Hello All.
I have been actively working on getting another car for some time. To cut it short, I found an A-list Tokunbo Honda Pilot today, and it really captured me. The manufacture date is August 2004 but the dealer says it's a 2005 model. It was in practically perfect condition on all counts, in and out, including the back seat video. The silver color would also sit well beside my present silver EOD. I fell so much in love with the car, and the negotiated price of 2.4 m was just perfect for my budget.
But there is the usual talk about Honda cars, including common issues and their resale value. In the circumstances, I need all the advice I can get to make my decision, including on management tips if I go for it. My alternative is a Toyota Highlander 2003, which I also found for 2.65 m today. Advice about this alternative would also be well appreciated.
Thanks very much.

If you have the additonal cash, go for the toyota, you will see the difference later on.

A 2005 Highlander is no match for a 2005 Pilot.. The only Highlander that comes close is the Limited version. The Pilot is more loaded and the engine is more potent.. I just don't know why the Highlander is more expensive.

Op I was in the same situation as u last year when I wanted to upgrade my EOD. My first choice was a 2005 Highlander, but then I saw the pilot and fell in love with it. Most highlanders I saw were like kpangolo as the Limited edition was scarce and too expensive. The Pilot gives better value for money so I had to settle for it, plus 4wd is standard. Mine is the EX-L with RES and I'm enjoying it. Better than paying more for a stripped down boring highlander. Damn I hate the interior of the non limited highlander, so fugly.

That particular Pilot has no issues, I dunno what anybody wants to say about it, I used that same 2005 model for three years with only regular oil change as my "expensive" maintenance. Don't get me wrong, highlander isn't a bad car but the pilot can hold it's own any day, besides all cars get their own wahala

If you like it buy it, but always do proper checks before payment

OP, maybe try to find a 4Runner?

greenhulk:
A 2005 Highlander is no match for a 2005 Pilot.. The only Highlander that comes close is the Limited version. The Pilot is more loaded and the engine is more potent.. I just don't know why the Highlander is more expensive.

Op I was in the same situation as u last year when I wanted to upgrade my EOD. My first choice was a 2005 Highlander, but then I saw the pilot and fell in love with it. Most highlanders I saw were like kpangolo as the Limited edition was scarce and too expensive. The Pilot gives better value for money so I had to settle for it, plus 4wd is standard. Mine is the EX-L with RES and I'm enjoying it. Better than paying more for a stripped down boring highlander. Damn I hate the interior of the non limited highlander, so fugly.

Sounds like music. I am enthused! Thanks.

RZArecta:
That particular Pilot has no issues, I dunno what anybody wants to say about it, I used that same 2005 model for three years with only regular oil change as my "expensive" maintenance. Don't get me wrong, highlander isn't a bad car but the pilot can hold it's own any day, besides all cars get their own wahala

Thanks very much. Really appreciate it.

sultaan:
If you like it but it, but always do proper checks before payment

Thanks. Will do.

EgunMogaji:
OP, maybe try to find a 4Runner?

Took a look at the Runner also. Apart from being even more expensive than the Highlander, I found the interior too "trucky."

abolore80:
If you have the additonal cash, go for the toyota, you will see the difference later on.

Well appreciated. Thanks.

TKH:


Took a look at the Runner also. Apart from being even more expensive than the Highlander, I found the interior too "trucky."

Hence why I specifically recommended it. For that truckiness.

Good luck.

honda has a very good and reliable engine. However, the ball joint issue is very scarry. If you can pay a very good attention to that. You can go for it. you will surely enjoy it, if you're careful with it. On the other hand, toyota is rugged.

abolore80:
honda has a very good and reliable engine. However, the ball joint issue is very scarry. If you can pay a very good attention to that. You can go for it. you will surely enjoy it, if you're careful with it. On the other hand, toyota is rugged.

Have u ever seen a pilot with ball joint issue? That issue is almost non existent on the pilot and MDX.

i've seen with pilot, particularly when the owner is careless.

abolore80:
i've seen with pilot, particularly when the owner is careless.

I've also seen with 4 runner, Mercedes Benz, Lincoln navigator, vw. Any car will have ball joint pull if the driver is careless.

It all comes down to choice, but from personal experience, I would go for the 2005 highlander instead . It depends on what you want sha but for me the structural or suspension parts of Honda's leaves a lot to be desired. Good luck cheers .

pilot it is bro

don't think about it at all

that highlander is just and overpriced carton

diportivo:
pilot it is bro

don't think about it at all

that highlander is just and overpriced carton

Lol.

Thanks to you all. I eventually bought the 2005 Pilot last Saturday. I very much appreciate the contributions.

Now, this is my first Toks, my previous two buys (a Baby Boy and EOD) having been Nigerian-used. I would greatly appreciate your advice on the appropriate steps to follow. I mean things like the appropriate engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, break fluids, and plugs, and whether I should change the present ones. I had expected to change the tires, but the ones there appear strong.

Thanks once again.

TKH:


Lol.

Thanks to you all. I eventually bought the 2005 Pilot last Saturday. I very much appreciate the contributions.

Now, this is my first Toks, my previous two buys (a Baby Boy and EOD) having been Nigerian-used. I would greatly appreciate your advice on the appropriate steps to follow. I mean things like the appropriate engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, break fluids, and plugs, and whether I should change the present ones. I had expected to change the tires, but the ones there appear strong.

Thanks once again.

atleast make we see the car na.. pictures nko?

congrats bro, just follow the recommended maintenance in the handbook and u will be fine, u just got urself a roadrunner

Congrats bro...you will surely enjoy it. However, learn to know your new car very well and pay good attention to it.

TKH:


Lol.

Thanks to you all. I eventually bought the 2005 Pilot last Saturday. I very much appreciate the contributions.

Now, this is my first Toks, my previous two buys (a Baby Boy and EOD) having been Nigerian-used. I would greatly appreciate your advice on the appropriate steps to follow. I mean things like the appropriate engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, break fluids, and plugs, and whether I should change the present ones. I had expected to change the tires, but the ones there appear strong.

Thanks once again.

You should have @Luvinhubby's number in your phone book by now. He's gonna sort you out on all those queries you raised...

https://www.nairaland.com/996664/maintenance-tips-honda-cars

abolore80:
Congrats bro...you will surely enjoy it. However, learn to know your new car very well and pay good attention to it.

Thanks bro

Thanks bro

davidhoop:
congrats bro, just follow the recommended maintenance in the handbook and u will be fine, u just got urself a roadrunner

greenhulk:
A 2005 Highlander is no match for a 2005 Pilot.. The only Highlander that comes close is the Limited version. The Pilot is more loaded and the engine is more potent.. I just don't know why the Highlander is more expensive.

Op I was in the same situation as u last year when I wanted to upgrade my EOD. My first choice was a 2005 Highlander, but then I saw the pilot and fell in love with it. Most highlanders I saw were like kpangolo as the Limited edition was scarce and too expensive. The Pilot gives better value for money so I had to settle for it, plus 4wd is standard. Mine is the EX-L with RES and I'm enjoying it. Better than paying more for a stripped down boring highlander. Damn I hate the interior of the non limited highlander, so fugly.

Nice recounting.

I am looking to get a 2007 Honda Pilot, and i have been in extensive talks with the seller?

What is your take, especially as regards the price, overall functionality and accidented value?

greenhulk:


I've also seen with 4 runner, Mercedes Benz, Lincoln navigator, vw. Any car will have ball joint pull if the driver is careless.

What causes this ball-joint issue

TKH:


Lol.

Thanks to you all. I eventually bought the 2005 Pilot last Saturday. I very much appreciate the contributions.

Now, this is my first Toks, my previous two buys (a Baby Boy and EOD) having been Nigerian-used. I would greatly appreciate your advice on the appropriate steps to follow. I mean things like the appropriate engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, break fluids, and plugs, and whether I should change the present ones. I had expected to change the tires, but the ones there appear strong.

Thanks once again.

Congratulations, sir.

How are you enjoying your SUV?

Would you advise a bro to guy a Honda Pilot 2007 model?

odimbannamdi:


Nice recounting.

I am looking to get a 2007 Honda Pilot, and i have been in extensive talks with the seller?

What is your take, especially as regards the price, overall functionality and accidented value?

I have a 2003 tokunbo Honda pilot in lagos

Rapidpolystyren:
I have a 2003 tokunbo Honda pilot in lagos

How do i reach you?

How much? Pictures? Location?

Rapidpolystyren:
I have a 2003 tokunbo Honda pilot in lagos