Good Afternoon,
I just got my wife a better used car (2016 Infiniti QX60 fully loaded w 64K miles) because her 2003 Honda Pilot has computer/transmission issues. It has 221K miles on it and now it downshifts and makes a hard knock noise to either 1st or 2nd gear when we go over 45mph. We took it to our mechanic and he said it's a TCM computer issue and could cost anywhere from $800 - $1,200 to fix. I personally like this car. We bought it used for $3,100 about 5 years ago. We've never had to spend a lot of money for repairs (Just oil changes, top off/replace fluids, brake pads, tires etc..). This is the first big issue we have had. The engine still runs good and I feel it can go at least another 100K miles or so.
We also have a 2008 Chrysler Pacifica that we purchased for $4,500 about 6 years ago and it has 178K miles on it. We've had to fix the motor mounts twice for around $900 total. Now there is white, oil smelling smoke coming out or the vents sometimes when the heat is on, the A/C doesn't blow cold, the back right window does not work and all the ABS lights are on (No check engine light is on). It brakes fine, I think the ABS system just isn't working. This vehicle still gets us around fine and rides ok, just it has these issues going on.
I will be driving either of these vehicles or selling them and getting another used car (I don't need all the bells and whistles, just a reliable mid size or bigger vehicle for a reasonable price to transport my family of four when needed). So my question is, should I keep the Honda Pilot or Chrysler Pacifica or sell both and get another vehicle? If so, what would be your recommendation for a good mid sized or bigger sedan/SUV under 8k or so that runs good and won't need a lot of big ticket repairs?
Thanks,
Joseph
Okay, so first of all the Infiniti you got your wife is a pretty reliable car until about 130 140k miles or so. Infiniti is basically Nissan it is made better than BMW and Audi etc. but just take care of it and don't put too many miles on it.
The Honda is much better made car than the Chrysler but if they are both giving you expensive issues I would get rid of them and get another vehicle. The thing is it is very typical for Chrysler products to fall apart and older Pilots to have transmission issues. I would recommend a 2007-2008 Honda Pilot, 2010-2012 Toyota Rav4, 2007 or so Toyota Highlander, Toyota 4Runner, or Honda CR-V.
Hope this information helps. If you decided on a specific model, make another topic or "bump" me by commenting as every model has years to avoid and years to consider. Unfortunetly, the 03 was a year to avoid of the Pilot. Odds are the Chrysler is going to fall apart, you definetly got the most life out of it as you could.
Thank you @Kerem I appreciate your quick response. Yes, we will certainly keep up the Infiniti and it does ride really good and the wife is happy.
We did get some good years out of both vehicles and saved a lot of money. But it looks like these vehicles times are up. I'll start my search and bump you again when I find a good deal On the vehicles you recommended. I'll also probably look at some Toyota Camrys and see if there are some mid sized Honda Civics.
Thanks again!
Joseph
That will do good luck car looking! Camry and Civic are excellent choises as well!
I would buy neither. the Chrysler is junk and that year of the Pilot was probably the worst year to buy. They had terrible automatic transmissions and radiator failures. If you wan the pilot go for ones made from 2008 and newer since they addressed those issues.
