[Driv3r]

I am considering upgrading my Passport from a 2019 EX-L FWD to a 2021 Elite AWD. I needed new tires, but I would rather use the money as a down payment for this upgrade. I am currently leasing with one year to go. The Passport held its value and I am currently breaking even 2 years into the lease. I am negotiating a deal that could be 10% under msrp around $41000. A Touring AWD is available for 37.5K, but it is obsidian blue with gray interior, not my favorite color. Using Truecar and Edmunds to squeeze every penny on a discount, and getting an appraisal from Carmax to get the most for my trade. I may be able to pull this off for an extra $35 a month on a new lease. I could try to buy it at the end of the lease, if this turns out to be a keeper.

I want to recommend the website carsdirect.com under prices and deals they have a good description of discounts available each month and also have payment calculator.
The pandemic has caused a chip shortage. Stock is low and dealers want lease returns for resale. We live on weird times.
Wish me luck.

Honorable mentions:
Kia telluride S has a mark up of 8000 in my area. 38000 msrp going for 45000. No thanks Kia.
Acura MDX 2020 can be had for 10K under msrp, but this model has been around since 2014 model with older infotainment. No rear door sunshades, don't need a 3rd row.
Acura RDX 2021. This thing is fast, the Passport is faster on paper from 0 to 60, and I love the V6, but the instant torque on the 2.0T blew me away. The drive was impressive and it looks great, specially in the A-spec trim. But limited space on rear seat and trunk made me take it off the list. No full spare either. The els sound did not impress. If I did not have kids, this would be my top choice.
Acura MDX 2022 is beautiful, love the digital dash and the Pano roof, and the 10 speed is probably better than the zf 9 speed. BUT it is too new, no discounts, so looking at $100 to 300 extra per month compared to the Passport. (Saw a tech fwd for 53K, also will hold value) and I am really after the AWD and ventilated seats in the Elite.
2023 Pilot may be awesome if it follows the mdx
Here is a pic during the test drive.
Am I crazy or is this a good choice? Lol

 

[alum04org]

I am considering upgrading my Passport from a 2019 EX-L FWD to a 2021 Elite AWD. I needed new tires, but I would rather use the money as a down payment for this upgrade. I am currently leasing with one year to go. The Passport held its value and I am currently breaking even 2 years into the lease. I am negotiating a deal that could be 10% under msrp around $41000. A Touring AWD is available for 37.5K, but it is obsidian blue with gray interior, not my favorite color. Using Truecar and Edmunds to squeeze every penny on a discount, and getting an appraisal from Carmax to get the most for my trade. I may be able to pull this off for an extra $35 a month on a new lease. I could try to buy it at the end of the lease, if this turns out to be a keeper.

I want to recommend the website carsdirect.com under prices and deals they have a good description of discounts available each month and also have payment calculator.
The pandemic has caused a chip shortage. Stock is low and dealers want lease returns for resale. We live on weird times.
Wish me luck.

Honorable mentions:
Kia telluride S has a mark up of 8000 in my area. 38000 msrp going for 45000. No thanks Kia.
Acura MDX 2020 can be had for 10K under msrp, but this model has been around since 2014 model with older infotainment. No rear door sunshades, don't need a 3rd row.
Acura RDX 2021. This thing is fast, the Passport is faster on paper from 0 to 60, and I love the V6, but the instant torque on the 2.0T blew me away. The drive was impressive and it looks great, specially in the A-spec trim. But limited space on rear seat and trunk made me take it off the list. No full spare either. The els sound did not impress. If I did not have kids, this would be my top choice.
Acura MDX 2022 is beautiful, love the digital dash and the Pano roof, and the 10 speed is probably better than the zf 9 speed. BUT it is too new, no discounts, so looking at $100 to 300 extra per month compared to the Passport. (Saw a tech fwd for 53K, also will hold value) and I am really after the AWD and ventilated seats in the Elite.
2023 Pilot may be awesome if it follows the mdx
Here is a pic during the test drive.
Am I crazy or is this a good choice? Lol

View attachment 10472

FWIW we just purchased a 2021 Elite 4-3-2021, and YES available inventory is very rapidly becoming an issue.
Our favo dealer had to literally pry this Platinum White w/grey on a dealer trade from the only dealer in 200 mile radius that had a new one.
Pricing:
$45,750 market value selling price
$ 4,166 discount (we've done significant biz with this salesman/dealership)
$41,584 adjusted price paid

Good Luck to ya!

 

[stevenD]

I was at my local Honda Dealer last Monday and there were NO Passports on the lot...

 

[Passport Guy]

The inventory problems are going to get much worse before they get better. I work for one of the big 3 and I haven't been to work in over a month with no clear return date. Used car values are going go sky rocket even more than they have.

 

[carpayments4life]

OP has done much home work, but I'd recommend finishing the lease, then buying a used Private seller's PP Elite. You'll definitely know what to watch/listen/feel for when you test drive it.

Carmax should say your 2019 EX-L FWD with 24,000 miles is worth $30,025 and they would retail (asking price) it out at $33,450.

 

[ProdGirl]

If you have one year left in your lease don’t rush into another vehicle today that isn’t the trim and color you want and in a year or so you don’t want to keep for the long run. Watch the market the next 3-6 months and see what the inventory looks like. Then at the 6 month mark make a decision based on inventory, ex: will it take you 3 months or 6 months to find the trim and color you want.

If you don’t find one brand new at the dealer, you’ll likely find one from a private owner or gently used from a dealer. Many people have situations all the time that require them to turn in or sell their vehicles.

I was adamant about a Touring MSM, after 4 months looking in 3 neighboring states, CA, NV and AZ nothing ever made it, but an Elite MSM did so I took it home 24 hours after it hit the dealers lot. And I’ve been more than happy with my vehicle and glad I waited. But then...the StormTroopers started showing up on here and make me 2nd guess my decision...

 

[AMTUP1991]

So, from my experience if a dealer wants to sell one bad enough they will make it happen. I knew that I wanted the 2021 Elite obsidian blue over gray personally and tracked it down. The dealer I’ve purchased mine from has 10 passports on the lot in varying trims. I did look at my local dealer, but they couldn’t make a deal happen and wouldn’t budge from MSRP plus current incentives (1250 and 500 for military). The deal I ended up getting was MSRP of $45355 with a total discount including incentives of $6402. So I was at $38953 before tax and fee.

Get what’s going to make you happy, but also don’t pass on a good deal.

 

[Driv3r]

I made the deal on the Elite. It was more of a "want" than a "need". If I finished the lease on the EX-L I would be at a better position, but I got a pretty good deal, the terms were clear with no BS.But for $1500 down an additional $35 a month I am discovering ventilated seats, upgraded stereo, roof rails, sonar in front and rear, kick to open tailgate, factory nav, hot spot and satellite radio for 90 days, heated rear seats, power inverter, ambient lighting and I-VTM4 (awd). This was the last remaining elite in black/black in a 200 mile radius. I spent some money trying to turn the EXL into a Touring (without success) this was a better way to go.

Discounted to $40750. Here we go for Round 2 with a Passport!

 

[carpayments4life]

Did you buy or lease the Elite?

 

[ProdGirl]

That’s a good deal and not much of a difference in the price.
Hopefully you‘ll enjoy the trim and colors as well as the features more than your first Passport!

 

[Tadakatsu]

Come up to Sheboygan, WI and I'll sell you a Passport

Seriously though we have nine Passports on my lot. We have one Elite and multiple Sport, EXL, and Touring trim models to choose from.

 

[MagicCityMike]

We searched 7-8 Honda dealers in the Boston area. A couple dealers had only 1 PP left on the lot. It was crazy to see the difference in offers between the dealers on leasing a Passport EX-L. We had one offer of $0 down, $407/mo including sales tax and fees. Another was Taxes, title, registration, and first month down and $499/mo. We ended up with $500 total down, $368/mo, and had them throw in some all weather mats and cargo tray. The original offer from them was $1329 down and $368/mo. I feel good about it. Our cost on the contract was $36,880.

 

[Steveg203]

We searched 7-8 Honda dealers in the Boston area. A couple dealers had only 1 PP left on the lot. It was crazy to see the difference in offers between the dealers on leasing a Passport EX-L. We had one offer of $0 down, $407/mo including sales tax and fees. Another was Taxes, title, registration, and first month down and $499/mo. We ended up with $500 total down, $368/mo, and had them throw in some all weather mats and cargo tray. The original offer from them was $1329 down and $368/mo. I feel good about it. Our cost on the contract was $36,880.

The dealers in Connecticut have a pretty good supply.

 

[14v6]

My daughter is graduating from college next month and the plan is to give her my wife's 2015 CRV Touring (which has turned out to be a total disappointment). I had the bride drive my Passport EX-l the other day thinking I'd get a Sport for myself and she take the EX-L. She didn't like it said it was too big to justify having two PP's. So it's back to my original plan of looking for a RAV4 Hybrid or a Mazda CX-5. It's probably time for a Hybrid now but there's nothing around here and with the dreaded Toyota system of having options packages, the odds of finding one with the correct options package and color is zip. I don't like this I'll wait it out until supply improves. I do have an Accord that the bride could use in the interim but I think this shortage is going to go into next year. CRV's are plentiful and that would be real easy and the bride wants another one (that would be our 4th). but after having a CVT fail and the CRV's suspect oil dilution for short winter trips (which we do plenty of) I'd really like to pass on a CRV.

 

[mcrimm]

Only 1 Passport on the lot in Kalispell, MT. They usually have 10 or so. The lot looks like a dealer going out of business............just like the Ford dealer a block away.

 

[Tadakatsu]

My daughter is graduating from college next month and the plan is to give her my wife's 2015 CRV Touring (which has turned out to be a total disappointment). I had the bride drive my Passport EX-l the other day thinking I'd get a Sport for myself and she take the EX-L. She didn't like it said it was too big to justify having two PP's. So it's back to my original plan of looking for a RAV4 Hybrid or a Mazda CX-5. It's probably time for a Hybrid now but there's nothing around here and with the dreaded Toyota system of having options packages, the odds of finding one with the correct options package and color is zip. I don't like this I'll wait it out until supply improves. I do have an Accord that the bride could use in the interim but I think this shortage is going to go into next year. CRV's are plentiful and that would be real easy and the bride wants another one (that would be our 4th). but after having a CVT fail and the CRV's suspect oil dilution for short winter trips (which we do plenty of) I'd really like to pass on a CRV.

CR-V Hybrid is what I would go for 👍

 

[Bosetsu]

My daughter is graduating from college next month and the plan is to give her my wife's 2015 CRV Touring (which has turned out to be a total disappointment). I had the bride drive my Passport EX-l the other day thinking I'd get a Sport for myself and she take the EX-L. She didn't like it said it was too big to justify having two PP's. So it's back to my original plan of looking for a RAV4 Hybrid or a Mazda CX-5. It's probably time for a Hybrid now but there's nothing around here and with the dreaded Toyota system of having options packages, the odds of finding one with the correct options package and color is zip. I don't like this I'll wait it out until supply improves. I do have an Accord that the bride could use in the interim but I think this shortage is going to go into next year. CRV's are plentiful and that would be real easy and the bride wants another one (that would be our 4th). but after having a CVT fail and the CRV's suspect oil dilution for short winter trips (which we do plenty of) I'd really like to pass on a CRV.

I am 90% sure that the shortage will not resolve to pre-pandemic levels until at least 2023. The logistics and timeline for new silicon manufacturing facilities is pretty lengthy; especially since complete environmental control is essential. Chips are in everything and the manufacturers play a fine line of politics regarding who to supply and what contracts to prioritize 🤷🏻‍♂️

Now off of my economics soap box, I'd say the Hybrid choice between Honda and Toyota is down to features though in the majority of states the battery warranty is only 100,000 miles for Honda. Toyota is pretty proven for very long-lived hybrids. Personally, I am holding off on hybrids and electric vehicles until solid state batteries become mainstream. The CX-5 is very sporty to drove though for sure, particularly with the turbo (I have one that I'm giving to my parents now that I have the Passport.

TLDR;
Both Toyota and Honda hybrids are reliable to at least 100,000 miles and are a better choice over the CX-5 for fuel economy. CX-5 Turbo is the only option I would consider for the power since the normal engine just isn't enough imo.

 

[14v6]

CR-V Hybrid is what I would go for 👍

Thought about it but they are few and far between, it doesn't have a spare and the RAV4 looks to be more efficient. Besides, IMO Toyota has earned the hybrid badge, I think it's better to spend dollars there.

CX-5 Carbon turbo with the turbo looks appealing, don't have to worry about options but few long term Mazda dealers here and I don't know if the bride cold tolerate having no touchscreen and it may be too small on the inside.

 

[Bosetsu]

Thought about it but they are few and far between, it doesn't have a spare and the RAV4 looks to be more efficient. Besides, IMO Toyota has earned the hybrid badge, I think it's better to spend dollars there.

CX-5 Carbon turbo with the turbo looks appealing, don't have to worry about options but few long term Mazda dealers here and I don't know if the bride cold tolerate having no touchscreen and it may be too small on the inside.

Seems like you're down to the Rav4 Hybrid and CX-5. The knob does take getting used to, but it's pretty intuitive. I have a preference for the knob because I find it safer than touchscreens while driving. CX-5 is smaller, but more fun to drive. Rav4 Hybrid is not as fun, but much better fuel economy. Can't go wrong with either since you already have the Passport if you need transportation space/towing. How many miles does she drive per year?

 

[14v6]

Seems like you're down to the Rav4 Hybrid and CX-5. The knob does take getting used to, but it's pretty intuitive. I have a preference for the knob because I find it safer than touchscreens while driving. CX-5 is smaller, but more fun to drive. Rav4 Hybrid is not as fun, but much better fuel economy. Can't go wrong with either since you already have the Passport if you need transportation space/towing. How many miles does she drive per year?

She drives about 18k/year but we are empty nesters with another kid graduating from college in 2 more years. First kid will be moving to Michigan so we will either be flying a lot or driving all over the place. Wife is clueless about cars she will use zero features. She currently has a 15 CRV Touring so it would be nice for her to have CarPlay in the next car. We got the Passport because the kids hated sitting in the back of the Ridgeline for college moves they preferred the CRV so I traded the RL in on the PP. If I have to get something before the supply chain is fixed it will be between those two or possibly throw a Highlander into the mix because with a deal on the minimal trim to get BSM it may only be a few thousand more than the other two. Right now more Highlanders available. I know last year was profitable for dealers despite the supply issues but there's very little inventory around.