2006 Pilot 93k miles ok for 2,200 trip?

[cisman]

We own a 2006 Honda Pilot EX-L w/Nav that we bought new off the lot. It has about 93k miles on it. We've changed the oil every time the light came on.

Would you have any issues driving this 2,200 miles round trip this summer?

We're debating renting or saving the money.

I'd for sure take it in and have it checked out. We just recently put new tires on it.

Have timing belt checked?

[97trophy]

Last year I did a 4,500 mile trip in my 05 and all was fine. If the car has been looked after and is running fine then I would go for it. This year I am doing a 6,000 mile trip.

Personally, I would not worry about your timing belt until the 105k miles service.

Enjoy.

[1YESfan]

Originally Posted by cisman

We've changed the oil every time the light came on.

Would that be the light indicating you are low on oil or your check engine light? I don't know specifically about the 06 and similar model Pilots, but with most vehicles, that's not the responsible or proper way to maintain a vehicle, imo.

Highway miles on your up-coming trip, you might not want to wait for the "change oil" light to come on to check your oil level.

[97trophy]

Originally Posted by 1YESfan

Would that be the light indicating you are low on oil or your check engine light?

Mine has a oil change reminder light that goes off about 7,000 miles after resetting. I think he means that and not the low oil light.

[1YESfan]

Gotcha. Thanks! ( although I would still never go that long on oil changes)

[onu2002]

Our '03 Pilot took us on a 2,300-mile trip to Texas in late 2011 when it had 113k miles on it. And there's a good chance it'll take us on a 2,000-plus-mile trip to Florida this year. I say go for it.

[vanduker]

I would not hesitate on using your truck but it may not be a good financial decision.

If your Pilot is like most others you can expect no better than 20 MPG if that. 2,200 miles at low cost estimate of 3.50 per gallon is 385.00 for fuel.

If you were to rent a vehicle that got 28 MPG is 275.00 for fuel - a savings of 110.00.

You do not state how long a time the trip is for but if it is a week you likely could rent a midsize car for ~ 150.00. Would cost you ~ 40.00 to not put 2,200 miles on your Pilot.

If the trip is a month long or you need a vehicle the size of the Pilot then is no way a rental makes financial sense but if is short time and you can use a "normal" car then I would look at a rental.

[rocky]

I have a 2200 mile run that I last did over the holidays. 2005 with 154k on the clock right now, having just come back from a drive to NYC and back

[whizmo]

I agree with the responses so far and would summarize as...

1. 93K miles on a properly-maintained Pilot is relatively low miles and this mileage would, in no way, preclude taking any kind of long-distance trip you desire.

2. There is a lot more to proper maintenance than changing the oil. A 93K mile 2006 Pilot should by now have had several VTM4 fluid changes, a least one transmission oil change, multiple changes of brake and coolant fluid, several cabin and engine air filter changes, brake pad/tire/wiper-blade changes as needed, and multiple inspections to check for suspension wear/tear, leaks, etc. IOW, your car could be ready to go for thousands of trouble-free miles or a disaster waiting to break down any minute. The devil is in the details here.

3. Depending on the rental car deals available to you, renting a car for a trip can be cost effective vs. driving your own car, especially if you can custom-rent a car more optimized to your trip rather than making do with what you have. Pencil it out.

- Mark

[cisman]

Thanks for the input. I'd say we'll probably just take our pilot. We're taking a week-long trip with 2 kids to Florida, so we'll need to room (no car). If we rented it'd be as big or bigger than our pilot.

Next time I'll add more details. We have done all maintenance as it came up and have taken it to the Honda dealer each time for the maintenance. It has a new set of tires and we did replace brakes not too long ago.

[robs]

A long trip like that does deserve an extra little bit of attention. Just do a couple of basics before you get on your way

change the coolant and oil and have the alignment checked out. You should be good to go

[whizmo]

Originally Posted by robs

change the coolant and oil and have the alignment checked out. You should be good to go

Strange recommendation. If the coolant and oil changes are up to date, there is no need to do anything special for a trip. Likewise, if the car isn't showing signs of mis-alignment (pulling or abnormal tire wear), there is no need to do anything.

- Mark

[hondafan4evr]

Hell yes! Just make sure your basic maintenance items are complete i.e. oil, tire pressure, etc.

My 2006 Pilot just broke 160K. After your trip you'll be a few thousand miles closer to the 105K timing belt replacement major service!

[TomStromie]

This past summer we took a trip about that far with a 2007 Pilot that had over 120,000 miles on it. I didn't thing twice about its reliability.

How many miles will have on it by this summer? If it's close to 105,000 miles by then I'd have the timing belt replaced. Ask yourself how many miles you put on your Pilot before you sell it. If you plan to keep for 250,000 miles then by all means delay the replacement. If however, you plan on selling it at 150,000 miles then why risk it. Wait for a good deal (15% off a service?) and go for it.

[sblvro]

just did a 2600 mile trip last summer with my 2003 honda pilot with 205,000 miles and even passed a new 2012 honda pilot touring in WV at 75mph. lol!