My New '07 EX-L 4WD w/RES

[gpraceman]

I just picked up my new '07 EX-L 4WD w/RES Pilot on Friday. Here's some photos of it. I paid $32,042 (base + dest) plus $1,911 for all of the installed accessories. For the list of installed accessories, see my signature. I may have been able to whittle them down a little more on price, but overall I think I got a good deal.

Upon delivery it had some various scratches and a small dent (near the roof rack), but the dealership is going to take care of those next Monday. The dent and neighboring scratches were likely caused when they installed the crossbars. The dealership even spotted something that I missed, which was a cut in the door seal on the driver's door.

My only disappointment with it so far has been the clear coat. I see several places on the driver's side where dust particles are under the clear coat. I also see some small spots where it seems that the clear coat is not adhered to the paint (driver's side rear, by the hatch).

One other disappointment is the cargo cover. It is not easy to insert and remove. I have to be really careful not to scratch the interior plastic doing so. Trying to use it in the rear most position (with 3rd row seats up) is worthless. It is too easy to look through the side windows and see under the cover.

Front view showing the installed air deflector and crossbars.



Rear view showing the installed rear mud flaps and towing package.



Grey leather interior. I almost went with the saddle interior, but with 3 kids, the grey will likely show less grime. I upgraded to the all season floor mats. Why don't they give you a 3rd row one?



Open hatch, with 3rd row popped up. Not pictured is the cargo cover (stowed in rear compartment -- neat feature) and the cargo tray.

[WiredHonda]

nice one! I agree about the third row mats!

[gpraceman]

I guess I can also say I am a bit disappointed in the all season mats. They do not cover the carpet under the gas pedal and do not cover the dead pedal area. At least covering under the gas pedal would be nice. Oh well. At least they weren't that expensive, so I'll look for some others. The 2nd row mat seems fine.

I've listed a few disappointments, but don't get me wrong. I do really like the vehicle. I am satisfied that it is a better vehicle choice for my family than the Highlander, 4Runner, or Pathfinder which I had considered. My kids also like it (the RES helps).

[Dina]

Congrats......best of luck

the color is nice!

[anthony]

Nice color. Do you like the bug deflector? Is it helping much?

[gpraceman]

Originally posted by anthony
Nice color. Do you like the bug deflector? Is it helping much?

I do like the color. It is a bit darker than I had expected.

I think the bug deflector is working OK. At least there are several bug splats already on it. I was surprised to see that there is a center support brace that sticks to the center of the hood. I hope the adhesive doesn't mess up the paint. If I get the chance, I 'll post a photo of it. If I had to do it over again, I'd likely get the clear AVS Bugflector II instead of the OEM one.

[notaplane]

Very very nice! sounds like you got a decent deal too! Good Luck!

[gpraceman]

Here's a couple of extra photos.

OEM Air Deflector with center post stuck to top of hood and center of air deflector. I assume this is necessary to keep the wind from vibrating it too much. The deflector does seem to stick pretty high in the air.


Rear storage compartment showing cargo cover storage. This is a nice feature when using the 3rd row seats. To me, this is better than trying to use the cargo cover with the 3rd row up, since you can easily see under the cover from the side windows.

[gpraceman]

Just got word from the dealership today that my week old Pilot will be in body shop for two weeks. It turns out that the dust spots are under the paint, not just the clear coat. They are basically repainting the entire drivers side I would have thought that they would paint these vehicles in a dust free room.

For those about to buy a Pilot, look very closely at the paint job!

[PChiu]

Congrats it looks lot better than my 03.

Yes, I agree with the cargo cover, I scratched the plastic all around those area. In general, the interior plastice trim is quite easy to get scratched.

Just a thought, would the dusted paint job was a result that the panel got damaged at the port (during transportation ) so they have to repainted that, that's why it got dust under, just a though not sure.

As I know if those port damages are under certain amount of money, dealer do not have to disclose to buyer.

But if you do not mind, then just enjoy your lovely 07 Pilot.

[gpraceman]

Originally posted by PChiu
Just a thought, would the dusted paint job was a result that the panel got damaged at the port (during transportation ) so they have to repainted that, that's why it got dust under, just a though not sure.

As I know if those port damages are under certain amount of money, dealer do not have to disclose to buyer.

It's hard to say. I saw nothing obvious in terms of a paint mismatch with the rest of the vehicle, but a good body shop will make sure there is a good color match. Though, a good body shop would also make sure that the vehicle is dust free before painting.

I read somewhere else on this forum that paint is not a strong suit of Honda, so maybe it is more likely that this happened in the factory.

I would love to enjoy the Pilot, but it is hard to do so when it is in the body shop until the end of next week. That is a bummer, especially since we just got a good snow storm and I was looking forward to checking out the handling on snow and ice.

[ecsw]

it's very nice color. Wish they have that color in 06.

congrets!

[Samdang]

Nice color, I dont think they have that color on the 06

[gpraceman]

Originally posted by Samdang
Nice color, I dont think they have that color on the 06

It is a new color for '07. It is much darker of a color than the red that was offered for '06 and earlier.

[Sunday Rider]

Congrats on your new beautiful ride. Bummer about the paint. Hope they will make it good and perfect.

Once you have it back you will be ready for winter. I love the colour.

By the way, how is it at high speed? Smooth and quiet?