Dealer visit checklist
2024 Honda Pilot checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2024 Honda Pilot problems to check
- Infotainment system responsiveness complaints on early 2023–2024 builds, particularly slow Google/Apple CarPlay integration
- Fuel economy in real-world city driving often falls 1–2 MPG below EPA estimates of 20 city/27 highway, especially with AWD
- Third-row access is tight for adults, which can accelerate wear on middle-row seat mechanisms over time
- Some owners report road noise intrusion at highway speeds, suggesting potential for early weatherstripping wear
- Honda Sensing ADAS calibration can be disrupted by windshield replacements, adding $300–$500 to typical glass claims
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Pilot vehicles.
- SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Pilot, and 2024 HR-V, Acura Integra and Acura Integra Type S vehicles.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Passport and 2023-2025 Pilot vehicles.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles.
- SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, and 2024 HR-V, Pilot, and Acura Integra vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $36,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away