2004 Base Model Pilot New Owner

[tarzan17]

Hi, new member here. My name is Matthew and I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Just about to pull the trigger on a silver base model Pilot with 73KM for $9K (deposit given, will close out deal in next few days). Car was driven only for short local trips, has all regular maintenance records (at Honda) including transmission flush at 49KM and timing belt changed last year.

Honestly, I am worried about the transmission problems for this year/model and was surprised when I took a look at the fluid, which appears to be dark brown (not good) but from my untrained nose, does not appear to be "burnt". Also did the cruise control test at 60KM/hr on slight incline and RPM's jumped up and down once (by about 100) within a minute. No other signs of transmission problems.

Should I be concerned about the transmission due to current oil condition? Are there other indicators of healthy transmission? Plan on doing 3-step flush with Amsoil ATF asap. Anything else to look out for?

According to the vehicles VIN, it did not fall within the recall so no oil jet (have not visually confirmed). I am thinking to add the oil jet myself, along with external transmission cooler and filter (after reading about coolant leaking).

Will probably put new engine air filter/ plugs and change the oil. Anything else I am missing?

Also would like to pick up the 2004 shop e-manual. Has anyone bought the ones off of ebay for less than $10?

[hovocop]

Hi Matt, I just bought my o4 last month. The research I did seemed to suggest 04 was a good year. By the way, I lived there (scarborough) and hamilton back in the 70's

[tarzan17]

Originally Posted by hovocop

Hi Matt, I just bought my o4 last month. The research I did seemed to suggest 04 was a good year. By the way, I lived there (scarborough) and hamilton back in the 70's

Cheers mate!

My memory of late 70's are mostly of rivalry with the Tiger cats - and wrestling matches at Maple Leaf Gardens. Fun times.

Just got plates for my wife's car today. No complaints since wife is happy. Still paranoid about the transmission issues and will change out transmission fluids this weekend.

Keep good.

[rocky]

Any tow hitch in it? I'm wondering if it actually had the fluid changed.
Assuming it did fresh fluid would be a great idea. Amsoil or redline d4 both popular on acurazine TL site.
Has the Timing belt been changed? If not that's an expensive replacement and car needs to be priced accordingly.


Sent from AutoGuide.com App