How much is a used 2006 Honda Pilot worth?
In today’s U.S. market (2025), a used 2006 Honda Pilot typically sells for about $2,500–$6,500 in a private-party transaction, with dealer retail listings often landing around $4,000–$8,500; trade-in offers commonly fall between roughly $1,000 and $4,000, depending on mileage, condition, trim, maintenance history, and location. Prices can swing higher for exceptionally low-mileage, well-documented EX-L or 4WD examples, and lower for high-mileage vehicles needing work. Below is a closer look at current ranges, the key factors that move value, and how to pin down a precise number for your ZIP code.
Contents
Current market ranges (U.S., 2025)
Used-car prices have cooled from pandemic-era peaks, but sturdy, family-size SUVs like the 2006 Pilot still hold demand. Aggregated indications from major pricing guides (e.g., Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, J.D. Power) and nationwide listing data suggest the following bands, with variations by region, season, and reconditioning.
- Trade-in to a dealer: Approximately $1,000–$3,500 for average/high-mileage examples; up to ~$4,500 for very clean, lower-mileage units.
- Private-party sale: Roughly $2,500–$6,500 for typical mileage and condition; $7,000–$9,000 is possible for unusually low miles and excellent records.
- Dealer retail/asking: Commonly $4,000–$8,500 for average inventory; pristine, low-mileage EX-L/4WD units can be listed near $9,000–$9,500 in some markets.
These ranges are broad because a 19-year-old SUV’s value hinges heavily on verified maintenance (especially timing-belt service), accident history, rust, and local demand. Always check current comps and guide values with your specific ZIP code.
What affects the price most
Age alone doesn’t determine the 2006 Pilot’s worth—condition, documentation, and configuration matter. Here are the variables that most strongly push a number up or down.
- Mileage: Above ~180k tends to depress value; under ~120k is a price booster, especially with records.
- Maintenance history: Proof of timing belt/water pump service (every ~105k miles/7 years), transmission fluid changes, and recent brakes/tires can add meaningful value.
- Trim and drivetrain: EX-L (leather, features) and 4WD models usually command more than base LX or 2WD in snow-belt or mountainous regions.
- Accident and title status: Clean, no-accident Carfax/AutoCheck beats accidents or branded titles by a wide margin.
- Rust and cosmetics: Undercarriage corrosion and faded/peeling paint lower price; tidy interiors and minimal wear support higher asks.
- Mechanical health: Smooth shifting (5-speed auto), no warning lights, dry engine/trans seals, and quiet suspension all help.
- Regional demand and seasonality: 4WD is stronger in winter and in cold-weather states; sun-belt states reward rust-free bodies.
- Reconditioning costs: Tires, struts, brakes, A/C repairs, motor mounts, and catalytic converters can quickly subtract from offers.
If two Pilots have identical mileage, the one with verifiable service, no rust, and clean reports will routinely fetch thousands more than a neglected twin.
Typical prices by mileage and condition
While every vehicle is unique, real-world asking and selling patterns often cluster around these brackets. Use them as orientation, then validate with local comps.
- 200k–250k+ miles or notable needs: Private-party ~$1,500–$3,000; trade-in ~$500–$2,000; dealer retail after reconditioning ~$3,000–$5,000.
- 160k–200k miles, average wear, decent records: Private-party ~$2,500–$5,000; trade-in ~$1,500–$3,000; dealer retail ~$4,000–$7,000.
- 100k–160k miles, clean, documented maintenance: Private-party ~$4,500–$7,000; trade-in ~$2,500–$4,000; dealer retail ~$6,000–$8,500.
- Under 100k miles, excellent condition, EX-L/4WD, full records: Private-party ~$6,500–$9,000; trade-in ~$3,500–$5,000; dealer retail ~$8,000–$9,500+ (scarce).
Expect the upper half of each range for rust-free Sun Belt vehicles with strong documentation, and the lower half for rust-belt trucks or those due for major service.
How to get a precise number today
To firm up an exact valuation for your area and vehicle, combine online guides with local market checks and real offers.
- Gather details: VIN, trim (LX/EX/EX-L), 2WD or 4WD, exact mileage, options, and service records (especially timing belt/water pump).
- Run pricing guides: Enter your ZIP, condition, and mileage at Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and J.D. Power for private-party, trade-in, and dealer ranges.
- Pull a history report: Carfax or AutoCheck can validate title status and accidents—key inputs for pricing.
- Scan local comps: Check Autotrader, Cars.com, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist to see asking prices for similar Pilots nearby.
- Get real bids: Request instant offers from CarMax, Carvana, or local dealers; these help anchor trade-in value.
- Adjust for reconditioning: Obtain estimates for any needed tires, brakes, mounts, A/C, or timing-belt service and reflect that in your price target.
Combining guide values with actual local listings and cash offers will yield a realistic, defensible number you can use to buy or sell confidently.
Ownership and condition cues that influence value
The 2006 Pilot uses a 3.5L V6 and a 5-speed automatic. Buyers and appraisers look closely at timing-belt status, transmission behavior, suspension wear, and rust. Expect fuel economy around the high teens in mixed driving, and remember that big-ticket maintenance due soon will be baked into offers or negotiations.
Regional notes
In snow-belt states, clean underbodies and 4WD carry a premium, but surface rust or frame corrosion can sharply reduce value. In the Sun Belt and West, rust-free bodies are more common, and pricing spreads more on mileage and maintenance.
Bottom line
Most 2006 Honda Pilots change hands between about $2,500 and $6,500 privately, with dealer listings often $4,000 to $8,500 and trade-in offers near $1,000 to $4,000. Your final number will track mileage, condition, documented service (especially the timing belt), drivetrain/trim, and local demand.
Summary
As of 2025, a used 2006 Honda Pilot is generally worth $2,500–$6,500 in a private sale, $4,000–$8,500 at dealers, and $1,000–$4,000 on trade-in, with exceptional, low-mile EX-L/4WD examples garnering the most. Verify your exact value by combining pricing guides, clean history documentation, local comparable listings, and real purchase or trade offers in your ZIP.
What is the resale value of a Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot has a strong resale value, but this varies by model year, vehicle condition, and market factors. While it generally holds its value well compared to other SUVs, specific models and trim levels, like the 2022 Pilot, have shown significant depreciation over time. To determine a Honda Pilot’s specific resale value, you should use online appraisal tools like Kelley Blue Book (KBB) or Edmunds with details on mileage, condition, and options.
Factors influencing Honda Pilot resale value:
- Model Year and Mileage: Newer models with lower mileage generally retain their value better.
- Vehicle Condition: An “Outstanding” condition will yield a significantly higher resale price than an “Average” or “Rough” condition.
- Features and Trim Level: Specific options and higher trim levels can influence resale value.
- Market Trends: Overall market demand for SUVs and specific models like the Pilot affect its market value.
- Geographic Location: Resale values can vary by zip code.
How to get your Honda Pilot’s value:
- 1. Use Online Tools: Visit websites like Kelley Blue Book (KBB) or Edmunds to use their appraisal tools.
- 2. Provide Accurate Details: Input your Pilot’s specific model year, mileage, condition, and features for a more accurate valuation.
- 3. Consider Different Values: These tools often provide different values, such as trade-in, private party, and dealer retail.
How much is my 2006 Honda Pilot worth?
The value of a used 2006 Honda Pilot ranges from $901 to $2,929, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
What year to stay away from Honda Pilot?
Generally, Honda Pilots from the 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2016 model years are best to avoid due to a higher number of reported problems, particularly with transmissions and other mechanical issues.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- 2003: The first year of the Honda Pilot, it experienced a high number of transmission-related complaints.
- 2005: Similar to 2003, the 2005 model year also faced transmission issues, with some owners reporting fluid leaks into the radiator.
- 2009, 2011, 2013: These model years are also often mentioned in lists of Honda Pilots to avoid due to various reliability concerns.
- 2016: The first year of the third generation Pilot, 2016 models have been reported to have transmission problems, including jerking during acceleration. Some owners have reported issues with the engine’s stop-start system and electrical problems.
- 2019: While not as problematic as the earlier models, some users on Reddit have advised against it due to the mid-generation refresh.
Important Considerations:
- Transmission Issues: Many of the years listed above are highlighted due to recurring transmission problems, including rough shifting, jerking, and stalling.
- Other Mechanical Problems: In addition to transmissions, some model years have also experienced engine problems and electrical issues.
- Resale Value: Despite the reliability issues with some years, Honda Pilots generally hold their value well due to Honda’s reputation for reliability and safety.
- Used Car Shopping: If considering a used Pilot, it’s always wise to have a pre-purchase inspection done by a trusted mechanic to identify any potential issues.
- Individual Vehicle Differences: Even within the problematic model years, some individual vehicles may have been well-maintained and have fewer issues. However, it’s generally recommended to exercise caution with these years.
How many miles is a 2006 Honda Pilot good for?
A 2006 Honda Pilot, with proper and consistent maintenance, can realistically reach 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more, with many owners reporting successes well beyond that range. Key to a long life for this model is regular transmission servicing, oil changes, timely timing belt replacements around the 100,000-mile mark, and addressing any issues promptly before they escalate.
Factors influencing longevity
- Maintenance: . Opens in new tabRegular oil changes, transmission fluid changes, and other scheduled maintenance are critical.
- Timing Belt Service: . Opens in new tabThe timing belt, water pump, and tensioner should be replaced every 105,000 miles or so to prevent engine damage.
- Driving Habits: . Opens in new tabAvoiding hard driving, especially when cold, and preventing overheating can extend the vehicle’s life.
- Climate & Conditions: . Opens in new tabWeather and driving conditions can impact a vehicle’s lifespan.
Owner experiences
- Many first-generation Honda Pilots are reported to easily exceed 200,000 miles with consistent care.
- Some owners have shared experiences of their Pilots reaching 300,000 miles or even 400,000 miles and beyond, according to this YouTube video.
- Others note that the engine can last a long time, but other components like the electronics, suspension, and transmission may require significant work or replacements to reach those high-mileage milestones.
What to look for when buying
- Maintenance Records: Look for vehicles with a documented history of proper, timely maintenance.
- Trusted Mechanic: Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, especially for high-mileage examples.
- AWD vs. 2WD: For the first-generation Pilot, the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models are often preferred as they do not have the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system found in some 2WD models, which can have its own issues.