I Am Test Driving a Honda Pilot tomorrow, I need advice

[schwiggens]

Hi, I am looking at getting a 2008 Pilot with about 30-40K miles on it. We are testing driving it tomorrow and I want to know what things I should look out for, both handling wise, but also body and engine wise. We are close to pulling the trigger if everything goes smoothly. Thanks!

[jl_ss]

Originally Posted by schwiggens

Hi, I am looking at getting a 2008 Pilot with about 30-40K miles on it. We are testing driving it tomorrow and I want to know what things I should look out for, both handling wise, but also body and engine wise. We are close to pulling the trigger if everything goes smoothly. Thanks!

No serious issues to look out for. Take it out on the highway to see if there is any vibration at approx 70 mph.

Is it at a Honda dealer? Is it coming off lease? Are the maintenance records available (especially for a previously leased vehicle)? Did you run a carfax? Is it a certified used vehicle? If so, you can extend the bumper to bumper warranty to 100K (called a wrap warranty) for an additional cost to match the extended CPO powertrain warranty (dealer cost is in the $600 ballpark).

[schwiggens]

^thanks for the reply! It is a private party seller. I do not know how much he has kept up with the maintenance records. What should I be looking out for besides just regular oil changes? The title is still in the Honda dealership's name, as he financed it and is still paying for it. Carfax is clean.

Also, I have been waivering back and forth on getting an extended warranty. The car has 38K miles, so it just came off the 3 yr/36K warranty. I want to see about getting, like you said, a 100K bumper to bumper warranty. What do you think that will cost me (ballpark) at my local Honda dealership? THanks!

[jl_ss]

Originally Posted by schwiggens

^thanks for the reply! It is a private party seller. I do not know how much he has kept up with the maintenance records. What should I be looking out for besides just regular oil changes? The title is still in the Honda dealership's name, as he financed it and is still paying for it. Carfax is clean.

Also, I have been waivering back and forth on getting an extended warranty. The car has 38K miles, so it just came off the 3 yr/36K warranty. I want to see about getting, like you said, a 100K bumper to bumper warranty. What do you think that will cost me (ballpark) at my local Honda dealership? THanks!

The 2008 uses a maintenance minder to notify of required services. If there are services showing due when you start it up, that is not good. Although, an owner can clear them without performing them. Best thing is actual records or if they have had all service done at the same dealer, that dealer can provide a list of services performed. You can google 2008 Honda Pilot owners manual and you'll get some links to a pdf format that you can look at and check the maintenance section.

PM hondacuraplanet on this forum or email Tim at hondacuraworld@aol.com for Honda Care warranty plans and pricing available. He will be a lot less than your local dealership. Then you can purchase ask the dealer to match or just purchase from Tim.

And the vibration issue is one of things that looks like a much bigger problem than it is becuase people go to forums to research problems. 10 people continuously discussing an issue can create a large thread that looks like a huge problem. We have no vibration in our 2005. But Hondas in general are balance sensitive and you will likely need to find a shop that has a Hunter road force balance machine to be vibration free.

If you do find a vibration problem but still love the vehicle and the deal, make an offer contingent on eliminating the balance problem before purchase. Good Luck!

[schwiggens]

Awesome, thanks so much for the info!

[samc]

Originally Posted by schwiggens

Awesome, thanks so much for the info!

As said I would ask for maintenance receipts. I have kept most (99%) of the receipts for the work that I personally did for the last 22k miles of my pilot, I bought my car CPO. Besides oil chances it should have had the vtm-4, trans fluid, air/cabin filter changed atleast once so far.

Definately test the vibration at highway speeds. Other then that look for any oversprays, newer looking parts where there shouldn't be any and body panel misalignments?

If that '08 is anything like '06 then it's probably had ZERO problems so far .

[schwiggens]

So the 2008 Pilot VP drove great! It has 39,400 miles on it. He is asking 18K, so I am going to offer 17K. I think this is a great deal on it. I am going to look into ordering a long-term warranty on it as well, and don't you guys think if I should take it into the local honda dealership for a full diagnostic check? What do you think that will run, $100-$150?

Do you think the Pilot can easily run to 150K miles?

Also, wouldn't the honda dealership (service dept) have a record of everything done to the Pilot that then can tell me? THanks!

[jl_ss]

Originally Posted by schwiggens

So the 2008 Pilot VP drove great! It has 39,400 miles on it. He is asking 18K, so I am going to offer 17K. I think this is a great deal on it. I am going to look into ordering a long-term warranty on it as well, and don't you guys think if I should take it into the local honda dealership for a full diagnostic check? What do you think that will run, $100-$150?

Do you think the Pilot can easily run to 150K miles?

Also, wouldn't the honda dealership (service dept) have a record of everything done to the Pilot that then can tell me? THanks!

Looks like a good deal. It is always good to have an evaluation before buying. 150K should not be a problem. We have 130K on our 2005 with no real issues. The dealership will have a record of all services done at the dealership. If the previous owner did not use the dealer for service, then they won't have records of course.