jay's Annual Automotive Adventure - Honda Pilot

jay · 11-24-2006, 08:09 PM

So far, the Pilot is the vehicle I've owned the longest - 20 months. Prior to that is was a '98 Accord that I had 32 months. The xB was 8 months and 6 days. I liked the Box a lot, but was interested in a vehicle that would provide some of the creature comforts I got used to with the RX330, but was easier on the wallet and better at the gas pump than the RX330.

Today, I traded the xB for an '07 Titanium Metallic Camry Hybrid basically fully loaded, with factory NAV, auto-dimmng mirrors, XM Radio, power seats, leather, sunroof, tilt/telescope wheel, and an awesome JBL sound system. I'm also happy to have back an abundance of air bags, including front, side, curtain, and driver's knees.

And the car is far and away the quietest I've ever driven. It's still somewhat dis-concerting to push the start button and not hear anything. It's also going to take me a while to get used to the Smart Key setup. With the Smart Key in your pocket, you approach the car, it unlocks, you get in, and push the start button, all without ever taking the Smart Key out of your pocket.

We can't have such posts as these without pictures, so here you go. Sorry it was already dark by the time I got some shots in.

jay · 11-24-2006, 08:09 PM

Side Shot.

jay · 11-24-2006, 08:10 PM

Interior shot. That's my XM Audiovox Xpress on the console. That'll disappear after the dealer installs the Toyota XM receiver and antenna.

jay · 11-24-2006, 08:17 PM

I did decide, reluctantly, to give up my personalized tags in favor of the Virginia "clean air" tags that you need to be able to use the HOV lanes with one person in the car. While the HOV lanes around here are usually clogged, there are a couple on interchanges in my normal commute that I'll be able to use now, and not have to line up like I usually do from I-66 to the Beltway.

wwong · 11-24-2006, 09:26 PM

Let me be the first to say Congrats.

jay · 11-24-2006, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wwong
Let me be the first to say Congrats.

Thanks. The sales guy was impressed with the pads in the xB. Other than that cubby my XM Audiovox Xpress is sitting on top of (on the wash cloth) and the console armrest box, I don't see many places for your pad handiwork.

jdeanski · 11-24-2006, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jay
I did decide, reluctantly, to give up my personalized tags in favor of the Virginia "clean air" tags that you need to be able to use the HOV lanes with one person in the car.

Jay............................I'm still trying to figure you out??????????
Other than that, it's a quote without comment!!!! Does you rear start to itch if there's not something different under it every few months............

rocky · 11-25-2006, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdeanski

Jay............................I'm still trying to figure you out??????????
Other than that, it's a quote without comment!!!! Does you rear start to itch if there's not something different under it every few months............

I think Colorider started this Camry Hybrid thing. Colorider started with a Pilot, then Ridgeline, then Camry Hybrid.

robrecht · 11-25-2006, 07:22 AM

Congrats on the new car, J-Lo ... well, it's definitely not a GUV!

**colorider** · 11-25-2006, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rocky

I think Colorider started this Camry Hybrid thing. Colorider started with a Pilot, then Ridgeline, then Camry Hybrid.

Ah - yeah. I have a bad "itch " that hits me WAAAAAYYYYY too often. Now that I am unemployed, I need to get some itch powder to take care of the problem!

**colorider** · 11-25-2006, 08:14 AM

Jay - congrats!!!!!!!! I think you will enjoy the new Camry. We have 12K miles on ours (in 5 months) and love it! Our mileage has suffered a bit now that we are on our oxygenated fuel blend, but still not too shabby,

Mine is white and my bro-in-law has the blue ribbon blue.

jay · 11-25-2006, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by colorider
Jay - congrats!!!!!!!! I think you will enjoy the new Camry. We have 12K miles on ours (in 5 months) and love it! Our mileage has suffered a bit now that we are on our oxygenated fuel blend, but still not too shabby,

Mine is white and my bro-in-law has the blue ribbon blue.

Nice looking vehicles. The local dealer had two Titanium Metallic's (silver) and a blue in inventory. Someone was taking delivery of the blue one as I pulled on the lot. I debated Super White, as the dealer in Fairfax had one comparably equipped. Based on my experience with a silver Pilot, I figured the one I got would be slightly easier to keep looking nice.

**colorider** · 11-25-2006, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jay
Nice looking vehicles. The local dealer had two Titanium Metallic's (silver) and a blue in inventory. Someone was taking delivery of the blue one as I pulled on the lot. I debated Super White, as the dealer in Fairfax had one comparably equipped. Based on my experience with a silver Pilot, I figured the one I got would be slightly easier to keep looking nice.

We considered the dark gray, but settled on the white. Your's is equipped exactly like my bro-in-law's (with XM), where as we just use our MiFi XM2GO in ours (and in our S2K).

waynerd · 11-25-2006, 10:53 PM

Congrats Jay! Maybe you've found a vehicle you can keep for a while?

A neighbor down the street has a hybrid Highlander and said it took a little getting used to it just shutting off, but he'll take the 30mpg city (albiet, not DC traffic).

Sunday Rider · 11-25-2006, 11:12 PM

Jay, I think you must work for an auto magazine, and you get these vehicles for free.
Either that or you have no fear of that word, depreciation.

Congrats on the new chariot. Hope you don't miss the riding up high feel and looking down on the "regular" cars.

Best wishes for your new XM, 4-wheeled holder.

11-24-2006, 08:17 PM	#4 (permalink)
jay Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Manassas, VA Posts: 11,116 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I did decide, reluctantly, to give up my personalized tags in favor of the Virginia "clean air" tags that you need to be able to use the HOV lanes with one person in the car. While the HOV lanes around here are usually clogged, there are a couple on interchanges in my normal commute that I'll be able to use now, and not have to line up like I usually do from I-66 to the Beltway. __________________ 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited "When you get to the fork in the road, take it." --Yogi Berra

11-24-2006, 09:26 PM	#5 (permalink)
wwong Super Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,368 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Let me be the first to say Congrats. __________________ Custom Non Slip Foam Pads for the Honda Pilot, Click here to visit my website 2003 Honda Pilot EXL-NAV, Starlight Silver, #86733 "Featured Pilot March 2004" EXTERIOR-Perfect Fit Hood Guard, Lower Trim, Lower Trim Garnish, Bumper Garnish, Fog Lights with Eurodezigns H3 bulbs, Wheel Locks, Fender Flares, Crossbars, Door Mirror Covers, Vent Visors, Running Boards, Rear Splash Guards, Trailer Hitch, Pilot #PM555 Stainless Steel Exhaust Tips, Euro Dezigns H4 replacing Sylvania Silverstars, Tire Minders, EX emblem, Third Brake Light Decal, Michelin CT, Chrome OEM Wheels, Muth Signal Mirrors, Sylvania #885 Back Up Lights INTERIOR-Wooden Shift Lever, Wood Grain Interior Trim, All Weather Mats, Cargo Cover, Cargo Organizer, Cargo Tray, Cargo Liner, Trunk Organizer, Broadway Optics Mirror, Raybrig R130 ELECTRONICS-Networkcar, Power Inverter, Nav DVD upgrade V.2.11C, Rear View Camera CUSTOM ACCESSORIES- Door Edge Guard, Foam Pads for Center Console and 2nd Row Activity Tray, Foam Pads for Doors and 3rd Row Bins and Cupholders, Dead Pedal Cover, Cargo Storage Pad, Padded Glove Box, Sunglass Holder Pad, Pillar Protection Tape, Fog Light Covers, Door Reflectors, Cargo Liner Velcro Replacement Kit, Chrome h-p License Plate Frame, VTM-4 emblem, Chrome Accent for the OEM Lower Trim, Chrome Accent for the OEM Running Boards, Chrome Grille Accent, Navi Screen Protector, Non-Slip Pad for the OEM Cargo Tray, hp.org sticker and tee

11-25-2006, 07:22 AM	#9 (permalink)
robrecht Super Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: East Amwell, New Jersey Posts: 4,141 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Congrats on the new car, J-Lo ... well, it's definitely not a GUV! __________________ Thanks, Robrecht! Charcoalishlygreenishbluishyrealpink&tealfleck metallic EXL-RES with Rumble Seat, Foglights, Chrome Bumper Garnish (of course!), and Merrywang Transport Netting. And an RX-8 or Miata for my twice daily hill climb.

11-25-2006, 10:53 PM	#14 (permalink)
waynerd Pilotless Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 819 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Congrats Jay! Maybe you've found a vehicle you can keep for a while? A neighbor down the street has a hybrid Highlander and said it took a little getting used to it just shutting off, but he'll take the 30mpg city (albiet, not DC traffic). __________________ '06 Odyssey EX-L in Redrock Pearl = "Odie" '02 Subaru Outback Limited = "Matilda" Traded, but not forgotten '04 EX-L in Redrock Pearl = "Otto" Still "Happily Piloting Along"

11-25-2006, 11:12 PM	#15 (permalink)
Sunday Rider Super Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Aurora, Ontario Posts: 2,074 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Jay, I think you must work for an auto magazine, and you get these vehicles for free. Either that or you have no fear of that word, depreciation. Congrats on the new chariot. Hope you don't miss the riding up high feel and looking down on the "regular" cars. Best wishes for your new XM, 4-wheeled holder. __________________ Sunday Rider '03 EX-L, Nighthawk Black Pearl, OEM Black Gone but not forgotten March 2011 Honda ST1100 '97 Honda CB900C '82 sold Honda CM400E '80

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