2013 and earlier-Honda Pilot Prices Paid and Buying Experience

patticake

Thanks, Dlake1963, the information is very helpful. I have decided to put a refundable deposit down to secure a 2004 EX-L. The bulid date is October 8-12. Not sure did I get a good deal or not. The cost for the EX-L is $29,856 ($29,767+ $89 service fee). The option seems okay - cross bars, front lower trim, fog lights, splash guards; comes to $1,168.
The price for the fog lights ($494 installed) seems very high. Does anyone have any information what the cost should be to have fog lights installed? Thanks

qbrozen

I think you did ok. That's about the price we paid for our '03 EXL back in April. So you got that number even with the '04 price increase, so not bad. Looks like you are paying about $1K for lower trim and fog lights. A good internet parts site has those items for $349 and $299, respectively. The fog lights involve some cutting to fit, so $350 for labor on the items isn't terrible. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

patticake

Thanks.
The dealer mentioned that the cost will depends on the time needed to install the options - ~2.5 hrs for fog light and ~1 hr for lower trim. the labor is $75/hour.
I was thinking to install later with my local mechanic. After checking into the installation manual -It does involve a lot of wiring and cutting, I may just let the dealer install the fog light.

markjenn

I would insist on a "flat rate" for these installs, not an open-ended, however-long-it-takes. Honda dealers install these sorts of options hundreds of times a year on Pilots and they should know exactly how long it takes. And I suspect Honda has a flat-rate guideline as well.

Honda accessories are well-thought-out and have copious and clear instructions. There is no reason any reasonably competent mechanic can't do the install, or even a owner who is mechanically inclined.

- Mark

patticake

Sorry that I did not make it clear. The installation for the options are "flat fee" for each items. I was comparing the parts internet price vs. dealer's charges (Installed) and found out that the fog light is much higher than others option in price difference (i.e. part cost vs. dealer cost). When I asked them that was their answer. The dealer has being friendly and responsive so far. Will find out more when the Pilot is delivered in one month.

markjenn

I suspect the fog light kit requires a lot more work. Perhaps the wiring isn't as plug-n-play, or maybe there is some custom fabrication required.

FWIIW, I had the "foglight accessory kit" put on the last SUV I owned and never use them. They work only on low-beams and they annoy other drivers when driving in town which is about the only time I find them useful. Just my $0.02.

If you get them fitted, please post a picture and whether you find them useful. Enjoy your new car.

- Mark

bmac111

Wanted to share that I just ordered a EXL no accessories, Black exterior, Saddle interior from Honda of Lisle for $30,190 including destination fee.

Sent e-mails out to seven dealerships requesting price quotes (used Honda.com) to connect to dealers. The lowest three (Low quote $30,390)were offered the opportunity to "win" the business. None of the three responded with a lower quote they all wanted me to call them to "talk." Honda of Lisle sent an e-mail inquiring if I was still in the market for a Pilot. I informed them I was but they were 600-700 overpriced compared to their competitors. They cut their original quote (list) by 800 but included destination fee. I love e-mail bidding wars. Pilot should arrive by the middle of November at the latest. Just wanted to share

dave7smith

I am going to lease a 2004 Pilot EXL- Leather in the Chicago area. 36 months 12K or 15K per year.
Any Advice on a dealership or prices paid ?
Thanks

patticake

Did you get your Pilot on time or the delivery date is next week? Is there any problem with the dealer? thanks.

troutbeer

As I type this I am preparing to drive down to Milwaukee and pick up my Pilot tonight. Wilde did a good job at installing the accessories in a timely fashion. I will post a full report when I get my Pilot and let you know how things went.

To answer your previous question, yes I'm in the Fox cities. I live in Menasha and work in Neenah. Maybe we'll see each other as we cruise around town.

How are things going with your deal? When is your build and delivery date?

TB

patticake

Thanks. Can't wait to hear from you. The car will be build on 10/8-12. It should be delivered during the last week of October. How many days between your build date and delivery date? Hope mine will be delivered earlier as I just sold my Astro LT few minutes ago.

The way that Wilde doing business is exactly the same as you mentioned in previous message.

I think I got similar deal like yours (??). It is about $1,500 under MSRP (including destination charge; otherwise it will be $1,100 under MSRP). The options are cheaper than Mike Pruitt's (see previous post).

I am in Appleton and work in Neenah - the company just had reorganization today. What is the Color of yours? Mine will be Sage Brush Pearl EXL. When you see one, wave!!!.

Funny part though, the local dealer (not Bergstrom - they are hopeless) wants to discuss more regarding the deal. Will see.

troutbeer

To all - Here is a quick summary of my Pilot purchase from Wilde Honda in Waukesha, WI.

Model - EX (cloth)
Color - Silver
Paid - $28,294 (includes $460 dest chg.)

Accessories & installed prices:
crossbars - $180
towing package - $989
fog lights - $494
cargo tray - $94
floormats - $108
splash guards - free

Total cost w/ $89 service fee: $30,248

Build Date: 9/17
Arrival Date in Waukesha: 9/29
Ready to pickup (options installed): 10/1

Financing Rate w/ American Honda: 4.05%

This was a negotiated price over the internet. They have a very competent internet staff that was nice and responsive to questions. When I drove the 80 miles to pick it up, the prices exactly matched the internet agreement. I had to wait quite a long time to get into the financing department when I picked up my vehicle, but I was lavished with free Honda goodies as they apologized for the wait repeatedly. I would buy another car from Wilde...no complaints.

mrkn

Message 1484 said that you will be getting DVD screens installed inside driver and passenger headrests. Since the Pilot can only be purchased with either a DVD or NAV system my plan was to purchase the one with the NAV and then have a after market DVD installed. Your message was interesting. How are the screens installed in the headrests... do they have to cut the leather to make them fit...is this legal? Can you tell me who the manufacturer of the equipment is. For a $100 less than a Honda system it seems like a bargain.

Also, has anybody purchased a Pilot with NAV and then had a Honda DVD installed. My dealer tells me that they can install a Honda approved DVD system. However, when I look on all honda parts web sites they specifically tell you that the DVD is for Pilots without the NAV. But, my dealer assures me that it can be done and that they have installed them several times on Pilots with NAV.

I'd appreciate any info.

malfon

I've got an order on 04 Sage but I've been seeing red lately and it looks hot!

At first I was going for Black, ended up ordering the Sage and now....

Now I am wondering what's best Black, Sage, or Red.

Any comments on this?

qbrozen

I suppose their is probably a way to install them in the factory headrests. I don't think I'd go that route, though. There are aftermarket headrests with screens already installed in them. I've seen these for sale all over the place and is probably the most common route.

qbrozen

Those are 3 great colors. I've seen them all and like them all. I think the black is really sharp on this vehicle. BUT, of course, black only looks good when it is really clean, and it is the toughest to keep clean. The red is a really nice red, BUT, there are SO many red SUVs out there. I think the Sage is a really nice color and is different enough from the other green SUVs out there to stand out. So, out of those 3, I think you picked the one I would have gone with.

p.s. I would have gone with Midnight Blue, though.

briggie

Can anyone share a recent experience in buying a 2004 Pilot EX with leather and rear entertainment center in the Houston, Texas area?

denednj

Test drove a Pilot EX in Freehold NJ (Sage). I said I would buy if they gave $1,000 off MSRP..was told they do not discount Pilots.
Anyone have any good suggestions in the NJ area? I don't mind driving a couple hours to a dealership to get a Pilot.
Thanks

denednj

November 7th our 2004 Pilot EX (sage brushed pearl) will be delivered. Right after we put in post #1508 a dealer in Saratoga NY called to say he would sell it to us for $1,000 under MSRP. We have to pay $62 for the splash guards.
Quite often we drive up to Saratoga so the location is fine.
Many of the previous post we have read on this discussion group have been very helpful, thanks to everyone.

bdwyer1

I live in Austin and have seen many several positive posts on this board about Gunn Automotive in San Antonio. I'm looking to buy an EXL with DVD. By chance I went to the Gunn site as I'm ready to buy. http://www.gunnauto.com/

They're offering the 2004 model for $29,890. This looks to be around $1000 over invoice and it's their advertised price on the website. Does anyone have any experience with Gunn or know if this is legitimate? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

ryano7700

Response to the Pilot bought in Frankfort KY. You got lucky with them. I had talked to them off and on for the last 8 months and told them to let me know as soon as I could get a 2004. Well, about 5 weeks ago I found a 2004 at the dealer you mentioned in Lexington, KY. It was sold but they told me I could get one in 3 weeks and that it would be about $1000 under sticker. I called the Frankfort dealer and gave them an opportunity and they said they could not do better than sticker. I bought the one in Lexington the next day. The Frankfort dealer did not have any at the time so I guess it was a case of supply and demand.

Totals
Model - EX-L RES
Color - Silver
Sticker $32,370
Destination $ 460
Towing $ 995
Tax & Lic. $ 1,834.38
Extended Warranty ( 7yr/85,000 mile) $ 1,480
Gap Insurance $ 140
Filing fee $ 21
TOTAL $37,320.38
I paid $36,150.52
Amount under sticker $ 1,169.86

Build Date: 9/9
Arrival Date in Lexington: 9/29
Financing Rate w/ CCU: 3.5%

I estimate I got mine for about $900 under sticker after their markup in the towing package. Also, I got two free oil changes. The extended warranty was through Performance Plus ( I think). The dealership recommended them over HondaCare. For one, they said Perf. Plus would replace tires free of charge if I ran over something. The warranty has no deductible at this dealership but $100 @ others. I can get a Hondacare $0 deductible, 7yr, 100,000 for $1150. Any opinions?

qbrozen

I know just where you were. Check out a couple of my old posts linked below.

where to go

where not to go

jnj91

Hi

Just wanted to share my Pilot buying experience. We just bought a '03 Pilot EX-L w/DVD entertainment system, internet price $31,107.78.

We added the woodgrain interior trim (except steering wheel and gear shift lever) for $475 (cost) and bought the 7yr / 100,000 mile $0 deductible warranty from them for $1375 ($200 over cost).

The only cost added was a $50 doc fee and a state inspection fee of $21.75. They argreed to take off an additional fee of $70 that the state charges on all cars sold in Texas since it wasn't mentioned or listed as part of the deal prior to us signing the paperwork. They were very good about the whole transaction.

The total was $33029.53
broken down >
31107.78 Pilot EX-L w/DVD
. 475.00 Woodgrain interior trim
.1375.00 7/100K $0 Ded ext-warranty
. 21.75 State inspection
. 50.00 Document fees

We were very, very pleased with the entire transaction. I'd be more than happy to provide the name of our salesperson and highly recommend them. Email me @ jme518@hotmail.com

JnJ

denednj

I checked out your links to previous postings. It is not easy to find a fair deal in NJ. Glad you were able to. I didn't want to go out of state to get the Pilot but since the dealership would not negotiate at all it left us no choice. Not sure where we will take it for service. Can't wait until the delivery date.

qbrozen

oh, that's odd. i didn't even see your second post that you ordered one. well, that's good that you found what you were looking for. enjoy.

as far as service, we continue to go to Coast. Not sure I'd recommend them, though. $45 for tire rotation and oil change isn't exactly a good deal from where I sit. Plus I wasn't too happy that the service manager tried convincing my wife that she needed to change her VTM4 fluid at 7500 instead of 15K. In any case, until they really give me something to complain about, we'll just keep going there.

if you manage to find a good one, please let me know.

patticake

I have purchased a Sage Brush EXL from a out of town dealer (80 miles away). I am curious to find out; for those purchased the pilot from out of state or "far" away dealers, where do you go for the warranty repairs? or regular services? How does the local dealer treat you? Thanks

qbrozen

As long as you don't call up and start the conversation with "hey, i bought this pilot out of state because you guys are overpriced, but I need an oil change and..." then it won't be a problem. Just call and make an appointment for the service. What are they going to do? Say no? They will be very happy to perform your service because they will make more money off you in that respect than they would have if they sold you the vehicle and you went somewhere else for service.

markjenn

The service end is the most profitable area of a dealership and nearly all service departments would love to take your money (or Honda's warranty reimbursement) whether you bought the car there or not.

The only sticky parts are if you have a problem due to the car not being prepped properly (e.g., improperly installed accessories) or if you have some intractable problem where you need to the dealer to go to bat for you with Honda on a borderline problem. Dealers have some "goodwill repair money" to spread around, but they do it to their better customers.

Some dealers also reserve loaner cars or free rides to customers who bought their cars, but policies vary.

- Mark

corpus

Gillman of San Antonio just quoted $1,000 under invoice for an EXL. Price: $30,250. Have not called their bluff yet. Anyone know of a better deal south of Austin/Houston? Can't see paying thousands in profit, when you can get other cars for a few hundred in profit. Did they really price the Pilots too low, or are we sheep being led to the slaughter? Hold out for a better price!

bdwyer1

Corpus - I would double check your numbers again. I'm showing that a 2003 EXL retails at $30,980 and invoices at $27,916 (including delivery). By my calculations, they're quoting you $730 under Sticker, not invoice. I would still check out Gunn and see what they can do for you and please post your experience on this board.

yxg12

I live in Cleveland, OH, and signed the purchase on Sept 28.

EX-L $29,300 (includes $460 destination)
Color: Midnight Blue Pearl
Dealer: MotocarsHonda
Build date: Oct 2

I was told it needs 3-5 weeks for pickup.
Any ideas on how soon the car can be picked up after it was built? Thanks.

markjenn

There is a lot of confusion about the term "invoice". Most use it as dealer cost, but many use it as MSRP. Then there is always confusion about whether it includes the destination charge and a regional ad fee. Some of the "great deals" reported don't include various bogus paperwork fees either.

I think comparisons are easier if people simply quote the deal they got in terms of $$$ off MSRP, but not including any applicable state taxes, license, and title fees (which vary from locale to locale). So the total amount paid on a $1K off MSRP deal would be the window sticker MSRP (with destination but no 2nd-sticker, add-ons, or accessories) minus $1K, plus state fees, nothing more.

- Mark

knguyen6

Anyone knows if I can CANCEL the buying contract which I already SIGNED, since the DEALER keeps on delaying the delivery date on my NEW PILOT.

tidester

Does the contract specify a delivery date?

If not, does it spell out any cancellation fees, etc.?

tidester, host

knguyen6

Tom,

The delivery date is already past dued and I do not know about cancellation fees. But I checked another dealer and it said as long as I have not paid and I have not drive the car off the parking lot. I can cancel any time, is this true?

qbrozen

i wouldn't necessarily call it a contract. Should just be a purchase agreement. Real question is, did you put down a deposit? If not, then you are free and clear to tell them you are cancelling. If you put one down, technically, its probably non-refundable. Most decent dealers will refund it, however. I think what tidester is saying is that, if you put down a deposit, and there is a delivery date on the agreement, then the dealer defaulted first by not delivering, therefore they owe you a refund at your request. THat's my interpretation, anyway. I'm not a lawyer or anything, so be careful.

patticake

I have noticed many of Pilot owners bought the floor mats as option. The Pilot brochure listed in the "Specifications and Features" that the floor mats is included. Did I miss something?

qbrozen

I think folks are referring to the heavy rubber all-weather mats. I could be wrong, though. Might be examples of dealers charging for things they shouldn't be charging for.

troutbeer

I bought the 'All-Season' rubber floormats. It helps us Wisconsin folks deal with the snow and salt during our long winters. The pilot comes with carpeted floormats as standard equipment and if you buy the all season mats, you also keep the standard carpeted mats.

cwashi6

I'm looking to buy a 2004 EX-L very soon. I have looked at the available accessories. I'm thinking of getting cargo cover, fog lights, lower trim, all season floor mats, and cargo tray. Anyone have any opinions? Are these add ons worth the cost? Anyone have an opinion on the separation net? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

markjenn

I'd make your best deal on the bare car. Then buy any accessories that you can install yourself over the net - there are some good discount places selling the Honda stuff for about 2/3rd's of dealer MSRP. It is easier to close a deal if you don't add any complexities.

If you're doing something like the trailer hitch package or running boards where you don't want to do the install, then include them in the deal. But you can probably go in later and get exactly the same price you'd get on the original deal.

I'm also a believer in buying the basic car and driving it awhile before buying a bunch of stuff that you may decide you really don't need. For example, running boards (I think that's what you're referring to by "lower trim") are probably unnecessary for most people on a Pilot and just tend to get your pants dirty.

- Mark

qbrozen

good points.

actually, fyi, lower trim is just some extra moulding on the front bumper. Its sort of a necessity when adding the fog lights on this vehicle because there is no factory installation spot for them. check it out here

rerenov8r

They are more "exposed" when you install 'em w/o the trim, but the brackets/supports for the fogs mount only to the stock bumper cover...

The lower trim is cosmetic.

markjenn

Thanks for the photo. I'd probably get the trim if I was getting foglights.

I have mixed feelings about foglights. They do cut a broader swath of light, but this seems useful only around town and some folks really are up in arms that you shouldn't run them in town. And they don't work on high beams.

- Mark

jenniju

I was just told (no kidding) from a NH dealer that the cars offered by OH dealers are being bought directly from Canada and that they do NOT come with a Honda factory warranty. The warranty is an aftermarket warranty provided through the dealer. Has anyone heard of such a thing? I thought it was a pretty tall tale.

markjenn

Gray-market importing of Canadian Pilots and Odysseys is occurring, although I think your NH dealer is probably just trumping this excuse up as part of the sales game - the good deals you hear about in the Midwest probably just reflect the local supply/demand situation in this part of the country.

The gray-market cars are new (or nearly new) Canadian cars that are imported across, sold as used, and with no US warranty. The importers typically offer some kind of third-party warranty in lieu of the US warranty. These cars are readily ID'd by the outer ring of the speedo being marked in kmh. The buyer usually knows what they're getting although I'm sure there are some buyers who don't do their homework and don't realize what they're getting.

This practice has diminished now that the cars are in better supply and the exchange rates are no longer as favorable.

- Mark

my3kids

Your NH dealer just want to do any dealing on the Pilot, so he has invented this tale of the Ohio Pilot. Not true...I bought in OH and had warranty service done a couple of times in a different state. Just the plain on 3/36K.

roinfo

Where is a good place to buy in Colorado

jenniju

I noticed your other posting. What dealer did you go through in OH?

truckdude

Not sure there is place to get a really good deal in the Denver area...

Back in April I was able to get a dealer to go $1500 under MSRP for an EXL/Res...now the best I can seem to get is $400 under MSRP for an 04. I probably should have bought the 03, but instead decided to wait for the 04's.

Ralph Schomp is about $400 under, they give a 7/100 warranty, are great to deal with, but the wait is about 3 months.

Let me know if you find anything promising in the Denver market, as I have now started looking at the more widely available 04 Highlander with the 3rd row seat...