C100: Anybody using a Honda Pilot as their production vehicle?

prefer Japanese, although the Ford Flex looks like it could hold a lot, although the name Ford sounds like trouble.

Considering that Honda builds the Pilot (for the US) in Alabama, I wouldn't let the American vs Japanese thing sway your decision too much.

On a side note, I'm really enjoying the car talk :D
 
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You may also want to consider the Toyota Sienna van. It offers 150 cubic feet of storage space (behind the first row of seats) and AWD on certain models.
 
Ned, I guess you gotta do what makes the wife happy, ha! Looks like the 2016 Pilot has ~ 3 cubic feet less cargo space from what I read. That is too bad. I would really like something that can pull a boat (too) and the 2016 Pilot has everything I need except enough room. My 2015 Odyssey has over 60 more cubic feet of storage space and I use it all on multi-camera shoot days. If it weren't for your weather the Odyssey would be great. For what its worth, the Odyssey goes surprisingly well in the snow from my experience. We have had 2 snowy winters in a row and I have made it to work on snow days without too much of a problem. An AWD Odyssey would be as close to perfect as I could imagine.
 
Eureka! Found the info I need regarding removing seats. Now must cost estimate a mechanic to do it properly. Here's 2 pics I found. This is exactly what I was thinking- create a false floor as usual. I may get a dog fence right behind the front seats as I had in the Suburban to safeguard the back of my skull if I slam on the brakes. Although it looks like an unmarked cop car while in the hood.
 

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How important is it that it's a new vehicle? Seems like you could get more bang for your buck if you get somthing used, especially if it's just going to be a work truck. Heck maybe even one of those used police SUVs that already has the cage in it.
 
No used anymore for me, last two had about 20-25K on them when I bought them. I no longer trust Car Fax, easy for there not to be the damage recorded. In fact, the insurance companies lobbyists did something right out of House of Cards, they got loopholes enacted so they can declare a car totaled, as in a flood car, and then sell the car at auction so there will be no mention of it having been flood damaged. It's called title washing:

https://www.cars.com/articles/2014/09/storm-surge-beware-of-title-washed-cars/

http://abclocal.go.com/story?section=news/consumer&id=6842851


I suppose because I just spent a career doing investigative documentaries I don't trust anyone, not Car Fax, not anything the salesman says.

So in sum, I will be getting a car with around 10 miles on it rather than 20-30K, and my monthly payments will be lower although the insurance will be a little higher because I am not getting leather and NAV. Plus I don't have to worry about it being a lemon because Car Fax is BS, I want that new car smell. Haven't had it in about 15 years.
 
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Tah Dah! This is my follow up. Bought a new 2015 Honda Pilot SE and for the benefit of anyone else thinking of it here's how I did the 4x4 shelf.

A mechanic agreed to take all the seats out for $100 but when I discovered that the floor is very uneven I nixed that idea. A carpenter quoted $300 for nice shelves but they would be too permanent and I don't care if shelves look nice. So I retrofitted my old shelf from the mini van, splashed some paint on it and new carpeting. It goes in or out in about 30 seconds. I have a safety chain in case I slam on the brakes. I have skid plates on the bottom of the supports so I can pull the rope and it glides across the asphalt and concrete.

On days when I need to bring everything I own I can rent a new Uhaul Ford van, a round trip downtown is only $105 for the day. Such a large package is only perhaps 20% of my shoot days. Here's a pic of my "typical day" package so it will fit in the Pilot:
 

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