Introducing myself. Introduce yourself?

[clepilotguy]

Hi everyone. I am a former Chevy Tahoe owner who just became a "Piloteer" on Jan 31.

My Tahoe was a 2000 LT, and I absolutely loved it... for a while. Then I started having problem after problem with it. The main issue was the brakes. I was replacing the entire system roughly every 3 years. Not good. On Jan. 28 the brakes essentially exploded. I was told by 2 separate shops that it would be at least $1500 to repair. I decided that it was time to end my relationship with my old 'Hoe and look for a new ride. I REALLY liked the new Tahoes (my god they are good looking), but I was skeptical based on my past experiences. Plus, I'm not made of money, and I simply don't have $55,000 to devote to a new car.

So, I started doing research on larger SUV's in my price range (sub-$40,000). No matter what criteria I used, I kept landing on the Pilot. I've never owned anything other than American, but all the bailouts and bankruptcies have also helped to turn me away from GM and Chrysler. My wife has and Audi A4, which she LOVES, but the Audi SUVs are just too small, and WAY too expensive. So, as I said, I kept arriving on the Pilot. It just seemed that there was no other SUV that could match the size, options, reliability, and best of all - price, that the Pilot had.

My wife and I had always said that our next car would have a rear DVD player for our 2 boys, so we went with the 2011 EX-L with RES. I kinda wish we would have gone with the NAV and gotten an aftermarket RES, but I have to go with what she wants sometimes. After roughly 2 weeks with my new Pilot, I am in love. It's really a fun car to drive. I do notice a MAJOR decrease in power from my Tahoe (5.3L V8 with multiple aftermarket upgrades that brought it up to almost 390HP), but I appreciate how it drives more like a car than my Tahoe, which was like a truck. The ride is MUCH smoother and it is so much easier to handle. Also, I've found the Pilot can get up and go if I need it to. Plus, the V6 will hurt a lot less this summer if gas prices really hit $4/gallon like they are predicting.

All in all, I am a big fan of the Pilot. I am just amazed that I was able to get a Pilot at $35,000 that has the options and trim level of a $55,000 Tahoe or Expedition. I hope that the legendary Honda reliability keeps me a big fan of it for years to come.

I got mine at Honda of Mentor in Mentor, OH. Great dealership. No hassle, no pressure. They pretty much did whatever I asked and gave me exactly what I wanted on my trade-in. I was able to get a 2 day extended test drive, no questions asked. I highly recommend them.

Feel free to tell your story here. I'd like to know who else is out there and as a newbie here, I hope this rambling post helps you all get to know me a little bit.

[ptsmh73]

Welcome to the Forum. You'll find lots of good information and help here (if you should need any). Make sure you use the "search" function before asking a question or some members will jump all over you. I think you made the right choice with the built-in DVD unit (your wife was right :-)). Portable navigation units are very reliable and inexpensive. The portable DVD units don't look anywhere near as good as built-in. Good luck with your new Pilot.

Mine is going on 100K and going strong, no plan to get rid of it anytime soon. Its great to have in the snowy northeast, and I'm sure you'll find that true as well in Cleveland. The only unexpected repair I had was replacing the starter at 80K (covered under my extended warranty). I still love my Pilot.

[exploreco97]

Welcome to the community! I have had mine for just a year and love it and it has done great in the snow this year. Coming from owning a Blazer and Explorer I have been very happy with our choice. We were going to go with another Explorer but decided for a change as well.

Enjoy you new ride and post some pics when you get a chance.