Pilot vs Pacifica or other related SUV's - Honda Pilot

Stever · 01-24-2007, 08:38 AM

I am new to the board and like Honda's very much. I have had good luck with them in the past and am now in need of a vehicle that will fit 5 comfortably. My wife is pregnant with our 3rd and our other two are 5 and 3.

I was originally looking at a used Pacifica due to the price. I am not a Chrysler fan at all but liked the look and features; dvd, sunroof, leather, heates seats, etc.

I than ran across a new Pilot being offered under $30k; 07 2 wheel drive loaded with everything but the navi. Local dealer will sell for $29400; stickers at $34.5. They will also sell me the sales mgr Pilot 4wd with 5500 miles as a demo for the same price. That has the same features but adds 4wd.

The .9 financing is making a new Pilot attractive. I wanted to stay around $18k for a used vehicle since I can pay cash. Is there anything else you would recommend? Does the above price sound like a good deal?

Steve

GreenMachine · 01-24-2007, 03:40 PM

If you care anything about resale value, stay away from the Pacifica. A co-worker just bought a 2004 AWD Pacifica loaded (no Nav) for $15K with 50K miles. Original sticker was $30K+

Stever · 01-24-2007, 07:04 PM

That was the reason I was looking at them. I had a deal on an 05 loaded with 24k and had it for $17,200. The only reason I didn't buy it was due to a paint blemish in the hood. It would have drove me nuts.

BubbleSparkxx · 01-24-2007, 08:04 PM

obviously, posting on any US based honda board is going to result in a lot of biased opinions supporting Honda products and disparaging Domestic makers.

That being said, I would not be comfortable purchasing any Chrysler product if it was to be used to haul my wife and kids around. Reliability and the peace of mind it brings is worth way more than saving a few thousand dollars. For example, I would not be concerned if my wife took a 500 mile trip in the Pilot - I'm not sure I would feel that secure if she was driving essentially a Chrysler minivan.

Reliability aside, be aware that Chrysler is discontinuing production of the Pacifica after this model year due to a lack of consumer interest. That is certainly not going to be any good for its resale value.

jdeanski · 01-24-2007, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BubbleSparkxx

Reliability aside, be aware that Chrysler is discontinuing production of the Pacifica after this model year due to a lack of consumer interest. That is certainly not going to be any good for its resale value.

That doesn't suprise me but what does is that I've seen a Mercedes model that sure reminds me of a Pacifica.

s6skuzy · 01-24-2007, 10:04 PM

a 2004 Pilot EXL and a 2006 Pacifica Touring AWD (The Pacifica is completely loaded). We turned in our 2004 Ody lease and leased this Pacifica. Since we were leasing, we didn't care about the resale. We couldn't lease an Ody EX for close to the price we got the Pacifica for. We had the employee discount (from a family member) and the dealer contributed beyond the rebates and discount for us to take it. We were also concerned about reliability. In one year, we have had the Pacifica in one time for a recall (Same as our Pilot). After one year, we love it as much as the day we got it. The interior is very well appointed and we like it better than any Honda we have driven before. Plus all the bells and buttons make it fun. I'm still not a complete Chrysler fan due to past experience, but this car gets ya thinking. Then I wake up. I don't think the long term reliability is good according to the Pacifica message boards, but it will be gone before I have any worries. One thing I do have to admit (please no flaming here!). When we have to choose which car to take, we take the Pacifica. Sorry guys!!!

Stever · 01-24-2007, 10:48 PM

I felt the Pacifica was nice for being a Chrysler. It was very heavy and somehwhat felt that while driving. But Chrysler has made strides to make the interior more plush than the Honda.

I was looking at one, again, specifically since I can pick up an 05 for well under $20 loaded. I wouldn't think of buying a new one for the same cost as a Pilot, but for $10-$12 grand less it is tempting and an option.

I do agree that I feel better with the Honda reliability and somewhat agree on resale, but both drop in value. The Chrysler just drops much more the first couple years, thus creating a potential scenario to pick up one cheap. Honda's still take a beating on resale as well, just not as much as domestic cars. I traded our 03 Ody off on our Audi and got only $20k on trade; the Ody was 2 years old 17,000 miles and an EXL-RES. I still took about an $8k hit in 2 years on the Honda Odyssey.

rocky · 01-24-2007, 10:51 PM

Friend wanted a second hand van. Odys were $24-25 and the Ford was $15k. Same age similar miles

you can fix alot of things for $10k

jay · 01-25-2007, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdeanski

That doesn't suprise me but what does is that I've seen a Mercedes model that sure reminds me of a Pacifica.

That's because it's built on the Mercedes platform, just like the 300, Magnum, Charger.......

jdeanski · 01-25-2007, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jay
That's because it's built on the Mercedes platform, just like the 300, Magnum, Charger.......

That Jay is one astute guy.

rocky · 01-26-2007, 12:40 AM

The Pacifica came out long before the MB.

BubbleSparkxx · 01-26-2007, 01:35 AM

pacifica is built on the caravan / voyager platform. Don't let the shiny clothes fool you.

jay · 01-26-2007, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BubbleSparkxx
pacifica is built on the caravan / voyager platform. Don't let the shiny clothes fool you.

I don't think so. It was the first of a bunch of Chryslers built on the E-Series platform.

GreenMachine · 01-26-2007, 12:21 PM

The 2WD Pacifica is driven by the front wheels right? The 300, Magnum, and Charger are RWD or AWD. I can't imagine they engineered a platform that could be FWD, RWD, or AWD.

BubbleSparkxx · 01-26-2007, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jay
I don't think so. It was the first of a bunch of Chryslers built on the E-Series platform.

Nope - check wikipedia. The evolutionized k-car platform was modified to for optional AWD - which chrysler eliminated from the caravan/voyager with the intro of Stow and Go seating and the Pacifica. The Pacifica is avail with FWD or AWD. The previous e class platform was not designed / or modified to be only FWD.

I believe the first domestic usage of the previous gen E was the Crossfire - followed by the magnum / 300.

01-24-2007, 08:38 AM	#1 (permalink)
Stever Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Roscoe, IL Posts: 45 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Pilot vs Pacifica or other related SUV's I am new to the board and like Honda's very much. I have had good luck with them in the past and am now in need of a vehicle that will fit 5 comfortably. My wife is pregnant with our 3rd and our other two are 5 and 3. I was originally looking at a used Pacifica due to the price. I am not a Chrysler fan at all but liked the look and features; dvd, sunroof, leather, heates seats, etc. I than ran across a new Pilot being offered under $30k; 07 2 wheel drive loaded with everything but the navi. Local dealer will sell for $29400; stickers at $34.5. They will also sell me the sales mgr Pilot 4wd with 5500 miles as a demo for the same price. That has the same features but adds 4wd. The .9 financing is making a new Pilot attractive. I wanted to stay around $18k for a used vehicle since I can pay cash. Is there anything else you would recommend? Does the above price sound like a good deal? Steve

01-24-2007, 03:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
GreenMachine Super Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Orange Park, FL Posts: 1,488 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	If you care anything about resale value, stay away from the Pacifica. A co-worker just bought a 2004 AWD Pacifica loaded (no Nav) for $15K with 50K miles. Original sticker was $30K+ __________________ 2001 CR-V EX Automatic - Clover Green Pearl - Westin Safari Bar; OEM skidplate, fog lights, roof rack, cargo mat, & passenger arm rest; Benevento Bug shield;225/70/15 Geolandar HT's 2006 Pilot EX 4WD - Steel Blue - OEM Auto Day/Night mirror, retractable cargo cover, backup sensors, mud guards, and cargo tray. Full set of Pilotpads from Wong. 2010 Camaro 1SS RS, LS3, 6sp Manual, Sunroof, B.A. Audio

01-24-2007, 08:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
BubbleSparkxx Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 292 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	obviously, posting on any US based honda board is going to result in a lot of biased opinions supporting Honda products and disparaging Domestic makers. That being said, I would not be comfortable purchasing any Chrysler product if it was to be used to haul my wife and kids around. Reliability and the peace of mind it brings is worth way more than saving a few thousand dollars. For example, I would not be concerned if my wife took a 500 mile trip in the Pilot - I'm not sure I would feel that secure if she was driving essentially a Chrysler minivan. Reliability aside, be aware that Chrysler is discontinuing production of the Pacifica after this model year due to a lack of consumer interest. That is certainly not going to be any good for its resale value. __________________ Splash Guards / Wheel Locks / Cargo Cover / WWong's Pilot Pads / Valentine One / Peripheral iSimple PXAMG

01-24-2007, 10:04 PM	#6 (permalink)
s6skuzy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Detroit, Mi Posts: 98 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	We have both... a 2004 Pilot EXL and a 2006 Pacifica Touring AWD (The Pacifica is completely loaded). We turned in our 2004 Ody lease and leased this Pacifica. Since we were leasing, we didn't care about the resale. We couldn't lease an Ody EX for close to the price we got the Pacifica for. We had the employee discount (from a family member) and the dealer contributed beyond the rebates and discount for us to take it. We were also concerned about reliability. In one year, we have had the Pacifica in one time for a recall (Same as our Pilot). After one year, we love it as much as the day we got it. The interior is very well appointed and we like it better than any Honda we have driven before. Plus all the bells and buttons make it fun. I'm still not a complete Chrysler fan due to past experience, but this car gets ya thinking. Then I wake up. I don't think the long term reliability is good according to the Pacifica message boards, but it will be gone before I have any worries. One thing I do have to admit (please no flaming here!). When we have to choose which car to take, we take the Pacifica. Sorry guys!!! __________________ Mike 2004 Honda Pilot EX-L Nighthawk Black Pearl 2002 Honda Odyssey EX Taffeta White

01-26-2007, 01:35 AM	#12 (permalink)
BubbleSparkxx Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 292 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	pacifica is built on the caravan / voyager platform. Don't let the shiny clothes fool you. __________________ Splash Guards / Wheel Locks / Cargo Cover / WWong's Pilot Pads / Valentine One / Peripheral iSimple PXAMG

01-24-2007, 07:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
Stever Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Roscoe, IL Posts: 45 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	That was the reason I was looking at them. I had a deal on an 05 loaded with 24k and had it for $17,200. The only reason I didn't buy it was due to a paint blemish in the hood. It would have drove me nuts.

01-24-2007, 10:48 PM	#7 (permalink)
Stever Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Roscoe, IL Posts: 45 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I felt the Pacifica was nice for being a Chrysler. It was very heavy and somehwhat felt that while driving. But Chrysler has made strides to make the interior more plush than the Honda. I was looking at one, again, specifically since I can pick up an 05 for well under $20 loaded. I wouldn't think of buying a new one for the same cost as a Pilot, but for $10-$12 grand less it is tempting and an option. I do agree that I feel better with the Honda reliability and somewhat agree on resale, but both drop in value. The Chrysler just drops much more the first couple years, thus creating a potential scenario to pick up one cheap. Honda's still take a beating on resale as well, just not as much as domestic cars. I traded our 03 Ody off on our Audi and got only $20k on trade; the Ody was 2 years old 17,000 miles and an EXL-RES. I still took about an $8k hit in 2 years on the Honda Odyssey.

01-24-2007, 10:51 PM	#8 (permalink)
rocky Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Red Sox Nation Posts: 6,721 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Friend wanted a second hand van. Odys were $24-25 and the Ford was $15k. Same age similar miles you can fix alot of things for $10k

01-26-2007, 12:40 AM	#11 (permalink)
rocky Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Red Sox Nation Posts: 6,721 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The Pacifica came out long before the MB.

01-26-2007, 12:21 PM	#14 (permalink)
GreenMachine Super Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Orange Park, FL Posts: 1,488 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The 2WD Pacifica is driven by the front wheels right? The 300, Magnum, and Charger are RWD or AWD. I can't imagine they engineered a platform that could be FWD, RWD, or AWD. __________________ 2001 CR-V EX Automatic - Clover Green Pearl - Westin Safari Bar; OEM skidplate, fog lights, roof rack, cargo mat, & passenger arm rest; Benevento Bug shield;225/70/15 Geolandar HT's 2006 Pilot EX 4WD - Steel Blue - OEM Auto Day/Night mirror, retractable cargo cover, backup sensors, mud guards, and cargo tray. Full set of Pilotpads from Wong. 2010 Camaro 1SS RS, LS3, 6sp Manual, Sunroof, B.A. Audio

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