Do your homework. For me, the cost per mile is the determining factor.
Based on the premise that the Pilot and the Highlander should be trouble
free compared to the American made SUV's, and also get slightly better gas
mileage, I am almost convinced that the higher price and the arrogance of
the import car dealers is worth it for a 'calculated' cost per mile based on
'averages'. Almost. The money you don't spend on the more expensive
vehicle could be put in a bank account to use for the expected repair on the
cheaper vehicle. Never buy an extended warrantee, they always find some
small print that negates your qualification for a claim.
I am only considering slightly used vehicles. If the imports are so good
then a few miles and a couple of years of age shouldn't be a determining
factor should it. I will not buy a new vehicle.
My wife has a 2000 Bravada now and it has been relatively trouble free. It
has 55K now. They have the worst reviews by Consumers Digest. Not that I
believe everything they say, but they are a good guideline starting point.
Had some minor stuff covered under warranty and a $300 repair that I could
have done cheaply ($100) if I would have been at home to catch it. I was
away at work at the time and not due home for a couple of weeks so she had
to get it done at the dealers. It was a leaking transmission cooling line.
There are ton of 1 - 2 year old Bravada's and the equivalent other
GM's/Fords on the market with less than 30K for $20K - $25K. (I don't
even acknowledge the existence of Jeep/Chrysler). I can't find a similar
Pilot or Highlander for at least $5k more. The Nissan Pathfinder and
Murano are slightly cheaper, but still more than the US made stuff . I
wish I could convince my wife to look at a Subaru Forester, that is my
overall 1st choice, but she likes to be up high like in a bloody pickup
truck. I should mention that I don't often drive her Bravada, I prefer to
use my Del Sols, even in the snow. The Subaru's are compact and more car
like, yet are still AWD and very reliable and drive nice too. And Cheaper.
Good Luck in your decision. Oh, forget the VW, overpriced garbage.
nospam prodigy.net" <ebco@> wrote in message
news:tp6ntvg56ijauhqv1um179g3uvc548ck57@4ax.com...
> Hi all,
>
> I'm looking for owner reviews of the Honda Pilot, as I'm considering
> buying one of the new 2004's. I'm comparing to Highlanders, Tauregs,
> and 4Runners...
>
> Any help/suggestions?