I'm sold on the Ridgeline

[yukoff]

Just test drove a 2006 Ridgeline RTL last weekend and I must say I'm impressed. I was also considering the Tacoma and Avalanche, but I think I just ruled it out, and the funny thing is, I haven't even given them a test drive yet!! Reason I'm sold is I like the roomy interior with the storage under the bed in the back, as well as the excellent handling, turning radius, and quiet driving. I'm looking for an SUV with occasional hauling capabilities, whether it be backyard sod or bark to my 20' bayliner.

Anyways, I've got about six internet quotes in the works, and just for kicks I'll post the results here when I get them. I requested a quote for '06 RTL, white with moonroof. Let's see how much of the $2k rebate they're willing to share with me.

[FLORIDARIDGER]

AWESOME !!!! Those are my words for my Ridgeline!!! I have never had so much fun driving a vehicle in my life !!! Even my Z28 I owned back in the early 90's, does not compare or even come close with such a fun experience!

[yukoff]

Well, seems prices are a bit higher here in the Puget Sound, not to mention inventory must be low. Out of six requests for internet quotes for a 2006 RTL w/Sunroof, only two replied, and one of them said they don't have any in stock, but could possibly trade for one:

1.
2006 Ridgeline RTS- $26,618.42
2007 Ridgeline RTLS/R $32,111.42
2007 Ridgeline RTL-NAV $34,008.27

2.
2006 Ridgeline RTL w/moonroof $29,232

These are prices before taxes and licensing. My next step is to contact a family friend who's a car broker, sometimes a bit unreliable, but can usually get at or below invoice for new cars. Let's see how that goes.

[Kepeli]

All those prices seem high to me. I got an 06 RTL w/Nav for $30,500.

[yukoff]

yes, the prices are high, but this is seattle area, where median home prices for 3 br, 2 ba, 2000 sf home is $400K+. Not to mention hondas sell like hotcakes around here.

My broker's going to give me a price quote for 06 and 07 RTLs, with moonroof, optional navigation. will post prices when i get them.

[docridge]

I am also looking in the Seattle area for a new Ridgeline and it seems like the prices you received are very similar to what I have been coming across. It seems like the best you can get around this area is the invoice price. Let us know what the broker comes up with. Maybe we can team up and get a group discount for buying two of them. LOL!

[yukoff]

hey doc, if you're serious, let me know and I'll tell my broker, she works with Bellevue and Lynnwood Honda often, but I had already called Bellevue HOnda that morning and they said they only have two 06's in stock, but can get their hands on more if needed. Lynnwood honda never got back to me with the internet quote. I have a feeling i'll be getting quotes for the 07, let's see how good she is.

[docridge]

I am looking for a RTL model. It seems like all the 06 RTL models I have been running to are either demos that sales managers have been driving around or the wrong color. If I can't find a good price now, I will probably wait a month or two to see what happens to the 07 model. Hopefully the dealers will have better pricing on the 07 once the 06 models are gone.

[yukoff]

I'm getting more crappy internet quotes, however we're getting a Costco Auto Quote tomorrow, the guy on the phone said the 2006 RTL will be much cheaper than the 2007 since they want to get them off the lot, plus he said it comes with "dealer's cash", which I'm guessing is the $2,000 everyone keeps mentioning. We meet tomorrow for a price quote since they don't give quotes over the phone, i'll know what costco price is, and i'll know how much of a "dealer's cash" we get back.

[docridge]

Lets see what good old costco can do.

[yukoff]

Costco quote:

2006 RTL: $28.2K + WA tax and license
2006 RTL w/moonroof: $29K + WA tax and license
2007 prices were basically invoice + $500 to $1000, he said he hasn't received "official" costco prices since they're just receiving the 07's right now, but if we really wanted an 07, he'd give them to us $500 over invoice.

The broker quoted me $29K + WA tax and license for 2006 RTL w/moonroof. 2007's were basically invoice + $500.

These are the lowest quotes i could get, all internet quotes were higher than this. I'm not great a negotiating so this is what I'd probably pay, if you're good a strong-arming then maybe you can get them to go lower.

But the above prices include $1500 to $1800 dealer cash back, both the honda dealer and car broker confirmed there's dealer cash, an incentive to get rid of the 06 models.

[docridge]

These seem like good prices for the NW region. I don't think any dealer around here will sell an 06 or 07 Ridgeline for under invoice. They don't need to. There are way too many people willing to pay MSRP for cars in Seattle. Did you ever find a white RTL? If you end up talking to dealer again, just for kicks, ask them how much lower they would go if you brought in another customer. Maybe we can get a better deal together. Remeber, there is always power in numbers.

[vpkb]

initially, i was skeptical with the horsepower it has for such a heavy truck, then i went and test drove one in feb and was very impressed

i was then borderlined between the ridgeline and the tacoma, so i decided to give the taco a test drive as well; the reg. suspension was crappy, the TRD ver. was night and day

i was sold on the taco, but to avoid "buyer's remorse", i gave the ridgeline another test drive, it was way smoother than the TRD Taco, and it has the trunk....i was happily settled on the ridge...

[theridge]

Hello there,

I am also shopping the NW for 2006 RTL's, many dealers have not even responded but there seems to be trucks still out there. I have noticed that the used prices are often as much as new!!

[docridge]

Hi guys. I think I will pull the trigger tomorrow and place an order for a RTL. My goal is to get one at invoice price (or maybe below). I will go to all the dealers and I'm sure one of them will do it for me (I already got a quote for $400 over invoice at one dealership w/ out any negotiating. Yukoff if you are still in the market you can email me at docridge@hotmail.com and we can go together to see if we can even go below invoice. Let me know. theridge, are you in the Seattle area? If yes, then you are welcome also. Hey three people buying at the same time as a team is an offer that no dealer can refuse.

[doc buford]

The Seattle market seems very short of 06 models, and the prices I saw were high. When I was there I talked to 4 dealers, not one below 29300 on the 06 RTL/SR. I'd encourage you to at least call Lou or Kim at Honda Superstore. I've seen alot of positive feedback on their dealership, and their efforts to find what you want at super cut prices.

[docridge]

The problems is that the Honda Superstore is in IL and we are in WA. Even with a really good price from them, it will cost about $1500 to ship the car to WA. Unless there is some other way that I'm not aware of buying a car from out of state (short of driving it back).

[yukoff]

Finally done! Brand new black with tan interior 06 RTL (no sr or nav), done today at $27.7k! I also have to pay a $500 fee to the broker for finding this car, if i didn't wait two weeks, i would've had more color selection, but fine by me. All that's left out here in Seattle area are 06 demos, and dealers won't discount them much, if at all, seems all the GMs are driving them.

Also taking advantage of the 2.9% financing for 36 months with ZERO down. This is the main reason I went with the 2006 model, otherwise i would've gone with the 07.

I'm getting the towing hitch and backup sensors added, then i get to pick up later this week. Will post picks later.

[meanmachine19]

Finally done! Brand new black with tan interior 06 RTL (no sr or nav), done today at $27.7k! I also have to pay a $500 fee to the broker for finding this car, if i didn't wait two weeks, i would've had more color selection, but fine by me. All that's left out here in Seattle area are 06 demos, and dealers won't discount them much, if at all, seems all the GMs are driving them.

Also taking advantage of the 2.9% financing for 36 months with ZERO down. This is the main reason I went with the 2006 model, otherwise i would've gone with the 07.

I'm getting the towing hitch and backup sensors added, then i get to pick up later this week. Will post picks later.

Congrats Yukoff!! I'm sure you are glad the wheeling and dealing is over, so now you can really enjoy yourself!! Keep us posted on your new adventures!!

[ONTHEVERGE]

HEY BRO! If you gonna get one go all out and get nav and all. if you bank with a credit union or if you do not then check out Auto solutions! They are auto brokers that are in all the CU's here in the Pacific NW: I am in Portland! I got mine in April 2006 built at the plant and shipped here 9 miles! The dealer took delivery and they loaded on a truck and I picked it up from the credit union i bank with. I got for mine for 31k black rtl moonroof and nav. before I tokk delivery I made them ad the following:

fender flares, tow package, roof rack, fog lights, window visors, moonroof visor, ipod adaptor, gap insurance and still came in under 35 and that included installation for everything! I did that as I cam across a little known pirce that all the OEM aftermarket stuff installed in cover by 3 year warranty! Not to mention I got no hassles and the like. As you are inseattle area I would try to buyb in Portland and then come down and take delivery; if that is possibl;e I know Washington State get revenue off of their expensive tags, but if you get out of Sea-Tac area you would find the savings worth the effort

[MontanaFred]

Congrats on your new Ridgeline!!!

Now you can enjoy it.

I'm glad I didn't wait to get mine because I've actually enjoyed my commute with my truck and I don't have to worry when we get the inevitable crappy weather here in Montana.

[yukoff]

HEY BRO! If you gonna get one go all out and get nav and all. if you bank with a credit union or if you do not then check out Auto solutions! They are auto brokers that are in all the CU's here in the Pacific NW: I am in Portland! I got mine in April 2006 built at the plant and shipped here 9 miles!

I'm a bit late looking for an 06, so pickings (color and options) were slim. Only reason I went with 06 was for 2.9% financing and dealer cash. Maybe next time I'll try your route, i belong to one CU and have access to another, so I'll have to check them out next time to see what they have to offer.

My broker will get me the tow package and backup sensors at dealer cost, so i don't have to worry about paying premium + installation. But your route does sound good, maybe when the 08s come out :)