Honda Pilot 2003 vs 2005 - Honda Pilot

svenpoech · 04-09-2007, 08:15 PM

Hi.

I´m in the market for a used Honda Pilot. I´m looking at a 2003 model and a 2005. Both have the same mileage. The 2003 looks like it was pampered better than the 2005. Overall the 2003 seems better in every way.

The question is: Besides the obvious, that the 2005 is 30 % more expensive, which one do you think is a better buy, the 2003 or the 2005. I´m willing to spend the extra bucks if the 2005 is a better build SUV.

Thanks

rocky · 04-09-2007, 08:47 PM

Oh boy. lets see the 03s were in the rough patch where some vehicles transmission went bad and recalls applied to all vehicles. The 05s don't seem to provoke the same problems. 05 has VSA, sunroofs drive by wire, tpms, and probably a few other features, that depending on spec you'll get. Exls obviously have all of those extras. Overall not very significant changes.

The savings in $$$ can be put to good use elsewhere. I know one 03 Pilot with nearly 100k and he does the bare minimum of service to it.

svenpoech · 04-09-2007, 08:57 PM

Well, the 2003 is at $ 20,000 an has 44k km, (28k miles) and the 2005 is at $25,500 an has like 38k km (24k miles). Both models are EX.

I live in Guatemala,

TheEaglePilot · 04-09-2007, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by svenpoech
Well, the 2003 is at $ 20,000 an has 44k km, (28k miles) and the 2005 is at $25,500 an has like 38k km (24k miles). Both models are EX.

I live in Guatemala,

Sounds like there's a bit of a premium on cars in Guatemala.

Chris

jay · 04-09-2007, 09:11 PM

We've had few reports here of actual transmission failures with the '03s. Full disclosure, I traded mine in just before the recall became public, but had no issues with mine. If it looks gently used and maintained well, it likely had the recall done, but you should have a way to verify that.

Given the price/mileage differential, I'd go with the '03 id it were me, particularly since the '03 seems to be the better cared for vehicle.

jonaz · 04-10-2007, 02:23 AM

I got a 2003, and I love mine. It now has 67000 miles on it, with no problems so far.
BTW, are you an American living in Guatemla, or are you a Guatamlan citizen? I find living in other parts of the world facinating.

svenpoech · 04-10-2007, 12:49 PM

Thanks for all your help. I´ll probably buy the 2003. I was born in Guatemala, but my father is from Germany.

GreenMachine · 04-10-2007, 01:58 PM

Assuming the trim levels on the two you are considering are the same as here in the US, the 2005 will only have VSA if it has leather interior. The 2005 also has the sliding second row seats to make passengers in the third row a little more comfortable as the expense of second row legroom.

svenpoech · 04-27-2007, 11:32 AM

So that´s it, I am now a proud owner of a 2003 honda pilot. Thanks for all your help.

Just reached 44K kilometers.

a2Pilot · 04-27-2007, 10:35 PM

Congrats on your new-to-you 2003!

jestmaty · 04-27-2007, 11:14 PM

Cool!!!!

Please post some pics when time allows

Enjoy your new ride!!!!!

04-09-2007, 08:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
svenpoech Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Guatemala Posts: 8 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Honda Pilot 2003 vs 2005 Hi. I´m in the market for a used Honda Pilot. I´m looking at a 2003 model and a 2005. Both have the same mileage. The 2003 looks like it was pampered better than the 2005. Overall the 2003 seems better in every way. The question is: Besides the obvious, that the 2005 is 30 % more expensive, which one do you think is a better buy, the 2003 or the 2005. I´m willing to spend the extra bucks if the 2005 is a better build SUV. Thanks

04-09-2007, 09:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
jay Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Manassas, VA Posts: 11,116 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	We've had few reports here of actual transmission failures with the '03s. Full disclosure, I traded mine in just before the recall became public, but had no issues with mine. If it looks gently used and maintained well, it likely had the recall done, but you should have a way to verify that. Given the price/mileage differential, I'd go with the '03 id it were me, particularly since the '03 seems to be the better cared for vehicle. __________________ 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited "When you get to the fork in the road, take it." --Yogi Berra

04-10-2007, 02:23 AM	#6 (permalink)
jonaz Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southern CA Posts: 222 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I got a 2003, and I love mine. It now has 67000 miles on it, with no problems so far. BTW, are you an American living in Guatemla, or are you a Guatamlan citizen? I find living in other parts of the world facinating. __________________ 2003 Honda Pilot Prodigy brake controller,Weight Distribution Hitch 2000 17' Kiwi Hybrid Trailer UVW 3090lbs[blue]

04-10-2007, 01:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
GreenMachine Super Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Orange Park, FL Posts: 1,488 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Assuming the trim levels on the two you are considering are the same as here in the US, the 2005 will only have VSA if it has leather interior. The 2005 also has the sliding second row seats to make passengers in the third row a little more comfortable as the expense of second row legroom. __________________ 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

04-27-2007, 10:35 PM	#10 (permalink)
a2Pilot Super Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,261 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Congrats on your new-to-you 2003! __________________ 2006 Pilot EX-L Redrock Pearl - Splash Guards, Cross Bars, Honda All Weather Mats, Cargo Tray, Yakima Rack Stuff 2003 Pilot EX Evergreen Pearl (Traded In) 2005 F250 Crew Cab Lariat Powerstroke 4x4 2000 Jeep Wrangler SE

04-09-2007, 08:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
rocky Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Red Sox Nation Posts: 6,720 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Oh boy. lets see the 03s were in the rough patch where some vehicles transmission went bad and recalls applied to all vehicles. The 05s don't seem to provoke the same problems. 05 has VSA, sunroofs drive by wire, tpms, and probably a few other features, that depending on spec you'll get. Exls obviously have all of those extras. Overall not very significant changes. The savings in $$$ can be put to good use elsewhere. I know one 03 Pilot with nearly 100k and he does the bare minimum of service to it.

04-09-2007, 08:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
svenpoech Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Guatemala Posts: 8 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Well, the 2003 is at $ 20,000 an has 44k km, (28k miles) and the 2005 is at $25,500 an has like 38k km (24k miles). Both models are EX. I live in Guatemala,

04-10-2007, 12:49 PM	#7 (permalink)
svenpoech Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Guatemala Posts: 8 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thanks for all your help. I´ll probably buy the 2003. I was born in Guatemala, but my father is from Germany.

04-27-2007, 11:32 AM	#9 (permalink)
svenpoech Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Guatemala Posts: 8 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	So that´s it, I am now a proud owner of a 2003 honda pilot. Thanks for all your help. Just reached 44K kilometers.

04-27-2007, 11:14 PM	#11 (permalink)
jestmaty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Katy, Tx Posts: 1,249 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Cool!!!! Please post some pics when time allows Enjoy your new ride!!!!! __________________ 2004 EXL-RES Sage Brush Pearl 2005 Bayliner 175XT Bowrider OEM Tow Package, side steps, Front window tint, interior wood trim, ss exhaust tips, Castrol full synthetic oil, 7 yr/100k extended warranty, crossbars

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