| 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.
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| WiredHonda |
| nice one! I agree about the third row mats! |
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| 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). |
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| Dina |
Congrats......best of luck
the color is nice! :D |
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| anthony |
| Nice color. Do you like the bug deflector? Is it helping much? |
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| gpraceman |
quote:
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. |
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| notaplane |
| Very very nice! sounds like you got a decent deal too! Good Luck! |
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| 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.
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| 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! |
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| 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. |
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| gpraceman |
quote:
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. |
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| ecsw |
it's very nice color. Wish they have that color in 06.
congrets! |
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| Samdang |
| Nice color, I dont think they have that color on the 06 |
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| gpraceman |
quote:
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. |
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| 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? |
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| OnHonda11 |
Great color and congrats!!!! I feel so :16: for you. I had a problem with the paint on an '02 Odyssey. I chose not to have it repainted but took a "rain cheque" on it for future use. Honda put that on my file should I have ever wanted it "fixed" or repainted. I did push them hard (so I felt) and Honda Canada threw in "supplied and installed" fog lights and roof rails. Hate to say it but anytime that you crack the paint, the car value goes down. If you go to trade the truck, anyone will always know factory finish versus body shop finish. Also, because they can bake so hot in the ovens at the factory, factory paint is always stronger and won't peel.
Sorry to give you this news as you may already know. But push push push your dealer and Honda America for some sort of rebate for the poor factory finish that may cost you out of your pocket down the road. Document, Document, Document |
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| gpraceman |
quote:
Originally posted by OnHonda11
If you go to trade the truck, anyone will always know factory finish versus body shop finish.
How so? Anyways, we've kept all of our vehicles 10+ years each, so I am not so worried about trade in value.
quote:
Originally posted by OnHonda11
Also, because they can bake so hot in the ovens at the factory, factory paint is always stronger and won't peel.
I hope that won't become an issue. Some may think that a garage is for storage, but I actually use mine for cars. I also work from home, so the Pilot is not going to be sitting out in the elements much.
quote:
Originally posted by OnHonda11
Document, Document, Document
Thanks for the advice, I'll make sure to do that. |
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| OnHonda11 |
I hope that won't become an issue. Some may think that a garage is for storage, but I actually use mine for cars. I also work from home, so the Pilot is not going to be sitting out in the elements much.
Actually, any areas on the front will be subject to peeling or chipping easily. Have had a couple of vehicles that were once repainted and the front and the stones chip away much easier.
My garage too is for cars not crap. When it hails outside, I smile and look out the windows at neighbours who can't see inside their garage and their cars are plastered!:D |
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| gpraceman |
quote:
Originally posted by OnHonda11
Actually, any areas on the front will be subject to peeling or chipping easily. Have had a couple of vehicles that were once repainted and the front and the stones chip away much easier.
The areas being repainted are on the drivers side, the front quarter panel and drivers door, so that may not be an issue. |
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| gpraceman |
Well, I finally got my Pilot back. It looks much better now without the scratches, dent and paint issues. I've got full documentation on what the body shop did to it, in case I have a paint issue in the future.
Now I can start accessorizing it. Maybe the pads and reflectors from wwong, some headlight and foglight protection film, a cargo box, chrome exhaust tip covers, and maybe even running boards. I'm also thinking about adding the MDX rear subframe braces.
quote:
Originally posted by Sunday Rider
By the way, how is it at high speed? Smooth and quiet?
Forgot to answer your question earlier. I don't have any problems with it at high speed. I would not call the ride smooth and quiet. It is a bit rough and there is a significant amount of road noise, but not overly so. I read a few reviews on the Pilot before buying and there were comments about the noticeable road noise, so it was not a surprise. |
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| gpraceman |
Here's some pics of the latest accessories.
I got the chrome exhaust tips, an extra cup holder and the MDX rear subframe brace kit from Tim at HondaAcuraWorld. I haven't installed the brace kit just yet, but here are the exhaust tips. They were rather a snug fit. I think it is a nice and inexpensive way to dress up the Pilot.
When REI had a 20% off sale, I ordered a Yakima SkyBox 12 rooftop cargo box. I had to move the front crossbar foward a few inches so the spoiler would clear the box by a tad when the hatch is open. I did also have to adjust one side of the rear crossbar since the dealership did not mount it straight.
We had a chance to use it this last weekend skiing. We easily fit 4 pairs of skis and a snowboard. There was no wind noise heard. I want to get a truck wheel step, since trying to access the box from the door sill is quite awkward.
While the smooth and shiny boxes may look a bit better, they show scratches much more than the rough surface boxes, like mine. I also got a storage bar for the box. When not in use it will hang up on a wall of my garage.
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| bigred1 |
| I went with the AVS bugshield so there would not be anything stuck to the hood. It looks almost identical to the OEM but is only 49.99 at AutoZone and installs in less than 10 minutes. It does help and is very durable. I have had it since last January. |
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| bigred1 |
| Love the Billet Silver!! |
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| gpraceman |
Well, it had to happen sometime. Got the first damage on my new Pilot. :3:
The wife was driving it in the snow, the day Denver started getting hit with the blizzard. Well, some lady pulls out in front of my wife and starts spinning out. My wife tried to avoid her, which she did, but banged against a curb. Both alloy wheels on the drivers side took got some significant scrapes.
I assume there is no fixing this since the scrapes are pretty deep.
Front wheel
Rear wheel
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| rlapid |
quote:
Originally posted by gpraceman
Well, it had to happen sometime. Got the first damage on my new Pilot. :3:
ouch!! the rear wheel doesn't look too bad, but the front is pretty banged up. in any case, i'm sure it was a small price to pay in exchange for your wife's safety.
if i was in your scenario, i'd look for a replacement for the front (probably on ebay or something), along with a used full size tire and use the damaged wheel as a full size spare. :D |
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| gpraceman |
quote:
Originally posted by rlapid
if i was in your scenario, i'd look for a replacement for the front (probably on ebay or something), along with a used full size tire and use the damaged wheel as a full size spare. :D
I was wanting a full size spare, but not quite in this manner.
Maybe I should get some different rims. These ones seem to stick out too far and beg for a curb to take a bite. Though, with new rims, I believe there are TPMS issues to deal with. |
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| BigDozer66 |
gpraceman,
It is good to see a brother on here!:)
Nice looking Pilot and I hope all is going well.
See you around either here or at the other site.:cool:
BigDozer66 |
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| gpraceman |
quote:
Originally posted by BigDozer66
gpraceman,
It is good to see a brother on here!:)
Nice looking Pilot and I hope all is going well.
See you around either here or at the other site.:cool:
BigDozer66
Dozer,
It is a small world! Maybe there are other DerbyTalk members floating around this forum as well.
All is going well. Keeping very busy, even though the derby season is dead. Looking forward to the season starting back up.
On another note, I see an update on my Pilot is overdue. I bought a pair of wheels off of another forum member here (another Bubba - he put Acura TL rims on his Pilot) and swapped them out with the scraped ones. I'm using one as a full size spare. The other I need to list in the classifieds section. I'm sure someone else wants a full size spare.
I also took the Pilot a few weeks ago on its first cross-country trip, from Denver down to San Antonio and South Padre. It did well. Gas mileage was about 18 mpg for most of the trip. I was hoping for a little better, but we had the roof top box and cargo area pretty well loaded (plus the 5 of us). The kids enjoyed having the RES for the trip. |
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| BigDozer66 |
quote:
Originally posted by gpraceman
Dozer,
It is a small world! Maybe there are other DerbyTalk members floating around this forum as well.
All is going well. Keeping very busy, even though the derby season is dead. Looking forward to the season starting back up.
On another note, I see an update on my Pilot is overdue. I bought a pair of wheels off of another forum member here (another Bubba - he put Acura TL rims on his Pilot) and swapped them out with the scraped ones. I'm using one as a full size spare. The other I need to list in the classifieds section. I'm sure someone else wants a full size spare.
I also took the Pilot a few weeks ago on its first cross-country trip, from Denver down to San Antonio and South Padre. It did well. Gas mileage was about 18 mpg for most of the trip. I was hoping for a little better, but we had the roof top box and cargo area pretty well loaded (plus the 5 of us). The kids enjoyed having the RES for the trip.
I am going to look for a full size spare for mine sometime and I have a few other things to get for it.:D
We have only had ours for a week now and we are enjoying it!:cool:
The kids love the RES and it helps keep things quieter for the longer trips.:2:
I have to get some pics of ours before and after most of the customizing.
Take care,
Lynn |
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| kevinaldo |
quote:
Originally posted by gpraceman
Here's some pics of the latest accessories.
I got the chrome exhaust tips, an extra cup holder and the MDX rear subframe brace kit from Tim at HondaAcuraWorld. I haven't installed the brace kit just yet, but here are the exhaust tips. They were rather a snug fit. I think it is a nice and inexpensive way to dress up the Pilot.
When REI had a 20% off sale, I ordered a Yakima SkyBox 12 rooftop cargo box. I had to move the front crossbar foward a few inches so the spoiler would clear the box by a tad when the hatch is open. I did also have to adjust one side of the rear crossbar since the dealership did not mount it straight.
We had a chance to use it this last weekend skiing. We easily fit 4 pairs of skis and a snowboard. There was no wind noise heard. I want to get a truck wheel step, since trying to access the box from the door sill is quite awkward.
While the smooth and shiny boxes may look a bit better, they show scratches much more than the rough surface boxes, like mine. I also got a storage bar for the box. When not in use it will hang up on a wall of my garage.
Very nice!! How much is the rooftop cargo box? |
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| rocky |
| Honda's paint color choice has had a darker tint in the last two years. |
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| gpraceman |
quote:
Originally posted by kevinaldo
Very nice!! How much is the rooftop cargo box?
REI currently has them for $340. I got mine during a 20% off sale there last fall. |
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