H is looking to purchase a 2015 Honda Pilot with low miles. Doesn’t want the new style (2016 and up) - we don’t really like the look - looks more like lots of today SUV’s or a van!
He’s decided on the Pilot because he wants to be able to haul lots of construction items (including if possible, 4 x 8 boards) for our cottage reno. He is not a big techy person but with a 2015 will still benefit from backup mirror and bluetooth.
Just wondering if you have one if you have any particular pros/cons.
We have a 2009 Honda Pilot with less than 80,000 miles on it and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The older models are super reliable and great to drive. Lots of cargo space also. We just bought it in May and haven’t had a problem at all. Before that we had bought a used 2009 Pilot which is now our daughters daily driver and she also has had no problems and loves driving it!
I have a 2009 MDX which is basically the same underpinnings. It has 125k miles on it and had been great. The weak points have been the electronic gizmos (navi, door speakers. The transmission honda paired with the V6 has been a known problem point which hopefully was been fixed by 2015. Mine had a few software patches and honda extended the warranty. I haven’t had any problems and I’m not ready on it ( some towing, plenty of hauling). But there are stories or there is expensive transmission replacements.
H is likely to buy an extended warranty for the one he purchases - no talking him out of this - it’s a “must do” in his world.
We just fixed the air-conditioning on our 2005 MDX with 156,000 miles. It needed a new compressor and the air filters cleaned out. For us, it was worth the investment because the car is our workhorse - hauling furniture and other items. At this point, even if we need to replace the car for daily use, we’ll just keep it insured for liability and use it when needed.
I have a 2012 Pilot–had it for about 4 years. What I like: It’s great for highway driving. So comfortable/solid/safe. Great view of the road. Spacious feeling, but easy to maneuver/park–not like a massive SUV. And it can seat 8 if needed ( We needed this). No mechanical problems at all since I got it. About 70K miles now. What I don’t like: hardly any luggage space in the back unless you put the seat down. And it is sorta slanted there so stuff tends to fall out when you open the back. Also there is that rollover risk message on the driver’s visor, which I am always pointing out to H, who thinks he can drive it like a sedan-- fast on tight curves. Yikes.
But I do love the vehicle. Probably my all-time favorite. (Saying a lot – comparing to our Hyundais, which I also love)
^^^agree on the space. My 3rd row is always stowed when not in use.
I have a 2012 and love it. It is comfortable, high enough to get around in streets that have a tendency to hold water, etc. No mechanical issues. Lots of mileage. I keep the third row seats down a lot and haul all kinds of things. Love it! I would buy another.
The Pilot is in its 3rd generation. The first was 2003-2008 and the second was 2009 through 2015. My first generation 2001 Acura MDX was one of my favorite vehicles of all time; in fact it’s still in the family.
@abasket - I’d suggest your husband read this article. https://www.consumerreports.org/extended-warranties/extended-car-warranties-an-expensive-gamble/
The Pilot and MDX are closely related to the Odyssey, which may give you more interior space per dollar.
Yes, but driving a minivan is like wearing sweatpants. Comfy, affordable and practical but some of us just can’t bring ourselves to do it…
Another related vehicle is the Ridgeline, if an open pickup bed for construction materials is preferred.
Ridgeline is the worst of the two worlds. The bed is too short, and the cabin space is limited. Sorry, hybrid trucks like that are not for folks who need space.
My husband used to be a huge Honda fan, he has owned about 7 through the years. He had a 2009 Honda that developed engine problems and needed a new engine at about 180,000 miles. I don’t understand what exactly went wrong but through a google search he found others who had the same issue. After my husband wrote a letter to Honda, they did pay half the cost of a new engine. That was nice. We sold it as soon as the new engine was installed.
This was a few years after our 2006 Honda Civic needed a new engine after the engine block cracked. This was a known defect and Honda paid fully for a new engine.
We now own a Ford F-150 and a Subaru Outback. We did keep the Civic and our teenager drives it. Doubt we will ever own another Honda.
We love our 2013 Pilot, although it has also had the V6 VCM problem recently at about 80K miles (covered under warranty as a result of a class action settlement). Apparently the 2014 models and later don’t have the same problem.
Our only minor gripe has been that gas mileage is pretty poor.
Thanks for the input. Not buying it for the extra seating though it may be handy now and then. No thank you, no way to a van! And we also say no to a truck. And he won’t change his mind in the extended warranty- more times than not we have gotten our $ worth out of it.
I was able to see the particular car he’s looking at today - lots of bells and whistles!
Another 2012 Pilot owner here. Same as others, really love it. All the pros that were listed in previous posts. Great for taking on the hills here in San Francisco, throw it in 1st gear regularly to power up them.
If I had a magic wand, I’d want stronger acceleration from 0 to 30.