The Honda Pilot is a midsize crossover SUV that has been sold in the United States since 2003. The 2004 model year marked the second generation of the Pilot, which brought updated styling, more interior room, and new features compared to the first generation.
For used car buyers in 2023-2024 who are looking for a reliable and versatile family vehicle, the 2004 Honda Pilot is still a solid choice worth considering. But how much can you expect to pay for this 17-19 year old SUV in today’s market?
Let’s take a closer look at the key factors that determine the value of a used 2004 Honda Pilot.
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Key Factors That Determine Used 2004 Honda Pilot Value
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Several major factors come into play when determining the current market value of a used 2004 Honda Pilot. These include:
Mileage and Condition
Mileage is one of the biggest factors in used vehicle pricing. A 2004 Pilot with lower miles will command a higher price than one with high mileage, all else being equal. These vehicles have an average lifespan of around 200,000 miles, so examples with less than 150,000 miles are considered lower mileage.
Overall condition is also important – a well maintained 2004 Pilot with no accidents and minimal wear and tear inside and out will be worth more than one that has significant cosmetic or mechanical issues. Original ownership and service records help validate mileage and condition.
Trim Level and Options
The 2004 Pilot was available in LX, EX and EX-L trim levels. Higher trim versions like EX and EX-L came better equipped with things like leather seats, a power moonroof, heated front seats, and premium audio. PILOTs with popular options like navigation, DVD entertainment system and side airbags will be worth more than sparsely equipped models.
Location and Demand
Geography plays a role in used car prices. Vehicles tend to hold value better in regions with higher demand and costs of living. For example, you can expect to pay more for a 2004 Pilot in a coastal market like Los Angeles versus a rural area where demand is lower.
Additionally, if Honda Pilots are a popular family vehicle choice in your area, residual demand may keep prices higher than other regions. Shopping nationwide can reveal lower pricing.
Typical Pricing for a Used 2004 Honda Pilot
Taking into account the above factors, what can you realistically expect to pay for a used 11th generation Pilot? Here are some pricing guidelines:
- For a higher mileage (150k miles or more) LX model in fair condition, expect to pay $3,000 – $6,000
- For a mid-level EX version with around 100k-130k miles in good condition, prices run from $6,500 – $9,000
- For a well maintained EX-L model under 100k miles and excellent condition, expect to pay $9,500 – $12,000
Of course, these are just general price ranges – actual market prices can vary based on the combination of factors for an individual vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at pricing in today’s market.
2004 Pilot Pricing in Today’s Market
To gauge real-world pricing for a used 2004 Pilot, we’ll examine models currently for sale on Autotrader and Cars.com, two leading online car marketplaces. Here are some examples of asking prices for 2004 Pilots:
- 2004 Honda Pilot LX – 140k miles, Texas, fair condition – $4,950
- 2004 Honda Pilot EX -112k miles, California, very good condition – $8,980
- 2004 Honda Pilot EX-L – 98k miles, Florida, excellent condition – $10,999
As you can see, prices align with the general value ranges discussed earlier. Higher trim versions in good condition are listed for around $9,000 to $11,000, while base models with higher miles are available for under $6,000.
However, asking price doesn’t necessarily equal actual market value. Options, maintenance records, and region can impact real-world prices. Always compare models and get pre-purchase inspections before buying.
Factoring in Repairs for an Aging Vehicle
While the 2004 Pilot has a good reputation for reliability, ongoing maintenance and repairs are a reality with any 17-19 year old vehicle. Some common issues to watch for include:
- Timing belt/water pump – These should be replaced around 100k miles if not done already. Cost is around $800.
- Transmission – The automatic transmission may start to slip or need rebuilt after 130k+ miles. Cost is $2,000+.
- Power door lock actuators – Failures are common, running around $200 per door to repair.
- Oil leaks – The engine may develop leaks from gaskets and seals. Valve cover gasket replacement costs around $400.
- Failed A/C compressor – Out of warranty repairs run $1,000 or more.
Factor an additional $1,500 or more in the first year of ownership for potential maintenance and repairs, more if the vehicle has not been well maintained.
Is the 2004 Pilot a Good Value in 2023?
The 2004 Honda Pilot delivers a lot of capability for a relatively low used car price point. Third row seating, abundant cargo room, available V6 power and Honda’s reputation for quality make it easy to see the appeal of a used example.
However, at close to 20 years old, reliability and repairs are a gamble unless you find a meticulously maintained example – and that comes at a premium cost. Lower priced high mileage models could end up costing a lot in maintenance and repairs.
For buyers looking for maximum peace of mind, a newer Pilot model or different vehicle may be a safer bet. But if you don’t mind the ownership hassles of an aging SUV, a 2004 Pilot can still be a good value. Just be sure to budget extra for repairs, shop carefully for the cleanest car you can afford, and get a pre-purchase inspection before buying.
Key Takeaways on 2004 Pilot Value
- Typical pricing ranges from $3,000 for high mileage base models to over $10,000 for well equipped EX-L versions in great shape
- Mileage, condition, equipment levels and location impact value the most
- Real world asking prices align with estimated value ranges
- Budget for an extra $1,500+ in first year repairs on high mileage Pilots
- While capability is still impressive, reliability is a gamble on 17-19 year old models
- Shop carefully, get professional inspections, and compare prices to find the best deal
The 2004 Honda Pilot offers a lot of SUV for the money by today’s used car standards. But buyers should weigh value versus owning and repair costs carefully when considering one as a daily driver. Setting a clear budget and managing expectations on maintenance requirements allows you to make the most informed purchase decision.
