. Also the part of the dealer not willing to provide a VIN until you buy just does not sound right.

Lotsa of luck to you!

zorkon

I am waiting it out because Honda is simply asking too much for the Pilot. As far as I am concerned, they can keep reducing their production levels until there is only 1 Pilot on each dealer's lot. I'd like to buy new, but the 2009 are already aging and are priced so far above the used market its an insane premium. To drive out the lot and be $10,000 under water just does not make sense. Doing a quick search, CarMax is selling 2006 Pilot EX (21k miles) for $19,000 and you know ones can be found cheaper.

mitch65

"when the dealer speaks of NEW they are saying its new to THEIR inventory and it may have hundreds of miles on it."

I highly doubt that a dealer can say "new" and it not be truly "new" as a consumer would understand it. I'm sure the state AG would have something to say about that. And it's not as if a salesperson told me it was new as in a conversation. It's on eBay as new and on their website inventory where you can search "used" and "new". It boggles my mind how the salesgirl could in the same paragraph tell me it has over 50k miles on it and still call it "new".

Anyway, Paragon Honda in Queens has blown my trust in them and I'm not going to pursue it with them any longer. They really know how to insult your intelligence. Ironic considering most car buyers are smarter than the salespeople!
Now how do I get them to stop calling me at home!!

bigdadi118

" .... I believe that this particular Pilot had about 52k miles...."

100% NOT NEW, not even the smell.

kyfdx

Are we still talking about a 2005 Pilot?

Let's move on.....

nucargurl

I am ready to purchase my 2009 Pilot EXL. I am trying to find what others are paying in my area and not having any luck. KBB shows MSRP @ $34,265, invoice @ $31,102 and Market Price @ $33,580 - only $685 under MSRP. Edmunds isn't helping either. My last car (Suburban) was purchased at $500 over invoice. Am I in LA-LA land thinking that I might get the same deal from Honda? I'm in Lafayette, LA. Has anyone recently purchased the EXL in my area and what did you pay?

jetboat76

Just purchased a EX-L 4WD for $31,700 before TTL in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
http://www.rivertownhonda.com/

Salesperson was Cameron, he was great to work with.

nucargurl

Wow! Thats what I was going to go with as my price for the 2WD. Do you know what invoice was for your 4WD? Did they add any extra "fees" before TTL? We are talking 2009, aren't we?
*edit* I looked at your Honda website and EXL 2WD MSRP is 33,595. My dealer is 34,265. I guess mine includes the 670 destination charge. Any advice for me? I'm planning on trading my 2003 Suburban.

jetboat76

Yes 2009 EX-L 4WD, $33,815 out the door with $180 document fee, 6% MI sales tax, and license/plate transfer fee $23.

I would think you should be able to get the 2WD version for $1000-1500 less.

jetboat76

Here's one for $31,088.00 and it's only 500 miles away. You should be able to get it for at least $30,700.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___2009-Honda-Pilot-EX-L-2WD-Call-For-- Incentives_W0QQitemZ200264696903QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewIte- m?hash=item200264696903&_trkparms=72%3A727|39%3A1|65%3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p45- 06.c0.m245

geauxtigers1

I am also in Lafayette and am considering purchasing a Pilot. We bought our last Honda at Moss Motors and they werent really in a haggling mode. From what I hear JP is pretty good. Where have you shopped at so far and what was the best deal at.

fred25

Mitch 65

Just tell them the next time they called you, that you purchase a vehicle from another dealer.

Fred

nucargurl

All of my paperwork is at my office. I can't remember exact numbers - I'll get back with you tomorrow. I got an internet quote from Alexandria of 32,323? and JPT 32500?. I haven't gotten one yet from Moss. I'm thinking about going over there tomorrow and seeing what they will give for my trade. I doubt they will be the cheapest, so I'll use them as a starting point. I see people all over the country getting low prices, I just don't see our area going that low. I saw 1 message from a person in AL that got EXL for 29,467.28 - 30,829.86 OTD. I might try to find them and make a trip to AL!!

Do you think Moss will laugh me out the door if I ask for 5,000 off MSRP??

nucargurl

Walker Honda - Alex. 32,387.58+TTL, JPT - New Iberia - 32,500+TTL. These are both internet quotes. It's definitely not going to go up! I think I'm going to hold off and wait a few months - maybe save up for touring. Good luck to you!

mitch65

I'm looking to buy a used 06 EX-L Pilot with 16k miles for $20k. I don't have a reliable mechanic to bring it to to check out. Aren't there mobile services that can look over a car for you? I live in NYC and would prefer first hand recommendations from experience.
Thanks.

bigdadi118

If you join AAA. They have AAA approved service to check on the Pilot and give you report.

pilotsearcher

Good Price

fred25

Mitch 65:

There is a mobile service that would come to your location and check out the entire vehicle. They are called "LEMONFINDERS"

mitch65

Have you or any one else used them? I've heard it costs 2-3 hundred bucks. Wondering if it's worth it if the vehicle still has the factory warranty on it for another year.

mitch65

Did you mean "lemonprotector.com"? Or is there another service?

jwalls

Got another quote thats actually LOWER than the last one I posted. $ 35,023 base price.

Another dealer called me back and when I told him the quote he said it wasnt possible. He stated that the dealer was "giving it away". I told him no dealer gives away a car. He stated he could NOT match the price.

cdolan59

where in massachusetts did u get?

cdolan59

where was this dealership? did it include destination and sales tax?

cjofpa

See if this is any good. $35,525.00 includes $670+$100 Destination and Advertising. added $1969.88 installed accessories, Honda Care 7 yr / 120 k for $1195.00, rustproofing, paint, interior protection package $570. total of $39,259.88 add tax $2355.59 and plates $188.50

Total $41,803.97

poodog13

You're getting ripped off on the warranty, you can get one online at a better price at bernardiwarranty.com

cjofpa

I took the printed prices from:
http://www.bernardiwarranty.com/Departments/Honda/Pilot/New-Pilot-Personal.aspx
With me to get the, $1195.00 price. Honda- Care only goes to 84 months, with in $70 does not seem "ripped off to me" They wanted $1500.00
Thanks

fred25

I believe it lemonfinders, however, they may have changed. I have used them about 3 years ago - and knowing how the auto industry changes I cannot say if they are still in business.

These services are very practical if you do not have a mechanic you can trust. IMO its a way to have you vehicle checked out to see if there are any problems, BEFORE YOU PURCHASE A VEHICLE.

bigdadi118

Check This Out

http://www.lemon-check.net/free-lemon-check.html

newpilotguy

I just paid $31733 + tax,title, & document fees for a 2009 Honda Pilot 4WD EX/L in northwest Ohio on Oct. 18th. They also threw in a $500 gas card. By my calculations, the dead cost for this vehicle is $31572 where

Dead Cost = Invoice - Holdback - Market Support (aka Dealer Cash) + Destination Charge
Holdback = 2 or 3% of MSRP (depending upon Make of vehicle)

I don't think that they will accept $5000 off MSRP but they will probably accept $200 over dead cost, which is $4132 off MSRP. As for your trade, you could probably get more by selling it yourself. If you you price it halfway between Kelly's Blue Book private value and the dealer wholesale value, you will probably sell it within a week and get more for your old vehicle.

Also, I found it helps getting internet quotes from every dealer within 100 square miles and get them to match or beat the best offer. I was surprised that the offers varied as much as $4000 from the highest offer to the lowest offer.

poodog13

A word about private sale vs. trade-in:

Be careful about how your state treats trade-ins in determining any sales tax due on the net sale price of the new vehicle.

For example, in PA the trade-in amount is deducted from the purchase price before calculating sales tax. Selling your car via private sale in this scenario results in higher sales tax on your new car. My sales tax rate is 7%, which essentially means that I would need to get at least 7% higher price from private sale versus trade-in just to break even.

When I traded in my last car, it looked like the most I'd be likely to get via private sale was a 10% increase over my trade. This means that the real premium after tax was only 3%, which I decided was not worth both the hassle of selling privately AND the risk that I would not ultimately get my price.

nucargurl

I'm in LA and tax is not calculated on the trade. My tax is 8% and I'm trading a Suburban. I doubt that it would be worth the hassle it to sell it out right.

Dead Cost = Invoice - Holdback - Market Support (aka Dealer Cash) + Destination Charge
Holdback = 2 or 3% of MSRP (depending upon Make of vehicle)

Where do I find these out? Edmunds, KBB, NADA?
Do you know what the dead cost is for a EXL AWD and Touring?

kcellis

Anyone heard if there may be any incentives on Pilots for November?

duane10

Anyone have any ideas or comments on my price quotes?

I am searching for a new 2009 EX-L with RES (DVD) in San Francisco Bay area. So far the BEST QUOTE I have is $33,000 including destination fee of $680. I will have to pay tax and license also. The invoice is $33,994 and MSRP is $37,465 at KBB.com.

My question: has anyone received a lower quote for a 2009 EX-L with RES? If so, where?

petecpa

Paid $33.0k + TTL for 2009 EX-L 4x4 with RES last week. Original quote was $32.8k and I negotiated all-weather floor mats and cross-bars installed for the $33.0 final price. Dealer was in central CT.

duane10

thank you so much! I wanted to make sure I was not way over paying. Good luck with your new Pilot!

newpilotguy

Thanks Poodog13, I totally forgot about how not having a trade in increases the amount of taxes I pay. At least I had it in my payment calculation spreadsheet....I'll definitely keep it in mind the next time I purchase a new vehicle.

newpilotguy

I just did a search on invoice prices and holdback for a Honda Pilot and the different trim lines. I got the invoice prices from kbb.

2009 Honda Pilot..........AWD EX/L......AWD EX/L w/RES.....AWD Touring
MSRP.............................35195.................36795....................- 39065
Invoice.............................31878.................33324.................- ...35440
Holdback (3% MSRP) .........1056..................1104......................1172
Market Support........................0.......................0........................- ...0
Destination Charge...............670....................670.......................670
Dead Cost........................31492................32890....................34938

To the best of my knowledge there is no Market Support/Dealer Cash available right now, although in looking through earlier discussions, there appeared to be $2000 in dealer cash available in August that some dealerships were putting into the deals in order to generate some sales and/or interest in the new 2009 Honda Pilot.

kyfdx

I think there is a good chance that Honda just added some dealer cash to the Pilot. Car_man mentioned lease cash here: Honda Pilot Lease Questions

regards,
kyfdx

mplshondadlr

It's only available on the lease - not the purchase.

touring5

mplshondadlr - Do you anticipate new incentives for November? Will Honda offer 0% financing?

Thanks

mikevp

Got a dealer to get to $31.5K on 4x4 EX-L with RES. I love making them squirm. I was listening to the other salesman behind me trying to SCREW over a hispanic couple behind me. Dont feel bad at all squeezing the dealers for every last cent.

I dont have to buy yet so i am going to wait a month or two to see if the incentives come back. Maybe get a touring at that time...

Do your research and dont let them push you around. Tell them you will leave if you feel too pressured. You make the demands, not them.

preluder5

The general sales manager at the Honda dealership showed me an email from his region Honda representative and said that APR's for all Honda vehicles will go up to 3.9%. He didn't tell me about cash back, rebates, dealer cash because he didn't have that info. By the way I bought an 09 2wd Touring Model with Navi & RES, for 500 UNDER invoice. After TTL I paid a total of $36,954 and I got them to put tint on the front two windows and put gas on my fiancees car since we drove 1 hour to the dealership. This was in McAllen, Texas @ ClarkKnapp Honda on 10/31. The gave me 1.25% of the holdback cash that's why I got it under invoice.

norcalpilot

I have been browsing this thread for a while now and thought I'd contribute. I live in Northern California and bought a 2009 2WD EX-L (no RES) for $4000 off MSRP ($30,265). This included the destination charge, but did not include TTL.

Probably could have held out longer for a better deal, but I thought the price was low enough.