OT: Anybody Own a Honda Pilot and Tow with it? Options

[TROJANMAN]

More like this (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

I've done some reading with mixed reviews, looking for some real world input from members.

Ferg (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Though I don't own a Pilot, having worked for the same Honda dealer since 1979 and working closely with the service department, I can offer some real world feedback. If your towing requirements are as outlined, the Pilot will provide you with adequate performance, though not on the level of the bigger (and thirstier) larger displacement competitors. If you do plan on getting a Pilot, the factory towing package, which includes a transmission and power steering cooler, must be fitted if you intend to tow.
Overall, customer satisfaction with the 2004-2007 Pilot models has been exemplary.

Paul

[Ferg]

I've done some reading with mixed reviews, looking for some real world input from members.

Ferg (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Though I don't own a Pilot, having worked for the same Honda dealer since 1979 and working closely with the service department, I can offer some real world feedback. If your towing requirements are as outlined, the Pilot will provide you with adequate performance, though not on the level of the bigger (and thirstier) larger displacement competitors. If you do plan on getting a Pilot, the factory towing package, which includes a transmission and power steering cooler, must be fitted if you intend to tow.
Overall, customer satisfaction with the 2004-2007 Pilot models has been exemplary.

Paul

Thanks Paul (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Considering my location and a drive from 5300ft to 10-12,000 feet. (regular camping trip type drive) Would you or your service guys feel the same way?

Ferg

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

[quote name='Ferg' date='May 16 2008, 12:59 PM' post='1032889']


Paul
[/quote]

Thanks Paul (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Considering my location and a drive from 5300ft to 10-12,000 feet. (regular camping trip type drive) Would you or your service guys feel the same way?

Ferg
[/quote]

Ferg,
I'd want to know the frequency and duration of your towing events. Several times a year of 3-500 mile trips, I'd have no concerns. If, however, you are towing several times a month for most of the year, and going 200+ miles every time, I'd recommend a domestic V-8 from Ford or GM. Those are not my favorite vehicles,but they do provide a real service for specific applications, like yours may be.

Paul

[Gary]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Greg, your Ford might be a collector truck someday (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) I drove your Expedition back from Moab remember (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) I hate to tell you, but the Xterra felt better as a tow vehicle, but that could be due to your heavy ass trailer...

I've been Nissan loyal for 10 years now... The Pilot was a thought if it was a good enough deal, but not that fell through, I'm most likely going the Pathfinder route.

Ferg

Our people/stuff hauler is an '04 Armada with the tow package. 9200# rating (I'm going from memory). It takes a 14 foot utility trailer in stride loaded with 914 or TR3 or "stuff". Biggest load so far about #6000 - no sweat and got about 12 MPG. Recent run with a 914 on the trailer was 14 MPG. Seats 8 comfortably.

[Ferg]

[quote name='1970 Neun vierzehn' date='May 16 2008, 01:14 PM' post='1032897']
[quote name='Ferg' date='May 16 2008, 12:59 PM' post='1032889']


Paul
[/quote]

Thanks Paul (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Considering my location and a drive from 5300ft to 10-12,000 feet. (regular camping trip type drive) Would you or your service guys feel the same way?

Ferg
[/quote]

Ferg,
I'd want to know the frequency and duration of your towing events. Several times a year of 3-500 mile trips, I'd have no concerns. If, however, you are towing several times a month for most of the year, and going 200+ miles every time, I'd recommend a domestic V-8 from Ford or GM. Those are not my favorite vehicles,but they do provide a real service for specific applications, like yours may be.

Paul
[/quote]

Good questions... I use the car trailer maybe twice a year like to Moab for RRC for instance. About 700 round trip.

Camping is "about" twice a month. Mostly local, under 250 for the weekend. With one longer trip a year thrown in. Always Mountain driving, as I live right at the base of them.

If you can't tell my by replies, I've pretty much talked myself out of the Pilot... Nothing is certain though, and I'm in no rush to get rid of my Xterra as it is a wonderful tow vehicle, just a tad small sometimes.

Basically I'm realizing I want 5-6k towing capacity, 3rd row seating, 20 mpg, and I prefer real 4wd vs Awd. I won't buy a Explorer, So that leaves the Pathfinder, and not much else...

My only issue with the Pathfinder is that it's not "that" much bigger than what we have now, and that a few years down the road, I'd be wishing for something a little larger. (my issue right now with my Xterra)

Ferg

[jhadler]

...Wife now drives a Volvo wagon and it gets 25-30mpg. But we have a boat and on long drives it gets 16...woo hoo....and it's roomier for the monsters, but they still bitch....

Do you tow at all with the Volvo? I have a '95 850 Turbo wagon, and ultimately plan to tow my 914 with it (should I ever get the poor thing running again...). Rated 3300 lb capacity, and 220 lb ft of torque.

Thoughts?

-Josh2

[gopack]

I've been Nissan loyal for 10 years now... The Pilot was a thought if it was a good enough deal, but not that fell through, I'm most likely going the Pathfinder route.

Ferg

A honda will ALWAYS have better resale if you aren't planning on driving it untill it is used up though! that is why we choose the pilot! when we bbought new, the "retail' prices for used 2004s was MORE than new at the same dealership! how fuched up is that?!