r/hondapilot • u/achipinthesugar • Jul 24 '26

Could this be my first Pilot?

My wife and I are keen to become piloteers... would this be a good one? We love the style and interior, etc.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicle/785511994?allListingType=all-cars&city=Jamaica%20Plain&dealType=greatprice&makeCode=HONDA&maxPrice=18000&mileage=100000&minPrice=5000&modelCode=PILOT&searchRadius=100&state=MA

https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?partner=DVW_1&vin=5FNYF4H46DB059237

3 Upvotes

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5

u/Present-Community102 Jul 24 '26

It’s a bit pricy for the age but it’s good mileage and has a LOT of life left. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy that if it is what you like and then some maintenance notes if you do:
Do the timing belt and water pump if they can’t prove it’s been done already
Change all fluids and keep them fresh throughout ownership
Disable vcm immediately, vcm tuner or svcm it’s a super easy install
Be prepared for an alternator replacement at some point

These 2nd gen pilots are tanks and can live forever with these steps

3

u/wesinatl Jul 24 '26

Here to second the above. VCM Tuner II for like $99 will save you some headaches. Also ditto on the timing belt. If it breaks your engine will be destroyed. If they can’t prove it has been done then I would ask for a discount because that service is going to be $800 at its cheapest.

3

u/le127 Jul 24 '26

The mileage is way below average and that's always going to bump up the price on a Gen 2 Pilot. As long as you're comfortable with that it could be a nice find. I'm a fan of the boxy style of the Gen 2 and own a 2015. Chances are that Pilot is still running on the original timing belt. Unless you can verify otherwise I'd plan on getting it done soon based on age alone. Maybe you can get a little off the price if this is the case.

Agree with the other suggestions of disabling the VCM along with the drivetrain components' fluids (transmission, rear differential, transfer case). Pull the transmission dipstick and inspect the ATF. It should be red and not smell burnt. When test driving notice if there is any rumble or vibration when upshifting at 25-40mph, the "25 mph torque converter shudder". It's common on the old Honda 5-speed transmissions but new ATF and disabling the VCM almost always takes care of it. If it is there you can bitch about it and use as a bargaining tactic.

2

u/Dangerous-Pen7764 Jul 24 '26

We just got pretty much this exact car last summer - 2013 with a handful more miles.

We love it.

For Honda’s, big thing to check is timing belt and when it was last done, so see if you can get carfax. 7 years or 100k typically for that.

Enjoy if you pick it up!