If you are considering a used Honda Pilot, you may be wondering about its longevity. Knowing how many miles a vehicle might go is an important consideration.
The Honda Pilot has a great track record of being reliable as the mileage begins to add up.
How long do Honda Pilots last?
Many owners report that their Pilot has 200,000 miles and is still running well. The Pilot can easily go 300,000 miles or more. A Honda technician states that with proper maintenance, the Pilot can last for 700,000 miles.
We’ll look at the history of the Pilot. You’ll learn more about its reliability, and the steps you can take to keep your Pilot running at 300,000 miles and beyond.
History of the Honda Pilot
The Pilot debuted in 2003. It was designed to be a family adventure vehicle. It offers eight inches of ground clearance and four wheel drive is standard. The second and third row seats provide seating for eight. They can be folded down to provide 90 cubic feet of cargo space.
The first generation Pilot has a 3.5L (213.3 ci) V6 engine with 240 horsepower. It provides a 4,500 pound towing capacity. Upgrades include the addition of a front wheel drive option in 2006 and stability control in 2007.
The second generation debuted in 2008. It was larger than the first generation. A new 3.5L V6 engine with 250 horsepower was used. All wheel drive and front wheel drive options remained available.
The third generation began in 2015. It featured a streamlined exterior with 10% less drag. The 3.5L V6 was revised, and provides 280 horsepower. It also provided new safety features, including lane watch, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
How Long Does the Honda Pilot Last?
Repair Pal gives the 2020 Pilot an above average reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. It’s ranked 13th out of 26 SUVs. Repair Pal data notes that repairs are required more often than average, but are cheaper than average. This suggests that the majority of repairs are relatively minor.
The vast majority of Honda Pilot owners state their Pilot is still running strong after 200,000 miles. There are many accounts of them reaching 300,000 miles and beyond. According to a Honda technician who is experienced with all three generations, they can go 700,000 miles if properly maintained.
Climate can impact the longevity of your Pilot. Northern climates with temperatures that drop below zero can be particularly challenging for vehicles.
Metal components can weaken over time in extreme cold. Oil and other fluids get thicker, which impairs their performance until they become warm. Salt can also cause problems for your vehicle. It can damage metal components, particularly brake rotors, undercarriage, and wheel wells.
Getting the Most Out of Your Honda Pilot
When you invest in a vehicle, you want it to function properly for as long as possible. There are a few things you can do to keep your Pilot on the road long past 200,000 miles.
Change the oil as recommended or more frequently. Frequent oil changes are one of the keys to vehicle longevity. This is particularly important before a long road trip or when the weather is becoming extreme. Using a synthetic blend or full synthetic may help extend the life of your engine as well.
The transmission requires regular maintenance as well. You’ll need to change the transmission fluid every three years or 36,000 miles. This keeps the transmission functioning properly as the years go by.
At 100,000 miles, you should do some preventative maintenance. Change your timing chain and water pump. These components often fail after 100,000 miles, and can cause major damage to your engine.
As mileage accrues, these items should be changed every 100,000 miles to avoid disaster.
You should also get a full tune up, including valve adjustment and changing the spark plugs. Your brake lines and transmission should be flushed as well. Lastly, change the fluid in the rear differential. It’s a good idea to perform this maintenance every 100,000 miles.
Should You Buy a Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot has a great reputation for reliability and safety. With the potential to reach 200,000 miles and far more in many cases, a used Pilot can be a good investment.
Before you make a decision, you should check out Vehicle History. You can perform a VIN search to learn the history of the vehicle, and read expert and owner reviews. You can then make an informed purchasing decision.
