Thanks everyone for the help you've provided while I've been considering a 4runner. However, after getting to the dealer to sign papers I decided last week I wasn't ready to pull the trigger and spend quite that much money on a new vehicle. I know you all will rip me for this, but I've decided in stead on a new Pilot EX-L 4x4. The 4runner (SR5 with 3 rows leather, moon roof) was going to end up about $5k more than the Pilot and the Pilot gave me more in terms of creature comforts that I more realistically need given that this is my everyday commuter. For example, I can actually get automatic climate control! Of course the 4runner can go anywhere but for the amount of off roading that I will do (a few simple dirt trails, farm, etc.) the Pilot will do just fine. The 4runner is a great vehicle I'm sure, but just not for me I've decided. After driving the Pilot I found the ride to be better, the seats more comfortable, more creature comforts, and more room in the 3rd row (soon to have 3 kids). Good luck to everyone, I'll be over on the Pilot forums.
Thanks everyone for the help!
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LD ZPPLN
New member
I traded my 2011 Pilot (14,000 miles) in on a 2011 4Runner.........The Pilot was the biggest piece of crap I had ever owned.
It has a known defect (unfixable) of your own exhaust coming into the vehicle via the fresh air intake ..........google it and you will find hundreds of post on that.
Here is one example:
When I`m driving ,at 50 or more miles, up to a hill the gases from the exhaust come to the air condition vents, with everything close and we need to open the windows to get fresh air.It is awful to smell inside the cabin.This affects our health. We have been giving complaints to Honda de San Juan for about a year but they haven`t resolve our problem, they don`t know what to do. They say that Honda America does not have a solution for this problem.
Starters stay on in the cold.....(4 times for me)
There are alot of recalls on it..... I know...mine was in the shop 8 times.
The moonroof jams open and stays that way (2 recalls on that).....google it.
You should have done your homework...........my dog hated that 3rd seat and my kids would fight not to get it.
At 100,000 miles hand over your $800 for a new water pump and timing belt (Honda requires it)
Now if you think I'm blasting Honda you would be wrong..... I have a 2007 Odyssey (love it) have owned a Element for 5 years and had a Ridgeline Pickup and all were great vehicles except the Pilot.
Tow with it and you will cry!!!
You had the right SUV in site..... I will say this about the pilots......Those soccer moms do look great driving them.
Mike
It has a known defect (unfixable) of your own exhaust coming into the vehicle via the fresh air intake ..........google it and you will find hundreds of post on that.
Here is one example:
When I`m driving ,at 50 or more miles, up to a hill the gases from the exhaust come to the air condition vents, with everything close and we need to open the windows to get fresh air.It is awful to smell inside the cabin.This affects our health. We have been giving complaints to Honda de San Juan for about a year but they haven`t resolve our problem, they don`t know what to do. They say that Honda America does not have a solution for this problem.
Starters stay on in the cold.....(4 times for me)
There are alot of recalls on it..... I know...mine was in the shop 8 times.
The moonroof jams open and stays that way (2 recalls on that).....google it.
You should have done your homework...........my dog hated that 3rd seat and my kids would fight not to get it.
At 100,000 miles hand over your $800 for a new water pump and timing belt (Honda requires it)
Now if you think I'm blasting Honda you would be wrong..... I have a 2007 Odyssey (love it) have owned a Element for 5 years and had a Ridgeline Pickup and all were great vehicles except the Pilot.
Tow with it and you will cry!!!
You had the right SUV in site..... I will say this about the pilots......Those soccer moms do look great driving them.
Mike
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Boy, you have a way with words. I'm sure you're just being honest and venting a little about your experience with the Pilot but you really come off as a jerk off. And thank you, I did my homework. I took the entire family with me and drove it at the dealership and then they let me bring it home with me overnight and we did a fair amount more. In fact, my two oldest boys were fighting over who SAT IN THE 3RD ROW. It's much easier to get into than the 4runner. I've read all over the pilot forums and drove the vehicle in various conditions and speeds and can honestly say I haven't experienced it or seen any discussion about the exhaust problem you're having. Perhaps I've just missed it but so far all I've heard are positive things about the Pilot. I will look into it more since you mention it though since I haven't bought the Pilot yet.
Again, I know the 4runner is great but it just isn't quite what I need.
LOL, yes. I was surprised also.
Thanks KC and Quentin.
No, I appreciate you giving me a heads up but you were a little harsh telling me I need to do my homework, etc. Anyway, I finally found one comment on the piloteers forum about the Pilot bringing in more exhaust smells than other vehicles when allowing fresh air into the car but he stated when it is a problem it is quickly solved by pushing the recirculate button. This is exactly what I've always had to do on my other vehicles when riding behind a diesel, driving past a skunk, etc.
I totally agree and that's why I made the decision I did because I was honest with myself in the amount of off road travel I'll be doing in my next vehicle. The 4runner would still make a great everyday vehicle, no doubt, but I just think the Pilot fits my needs a little better at this time.
I agree ! To me it's like apples vs oranges . Both are nice Im sure but serve different purposes and clients. I like the fact the 4R is a body on frame truck with an SUV body. (and no IRS , heck i don't even like IFS....lol)
The 4runner does lack the comfort of a car based rig but as far as family goes give me a full frame with airbags all over the place anyday.
Foques
New member
I was considering the pilot myself.. but I got lucky, and one was brought in to the shop I work with, and I had a chance to look at it from the inside.
about 45 minutes of me going "holy crap.. why would you do it this way", I realized that the 4runner was by far superior, hence more expensive.
It is a decent car for someone who doesn't care for doing much of a custom work to the truck, and has animals that need to be transported in it frequently. but quality wise, I scared me away. quickly.
about 45 minutes of me going "holy crap.. why would you do it this way", I realized that the 4runner was by far superior, hence more expensive.
It is a decent car for someone who doesn't care for doing much of a custom work to the truck, and has animals that need to be transported in it frequently. but quality wise, I scared me away. quickly.
When I was considering a Highlander, I went to toyota nation. It seemed more Canada-centric. Not a lot to talk about, though, concerning the HL. It rides really well (like a car), has more interior space, and I think is has a nicer interior. They have great reliability, too. The 3.5L 2GR is very strong, reliable, and smooth. Overall, it is just a really nice CUV.
But, I already had a car that did most of that stuff so I fulfilled my off road wants with the 4Runner. Plus, my wife was always lukewarm to the Highlander but she loves the 4Runner. Happy wife, happy life, they say.
