Hey all,

Im looking into a used Honda Pilot any year 2010 - 2015 (but probably the earlier years as it's much cheaper) - is there anything in particular I should look out for when inspecting the vehicle?

One thing i did notice is that a lot of the Pilots i was looking at had significant tears in the leather on the front of the driver seat. The area directly under your knees. I am not used to seeing cracking and tearing in that area, usually the side of the seats...

 

Yes, Honda leather is garbage. I put a towel over my Honda leather to keep it from wearing out.

Two things to look for.

1. Not sure how you can tell, but oil consumption from the VCM. If it burns oil, then stay away from it unless you want to buy a new short block. How many miles? I'm guessing 40-60-80K? You may also just want to change out all the spark plus now. They may be fouling soon. Turn VCM off with the VCM muzzler.

Depending on which year you choose, FYI. http://www.autonews.com/assets/PDF/CA913971022.PDF
The classaction warranty is for 8 years.

2. Check the ATF. Most V6 AT guys do the drain & fill rather religiously. Check to see if it's brown or red.

 

Passenger inflator for airbag due to takata recall.
lower control arm bushings can leak.
both covered under warranty.

 

I am shopping for a Pilot as well, 08-13'. I have heard from a mechanic friend that there have been motor mount issues? Also transmission issues?? Can anyone on here confirm that?

 

Yes, the motor mounts are related to the VCM. Many owners shut that off with muzzler. Basically, when the V6 shuts down to 4 or 3 cylinders, there's a lot of vibration. So the mounts go bad.

As for the transmission, true. Honda AT were junk in the past, but they have gotten better. Let's forget the past. The version 2 of the speed was around 08 or 09 I forget now. My 09 Odyssey had the version 2, and it was a solid transmission. Many owners change (drain & fill) the transmission fluild ATF. No issues for me with my 09, or my 10 Accord V6. The best Honda automatic transmission is the 6 speed. It's updated with everything Honda has learned from the past. My 14 Ody has that. I think the 6 speed was introduced in 2011. But I don't know when on the Pilot. If you drain & fill the ATF, every 20-30K miles, it should be solid as the Honda name.