2013 and earlier-Honda Pilot Prices Paid and Buying Experience

13233353738300

Comments

  • pilot2beachpilot2beach Member Posts: 4
    You will pay full sales tax when you register & license the car in WA. In my case, as I bought out of state and had the car shipped, I paid for a temporary tag ($40 for 30 days) that gives the paper trail for the car to leave the dealership. The car was not registered in AZ.

    As for shipping the car, the vehicle was insured by the trucking company for the trip.

    If I had picked the car up, I would have had the same 30 day tab and I would have paid AZ sales tax as well. However, when I went to register the car in WA, I would have been credited by WA for the amount of sales tax I would have paid in AZ - so you don't get double dinged.

    Likewise, the temporary tab keeps you from getting double dinged on license fees in two states.

    Hope this helps.
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    I just bought a car in Texas (not a Pilot) and I was charged a small fee for a "paper plate" to drive it home, but paid no other title, registration, or taxes. The selling dealer will give you the MSO (Manufacturer's Statement of Origin - essentially the car's "birth certificate") which you take in along with your sales contract to the local WA license folks - then you write a huge check for sales tax (which is kinda depressing) and get your plates. WA gets real excied if you don't do this within 30 days, so don't put it off.

    My Texas dealer was quite happy to take my personal check for the car which surprised me until I closed the deal and was told they would have to wait for the check to clear before they'd ship me the MSO. If you're paying cash for the car, you might check into this - you might want to do a cashiers check or something. In any event, my MSO arrived 10 days later with no problem.

    Personally, I'd advise you to travel to the selling dealer and drive it home rather than having it shipped. While shipping works out fine for majority of people, there is always the risk that the car will arrive damaged, either due to problems at the dealer or problems in transit. When the car shows up dinged, has 300 miles on it that you weren't told about, and is missing the spare tire and one of the remote keys, you have a big hassle on your hands.

    Further, I'd be surprised if the difference in cost between the best deal in your local area and the best long-distance deal including shipping would be worth the risk and hassle of just buying locally. Of course, it all depends on the details and the Seattle dealers do manage to hold pretty firm on price.

    If you go get the car, you can go through your normal inspection process before money changes hands and always back out if you get uncomfortable. You keep control of the deal. And you get a wonderful trip home in your new car - these cars are made to be driven, so why not do the full immersion thing and really get to know your car over a few days during a meandering drive home? When I did this a few weeks ago, I had an absolute blast - the most fun road trip of my life.

    Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

    - Mark
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    pilot2beach and markjenn for the info!
  • bradkapbradkap Member Posts: 12
    Has anyone had any great buying experiences in Cincinnati, Dayton or Columbus ?? If so what, where and how much ??
  • prjacoprjaco Member Posts: 7
    I received a quote from a Southern California dealer for $2500 over invoice on a EXL-Navi. Any info. out there on this pricing in my area?
    Thanks!
  • drmaxwelldrmaxwell Member Posts: 3
    The difference btwn invoice and MSRP is $3099 for the EXL...probably around that for the EXL-Navi. I just bought here in Va and split the difference w/ the dealer for around $1500 over invoice(had a trade-in too that had to be worked in). I felt pretty good about this as I am not much to waste time haggling...
    cheers.
  • raster2raster2 Member Posts: 1
    I got my SBP EX for MSRP - $1360 but paid $99 'processing' fee and $200 for wheel locks, pin stripes, and F/R mud flaps (a package that the dealer lists at $900, geez). This was at Tysons Honda in VA after serious negotiating at 4 dealers. Two would have made about the same deal, one would only go MSRP-$500 even when I walked out after offering to close my deal as above right then.

    Excellent purchase experience at Tysons, made the deal on the phone and drove down and got the car within 3 hours.
  • mk2004mk2004 Member Posts: 1
    I am in cleveland, OH.

    Paid $500 over invoice for silver pilot 04 ex-l with navi ($30,550). Added some options for $1500 (chrome side steps, day/night mirror, enviro package covering exterior and interior for 5 years for 499, mud flaps, weather proof mats).

    very good deal, easy dealing after getting internet quote.

    since it was year end, for 5 yr 100K powertrain warranty, 5 year comprehensive roadside assistance, etc thrown into the the above mentioned price.

    finally...great car...awesome drive...no hassles at all...navi is awesome too.
  • shark2002shark2002 Member Posts: 4
    Thanks to all who post on here. my time has come to get the pilot, anyone happy with their purchase in the KC area? I'll go up to 200 miles for the best deal. any advice on best wording when asking for price via internet? best to just tell them what you will pay or go thru the regular negotiating process of starting low and settling?
  • clipper53clipper53 Member Posts: 1
    To all, thanks for your great feedback on pricing for Honda Pilots. I must admit, being in Massachusetts, I was concerned that I would need to pay close to MSRP for a 2004 Pilot. During my visits to dealerships, if they had one in stock, they were more flexible. My wife found one in a dealership in RI, 2004 EXL with Lojack installed. Got for $29,600 (including Lojack and a couple of accessories--Wheel locks and splash guards). Again thanks to all!!
  • canajocanajo Member Posts: 4
    Hi. I live in Central CT and was wondering if you could email me your RI dealer info and the salesperson's name. Congratulations on your good deal! You paid close to the prices I have been receiving from OH and PA. Thanks!
  • bradkapbradkap Member Posts: 12
    no one on the board mentions the extended warranty. is one necessary with the Pilot ?
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,777
    there is a little box right in the grey bar next to the list of page numbers in this discussion that says "search this discussion". Type in "extended warranty". There are quite a few messages regarding this. Plenty of folks have bought them. I plan on buying one before the factory one is up. With all of the tranny problems Honda has had in the past couple of years, I'm not taking any chances.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • jmccall1jmccall1 Member Posts: 2
    just bought silver exl for 29,278 plus tax,did some shopping at local dealer then went on line and got internet qoute, was $750 less, local dealer matched. Good buying experince, great vehicle.
  • shark2002shark2002 Member Posts: 4
    found what I was looking for in KC. searched area and got a good offer from OK City, but got $28,861 + ttl ($600 over invoice) got my color choice and pick it up Friday. if all goes as planned, this was a great experience and other dealers in KC lost an easy one
  • seriesroverseriesrover Member Posts: 3
    About to go for a Pilot EX-L and would like to hear about prices\dealers here in NorCA (Bay Area and Sacramento). From what I'm hearing it seems like dealers want MSRP, or close to it.

    Is this true? Any specific dealers (or deals) that people can recommend? I'm prepared to go down to Fresno, for instance, if I can get a good deal that way.

    Any advice? Many thanks.
  • adkentadkent Member Posts: 12
    Looking for any advice pertaining to prices and dealership experience in the SE (Atlanta area). Any/all previous experience and feedback is appreciated.

    Thanks in advance to all that have an opportunity to respond.
  • nj2004nj2004 Member Posts: 6
    I am in central NJ and willing to go to neighboring states for deals. Any good experiences?
  • nj2004nj2004 Member Posts: 6
    Can you post your price?
  • torpmantorpman Member Posts: 40
    My friend is currently looking to buy and he said that Stevens Creek and Serramonte were coming off of MSRP.

    A while ago, some folks mentioned Selma Honda (near Fresno) as a place that they were able to get good deals. Let us know what you find out.
  • sledsfosledsfo Member Posts: 17
    I just got a good deal off MSRP on a midnight blue (hard to find)Honda Pilot LTD with NAV from Menlo Honda in the Bay Area. You can also checkout the below MSRP prices on carsdirect.com for your zip code and perhaps negotiate with other Bay area dealers using their quote if you don't want to buy directly online. Carsdirect is now offering a $300 rebate if the Pilot is purchased from them.

    I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
  • samueltvsamueltv Member Posts: 1
    Hi Guys,

    I just bought an EXL Midnight Blue for 29,360 at Fowler Honda in OKC.

    I signed up with their RBF (Residual Based) Financing and wanted to know if anybody could tell me if they had done that as well, or its pros and cons if they know. Don't know if I made the right choice.

    Thanks
  • gusfamilygusfamily Member Posts: 1
    Where did you purchase your Pilot for $500 over invoice?
  • houstonprincehoustonprince Member Posts: 2
    I've been lurking on this forum for a few weeks now and want to thank everyone for their purchasing insights.

    If all goes as agreed with the dealer, tomorrow I will close on a Silver Pilot EXL for $28,900.00. This includes the $490 delivery fee. No dealer-installed accessories, no hidden fees. The only other costs will be sales tax, inventory tax, and the title/reg.

    I'm gonna drive off the lot having paid a total of 30952.24.

    Wish me luck!
  • torpmantorpman Member Posts: 40
    Hi,
    Could you tell me how much exactly you got off of MSRP. My friend is looking to buy in Norcal and not having much luck.

    Thanks!
  • houstonprincehoustonprince Member Posts: 2
    If you're talking to me, then the reduction from MSRP would be $2460.
  • seriesroverseriesrover Member Posts: 3
    Looking at prices for EX-L on carsdirect.com for Northern California (current and inc $490 dest):
    MSRP (+dest): $31,360
    Sacramento: $31,060
    Bay Area: $30,160
    Fresno: $30,260

    So going to the Bay Area w\carsdirect knocks off $1200 from MSRP. This seems good for Bay Area. Am I missing something here? How are peoples experiences with carsdirect?

    Just a little weary of buying something like this through the "internet". :)

    thanks
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Just a little weary of buying something like this through the "internet". :)

    I think you mean wary! Weariness won't happen until you've actually tried it. ;-)

    tidester, host
  • ahaymdahaymd Member Posts: 6
    I purchased a 04 Pilot EX for 28,227.00 (includes $490 destination charge, $99 processing fee, $45 tags) on Saturday, January 10. I did not pay tax at the time of purchase because I purchased it in PA and live in Fairfax, VA. (Will pay tax in VA upon registration).

    First, I would like to thank Edmunds.com for making this possible. Second, I would like to thank the buyer from Edmunds who suggested going to Greensburg, PA (the buyer purchased it on December 8). Third, I would like to thank the dealer in Greensburg, PA. (Honda Village).

    I would strongly recommeded driving to PA to purchase a vehicle. I initially looked at Fairfax and Manassas Honda Dealers. What a bunch of liars and harassers. They stated that the invoice was $2,000 above the actual invoice. They wanted to charge me $500.00 processing fee (instead of the $99 from PA. Their starting negotiating price was actually $2,000 above the MSRP.

    Buying the car through the internet via Edmunds was painless and even enjoyable. I had another offer for the same vehicle for $200 less from a Honda dealer in Dunbar, PA, but I had already put $2,000 down via credit card at Honda Village. My advice is even if a dealer says no, they might sometimes call back and lower the price. But I had limited time. Plus, after the horrendous experience of negotiating in Fairfax, I was extremely happy with the price at Honda Village.

    I hope anyone in the D.C. area who is interested in buying a Pilot to consider driving to PA. By the way, Greensburg, PA is outside Pittsburgh. Driving time from Fairfax, VA to Greensburg, PA was 4 hours. The dealer had stated they were willing to drive the car to Fairfax, VA without any extra charge. But, I had relatives near the area.

    Good luck to all potential Pilot buyers in the D.C. area.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Congratulations!

    I did not pay tax because I purchased it in PA and live in Fairfax, VA.

    I regret being the bearer of bad news but I believe that when you register your vehicle in Virginia they will hit you with a "personal property tax" which will amount to the sales tax you would have paid had you purchased your Pilot in Virginia.

    tidester, host
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,777
    I'm pretty sure he knows that. He did say "I did not pay tax at the time of purchase..."

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Good point!

    tidester, host
  • nj2004nj2004 Member Posts: 6
    Central NJ dealers can offer $1000--$1500 off MSRP. I decide to go out-of-state thanks to posts here. I get a deal of $27,503 for an EX in OH, that is $500 over invoice. But the tire in OH is Bridgestone however the tires in local dealers are Goodyear. Does anyone know why? Should I care?
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,777
    i would think the region has no bearing on the tires. I think its totally random. Some have bridgestone and some have goodyear. Maybe I'm wrong.

    In any case, I have the gooyears and they suck, so I wouldn't sweat NOT getting them in the least.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • nj2004nj2004 Member Posts: 6
    Is the deal good? Please comment.
  • medicmurfmedicmurf Member Posts: 2
    2004 EX-L/RES Sagebrush Pearl. $30,500 + Tax at Serramonte Honda. Fleet/Internet Sales
  • shark2002shark2002 Member Posts: 4
    I mentioned my deal last week. I picked up my new Pilot today, and so far so good. (I know, 1 day) The dealer came thru as promised. $28,861 out the door, $600 over invoice (I will pay TT&L in KS, purchased in MO) no hidden fees or surprises. bought from internet manager at Independence Honda (KC). highly recommend this guy and dealer. no other dealer in area would budge more than $1k off msrp. very professional, no games, just one e mail telling what I wanted and he said he could do the deal. it should always be this easy, he can live with the deal, so can I.
    now, how do I keep my wife out of the thing?
  • rdelaney1rdelaney1 Member Posts: 4
    I took delivery of a silver EXL with DVD and added fog lights and auto-dimming mirror. All I was able bargain was dropping the $500 destination charge. They did however, provide me a loaner vehicle for two weeks since I had a buyer for my Outback
  • pilotboulderpilotboulder Member Posts: 1
    Hi, I live in Boulder CO, but am willing to buy elsewhere and pay extra for shipping from another location. Can anyone suggest a dealer name and a price they received on an EX-L either with or without DVD. Local dealer won't budge off MSRP Thanks!
  • truckdudetruckdude Member Posts: 55
    I know what you mean about MSRP in our area. However, dealers are starting to accumulate inventory and are more willing to deal. I picked up an EXL DVD Dec. 20 from Burt-Kuni Honda. They had 10 of them, and I think they sold 4 of them in the 2 hours I was there. Not a bad experience, but had to do the whole haggle back and forth bit on the trade. Although I got a bit better deal, a few weeks ago they were advertising $1200 off MSRP - so that may be a good starting point. Don't even bother with a dealer that has no inventory...
  • djs9djs9 Member Posts: 1
    I want to warn those buying in the Baltimore/DC area of a current problem I am having with Ourisman Honda of Laurel, Maryland. My husband was allowed to drive off the lot and have the Pilot for a week and a half before they told us that we did not qualify for financing. We returned the Pilot promptly upon finding this out yet they have yet to return our trade-in vehicle back to us. Unfortunately my husband signed an addenedum to the sales contract which basically states that they can do this, however they led him to believe that the sale was final and didn't contact us with the problem until 4 days after we drove off the lot. Please be very careful and I hope no one else makes the mistake we made. We are still waiting to get our trade-in vehicle back.
    We loved the Pilot though and we plan on purchasing one in the future, we are just going to be a lot smarter about it the second time around.
  • tvkwtvkw Member Posts: 9
    medicmurf, if you don't mind, can you e-mail me at my_car_shopping@yahoo.com the sales person you dealth with. That is a good deal. Thanks in advance.
  • seriesroverseriesrover Member Posts: 3
    ok, this is my first ever "Me Too" message...

    medicmurf, that is a good deal, would you mind emailing details at seriesrover@yahoo.com

    thanks.
    -peter
  • cjk1026cjk1026 Member Posts: 2
    I paid msrp on a standard EX (silver) and received leather and wheel locks for free at Gardena Honda. They had about 40 Pilots in stock, so they said. I saw about 15-20 of them. Very good buying experience. Highly recommended.
  • cristobacristoba Member Posts: 1
    Just received offer of 1000 off EX-L. They had color and trim I wanted.
    Will get it for 30,360. seems ok. Anyone Know where I can do better (in NH or Mass unfortunately).
    Many thanks.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    You might try calling your state Consumer Protection agency (usually housed in the Attorney General's office). A little heat from the state may get the dealer to move faster.

    Steve, Host
  • cbjenkinscbjenkins Member Posts: 2
    I live in the Grand Rapids,MI area. Will travel to OH,IL,IN. Anyone know any deals in these areas where I can get this @ around 500 over invoice as mentioned in this thread?

    Thanks for any help.
  • sledsfosledsfo Member Posts: 17
    I thought I bought a midnight blue pilot ex-l with navi from a SF bay area dealer after putting $500 down and signing a purchase contract. Dealer was trading his silver pilot with navi for the blue pilot for delivery to me this Friday. Now he says he can't deliver because the blue pilot has a rear camera and a ton of options which I don't want. The price was $1,250 over invoice which is good by Bay area standards. I guess if I have no choice, I could settle for the silver if its available or start the search all over again.Is there any way the dealer can be required to perform delivery under the contract like deinstalling the options at his expense?
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,777
    worst case scenario, if the dealer REALLY wanted to keep your business and make himself look good, he'd find another Pilot to fit the bill or order one. It would probably just amount to you waiting longer. But will he lose money on it just to make you happy? Most likely not. The purchase contract has no VIN on it, I'm assuming, so he has no obligation to give you THAT particular Pilot.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • sledsfosledsfo Member Posts: 17
    Thanks for the input,qbrozen.Yes,there is no VIN or color except for style and price in the contract. I was wondering why Honda shipped dealer-installed options on this Pilot.Is this usual? The dealer said when ordered, it was in the port in Oakland and not from another dealer's lot.
    My understanding of the California DMV code is that the dealer cannot offer to sell a vehicle unless it is in his lot or can source it from the manufacturer/distributor at the time of order. Isn't it the dealer's risk and responsibility to confirm any installed options before executing a sales contract and taking a deposit?
    It doesn't seem right that a buyer cannot change his mind if he finds a better price once he signs a contract but a dealer can walk away from it if he becomes unhappy with the deal.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.