Anyone go from an MDX (Tech/Ent) to a Pilot Touring? Feedback/Comparison

[Mitch-BTHS]

I leased a BMW X5 in 2010 and recently leased a 2013 Pilot Touring.
As a previous owner of (3) Pilot Touring models, I missed the room and cargo space. The main reason I went back to Honda was the higher entry required to enter the BMW X5. Also the low speed acceleration of the X5 was always jerky. Dealer tried reprograming engine controls without success.

After 30,000 miles no argument that the X5 ride, handling, and braking were superb especially when pushed to limits. But the smooth performance and quiet ride of the 2013 Pilot Touring, and entertainment sound system is better in my opinion.
I looked at the 2013 MDX but found that the interior size and entry problems were not much different than the BMW X5.

My only complaints about the Pilot: no heated steering wheel, and more importantly, the brakes are soft. I am looking into aftermarket brake pads for installation by my Honda dealer to improve braking, especially for trailer towing of my boat. Please note that the residual value (purchase or lease) on the Pilot is far better than on any other SUV.

[Im2c0oL]

Have you guys tried read on MDXER forum why they choose MDX over other SUV? I guess most of them are single or with 1 or 2 kids. They all bashing about handling and SH-AWD was their main points. But here on Pilot side we all discuss about space and entry etc... It's like both car has totally different point of aiming to get their customer, and you can one choose one or the other, can't choose both!

[pej7445]

Originally Posted by dcchi

Not exactly the same comparo, but we got rid of our 2010 MDX (base) for a 2012 Pilot EX-L 4WD. We have 3 kids (7,6,2) and often transport 2 grandparents and a greatgrandparent for short local distances, so the extra seat in the Pilot (again, for short distances) was great. The older kids sit in the back row almost all the time and love it. We love the extra room (meaning not just # of seats, but also it feels more spacious probably because it is slightly less cushioned/sport-shaped seats and such than the MDX; and the Pilot definitely has more cubby spaces and such; also, with the 3rd row used, there is at least some space in the trunk...the MDX has essentially almost nothing usable, can barely really even fit an umbrella stroller, whereas the trunk space in the pilot can fit a med luggage or at least some shopping bags...)

Also, for some inane reason, the 2nd row in the MDX (at least for the 2010 model, not sure if that was changed since) only can slide back/forth on one side, whereas both sides of the Pilot's 2nd row slide front/back, which makes it much easier to access the 3rd row (i.e., front both sides of the car) without having to fold down the seat and "jump" over the 2nd row seat.

Another big deal, for families with kids, is the fact that the 2nd row can slide back and forward, to create more or less room for the 3rd row legs or cargo area (if 3rd row seats folded down).

And, not paying premium fuel is nice, though to be honest, the gas mileage hasn't been so much better for us in the Pilot, though we have yet to take it on a long highway-only trip where hopefully we'd see a bigger difference.

This post is highly valuable. Sounds like you have no regrets and don't miss anything about the MDX as you've transitioned to the Pilot.

I'm very close to buying a used 2012 Touring 4WD with about 9k on it. They are quoting me about $4500 less than I was quoted for a brand new 2013 of the same trim level.

In addition the used one has the premium chrome running boards, body side molding and the roof rack cross bars, all accessories I would have wanted and had to add to any brand new one, probably about $700 saved there.

Thanks for your feedback/input. It's very helpful!

[Mrich1353]

Be sure the dealer's quoted price on the new 2013 is competitive to ensure you are truly saving $4500. Most are selling at invoice price or better...

[pej7445]

Originally Posted by Mrich1353

Be sure the dealer's quoted price on the new 2013 is competitive to ensure you are truly saving $4500. Most are selling at invoice price or better...

I shopped 3 local honda dealers on new 2013's and the best I got offered was a trade difference of $21,500. The other 2 honda dealers were shocked by that offer and advised me to take it. I'm being offered a trade difference of $17,000 now.

I forgot to mention this one also has wheel locks and a pin stripe too. It all adds up...

My biggest hindrance is my trade. It only sells for around 16k at auction, dealers are reluctant to put much more than that into it because it's got 86,xxx miles and is 6.5 years old.

[pej7445]

I ended up trading the MDX for a brand new 2013 4WD Touring. 1.9% APR and the peace of mind that it wasn't neglected/abused pulled me over the hump.

The 'net savings' of only about $4500 for a used 2012 w/ 10,000 miles on it didn't seem to be a big enough savings to justify it.

Happy camper

[pej7445]

I ended up trading the MDX for a brand new 2013 4WD Touring. 1.9% APR and the peace of mind that it wasn't neglected/abused pulled me over to new vs. used.

The net savings of only about $4500 for a used 2012 w/ 10,000 miles on it didn't seem to be a big enough savings to justify it.

Happy camper

[RocketCity]

Pilot Driver...I know this is late to need, but I feel your pain vis-a-vis leaving a car for a rickshaw. I recently bought a rather nice EX-L 4wd, and I have buyer's remorse most times I drive it. (No, more weakly-integrated trinkets would not assuage this--Touring.) ;) These monikers make me think things that I shall not repeat. Kia, Tata, Trabant, Honda & Chinese scooters conjure-up the same feelings in my psyche.

I made the purchase after 11 years of waiting for a T-series VW to return to the market. I just wanted to keep the wife low-stress when I was not in the local area. I travel a lot, and I do my own maintenance/ major rebuilds...maybe $400/100k miles for my two vee-dubs. She wanted something that looks like an SUV...and has resale. Please keep in mind that you bought a honda (others buy an acura) for its resale. This has nothing to do with its refinement or capabilities. It is entirely based on feelings of people (customers) who have no understanding of either physics or logic. They are looking for a vehicle that looks ok and starts as long as they hold the note.

All that being said, it is not very comfortable, but it does offer some room to maneuver. It does not drive well, but it gets relatively good mileage for a vehicle that tops 4400#. It is not very durable, but parts are cheap--I had to replace a "front bumper garnishment (chin spoiler), and it was $50, so not too bad. It is not easy to work with, but it still has some adjustability.

Something to keep in mind: there are adjustments that can be made in the electronics...just like VW & Audi. This just takes an understanding of the lemming-protecting requirements that are built in...and the improvements you want to make.

So, no, I've read the posts, and no one has the ability to change lead to gold, but I will commit time to it, because I made the plunge. I have a few designs that will mitigate the tail-wagging highway manners, improve efficiency, make the "honda-hip" seat compliant to the human body (buckboards are more comfortable...ugh)...etc. I will try to make them bolt-on, but they may just be doodles...and a parts list. All this depends on my ability to escape liability encumberances...just like honda. ;)

Anyway, until we get the tdi, manual, 4wd VW transporter again, this will have to do. I should have another 20 years or so of keeping this overpriced, but happily built-in-AL vehicle useful...

Check your expectations at the door. This IS the best that honda has to offer...and no one else is playing.

[RocketCity]

I forgot to add that it didn't help that I had the opportunity to drive a 3-year-old (hard-driven) Suburban (Middle East rental car) not 2 months after I bought my Pilot...and that caused me to bemoan the fact that I didn't just get a used Suburban. Argh. I listened to too many yuppies (and my dad). "Father knows best?"

[1YESfan]

Originally Posted by RocketCity

Pilot Driver...I know this is late to need, but I feel your pain vis-a-vis leaving a car for a rickshaw. I recently bought a rather nice EX-L 4wd, and I have buyer's remorse most times I drive it. (No, more weakly-integrated trinkets would not assuage this--Touring.) These monikers make me think things that I shall not repeat. Kia, Tata, Trabant, Honda & Chinese scooters conjure-up the same feelings in my psyche.

Please keep in mind that you bought a honda (others buy an acura) for its resale. This has nothing to do with its refinement or capabilities. It is entirely based on feelings of people (customers) who have no understanding of either physics or logic. They are looking for a vehicle that looks ok and starts as long as they hold the note.

All that being said, it is not very comfortable, but it does offer some room to maneuver. It does not drive well, but it gets relatively good mileage for a vehicle that tops 4400#. It is not very durable, but parts are cheap--I had to replace a "front bumper garnishment (chin spoiler), and it was $50, so not too bad. It is not easy to work with, but it still has some adjustability.



So, no, I've read the posts, and no one has the ability to change lead to gold, but I will commit time to it, because I made the plunge. I have a few designs that will mitigate the tail-wagging highway manners, improve efficiency, make the "honda-hip" seat compliant to the human body (buckboards are more comfortable...ugh)...etc. I will try to make them bolt-on, but they may just be doodles...and a parts list. All this depends on my ability to escape liability encumberances...just like honda.

I should have another 20 years or so of keeping this overpriced, but happily built-in-AL vehicle useful...

Check your expectations at the door. This IS the best that honda has to offer...and no one else is playing.

Seriously, dude, you either post like a presumptuous troll or have some possible medical issues that need to be dealt with. ;-)

Looks like you are just as stupid as the rest of us then.;-) Welcome to the club and most importantly, enjoy your new Pilot. :-)

[RocketCity]

Haha--good 1YESfan. I would agree with your assessment of "presumptuous troll," had I not made the megabuck plunge...and my intent to help. I agree, in retrospect, that I could've used a more nuanced approach. I'll take some meds next time. (I like pilsners.)

Although I did realize most of the weak points of the vehicle--and included them in my examination of alternatives available--I am still sore from a 1000 mile trip this weekend in our new ride. That had some play in this.

It would be presumptuous to tell someone the litany of trades one would expect going from an expensive (luxury or sport) car to a pricey average car...definitely. My thrust is still this: the pilot is adequate, and there is not a better (new) minivan in that price point--I say minivan, because in my search I opened to all utility vehicles. Since I can do my own maintenance, I might've been better served expanding my analysis into several (used) higher-end vehicles. If Pilot Driver can turn wrenches, that would be a good course to follow...if Pilot Driver really needs the handling. In that case, the Suburban will not be a German luxury car, but it will be a very good long-haul machine...and I can also attest to its excellent manners in really bad conditions (human- and meteorologically-based). That trip to the ME...those guys...wow. I would not recommend the short wheel base version (Tahoe). It should be considered a 2-person car...and more of a Jeep than long-ranger.

Regarding Pilot handling--I feel that Pilot Driver should probably just leave well-enough alone. He will likely spend a small fortune--one that would not justify the trade to a cheaper car from a German one. My old eurovan handles much better on the road and hills than my pilot. It is also not modded. I will likely be making some changes to the pilot...which it seems will need to be completely custom...unless you have a line on something... (?)

The suspension is nice in town. On hills and turns, it is dangerous. Windy, stormy weather is also not easy on the pilot. I recommend someone more familiar w/ high end cars take it very easy on a pilot in these conditions. But that's OK--I also like very old cars that drive like boats...I just take a lot more time to get to point B...unless that track is laser straight. (e.g., old MoPars w/ big engines and torsion bar front ends)

So the first 8k miles have been a learning experience for me. I'm in this one for the haul. I think I will like this car. It may take some time, though, to fully appreciate it.

[quattrohead]

Wow, your a poet and you didn't know it lol.
But reading between the many lines, you are spot on with the Pilot. The handling is great in town but rather suspect at speed and under load. I think it is working too hard to control a body that is just too big for it, same for the engine.
Also the fit and finish is rubbish for the badge and cash we paid for it, way over rated and too complicated to operate.
However, I is a great family hauler and is not a minivan.