2003 Pilot advice, please - Honda Pilot

1glenmore · 01-23-2012, 11:59 AM

Good Morning: new to the Forums and looking for advice. Perusing these and other forums, it seems like the 2003 Pilot was prone to possible transmission failure. It also appears that replacement transmissions were just as likely to fail, as the design of the transmission itself seemed to be the issue.

We have an opportunity to purchase a 2003 Pilot with 29K miles. My ONLY concern is the possible trans failure and the inability to obtain a replacement trans with a "fix" applied that would preclude further issues.

Alternatively, we can look for a more recent model with a better trans design. The trade-off is that the newer model would have more miles.

Any thoughts?

N_Jay · 01-23-2012, 12:25 PM

The failure rate is fairy low, but since nothing else seem to break, it is noticed.

Most have had no problem until well past 100K miles.

Why does the vehicle have such low miles?

Lost of sitting is not too bad, but lots of very short trips can be hard on any vehicle.

I would make sure all maintenance is up to date based on time, not miles.

Other than making sure the transmission recall was done, and other normal used car inspection items, I would bet you have a great vehicle (at probably a great price due to age)

jamesgarner83 · 01-23-2012, 04:36 PM

Wow!!! 29k on a 9 year old vehicle. I would not worry so much about the transmission probably with that low of miles you still have years of trouble free service. Probably need the T-Belt replaced due to age, but I would not bother with the water pump or tensioners due to the mileage. I have 105k on my 2003 and have not experienced any problems.

rocky · 01-23-2012, 06:22 PM

I would be replacing the tires. Bet they are cracked dry hard and ready to pop

N_Jay · 01-23-2012, 06:29 PM

Yes, tires should be replaced even if the tread is good.

1glenmore · 01-23-2012, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N_Jay

Yes, tires should be replaced even if the tread is good.

Yeah, I figured new tires and a timing belt. Miles appear legit.

One more question: Most body panels on the 2003 Hondas have a VIN attached. You would know if the part (1/4 panel, hood, etc) had been replaced if the new panel didn't have a VIN. However, on this Pilot, there are no VIN stickers on the front fenders. All other panels have them. There is ZERO evidence of paint anywhere on the front "clip". No over spray, no paint chipped off of the fender bolts, no nothing.

Is is possible the front fenders didn't have this VIN sticker for 2003 models?

1glenmore · 01-23-2012, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N_Jay

The failure rate is fairy low, but since nothing else seem to break, it is noticed.

Most have had no problem until well past 100K miles.

Why does the vehicle have such low miles?

Lost of sitting is not too bad, but lots of very short trips can be hard on any vehicle.

I would make sure all maintenance is up to date based on time, not miles.

Other than making sure the transmission recall was done, and other normal used car inspection items, I would bet you have a great vehicle (at probably a great price due to age)

The trans recall may not have been done. My local Honda dealer says no evidence it was in the Honda database. Options?

94eg! · 01-23-2012, 08:46 PM

Trans should be updated by the dealer. They install an oil jet into the fill-plug hole to keep 3rd gear cool. Dealer should still cover any recalls.

N_Jay · 01-24-2012, 08:08 AM

If the miles are true, then the trans update not being done should not be an issue, since it was a problem with long high-speed drives, and a car with that low miles probably did none of that.

I would still love to hear why it is so low miles. (If it is at a dealer, you may never know)

No VIN stickers on the front end is a little concern. The factory put them there.
Can you take it to a reputable mechanic to be inspected?
If you can find an auto-enthusiasts place, they may know more of what to look for in a reconstructed car.

See if you can get eh Engine and Trans S/N and check with the VIN.

1glenmore · 01-24-2012, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N_Jay

If the miles are true, then the trans update not being done should not be an issue, since it was a problem with long high-speed drives, and a car with that low miles probably did none of that.

I would still love to hear why it is so low miles. (If it is at a dealer, you may never know)

No VIN stickers on the front end is a little concern. The factory put them there.
Can you take it to a reputable mechanic to be inspected?
If you can find an auto-enthusiasts place, they may know more of what to look for in a reconstructed car.

See if you can get eh Engine and Trans S/N and check with the VIN.

Miles are true: retired couple. In fact, the original Goodyear Integrity tires are still on it. Re: Trans recall -- no time limit on having it done? Re: VIN stickers -- I wonder if they weren't put on the fenders originally, as there is absolutely zero evidence of any re-paint. CarFax, while not all-knowing, is clean.

94eg! · 01-24-2012, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1glenmore

Trans recall -- no time limit on having it done?

I wouldn't think so....Give the dealer a call and ask to be sure.

N_Jay · 01-24-2012, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1glenmore

Miles are true: retired couple. In fact, the original Goodyear Integrity tires are still on it. Re: Trans recall -- no time limit on having it done? Re: VIN stickers -- I wonder if they weren't put on the fenders originally, as there is absolutely zero evidence of any re-paint. CarFax, while not all-knowing, is clean.

Recalls never have a time limit.

The fender issue is weird.

Maybe an overly aggressive detail shop "cleaned" them off.

1glenmore · 01-27-2012, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N_Jay

Recalls never have a time limit.

The fender issue is weird.

Maybe an overly aggressive detail shop "cleaned" them off.

Drives like it just came off the showroom floor. Getting Michelin LTX tires today and the timing belt done next week. Also covered ourselves by getting a comprehensive warranty for 60k additional miles.

Thanks for everyone's help!!!

94eg! · 01-27-2012, 01:54 PM

You should still get any recalls taken care of. The Drivers Airbag is a new one on some of the 03 Pilots. 1 girl was killed in a high-school parking lot by this faulty air-bag.

rocky · 01-27-2012, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N_Jay

Recalls never have a time limit.

The fender issue is weird.

Maybe an overly aggressive detail shop "cleaned" them off.

Have to look at mine. Am wondering big the bin sticker is on the inside of the fender.

01-23-2012, 11:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
1glenmore Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Detroit, Mi Posts: 5 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	2003 Pilot advice, please Good Morning: new to the Forums and looking for advice. Perusing these and other forums, it seems like the 2003 Pilot was prone to possible transmission failure. It also appears that replacement transmissions were just as likely to fail, as the design of the transmission itself seemed to be the issue. We have an opportunity to purchase a 2003 Pilot with 29K miles. My ONLY concern is the possible trans failure and the inability to obtain a replacement trans with a "fix" applied that would preclude further issues. Alternatively, we can look for a more recent model with a better trans design. The trade-off is that the newer model would have more miles. Any thoughts?

01-23-2012, 12:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
N_Jay Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Chicago, NW Burbs Posts: 13,555 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The failure rate is fairy low, but since nothing else seem to break, it is noticed. Most have had no problem until well past 100K miles. Why does the vehicle have such low miles? Lost of sitting is not too bad, but lots of very short trips can be hard on any vehicle. I would make sure all maintenance is up to date based on time, not miles. Other than making sure the transmission recall was done, and other normal used car inspection items, I would bet you have a great vehicle (at probably a great price due to age) __________________ However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results. Sir Winston Churchill

01-23-2012, 06:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
rocky Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Red Sox Nation Posts: 7,178 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I would be replacing the tires. Bet they are cracked dry hard and ready to pop __________________ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chris...19131498101662

01-23-2012, 06:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
N_Jay Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Chicago, NW Burbs Posts: 13,555 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Yes, tires should be replaced even if the tread is good. __________________ However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results. Sir Winston Churchill

01-24-2012, 08:08 AM	#9 (permalink)
N_Jay Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Chicago, NW Burbs Posts: 13,555 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	If the miles are true, then the trans update not being done should not be an issue, since it was a problem with long high-speed drives, and a car with that low miles probably did none of that. I would still love to hear why it is so low miles. (If it is at a dealer, you may never know) No VIN stickers on the front end is a little concern. The factory put them there. Can you take it to a reputable mechanic to be inspected? If you can find an auto-enthusiasts place, they may know more of what to look for in a reconstructed car. See if you can get eh Engine and Trans S/N and check with the VIN. __________________ However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results. Sir Winston Churchill

01-23-2012, 04:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
jamesgarner83 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 74 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Wow!!! 29k on a 9 year old vehicle. I would not worry so much about the transmission probably with that low of miles you still have years of trouble free service. Probably need the T-Belt replaced due to age, but I would not bother with the water pump or tensioners due to the mileage. I have 105k on my 2003 and have not experienced any problems.

01-23-2012, 08:46 PM	#8 (permalink)
94eg! Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 654 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Trans should be updated by the dealer. They install an oil jet into the fill-plug hole to keep 3rd gear cool. Dealer should still cover any recalls.

01-27-2012, 01:54 PM	#14 (permalink)
94eg! Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 654 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	You should still get any recalls taken care of. The Drivers Airbag is a new one on some of the 03 Pilots. 1 girl was killed in a high-school parking lot by this faulty air-bag.

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