2013 and earlier-Honda Pilot Prices Paid and Buying Experience

qbrozen

try Coast Honda in Wall, NJ.
Very nice folks and gave me the best deal in the area (and least hassle) by far.

i posted the details back in April here on this board.

qbrozen

The deal sounds fine IF you want all those extras. You'd be looking at about $1200 to have the sunroof installed. The running boards are around $400 on line. And then you have a couple of extras. So the way I see it, you are paying under $30K for an EX-L Res. Not bad at all.

bconsi

Yes, I purchased the running boards and other accessories from handa-accessories.com. Simply went to their website and placed the order online. Took about a week to receive my order.

The running boards were fairly easy to install, especially since I don't consider myself to have strong mechanical skills. I was concerned about two things - one, the note in the instructions (which you can view online before ordering)which mentioned using a clip remover tool, and two, the reference to using tools in metric sizes (I don't have many). Well, removing the clips was very simple. Just poke the center of the clip with the corner of a flat screwdriver and it pops right up. Then the clip pulls right out.

As for the metrics, I found that a 1/2 inch socket worked fine -- thankfully, because getting to the bolts with anything other than a socket wrench would be problematic.

All-in-all, it was pretty simple. Took me a couple of hours or so. After the first side, the second one went quick. More tedious than anything. Oh, by the way, I didn't have a torque wrench to torque to spec. I'll check them periodically just to be sure.

As for the cross bars, the instructions indicate that you need to remove the front of the roof rack. However, I found removing the two 30 pt hex nuts unnecessary. Only the 15 pt hex screw needed to be removed. It was also fairly simple (30 to 45 minutes taking my time).

I've also ordered from partscheap.com in the past for accessories to our Odyssey. I would have considered them again, but didn't see running boards offered on their site.

Hope that answers any questions. If not, let me know.

bconsi

As for viewing the headrest monitors, what do you think about installing one headrest in the first row of seats for second row viewing and a second in the second row for third row viewing? Yes, a second passenger in each row would have to look to his/her left or right -- but wouldn't that be better than the third row passengers trying to view the headrests in the front row seats?

Or, are you going to tell me that the headrest monitors are only made to fit into the front row seats?

One last thing, I imagine that once you have these installed, they wouldn't move easily to the second vehicle?

terumi1

all the headrest monitors are the same. They will move easily to the second vehicle. You send them back to epic (or whatever the mfg is that you are using), and they swap them out to the new headrest style for the new car you purchased. You put the original Pilot headrests in that you have stored in your house somewhere, and you are back to factory.

stever

My cars are out of warranty now, and it's games like flat fees for shop materials that send me right to the indy mechanic for future work. The doc fee games don't make me want to shop for a new car anytime soon either!

A reminder to everyone - there's a main Honda Pilot board and a Pilot club under Honda Owners Clubs where the non-deal talk should go.

Another reminder - sometimes you can get a better deal at the end of the year, so if you are on the fence, plan a visit to the showroom on, say, Christmas Eve.

Steve, Host

sysadmin1

Hey guys..

On the questions of the headrest stuff...RES-Rear Entertainment System.

My solution is going with Best Buy. They re-sell the headrests from Vizuallogic, which does not require you to cut up your current headrests. They remove and give you back your current ones whole, and the package includes:

2 Custom headrests with 7" monitors installed.
1 RF unit for radio
1 DVD plyer
2 different A/V boxes for signal splitting and other stuff to make the package work.

I bought the aux adapter that termumi1 suggested and is waiting for me at work. Much better way to go than RF.

As far as the 3rd row viewing goes, since I only have two kids, it was a non-issue with me. They can sit in the 3rd row if they want, but I really don't think its that big of a deal. In my old Pathfinder I put the roof mounted type in, and it was new at the time and had a 6.4" I think screen. Plenty big for the kids to look at, and even times that they would sit in the way back by tailgate with hatch open watching in the driveway. Remember, this is a luxury, not something I feel obliged to make sure is perfect in every way as if it were a theater...:)

Although, I think angle and people in the second row is a bigger hurdle than the actual distance from the screen in the third row. Another thing I like is that even though you need to pull the headrests in order to make the second row flat. If I do decide that I want more screens, and money isn't an issue, with this system it would be easy to add another monitor to oneof the second row headrests, maybe the center one...

You could just add a video splitter into the loop, have the middle headrest on the second row custom installed with a screen, maybe 6" in 7" is too big, and run the wire down the silver post. To facilitate the removal for seat going down, I would just have them make the cable detachable, RCA/power to monitor. Not a big deal. Then the third row people could all watch the middle screen.

sysadmin1

I think the out-the-door price for all this from Best Buy will be about 1650. The only thing that scares me is that I'd really rather use a more professional shop to do it in case the scratch a trim piece or something. I guess since the car is new, I'll make the comment when I drop it off in Jan that the car is brand new with no scratches on trim, and that I'd like them to be carefull, and that if they do scratch any trim or any mistakes, they will be replacing the pieces.

terumi1

I am impressed with the out the door pricing you got from Best Buy. Mine will be $2050 which includes in addition to the items you mentioned above, 2 RF headphones (I'm pretty sure yours comes with it also and you just forgot to list it. You mentioned the RF radio.). Also, I am getting the extra connection for future video gaming.

I dont know if this company Epic is any better/worse than the visual logic. No idea. I know that the shop I am purchasing from is an upscale stereo store, so their stuff is pretty nice as a rule. But really, who knows.

The store really liked the headrest system. And really thought that the screen that came with the system was nicer than the audiovox screen I was getting installed (we were there to drop the car off to get the audiovox sytem installed when we made this change!). For me, the audiovox screen looked just fine! But they termed the Epic screen as a third generation screen. Who knows?

So we switched. Which meant that they had to order everything. So we didn't drop the car off. And as I just posted in the Accesories section (which is where we should probably be posting all this!), I am still on the fence on this whole overhead vs. headrest issue. Pro's and con's right down the line. And probably since the headrests are special ordered, I can't switch now anyway.

The big issue for me against the headrest unit is the dvd player placement. Where are you putting yours, sysadmin1? I wish you had it installed now to give some feedback of, "were I to do it again I would....."! As I have stated, I am putting mine at the bottom of the radio stack in that little cubbyhole there. I really dont like putting it there for the loss of space. So again, where are you putting yours? Same place? Glovebox? Inside the center console? Underneath one of the seats?

Another thing that might be pushing up the price for me is the installation charge. Which is a whopping $300.00 I dont like that. But they just keep going on and on about their installation department and mine being a new car, the piece of mind coming with knowing there won't be the slightest scratch on it. I went back into the install shop and looked at the jobs they had in progress. That 20k installation job of the Escalade with 6 screens, etc, etc....I posted previously was in there (the owner of the Escalade is Boston Red Sox player Manny Ramirez...he was at the store wearing a football jersey when we were there that day), a Hummer that God Knows What all they were doing to. The salesman showed us all of it, and it was mind boggling and I kind of forget now. It was a 10k job. Just on the installation. Lots of screens and built ins that didnt come with the Hummer. Like, they moved all the OnStar buttons and hardware and custom installed an in-dash nav system. It looked, peeeerfeccct. REally nicely done. All the buttons they had aftermarket installed/moved were very very impressive. Very skilled, detailed, and perfectly balanced installs on everything. And there was another Escalade in there that they had all tore up, too.

So the shop knows what they are doing. No doubt. Very expensive vehicles all torn up. Manny Ramirez..well...his Escalade looked like a cargo plane inside. All the interior walls torn out. All the seats torn out. Because they WELDED 12 BIG, hell, I dont know, kickers. Or speakers. Or whatever they are called. Along the walls. Then they will replace the interior walls with the associated cutouts. Amazing. Screens and speakers everywhere. Gadgets galor.

So my little Honda Pilot with the $300 install price tag seemed insignificant! But, for me, I think it is a lot. And that pushed up my price tag considerably. I am sure Best Buy will do a fine job. And if Best Buy scratches any trim pieces, they will order new ones from Honda directly and install them for free.

Bored in Bolivia. That is the hazard of having too much free time on your hands (a lot of political unrest here in Bolivia, so is not safe to leave the hotel), and being able to type almost 100 wpm! Lengthy posts!

sysadmin1

The system does come with the two headsets for the price. THe selling price with everything was $1438 I think. Then add $150 I think for the install. Then $69 for the extra aux cable I bought. I am a little scared about them doing it, but since it is a new vehicle I hope they take care, and if there are issues, they will only have themselves to blame right? They would be responsible for repairing it.

As far as where to put the dvd player, I am going to have them put it at the bottom of the radio stack somehow. I hope it fits there. Since I have NAV, no room under pass seat, havent looked under drives yet, so maybe thats an alternate spot. But hope they can do it in the dash.

terumi1

Assuming 6% tax on top of the 1438, plus 150 plus 69, that brings you to $1743. Still 300 less than my deal. So good for you. My install is 300. So there's that there. The remainder comes in at the pricing of the units. Epic vs. Vizuallogic.

Again, I think Best Buy will stand behind whatever they do in the installation.

I have fit the dvd player into that cubbyhole. It will fit flush. But there is cutting to be done. Inside that cubbyhole.

stever

Until Best Buy starts selling cars, lets stick to car deals in this discussion. Please see the other boards I linked above for accessories and mods. Thanks,

Steve, Host

bconsi

I agree that some of the detail on the entertainment systems might be more appropriate on the accessories; however, you should note that a significant aspect of the price of many vehicles nowadays involves entertainment systems, navigation systems, etc. It is a major factor in determining what price to pay. For example, the best price I could get on EXL RES unit was $31,000 (and it took some hard pounding to get it there). But, an EXL without DVD entertainment was priced as low as $29,101. This is a $1900 difference for a $1500 retail accessory. Your readers need to sort this out in order to make a decision that fits them.

So, hopefully a little lattitude for the discussion will be permitted here. After all, Best Buy may not be selling cars but Honda and other car manufacturers are definitely selling electronics. And, it all factors big into the final purchase price -- which this thread is about.

cccompson

Post #1777 detailed the deal I thought I had last week. Brought the Pilot home tonight but deal turned out a bit different. My wife became adamant that she wanted leather so leather it is.

Price for Nighthawk Black Pearl EX-L with saddle interior was $29,011 ($750.00 over invoice) plus $237.00 in accessories (rear splash guards, rubber floor mats, and cargo area tray) plus "document fees" of $100.00 plus $20.00 for title and lien. Selling dealer was Hugh White in Columbus, OH, who arranged 3.74 percent 60 month financing through Chase Bank (which charged a $150 loan origination fee).

This will be her (sort of a surprise) Christmas gift. Went looking for a BIG bow (like the Lexus commercials) and instead came up with the idea to gift wrap the vehicle - should be interesting to do so (especially since I can barely wrap a small rectangular box, lol).

tidester

So, hopefully a little lattitude for the discussion will be permitted here.

You've had enough latitude. The purpose of this board is to discuss the prices people paid for the Pilot and their buying experience. Let's keep discussion of accessories, performance, maintenance, mechanical problems and technology in the appropriate places.

Thanks.

tidester, host

terumi1

Congrats on your Pilot Purchase! I too, had considered the bow from the Lexus commercials! Good luck wrapping it! That should be a funny picture! Post it!

terumi1

Tidester, how do you post pics in these forums?

pilot2beach

I just took delivery of my '04 Pilot from Showcase Honda (ext. 7313)of Phoenix. I want to thank all previous contributors as the information helped with my search.

Living in the NW, Pilots are still in demand and not much, if any, negotiating. After looking over most of the country, Showcase offered the best combination of price and shipping cost (vs. option of "fly & drive").

After relatively minimal back and forth, we agreed to an out the door price of a little under $2,000 off MSRP (including Honda shipping). This price included some dealer add-ons; pin striping, tinted front glass, and door & fender guards. Also, dealer cost if I choose to add an electric sunroof from a local installer. Shipping was extra via Falcon Transport (arranged by Showcase). I'll still have to pay home state sales tax and license - which I would regardless.

The car arrived about a week after the dealer received my check. Driver for Falcon called mid afternoon and delivered the car last evening to my house (the driver was very courteous and professional). So far, it appears the car arrived as promised (in one piece with all pieces intact and no added miles on the odometer). There was another Showcase Pilot on the same truck, so someone else must agree with my thinking.

Was it the absolute best price? Probably not, however given many prior deals disappeared when I contacted the named dealers (or shipping costs would have eliminated the added saving), and it was the desired color, I'm happy with transaction.

tidester

Click on the "Town Hall Help" link near the top left of this page for instructions on posting a picture. Bascially, you have to find a "host" (i.e. web site) where your picture will be stored and create a link to it in your message here.

tidester, host

terumi1

Thanks for the pic info!

bconsi

Get a grip -- and lose the attitude. First, I have not been the one posting the particularly lengthy discussions on accessories. Second, you can at least acknowledge the value of parsing out the cost of accessories and options in determining the appropriate vehicle price.

Grow up, and drop the negative tone . . .

tidester

Let's keep it civil and on topic. Thanks.

tidester, host

z_tang

Hi, Folks

First of all, thanks very much for all your inputs regarding the pricing information and buying experience on Pilot. I have been searching for a Pilot deal since late september, and finally settled a deal and picked up the Pilot two weeks ago from Selma Handa, CA.

I paid $600 over invoice (30058+600, destination charge included) for my Silver Metalic EXL-NAV, with dealer throw-in wheel lock. The transaction was smooth, and driving back home was enjoyable.

Also, I would like to share my experience. The best quote I got in Bay area was $1000 above invoice from San Leandro Honda, however, the conversation with them was not quite pleasant. They always tried to push you, and often used offensive words. Even worse, they backed off from their offer when I called them again.

Stevens Creek Honda once had a big sale on all Pilots in the lots with $1300 off MSRP.

Good Luck for all Pilot buyers.

patm70

I strongly agree with Tidester that this forum is for Prices paid for the Pilot not add ons that people can get after car purchase at Best Buy. There is a Topic dedicated to accessories, like stereo upgrades,DVD players,running boards, etc. Let's just share auto buying experiences and prices paid to help other potential buyers of Pilots. Tidester (Steve), You have done a great job hosting this forum-Have a great Christmas!

shawbr

I am looking to purchase 04 Pilot EX. Any info on dealer with pricing information?

Thanks in Advance?

mrkn

On December 8th I Purchased a 2004 Pilot EX - Navi with the following options: Rear view Camera, Rear Mud Guards, and Auto Day/Night rear mirror. The total MSRP for the vehicle was: $34,447. I paid $31,800 +TTL. If I had purchased the Pilot without the accessories I would have paid $30,756 or basically $700 over invoice. So the dealer makes roughly $1600 on the deal when you include the $900 holdback. My Pilot had to be ordered so I picked it up the day it arrived at the dealer. This is not bad profit for the dealer for essentially taking 10 minutes to order the vehicle.

I purchased the Pilot at Smail Honda in Greensburg, PA. I was able to negotiate this price in about 10 minutes. I probably could have done better, but I did not feel like getting an ulcer over the deal.

erichl

I'm also looking to purchase an EXL but in the Seattle, WA area. Looking to find out if anyone found a good/great deal recently. So far, two dealerships have flat out said they are not interested with $600 over invoice.

Thanks, Eric.

drmaxwell

I am ready to buy a 2004 EX-L and live in Roanoke, VA. The local dealer is not selling below MSRP? Does anyone know of a nearby dealer(VA or NC) that will do better than this?
Thanks, B.

meiflower

Just got one the day before Christmas with Hueys Honda in St. Louis, Missouri and will take delivery on the 2nd of Jan. The process was about 2 hours. Our top choice for the color was white. But settled with silver because no white in stock. Silver looks fine too. The car was just arrived on the 23rd on the lot and we bought it.

Pilot EX-L Silver with no options.

$29500.00 (destination charge included)
Dealer prep fee: free

TTL fee, about 7%. Pick it up on the 2nd.

Anybody has any experience buying the pilot around these area? Please share.

Thanks!

hondaman24

I live in Fairfax,VA and getting ready to buy a new Pilot EX-L w/Nav.The local dealer is asking for 31600 + Destination + Tax and tags.

Any better deals ??

1polit_only

I am looking for a new pilot EX in Iowa area. The invoice price is $27,000 (destination $490 included). I got an offer about $28,000. I am not sure how good the price is in this area. I am also wondering if I purchase a car in other states what kind of Tax, Title, Licsence should I pay? and where to find the information? I am going to make my offer in next week. Are there going to be any year end deals? Thanks for any help.

tcasboy

If you purchase out of state you will pay the taxes, title and registration fees when you register the vehicle in your HOME state. The out of state dealer may do this for you or you can do it yourself easily(?) at your local DMV. You will need the Certificate of Origin (manufacturer's original title), odometer statement, Bill of Sale and most likely proof of insurance and you will be all set. You may have to pay the tax in lump sum when you title/register unless the out of state dealer collected the tax at the point of sale. I have done this numerous times and only once did the dealer make me pay the tax in the other state which I then had to go back and file a claim for (I was in the service and stationed out of state, and the dealer (it was a Harley dealer) wouldn't sell the vehicle without collecting FL sales tax even though I showed him on my home state's website that I wouldn't have to pay the sales tax because I was stationed out of state). Every other time I had no problem and handled all the paperwork myself through the mail or in person at the local DMV. Only potential downside I have ever heard of is in TN they say that you are not protected by the state's lemon laws if you buy from out of state, but I don't know if that is true. It would certainly be something to make sure of for your state before you go out of state to buy. Good luck.

moberheide

Just purchased my first Honda, a 2004 Pilot EX w/cloth seats (no other options or accessories), from Ed Martin Honda in Indianapolis. Love it so far. Good time to swing a deal - dealership is slow right after Christmas, and they wanted to sell last vehicles on the lot by end of year to qualify for Honda's Presidents Award. Paid just $500 over invoice, better than I expected. Went first to high volume dealer on northside of Indy - Penske Honda - but they acted like they sell all they get and not interested in coming off MSRP too much - too bad! Lesson here - best to go to an out of the way, smaller dealer who has to try harder to earn your business.

darbow

I can get a loaded Saturn VUE for $23,500 with the 3.5 Honda Pilot engine, sunroof, 6 disk cd, traction control, ABS, SIDE AIRBAGS, FWD, 5 speed automatic. It drives a little floaty but with 3500lbs as its weight, its like a SUV hot rod thats very quick. AWD is around 2k more.

tom3083

On December 27, 2003 purchased a new Pilot EX-L for $1,000. There are dealers who want the sale, it doesn't hurt to look around.

Tom

tom3083

got a good deal, correction by tom3083. Meant to say in previous message, got $1,000 of the MSRP while most dealers were charging at least the sticker amount.

mrkn

I did not know they were putting Honda Engines in Saturns. Is this true?

markjenn

Yes, Honda has a deal with GM to supply 4-cyl and 6-cyl engines for a couple models.

- Mark

meiflower

Hi All,

I am picking up my Brand New Pilot on the 2nd of January and thinking of taking it out for a trip the next day. The trip is about 400 miles.

The manufacture suggests a break in of 1000 miles before making long distance trip or speeding on highway. I am not sure what kind of problem it will cause in the future if I take it out just like that.

Anybody has any experience at all?

Thanks!

1polit_only

Is this offer sounds good? EXL-DVD with auto dimming mirror installed at $30,100.

erichl

I'd say that is an excellent deal. Using $190 (from handa-accessories.com) for the mirror option, my quick calculation shows that your're at $300 over invoice. I'd take that deal in a hearbeat.

markjenn

I think you're reading too much into Honda's break-in guidance: it probably says something like, "no sustained high speeds" and "vary your speed", but that certainly doesn't mean you can't take it on trip or drive it on the highway. Just vary your speeds and keep it under 90 or so and you'll be fine.

My suggestion: get off the interstate, take your time, enjoy the two-lanes, and stop every now and then and see the world's largest ball of twine. This is the best break-in you can give any vehicle - lots of speeds and loads due to traffic, towns, and terrain.

Enjoy your trip!

- Mark

pilot2beach

From my experience, there is very little negotiating room in the Northwest as the demand is still strong. Likewise if you want a specific color, that could also further limit any negotiating.

As noted in my prior post, I purchased from Showcase in Phoenix, AZ and had the car shipped. The combined cost was still a better deal than I could find at the time in WA, OR, or ID.

Some dealers elsewhere had potentially better prices, but not in the color I wanted. Otherwise, the shipping cost outweighed the additional saving on the vehicle itself from dealers in other parts of the country.

Hope this helps.

1pilot_only

I drove back my new Pilot EXL-RES today. Odometer reading starts at 4 miles. But my auto dimming mirror became a rain check. I have to go back to install it on Friday (no charge). I guess it is not too bad. I hope it can run well for long time. BTW, I am in Iowa. I found this deal in Des Moines. If you need more information, let me know.

stlblue

Who is your salesman at Hueys Honda? Shoot me an email at mail2ed@swbell.net

Ed

drmaxwell

I am talking w/ a few dealers here in Virginia.
I want an EX-L in Black/Grey leather...is this a more *popular* color? Seem to be harder to find.

As far as pricing, first guy wanted MSRP! Next I found a start point of $500 below MSRP, and then a $700 below MSRP. I currently have an offer of $1000 below MSRP for EX-L=$30,360. Is this a decent price? Seems less wiggle room in VA.

erichl

Pilot2Beach - How much was your shipping cost from AZ to NW?

Eric

burgio

I have just started researching this vehicle and I can not believe there is no moonroof option. Have I missed something or is this really true??

pilot2beach

Eric,
Shipping cost was $700. Shipping from CA (central or southern) would have been a bit cheaper, however at the time, Showcase had the best price out the door (and the desired color). Also, the "gut factor" felt better with Showcase as I was buying sight unseen. As mentioned, the vehicle arrived as promised.

burgio,
no moonroof option as that would make the Pilot too close to the MDX. However, many local shops install after market electric moonroofs that operate the same - only difference might be the location of the operating switch. Years ago I bought an Accord coupe and had an after market roof installed and ten years later the shop replaced the motor fee of charge.

If you want a roof, negotiate with your dealer at the time of purchase to get dealer cost on the installation. It should save you about 30% or so depending on your area.

Happy New Year.

fedlawman

I live in Seattle and am considering purchasing a Pilot in the coming weeks.

Based on my own research, and helpful posts such as yours, it's clear to me that I will try to find a deal out of state, and either have it shipped or perhaps drive it home myself.

Could you please tell me how the sales tax, license, and registration were taken care of out of state?