2007 GT vs 2008 Touring vs 2009 Pilot LX

[mymellowman]

Hi All,

Looking for some input on two used CX-9's as well as a used Honda I am considering:

1. 2007 GT - 40,000 - It has had two owners (the first a corporate owner) and was involved in an accident at some point, but no details are known. Also, service records are not known.

2. 2008 Touring - 45,000 - One owner, serviced regularly

3. 2009 Honda Pilot LX - This is a base model, so it doesnt have any of the bells and whistles the two CX-9's have, but the mileage is under $20k and is generally at the same price point.

The 2008 CX-9 seems to be in better physical condition than the 2007 GT, but the 2009 is probably in the best of the three. I believe I can get the 2008 CX-9 for about $1k less than the '07 and the 2009 Pilot.

What are your feelings on the matter? My wife and I are looking to keep this for the long-run, so reliability is definitely a major factor in the decision.

Thanks for the input!!!

 

[Rawyzf]

I would stay away from #1. If you know a vehicle has been in an accident, but don't know any details on it, that can be scarey and every thing that goes wrong you will blame yourself for not knowing the history and if it was related to the crash.

Sounds like #2 & #3 are your options. Choose what feels good to you and who gives the better deal .

 

[sjg]

All things being equal I think the CX-9 beats the Pilot in nearly every are except for the ability to (sort of) fit 3 in the 3rd row and maybe technology gizmos (although the base Pilot probably doesn't have too many of those). That being said, in the used market a Honda with less than half the mileage just seems like a much safer bet. I'd factor in another $1,000-$1,500 for the extended protection plan if you go with one of the Mazdas.

 

[table5511]

Well the other advantage the Pilot has is the ability to "walk about the cabin" i.e. 2 captain chairs in the middle. Also the pilot has tons of cubbies and places to put stuff.

 

[kelrog]

but the honda drives like a sluggish truck.

 

[ceric]

I owned an Odyssey for 8 years before CX9.
My Odyssey only experienced 1 issue. One of the dial for radio (forgot which) fell off. Wouldn't stay on when I put it back.
At 85K, I experienced some delay in gear shifting in cold weather. My mechanic friend told me that it was the first sign
of transmission failure (I changed old/fluid regularly). To be fair, the transmission did not fail completely before I sold it.
It was OK in warm weather at that time.

My CX9: 3 and 1/2 years of ownership with 43K miles. Two minor issues taken care of at oil change (window obstructed while rolling down - no parts needed,
and A/C blasting - relays replace). Other than those two issues, still solid as new.
Still on OE brake pads/rotors. The OE tires were replaced at 25K.

Anyway, reliability-wise, I will rank both about the same, assuming Odyssey is on par with Pilot (same line of engines and transmission on same chassis).
CX9 definitely is a much better drive than the Pilot. Besides, to me personally, Pilots are ugly....

The 3rd row seats of Pilot? Try to fit three big kids there. You will
not have a pleasant trip. Not to mention putting adult there (other than people you really dislike...).
The 3rd seat of CX9, on the other hand, can fit two 6-fters on a short trip.

If I were you, I will go for the 2008 CX9 after a complete checkup plus
a 1-year warranty at least. Find the service records if you could.
Buying an used vehicles without knowing all the prior history is very risky.
CarFax is a must but not sufficient.

 

[teedeebee]

IF I were you, I would toss #1 and #3, but having seen all three vehicles, you are in the best position to evaluate them. If you haven't already, thoroughly examine the high-dollar systems, e.g. Engine, Tranny, AC, etc. Test drive on a quiet roadway, listen carefully and be alert for any pulling or steering or pedal vibration. If possible, have your choice lifted and check the entire under carriage for any abnormality (oil leaks, damaged components etc.) and as was advised, protect your investment with an extended warranty if available.

Since you are on this forum, I suspect you are leaning towards #2 anyway, so enjoy it. Hope your final decision works out well!