I'm looking to replace my 2018 Kia Sorento that I've lost faith in after the engine cut off in the middle of driving. My mechanic has always been adamant about buying Honda or Toyota products, and with the used Highlander being a little out of comfortable budget range, I've pretty much decided it's a Passport or Pilot. I want a car I can drive for 10 years without major issues and costly repairs. I don't need the 3rd row for people, but rather the cargo space for 2x/year camping. I'm looking at 2020-2022, but everytime I Google issues with this model or that there's always something that seems mildly alarming for such a supposedly reliable Honda brand. Problems with transmission, the entertainment screen, audio, etc...I'm just kinda stuck on what to get as I'm just feeling frustrated that the newer used cars seem problematic! Any thoughts?
Confused about what Honda SUV to buy anymore
drgreen33
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yep, hasn't been here for 2 days and has left only one post, but 21 posts later, we'll keep trying to help!
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If I'm understanding correctly you can buy a Honda extended warranty thru Saccucci or Hyannis (are recommended?), but if my car has over 36k miles then it would cost more? Is there a big difference in price if my car is less than 36K vs say one I buy that may have 48k? And it's going to cover me until the car hits 120k?
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I have been driving Honda’s for over 20 years, both as personal vehicles and company. My driveway has always looked like a Honda dealership. I have had 3 accords, 1 CRV, a civic hatchback, pilot and 2 passports. I had 115k on 2013 Pilot that we gave to my son. He hit everything it seems like based off the body. Just got rid of it since transmission was starting to act up. I have little issues with my Honda’s. My best suggestion to you and any owner that buys a honda is to put Lucas Fuel Injector cleaner only once a month. You can buy a gallon jug at Walmart for $30.00 and last you a year. I have been doing this for a long time on my vehicles. I found in New England the temperature fluctuates a lot up here and tend to get a lot of condensation in fuel tanks at gas stations. Plus all the damn ethanol in gas is killing cars and trucks. I think this has extended my cars. Please take my suggestions on Honda’s and Lucas Oil. PS also owned Toyota 4Runner V8, Volkswagen Passat and Passat TDI Diesel.
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I don't think you can go wrong with either a Honda or Toyota SUV. They're arguably the two top brands available. As for which Honda (Passport or Pilot)? They're pretty much identical, with the Pilot having third row seating and a slightly longer wheelbase. In my humble opinion, it all boils down to how much interior space you need (people and/or cargo) and go from there. Yeah, Toyotas are a bit more pricey, but have great longevity and they hold their value, which is good if you're selling one, but not so good if you're trying to buy one.
Good luck and happy hunting!
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I'm happy with my 2022 PP, traded in a 2019 Sorento. Glad I did
As an earlier post said, the J series V6 is pretty much bulletproof. I bought a new 22 over a 23 mainly for that reason. I've had no problems in 23k miles
As an earlier post said, the J series V6 is pretty much bulletproof. I bought a new 22 over a 23 mainly for that reason. I've had no problems in 23k miles
Get a '22 or '23. Passport has the most cargo space. From the back of the front seats to the rear hatch, it is 6'5" flat. I could easily put my sleeping bag down and camp in the vehicle if need be. Plus, I have a large Impact Dog Crate that fits perfect. Many other mid size SUVs couldn't fit it, nor have the cargo space of the PP. For me, I got the PP for adventure and trips all over the US and Canada. You should be able to get a Certified or used one with low miles in the low $30's to high $20's. Check the carfax. 1 owners are best.
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I see a '21 Elite AWD with 49k miles for sale in my area for $32k- the dealer is offering a "lifetime limited warranty on the powertrain" free of charge which seems nice but just makes me concerned that there's an issue with the '21?? Is that why they're offering that? You say to just get a '22 or '23 so is there a reason why not to buy older? Also I was going to stay away from AWD as I don't "need" it for snow or trails or anything, and read that they ultimately cost more in tires and gas? Is it a big difference? Thoughts?
The 2022 model year was the mid-cycle refresh for the Passport, so it has the updated front end styling and different trim options. I don't think there's any substantive reason to get a '22+ unless you prefer the updated styling. In fact, Consumer Reports rates the 2021 as the most reliable model year for the Passport in its 2024 auto issue. FWIW, my 2021 has 122,000 miles on it with no issues knock on wood.
As far as AWD, it will use slightly more gas, but I've never heard of a modern AWD system wearing out tires faster. With Honda's sophisticated iVTM-4 AWD system, you will get improved driving dynamics as well. The Elite trim came standard with AWD, so if you want FWD you will need to get a lower trim.
I also don't think you should be worried about the deal you're viewing as being suspiciously too good to be true, if anything it's the opposite. $32k is quite high for a '21 Elite with that mileage - market value should be in the high $20k range. So, that warranty is not actually "free of charge."
I also don't think you should be worried about the deal you're viewing as being suspiciously too good to be true, if anything it's the opposite. $32k is quite high for a '21 Elite with that mileage - market value should be in the high $20k range. So, that warranty is not actually "free of charge."
Like said, '22+ was the front end refresh year. Appearance is way better. The '23 and '24 share the same look. Only difference is the taillight colors. '23 is all red. '24 has a clear lens for the turn signal. They also fixed a lot of bugs from the previous models. AWD helps in more ways than just mud, snow, sand. Wet roads, balanced driving, and weight distribution all play a part in how the AWD operates. Much safer as well, and the resale value is higher.
The price of $32k on that '21 Elite is high, especially with that many miles. I skipped the Elite and Trailsport on my '23, and simply got the EX-L. Why pay more when you can do the upgrades yourself, and the way you want for half the money? Trim, speakers, LED lights, wheels/tires, skid plates, tow hitch/harness, etc... That was my plan, and it is working out flawlessly.
I would argue that most bugs were fixed with the 2021 model, and the reliability data supports this. Definitely agree that this torque-vectoring AWD offers a lot to the overall ownership experience.
While you can certainly add some of the higher trim features to the low trims, a lot of features would be quite difficult and expensive to add, such as: built-in navigation, parking sensors, heated rear seats, power liftgate, mirror turn signals, acoustic door glass, power folding mirrors, ventilated front seats, and rain sensing wipers. Depending on what features are important to you, it is likely cheaper (and far easier) to buy the higher trim, especially on the used market where the price differential is much smaller than when new.
If you want all those options, then yes, I agree, go for the Elite. My mirrors have turn signals, and for Nav I use Android Auto via Google Maps. Works perfect. Heated rear seats make no difference to me, as they are almost always folded down (dog crate). I don't fancy the rain sensing wipers either. Simply turn them on if needed. Folding mirrors would be nice. Parking sensors make no difference to me. My eyes and the camera do a wonderful job. Ventilated seats, idea is cool, but no need thus far. A/C cools great, and seats don't get too hot from the sun. Hope this helps.
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Only the 2024 model qualifies as historically bug free as at this moment. All other models have at least two TSBs/Recalls that needs to be done, 2021 & 2022 are both covered by the infotainment FAKRA cabling and IdleStop recalls. The 2021 has several other TSBs that followed the 2019-2021 model range.
Non of these is a demerit as long as you ensure that the dealer has had all recall work properly done before purchase.
Non of these is a demerit as long as you ensure that the dealer has had all recall work properly done before purchase.
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I have no idea of the (used or new) pricing out there, so just (continue to) do your research. Elite models are ALL AWD, so if you don't want AWD, best to not look at Elites. My Touring has AWD, and it is the first vehicle I have ever owned that has it (been driving since the 70's) and even though I live it a warm (non-snow) city environment, I LOVE AWD and would look for it again on mine and my wife's future vehicles. It does reduce the mpg slightly, but it feels and drives safer in all conditions! I don't think AWD wears tires any faster...
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I agree whole heartedly with your sentiments. "If you want all those options go for the Elite". I went with the 2022 Trailsport because it's what was avaliable at the time and my wife likes the Sonic gray color. It's a great vehicle not one issue so far. That said my personal preference is "less is more" given the option I would have gladly purchased a FWD only model with the least bells and whistles available and the lowest tier stereo. I know I probably sound like a cranky old fart but the less gizmos the less there is to go wrong and the easier and less expensive it is to repair if somthing does. Car generally costs less initially and in operational costs, looks about the same as the more expensive model and if I really feel the need I can upgrade or modify wheels, tires, trim, lamps, racks, bars, etc. But I understand some people (most) like my wife really like all the bells and whistles and that's OK too. J.M.H.O.
I spent several years working in the car business and it was always in the back of my mind what the next vehicle I would like to buy would be, especially considering if something happened like my current vehicle was totaled.
I am totally satisfied thus far with my 2021 Passport Elite that has just over 45,000 miles now after nearly 3.5 years of ownership. Probably the only thing I would consider trading it in on right now is a new CRV Hybrid but I don't want to go back in debt and I don't want to lose the power and interior space of my Passport, I'm willing to sacrifice some fuel economy for that which is really the big selling point of the CRV Hybrid. I don't even drive that much anymore to see much benefit!
I am totally satisfied thus far with my 2021 Passport Elite that has just over 45,000 miles now after nearly 3.5 years of ownership. Probably the only thing I would consider trading it in on right now is a new CRV Hybrid but I don't want to go back in debt and I don't want to lose the power and interior space of my Passport, I'm willing to sacrifice some fuel economy for that which is really the big selling point of the CRV Hybrid. I don't even drive that much anymore to see much benefit!
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Agree. In CA that should go for no more than 27k.
Been shopping for a truck, but my ‘21 has been so reliable that I may just instead wait for the 2025 Passport and go with the black edition. The one photo Honda has released indicates it will be a major departure from the current model.
Minus the kia catastrophe; we just replaced my wife's still virtually in as new condition 2013 Camry.
We too had/have no need for a 3rd row of seats. Didn't care for the whole turbo 4 cylinder thing that most competitors have gone to. And found a great deal on a used 2023 Passport Elite (only 3k miles) in perfect condition.
Have only had it for a month but:
Of the things I do not like = the OEM Elite 20" wheels are fugly.
I hate the adaptive cruise control. (I mean, just maintain the speed I set. 'Maybe' kick cruise off if you notice me approaching slow traffic. But wtf does it have to pump the brakes when I'm still 50 yrds out?! I Hates it!!)
LKAS/wtfever. Again, I do not need the car deciding that the oncoming car on the other side of the road is in my lane instead of simply rounding the curve. And slamming on the brakes. Nor do I need the car to fight with me over the steering wheel should I try a lane change without signaling. Has me screaming, "I got this Passport! Quit fighting me!"
Other than those, I'm on the whole are Very happy with it.
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You can permanently disable the LKAS and adjust the sensitivity of the CMBS. I did that on my '21 Pilot. I think there's a way to engage the CC so it functions traditionally, but I'm not sure how to go about it.
I tried to permanently disable to the LKAS, but it seems that when you hit the "Main" button to turn on the Cruise Control; the LKAS comes back to life.
And while yes, there is an adjustment to the sensitivity of the CMBS for the CC following distance; even the shortest distance is still quite far.
I would really be interested in learning how to engage CC so that it functions traditionally. And not just for her Passport. But because I have the same demon to exercise from my new-to-me 2022 Ridgeline . . .
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