2017 HONDA PILOT

If you're searching for a 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L for sale in Santa Ana, CA, this burgundy AWD Sport Utility has everything a California family needs — premium features, a proven powertrain, and a price that makes sense at $16,500. With 125,727 miles on the clock, this Pilot sits squarely in the "well-used but far from done" category that savvy used car shoppers know to look for. Stop by Sunset Car Co in Santa Ana and see it in person — vehicles like this move quickly in Orange County's competitive used SUV market.

About This 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L

The 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L is one of the most well-rounded three-row SUVs ever built, and this burgundy example is no exception. The EX-L trim sits comfortably above the base and EX grades, adding leather seating, heated front seats, a power moonroof, and Honda Sensing safety technology that was genuinely ahead of its time for this segment. At 125,727 miles, this Pilot has seen real family life — but Honda's reputation for longevity means there's plenty of road left ahead. Properly maintained Pilots routinely push past 200,000 miles without major mechanical drama.

The burgundy exterior gives this Pilot a distinguished, upscale look that stands out from the sea of silver and white SUVs on Southern California roads. If you've been comparing used three-row SUVs in Orange County, you'll quickly realize how much value is packed into this one.

2017 Honda Pilot Performance and Engine

3.5-Liter V6 i-VTEC Power

Under the hood sits Honda's legendary 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC technology — an engine that produces around 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque in standard tune. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, power delivery is smooth and predictable, whether you're merging onto the 5 Freeway, navigating the 405 through Irvine, or loading up the family for a weekend run to Big Bear.
 

AWD Capability for California and Beyond

This Pilot is equipped with All-Wheel Drive — Honda's intelligent AWD system automatically distributes torque between the front and rear axles as conditions demand. For most daily driving in Santa Ana and throughout Orange County, it's seamless and invisible. But when you head up to the mountains or encounter unexpected rain-slicked freeway conditions, the AWD system earns its keep. Towing capacity on the 2017 Pilot V6 reaches up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, making it practical beyond just family hauling.

Honda Pilot EX-L Features and Interior

Leather, Technology, and Real Comfort

The EX-L trim level is where the Pilot starts feeling genuinely premium. Leather-trimmed seating wraps all three rows, and the heated front seats are a welcome touch on cool Orange County winter mornings. The power moonroof floods the cabin with Southern California sunshine, and the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay-compatible connectivity on many units of this vintage.
 

Space and Practicality

The Pilot's interior is one of its greatest selling points. Seating for up to eight passengers across three rows means no one gets left behind, and Honda's clever second-row walk-through design makes access to the third row easier than most competitors. Cargo space behind the third row is genuinely usable — not the token shelf you find in some rivals. Power-folding mirrors, push-button start, a hands-free power tailgate, and a rearview camera round out the everyday conveniences that make ownership a pleasure.

Honda Pilot Reliability and Ownership

The 2017 Honda Pilot has a strong reliability reputation, consistently earning above-average scores from owners and independent automotive analysts. The 3.5-liter V6 and 6-speed automatic combination in this generation is particularly well-regarded — Honda moved away from the troublesome 9-speed transmission found in some front-wheel-drive trims by pairing AWD models with the smoother, proven 6-speed unit.

Real-world owners of high-mileage 2017 Pilots frequently report that routine maintenance — oil changes, transmission fluid services, timing belt checks, and brake work — is all that separates a 100,000-mile example from one with 180,000. Honda Sensing, included on the EX-L, adds lane keeping assist and collision mitigation braking, which has genuinely helped reduce accident rates among Pilot drivers. Expect solid resale value retention even as the miles climb — Pilots hold their worth unusually well in the California market.

Why Buy From Sunset Car Co in Santa Ana, CA

Sunset Car Co is an independently operated dealership located in Santa Ana, in the heart of Orange County — and that matters. Smaller dealerships like Sunset Car Co often offer more flexibility on pricing, faster paperwork, and a more personal buying experience than the large franchise stores. When you walk in, you're talking to people who know the vehicle and want to earn your business — not a rotating cast of floor managers.

Santa Ana is centrally located in Orange County, making Sunset Car Co convenient for buyers across the region. Whether you're coming from nearby Anaheim, Tustin, or Garden Grove, or making the trip from further out, the dealership's central location makes the trip straightforward. With a competitively priced inventory and a straightforward approach to used car sales, Sunset Car Co has built a reputation worth checking out.

Financing a Used Honda Pilot Near Santa Ana

Financing a used SUV at $16,500 is very manageable for most buyers, and Sunset Car Co works with a range of lenders to find competitive rates for Orange County residents. Whether your credit is excellent, rebuilding, or somewhere in between, the team at Sunset Car Co can walk you through your options.

With a reasonable down payment, monthly payments on a vehicle in this price range are often lower than shoppers expect — especially compared to leasing or buying new. California buyers may also benefit from rolling in DMV fees and any applicable taxes, keeping the out-of-pocket costs at signing to a minimum. Call ahead at 949-799-1776 to ask about current financing specials or to get pre-qualified before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L a good buy?

Yes — the 2017 Pilot EX-L is widely considered one of the best values in the used three-row SUV segment. The EX-L trim adds leather, heated seats, a moonroof, and Honda Sensing at a price point that significantly undercuts comparable new SUVs. The AWD 6-speed automatic combination is especially reliable compared to other powertrain configurations in this generation.
 

How many miles is too many on a 2017 Honda Pilot?

For a well-maintained 2017 Pilot with a clean service history, 125,000 miles is not a dealbreaker. Pilots built in this generation routinely reach 200,000 to 250,000 miles. The key factors are consistent oil changes, transmission fluid services, and timing belt maintenance — all of which are straightforward and affordable. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic can confirm the vehicle's condition.
 

What does the Honda Pilot EX-L trim include?

The EX-L adds significantly over the base and EX trims. Key additions include leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, a power moonroof, a power tailgate, Honda Sensing (adaptive cruise, lane keeping, collision mitigation), push-button start, and a larger infotainment display. It's the trim level where the Pilot transitions from practical to genuinely comfortable.
 

Is AWD worth it on a Honda Pilot in Southern California?

For most daily driving in Orange County, AWD is not strictly necessary — but it adds meaningful peace of mind and genuine capability when you venture into the mountains, drive through heavy rain, or tow a trailer. The AWD system on the 2017 Pilot is smooth and automatic, adding no real fuel economy penalty in normal conditions. For the price difference on the used market, most buyers consider it well worth it.
 

What should I know before buying a used Honda Pilot?

Request a full vehicle history report and confirm the transmission type — on AWD models, the 6-speed automatic is the more reliable choice. Check for any deferred maintenance, inspect the timing belt service record, and look at the condition of the third-row seats. A test drive that includes highway speeds will reveal whether the transmission shifts cleanly and whether the AWD system engages without hesitation.

Serving Santa Ana and Surrounding Orange County Communities

Sunset Car Co is proud to serve buyers throughout Santa Ana and the greater Orange County area. Shoppers regularly make the trip from Anaheim, Orange, Tustin, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, and communities throughout central and south Orange County. If you're searching for a used Honda Pilot near Anaheim or a three-row AWD SUV anywhere in Orange County, this Santa Ana dealership is worth the drive.

The dealership's location in Santa Ana puts it within easy reach of the 5, 55, and 22 freeways — making it accessible no matter where in Orange County you're coming from.

Contact Sunset Car Co Today

Ready to get behind the wheel of this 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L? Don't wait — well-priced AWD family SUVs in Orange County sell fast, and this burgundy Pilot at $16,500 is priced to move. Call Sunset Car Co at 949-799-1776 to confirm availability, ask questions, or schedule a test drive. You can also stop by the dealership in Santa Ana, CA, during business hours and speak directly with someone who can walk you through the vehicle and your financing options.

Whether you're a first-time used car buyer or a seasoned shopper who knows exactly what you want, the team at Sunset Car Co is ready to help you drive home in a vehicle you'll feel good about for years to come.