2003-2004 Pilot High Mileage Purchase

[Mathspiffy]

Hi all,

I am considering purchasing a 2003 or 2004 Pilot with 90,000+ miles. I am a little apprehensive about buying a car with this many miles on it, but we really need the space and towing ability of a large SUV, and my husband and I are big Honda fans.

Given our budget, we will have to go with a higher mileage vehicle than we normally would purchase.

I'm curious to know what I should look for in these vehicles as far as repairs and maintenance. Are there any known issues that should be taken care of before I buy?

Thanks.

E.

[N_Jay]

105K miles is a big service between $500 and $1000.

The issue would be "Why is it being sold".
These are such bulletproof vehicles, that I would be concerned the owners picked up on some impending failure.

The most likely would be the slipping of the TC lockup clutch requiring a new transmission.

I would CAREFULLY test drive the car at 35, 40, 45, and 50 MPH on a flat road to try to bring out any vibration from the transmission.

(Find a flat level road that you can drive at these speeds. Get up to speed and set the cruise control and then see how it feels over about a 1 mile stretch.)

If you can find a private party sale and get a good feel as to why it is being sold, I would be completely comfortable. (Mine has 176K and the trans issue is just showing up.)

[Mathspiffy]

Originally Posted by N_Jay

105K miles is a big service between $500 and $1000.

The issue would be "Why is it being sold".
These are such bulletproof vehicles, that I would be concerned the owners picked up on some impending failure.

The most likely would be the slipping of the TC lockup clutch requiring a new transmission.

I would CAREFULLY test drive the car at 35, 40, 45, and 50 MPH on a flat road to try to bring out any vibration from the transmission.

(Find a flat level road that you can drive at these speeds. Get up to speed and set the cruise control and then see how it feels over about a 1 mile stretch.)

If you can find a private party sale and get a good feel as to why it is being sold, I would be completely comfortable. (Mine has 176K and the trans issue is just showing up.)

Good to know.

How much does it cost to replace the transmission in these vehicles?

What would be the maximum mileage that you would consider? We've seen Pilots with up to 151,000 miles on them for sale within our budget.


Thank you for the prompt reply.

[tangotango99]

Honda dealer was asking $5500 for my 04

[N_Jay]

Originally Posted by Mathspiffy

Good to know.

How much does it cost to replace the transmission in these vehicles?

What would be the maximum mileage that you would consider? We've seen Pilots with up to 151,000 miles on them for sale within our budget.


Thank you for the prompt reply.

It is not so much what I would consider the maximum mileage, as what made the person decide to sell the pilot in the first place.

I think some people have said the trans replacement is about $4000.

[jl_ss]

A honda remanufactured transmission installed at a Honda dealer is in the $4,500 ballpark. A rebuild at a transmission shop is in the $2.5K - $3K ballpark. I would look for a vehicle that had service records available, and of course, all that the required services were performed, especially transmission fluid changes and timing belt (if over 105K miles).

[xGS]

If towing ability is really important, you should probably look at a Toyota 4Runner or Sequoia or a Nissan Pathfinder/Infiniti QX4.

[N_Jay]

Some sell their cars after 2 to 4 years, and some sell them at the first sign of a big problem also.

[osudelt69]

Originally Posted by bigdaddy

ok. didn't know that.

We have an 04 with 144k miles on it. Very reliable! Have replaced few parts, mainly door lock actuators but nothing in engine or transmission related. I saw pull a car fax, ask for service records, and if it is being sold privetely, take it to honda and have then do a pre sale inspection!

They are great vehicles!

[osudelt69]

Oh also meant to say that the pilot was my wifes and when we got married I was planning on making her sell it, i have never kept a car over 100k miles. But after learning its serivce history, driving it, i've decided to keep it for a long time. We are going Florida in April and we are taking the Pilot with 144k miles on it, I have ZERO concerns, good luck!

[94eg!]

At ~90k miles, you usually have a few barganing chips in your corner. The vehicle will almost ALWAYS require new brake pads (and maybe rotors). And your VERY close to the 105k major service interval. This generally includes the following:

- timing belt
- drive belts (2)
- water pump
- coolant
- spark plugs
- valve adjustment

If your a do-it-yourselfer, you can get these things done for fairly cheap and save some money. Here are some of the cost break-downs:

- New front pads $60 (Honda/Akebono)
- New rear pads $60 (Honda/Akebono)
- Timing belt & water pump kit $160 (Gates is OEM except the pump)
- Coolant $40 (Honda Blue)
- Sparkplugs $60 (NGK Double Plat OEM)
- Drive belts $20 (gates)
- Valve Adjustment is $50-150 in gaskets (remove intake manifold and valve covers)

If you have to get all this stuff done at a dealer, it will cost you thousands in labor. Make sure the seller is aware and discounts the vehicle accordingly if they do not have service records showing these have been completed.

BTW: Here are a few important things to check when you look at a car:
- Get under the car and check all the CV boots front & rear. A torn boot is messy and costs a few hundred to fix.
- Make sure the oil pan and transmission are dry. You don't want to buy a vehicle and then have to pay to replace a Rear main-seal. That means the transmission has to come out. Front main & cam seals are easy to replace when doing the timing belt, but it's hard to trace a leak from a quick inspection.

[rocky]

Odd. To me 90,000 is not high mileage.
Having done the TB and related service, replace tire, front shocks and third/fourth gear switches in the last year, my 05 is running better than ever @130,000.


Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

[94eg!]

Originally Posted by rocky

Odd. To me 90,000 is not high mileage.

Agreed. I bought mine at 91k, and it's great.

[osudelt69]

Originally Posted by rocky

Odd. To me 90,000 is not high mileage.
Having done the TB and related service, replace tire, front shocks and third/fourth gear switches in the last year, my 05 is running better than ever @130,000.


Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

90k is high mileage, most cars things start falling apart and get expensive to repair. Newer cars seem to be bucking this trend though.

[Mathspiffy]

I found a very good 2004 with 87,000 miles on it. The car is in pristine condition body-wise. No accidents. No fluid leaking. Transmission is smooth (I pushed it hard to check). Brakes look good. Tires need replacement but dealer is willing to replace them as part of the deal. It's an EX-L model. Cruise works. Headlights and taillights work. All power windows and locks work. A/C and heat are working. Hand controls on wheel work.

Timing belt looks brand new. Brake fluid looks clean. Serpentine belt looks a little more worn than timing belt but still good. CV boots look good. Brakes are okay, but need to be replaced relatively soon.

Unfortunately, maintenance records are unavailable as this was a trade-in at a dealership.

Anything else I should check?

I got him down to $10,900 inluding 30 day bumper to bumper warranty. Good deal or no?

Thank you to all of you for your thoughts on this. It's been incredibly helpful.

P.S. I have a little understanding of cars (major parts), but if there is something I should check that wouldn't be intuitively clear to look, please be detailed and let me know where to look and what to look for.