2013 and earlier-Honda Pilot Prices Paid and Buying Experience

fabyan

When I look up the invoice pricing at Edmunds for a 2004 Honda Pilot
EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Leather and Entertainment System (3.5L 6cyl 5A, I am getting $29,609. Is that the type of number that you are using when you say that you are getting a quote at $500-$1000 over invoice?

gbd21

Invoice price is the one which should include destination charges but TT&L is not included.

jestmaty

We bought our pilot Friday May 28 here in Houston,Tx from Goodson Honda. I feel like this is too good to be true. We bought Sage Brush with leather and Ent system for $30,100. Taxes brought it up to 32,777. Financed 20k and they gave us Honda credit at 2.9%. It is one of the last ones arriving to their dealership and they'll get it Fri June 4. Good deal??

gbd21

Great deal,Congrats.
Did you start negotiations on the internet or did you go to the dealer and start the process?

ram

My wife and I recently went to Conicelli in Conshohocken, PA to work up a Honda Pilot EX with leather & Navigation that was on the lot. I had received what I thought was a reasonable quote from another dealer via e-mail so I used that as a bargaining point, which they agreed to. Then I tried to get a decent price on my Ford Explorer, which has 99000 miles and average conditions. Edmund's Blue Book value came out to be $4800 but their first offer was $2800. After I pulled out the Edmund number, they began to denigrate the whole concept of Blue Book value as well as the value of the Ford Explorer in general. The salesman decided to try his hand using the Kelly Blue Book website and came back with a $3800 value. I questioned that and he took me into the manager's office to try myself. I did and came up with $4600 - he forgot to include one piece of info that made the difference. At that point he disappeared, sent a used car manager my way who basically said that these numbers mean nothing - $3800 was the best they could do. That ended the negotiation. Why even use Kelly or Edmunds if they're only used by dealers when it benefits them? Needless to say, we're looking elsewhere to see if this is a common theme or if they were just arrogant about the worth of their Honda line compared to other vehicles.

gbd21

If you were getting good deal on the Pilot,why not take it without trade-in?
Sell privately.

ram

I don't enjoy selling on the private market. Too much hassle, odd-balls drop by, and a lot of time can elapse. I'm willing to lose some money in exchange for the convenience of a trade-in but they were way off the mark on that offer. I suspected this would happen when they made the good offer on the new vehicle (give up money one place, get it back in another) so that left a bad taste in my mouth. I may end up selling privately after all if this happens again elsewhere.

therasmus

Hi everyone,

I have been checking all the prices (edmunds, car.com, yahoo) and all of your comments and prices. Because of these forums i have narrowed my search down to the Honda. I need some feedback, but because my situation is unique you may find my questions strange, i am stationed overseas (Germany). I am looking at the 2004 Pilot EX/Leather (nothing else), the Auto Exchange is quoting me $35,070 but all your prices are the low 30's and even the Honda "Build you Own" site quotes about $32,500. Am i paying $3,000-$4,000 in shipping overseas to Germany???? My brother in Atlanta can ship to me for $1600 with about $600 for insurance. If there is no cheaper way for this purchase i may reconsider to go with the Volvo XC 90 $34,900 AWD 2.5 with leather.

Thank You

jestmaty

I went into the dealership about 4 wks ago when they were have an employee pricing sale. Can't really remember the specific price at the time but I talked them into $30,200 at that time. When I went in Friday, they said 30,600. My wife and I firmly but nicely said we would not pay more than the lower price and were there to buy now. Not any argument at all from the dealership. I know competition is strong in a large city like Houston but I am surprised they were dealing to this seeming low price.

Three pilots were sold in about 6 hours that day that I know of. Watched the salesperson tag them and shot the breeze with a couple of purchasers. I was not there for the whole 6 hours, stopped by during a late lunch and went back after work to buy. Took about 2 hours.

Saturday can't come soon enough!!!! That is when I take delivery of my Honda.

isellhondas

We cringe when we see high mileage Explorers drive on the lot. They are NOT worth what the "books" and the internet tell you.

With 99,000 miles, they are very hard to sell at any price. They have a bad reputation for reliability and they use a lot of gas. The market is flooded with them and we can't get the wholesalers to even bid on them.

Sorry, but this is what I deal with on a daily basis. You can always run an ad and try to sell it yourself.

The lots are choking on these.

fabyan

I am bouncing between the Pilot and the Odyssey and have gotten the following pricing today:

04 Pilot Ex-L with Nav. $500 over invoice at $30,560 + Tax(3%), Tag($55) and Doc($299)

04 Odyssey Ex-L with Nav. at $800 under invoice at
$27,119 + TT&D.

Both seem like good offers, but I can't decide if I can handle driving Odyssey. It is a $3,400 question.

Is resale on both comparable?

surfgermany

Hi I am in Germany as well and looked at autoexchange, the key seems to be captive audience. If you want a honda pilot/accord/crv you have to buy from them or do what you describe buying the states and ship it yourself. In my case I looked at the xc70 about 9 months ago to take back with us this summer but decided that the pilot was a better long term decision as the volvo we have had the last 4 yrs here in Germany drove great but the maintenance will kill you over 4-5 yrs. So I priced at the autoexchange having heard the military/dip sales pitch only to find out what you have, even with sales tax and doc fees/appearance pkg fees and low inventory markup I will save 4000 bucks on waiting to buy in states. Now of course if you are still in Germany for another few years getting it shipped here and through customs is a bear but cheaper. Have you tried Honda dip sales in berlin they seem to be cheaper but not a lot and im not sure if they do Military sales (search on honda diplomatic sales)

Good Luck

gbd21

My opinion--
a minivan is a shoe-box on wheels,howsoever glamorous inside.
SUV is sturdy safe reliable,if you discount the mileage aspect.

elcpooh

Does anyone know what the dealer holdback is on a 2004 Honda Pilot?

gbd21

Read somewhere,its 3%.

oldvolvofan

I will be selling my explorer privatly, is $30000 inclusive of destination charges a good price for a Black Pilot EX with Leather?

therasmus

The price was now quoted as $33,461. The person who had the vehicle on hold never came back to seal the deal. I looked it over again today and noticed two problems, an oil stain on the middle rear seat (very small) and the rear third seat was in the down position for so long it left an imprint of the seat belt buckle in the leather (that may be worth about $500-$600 off???) AutoExchange states they have an "Up Front" detail listing of delivery charges, which they do and it equals $1379...........that is alot cheaper than AAFEES Car sales ($2880, including Ziebart Protection ($449)). So now I feel a little better as it is cheaper than what i would have ordered for the XC90 (Which i may still order just for my wife)

Look at my message at the Chry Pacifica Forum (Paid and Buying) Post #355 and look at that rip off.

Why did the base stop selling the Honda's?? Put to much of a dent in the American car sales?? (They were made in Indiana??)

Your right we are captive customers but like the CHEAP Gas (52 liters for 23.16)we pay for on Base, you would think we could get a better deal on our cars.

tom3

Hello ALL
What do you ALL think is the best time to buy new Pilot, is it some time from June - July onwards when the next year model are about to come OR it doesn't matter.
Pl. let me know views.

Thanks

habitat1

For the best price, now is a good time. However, the 2005's may have some upgrades (Nav system upgrade, side curtain airbags, XM, sunroof are some of the things I've heard as possibilities). So, if any of these matter to you, you may want to wait for the 2005. We are.

Also, if you intend to re-sell within 4-5 years, factor in greater depreciation on a 2004 than 2005, even with the same mileage.

sevenj

You mention that it is one of the last ones arriving to the dealership? Is this something that should be expected this early in June, that dealerships won't be receiving additional 2004 models? Maybe I misunderstood your post jestmaty--if anyone knows about this let me know.

jfavour

I talked to a dealer yesterday about inventory of Pilots. I live in the Twin Cities, MN. The dealer mentioned that they had an allotment of early July builds that they would get in mid to late July. I asked if they were still 2004's. He said yes.

ram

Thanks for your feedback. I only wish the dealer we dealt with had stated the same thing you did. By asking me to calculate my Explorer's Kelly Blue Book value in the middle of negotiations, they were basically legitimizing the whole blue book process. Instead of working with me on the figure I came up with, they dismissed my results and held firm on their skimpy quote. That's poor business practice in my book.

tom3

Did Honda gave 0% APR last time , any idea , year end or before new model.

gomudhens

I am planning to get some dealer quotes on a Pilot EX-Leather/RES. However, this is the first time I plan on buying a car where all the options are dealer add-ons (roof cross bars, hitch, splash guards, and chrome bumper garnish). My question is this...is it better to have the dealer quote add-ons up-front as part of the overall price. Or will I get a better deal if I negotiate the vehicle price separately from the add-ons, so that the dealer can't "hide" the cost of the add-ons in the overall price?

tom3

Any experience of Atlanta dealers and local rebates , if any .
Any info appreciated.
thanks

tom3

It will be better if YOU go with second option, i.e. to negotiate only vehicle price , if u try buying with dealer put add-ons it will sky rocket.

What I saw in my local area with 2 dealers for mud splash guards , one asking 145.0 another only 85.0 , same honda part.

qbrozen

the above example is exactly why i think you should get a quote up front for everything you want together. One dealer might give you a higher price on the vehicle itself but end up cheaper overall because they give a better break on the accessories. Likewise, you might get one dealer to go down to near invoice on the vehicle but then, once you get down to your accessories, they really jack up the prices.

Basically, why go through all the trouble and negotiations only to have the deal fall apart over crossbars. Negotiate the full out-the-door price right off the bat. It'll be easier for both parties, IMHO.

anna

I agree with the last reply...definitely let them know up front all of the options you are requesting. I am going to pick up my 2004 Pilot EX-L, Sage Brush Pearl from the Chicago area (I live in St. Louis). I only let them know I was interested in the cross bars and the splash guards, which was included in the out-the-door cost of $28,639 ($379 above invoice). I went back and asked for the cargo cover and organizer and they said they wouldn't throw it in. I was just going for it at that point. I ended up buying both of them in the end and my out-the-door cost now is still very low at $28,800. Now, again, this was just my luck. I am VERY happpy with the price I have received. NO ONE in the St. Louis/Metro area would even come close to this. I found it to be very funny when I was told by other dealers in my home area that I was being 'lied' to. Guess what? I got exactly what I wanted for an even better price than I was willing to pay. Good luck! I researched my brain to death but it was worth it.

shooterdave7

anna, I'm in the St. Louis area as well and looking at a fall/winter purchase possibility. I know you mentioned it, but just to make sure, did you speak to ALL of the St. Louis area Honda dealers when doing this, including Meyer on the east side? I have been strongly considering doing the Pruitt Honda in Ohio deal and combining that with a visit to my inlaws, but it's in the northern part of the state and they are in the southern part, so it's a bit out of the way. I had hoped that if I had an official offer from Pruitt that perhaps a local dealership might cut price enough to get me to buy local, but doesn't sound like it from what you're saying. And finally, could you reveal the Chicago dealership you're buying through to possibly help out a fellow St. Louisian? ;-)

gbd21

Hello Anna,
I live in st.louis too.thinking of an exl-nav.Can you tell me which dealer you got it from ?
many thanks in advance.

gbd21

Hi David,
Me too from st.louis.got quoted 400 above invoice by pruitt honda.but the drive back is daunting.Hueys honda in st.lois quoted 2300 over invoice !!may be we should bargain together.

shooterdave7

If I were in a position financially right now to do a purchase, I'd do the Pruitt route immediately. I've driven most of that route on several previous occasions on visits to Ohio (south of Dayton) and it doesn't faze me a bit. Particularly if I had just saved over 2 grand off sticker. I have had previous dealings with a local Honda dealer a few years ago and had held out hope that perhaps they or another nearby dealer would maybe have become a bit less "rigid" in their dealings now. I guess not. The one I went to didn't even take any of your personal info for test drives and they didn't want your phone number...that way there was no "If I walk out of here they'll call me later and be willing to deal" since they didn't have a number to call! The only hangup with Pruitt is going several hours out of the way of what's already a long trip to go there and I can't take a flight because I have to do a trade-in as well. Do you really think that the local dealers would budge even on a "group buy"?

lok888

My brother is in the market for Honda Pilot EX and possible with the sport package. He expects a second child later this year. I sent emails to local dealers. The discount rates are not very impressive, from $500 to $1000. One can sell for $1900 over invoice. Anyone has a better deal in Boston area?

I was in the market for Pilot and Odyssey back in late 2002. Pilot was selling at MSRP in many dealers with long wait. How is the market doing now? Is the Edmunds' invoice show before the holdback?

I heard that 2005 Pilot will be out in October with minor changes like sunroof, voice activated navigation system. Anyone know the sunroof will be on the base EX? Thanks for the inputs.

shooterdave7

lok, this is strictly rumor-mill, but from all the places I've read, the sunroof would be standard on only the leather models (with a fairly good jump in price too, I would imagine). Interesting thing, my aforementioned inlaws just bought a black Pilot EX-L last week that already had a sunroof installed in it! I will be getting my first look at it a week from tomorrow, but they have been very happy with it so far. They took the advice I gave them that I got off the pilot board regarding swapping tires for Cross Terrains and they're very happy with the ride quality.

lok888

Too bad about the sunroof availability Honda usually put this on EX trims. I doubt your in laws' Pilot has dealer installed sunroof.

So far, the deals are from $500 to $1200 off MSRP and $1900 over invoice. How is the market for Pilot these days? Production numbers, pricing, etc.

shooterdave7

All I know is that they bought the thing new off a Honda dealer lot over near Dayton, OH and it has a sunroof in it. Asked them twice if they were sure about that. I guess I'll see come next Friday. Maybe it was the dealer's demo Pilot for awhile?? At the Honda dealership near me, they had one decked out with fog lights, sidestep bars, the extra cladding on the nose, and several other aftermarket goodies along with a "do not sell" sign on it. I'm presuming one that the owner or manager used and maybe wanted to keep on the lot for test drives and such because it's been there for at least a few months.

nickroy77

lok888 - check out Autofair in Manchester, NH. The have what they call "lowest upfront pricing". My wife and I just put down a deposit on a Pilot EX-L and we did through the internet manager. I submitted emails to many Honda dealerships within a 2 hours drive and Autofair was the best price by a couple of hundred bucks.
Manchester, NH is only an hour drive north of Boston. Plus you can check out their website which tells you the lowest upfront price. Good luck! Ours should be arriving "any day now".

lok888

Thanks. How much did you pay? I am helping my brother to get one later this year. I want to see how is the market doing. I am shopping around within the area first but I am willing to travel. It looks the demand is still up but the production isn't which leads to the lesser discounts. It seems like the same situation (less production = less dealers' inventory) when I was shopping for my car in 12/02. $1200 off is the best I got.

jestmaty

If I understood the salesguy, the factory is in the last few days of production for '04s. They shut down for maybe six weeks then start up with the new year models. Could have been merely creating urgency to buy. Anyway, he called tonight and said I should get it tomorrow morning.

anna

Dave: Yes, I actually purchased my last vehicle from Meyer..and my father purchased his last vehicle from them, two years ago. I contacted the sales rep there and advised him of the offer I had received. He was the one who said I had been lied to. I found it to be funny. I actually was glad I called because he gave me (by asking me) some questions to take back to the dealership in Chicago. I asked the pertinent questions and the sales manager in Chicago faxed my husband an invoice today with everything outlined. So, I feel very confident. My sister-in-law lives in Chicago, so we are taking the train up (for $76 total), staying with her and driving our vehicle back on Sunday. We are ecstatic about the price. NO ONE around here would TOUCH it. I really wanted to buy from a guy at Huey's and he told me I had his blessing to take this deal because it was that good. Oh, before I forget, the dealership is Carr's Honda. I am new to this and don't know what I can and cannot say. I am happy to share that with you. I will let you know more when we return Sunday or Monday. It's ironic you mention Meyer because they are generally the lowest ones around here. Again, I am very happy with our offer. By the way, Carr's had any color we wanted, in stock. Good luck! I hope it works out for you.

anna

gbd21: The dealer is Carr's Honda in Chicago. I think saving $2000 is worth a $76 train ride, a one-way ticket via plane or a 5 hour drive (even with high gas prices). Good luck!

tidester

I am new to this and don't know what I can and cannot say.

Welcome aboard. You're doing fine! The basic rules are at the top of this page.

tidester, host

shooterdave7

Yeah, anna, you're doing great! Now if you would just post the name of your sales guy.... *wink wink* Uh oh, here it comes. You'll know that you have a problem post if, after you post something, this big eye opens up with a bright light beam and starts to rotate around your screen in your direction like - well, did you see Lord of the Rings? LMAO!

Seriously though, I just looked at Carr's website and they have a good inventory it looks like. Did you handle most of your inquiries and negotiations with them via email or phone contact? Also look forward to hearing how things go after you get up there and pick up the new ride! They even have a midnight blue LX according to the website for any of you looking for that color. I'm dreaming of a Steel Blue '05 myself right now. :-)

gabber

I am from South Carolina and looking to buy a 2004 pilot ex leather. Willing to travel to find great deal. Anyone have any experiences or ideas to share. Received one quote 1000- 1500 OFF list.

dv8

To all St. Louis residents looking for a Pilot.

When I was in the market for a Pilot (I am from MN), Windy City Honda in Chicago about a mile from Midway airport, gave me a great deal (although I ended up not buying a new car at all). It was very similar to Pruitt, plus I think they didn't have the $125 state fee.

I don't remember the name of the person but she was one of their internet sales people.

Good luck.

lok888

May I ask how much did you pay and what model you got? Like many, I am too want to know more about these. I don't find too many responses about the price paid and how is the market doing, except some dealers' quotes. All I read is "I got a great deal on Pilot". I guess people don't really pay attention to it as long as they get what they want and that's called "great deal". Thanks again for more inputs.

dv8

The quote without taxes for EX-L was $28,900 plus $53.52 for documentation fee and $15 for driveway tag (I don't kow what that is, probably a temporary tag for driving through Illinois). You will then have to pay state taxes when you get to St. Louis or where you live.

anna

Thanks, shooterdave7. I don't want to start off on the wrong foot, so I won't leave the name of the salesman but he is the internet manager there. He has every color possible available. I have handled everything via email and telephone (which didn't come until we were pretty sure about going through him) He has been amazing to work with. I also wanted to say that I had sent Windy City Honda a request for a quote and they never got back to me. So, I consider that their loss. I don't understand some of these dealers. I guess they just don't need the business. I will let you all know how it goes when I return. I want to thank everyone for the information you have provided for my viewing and research. I wouldn't have known as much if it hadn't been for this forum. I want to share my experience to help someone else. Thanks again!

gbd21

This the quote Igot from Carr's honda,Chicago today:

"Thank you for considering Carr's Honda Center for your automotive needs.
My name is ***** and I am the Special Accounts Manager here at
Carr's Honda Center. We currently do have a 2004 Pilot EX-L
w/Leather/Navigation, in Silver available. Your special Internet price
is $30,059.00, $53.52 for Doc Fee, $15.00 Cook County and $10.00 drive
away sticker. Good until 6/11/2004.

In order to serve you better, I do work by appointment. If you would
like to come in for a test drive, or for further assistance, please
contact me directly at ******."

I hope this will help all of you looking to buy.

kcchief

I bought my Pilot this week by logging on to autobytel.com. This is the third vehicle in a row that I've bought through them. Their member dealer in K.C. is Independence Honda. The internet manager quoted me 30916.00 for an exl-navi including doc fees. I Mentioned the deals available from Mike Pruitt in Ohio in a subsequent e-mail and he matched it! 400.00 over invoice +109.00 doc fees.Any dealer options were at dealer cost. I'm now driving my black Pilot with grey leather and nav. system and I love it! This deal was available on in stock models only.