Dealer visit checklist

2025 Honda Pilot checklist

Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.

This is a year to avoid

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)

Infotainment touchscreen responsiveness lag reported on early 2023-2025 units — a known Honda software quirk worth verifying via OTA update status before purchase
Transmission shudder or hesitation at low speeds has been noted by a subset of owners on the 10-speed automatic; Honda has issued TSBs addressing fluid and software calibration
Brake dust accumulation and faster-than-expected front brake pad wear around 30,000-40,000 miles, slightly above average for the segment
Road and wind noise intrusion at highway speeds (65+ mph) is a recurring complaint, particularly around the A-pillars and door seals
Third-row access is tighter than some rivals (e.g., Kia Telluride), which can be a minor but recurring inconvenience for families who regularly seat adults back there

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.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2025 Honda Pilot 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.

Know the typical price: about $38,500 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