Thought I was ready, but you stopped me dead in my tracks

[davedad]

I have an "07 steel blue rl and I love the truck, I havn't had any of the problems with mine as have been posted and I hope that I won't, I only have 1200 miles on so far but I'm taking it on a trip up to Vermont this week, I'll probably put on about 1500 miles so I'll know better if I have any problems. I'll post another reply when I return.

[MontanaFred]

My Ridgeline was built Dec 05 and I haven't had any rattles (glove box a little till I put the owners manual in it) no leaks. No wind noise but sometimes right after there is freezing rain I hear a little noise but then it goes away. I don't think the radio is all that great but I got the MP3 player and I listen to CDs mostly and sometimes NPR which comes in fine.

I love this truck more than any vehicle I've had.

.

Originally Posted by RossC

First of all, this site and these forums are an outstanding resource and are very well done - I can hardly describe how impressed I am, congrats and thanks to all of you.

I am (was?) inches from pulling the trigger on a 07 RTL (red, no navi), but I've got some serious concerns now - the leak thing is right at the top.

Consistent posts about rattles, static on radios, and hidden expenses force me to reconsider my Honda-takes-care-of-you assumption (My familiy has owned nothing but honda/accura for 10+ years)...I realize that the first model year is always dangerous, but we're past that now. I also realize a lot of the threads were started in 05, but I also see recent entries that indicate problems are not going away...At the same time you guys/gals seem to love your trucks.

I need to hear from some '07 owners and your experiences, pro and con, and have a direct question for all you '05 and '06 owners: "Would you buy it again? Why?"

Talk me back into it...

RossC

[Honda4X4]

We bought our 07 Ridgeline RTL w/nav in Dec 06. We have been on two major trips and just had the dealer do the 7500 miles service. We have had absolutely no problems. We had the hitch/wires and running boards put on at purchase.
I have hauled 35 bags of topsoil at 40 pounds each (1400 pounds total) several times. No sway and much more steady than our 03 Sport trac was.
As others have said there are issues with all cars and if your dealer will take care of you, no problem.
In January we bought an 07 Mercedes SL550 50th Anniversary Edition. When we had it in for service they did a TSB on the transmission. We get treated by the Honda Dealer as well as the Mercedes Dealer.

[StevenM1TX]

5000 miles so far and no leaks or any other problems with my RTS.

[1st Time Honda Owner]

I have an Nimbus Grey RTL w/o Nav. and have no complaints whatsoever . . . well maybe one, my wife won't let me drive it.

No leaks, no stereo problems, very quite ride (comparable to our Camry), handles well, and I'm even getting 21 mpg highway.

[geotech]

Originally Posted by djeaux

Forgot to add -- GO TEST DRIVE ONE!

The ride is quiet, smooth, everything you like about Honda plus a lot more. The odds of a problem are low & unless you pick a really trashy dealer, any problems you have will be fixed.

Remember, no vehicle is perfect, so it's essential to find a dealer you trust. (One reason I'm leery of internet shopping for cars.)

Can't speak for everyone (heck, I can't speak for anyone) but Consumer Reports says the Ridgeline is #1 for customer satisfaction for "full size" trucks. (and that includes me).
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/c...ucks/index.htm

[RossC]

Ok, you did it. All pro's, not one con in 360-something views...lots of people had a chance to wave me off and noone did. Red RTL in my future.

The towing thing still bums me (thanks to RRIDER for filling a knowlege gap in my tiny brain), but I'll probably have that done, too. I saw some posts from guys that did it themselves, I have NO interest in trying...life is way too short for that kind of self-inflicted stress.

Many, many thanks to everyone, but please don't stop posting...more knowlege is better. There seems to be a lot of negative, I think more positive feedback would go over well...

Again, thanks.

RossC

[MikeT]

Originally Posted by RossC

First of all, this site and these forums are an outstanding resource and are very well done - I can hardly describe how impressed I am, congrats and thanks to all of you.

I am (was?) inches from pulling the trigger on a 07 RTL (red, no navi), but I've got some serious concerns now - the leak thing is right at the top.

Consistent posts about rattles, static on radios, and hidden expenses force me to reconsider my Honda-takes-care-of-you assumption (My familiy has owned nothing but honda/accura for 10+ years)...I realize that the first model year is always dangerous, but we're past that now. I also realize a lot of the threads were started in 05, but I also see recent entries that indicate problems are not going away...At the same time you guys/gals seem to love your trucks.

I need to hear from some '07 owners and your experiences, pro and con, and have a direct question for all you '05 and '06 owners: "Would you buy it again? Why?"

Talk me back into it...

RossC

First, I will address your last question: We will be buying a new 2008 Ridgeline when it becomes available.

Second, of all of the members with leaks, please heep in mind that the sample is a very small one. Besides, I checked mine by having the truck I bought put in the dealers car wash. They were nice enough to let the water run for an extended time (Roughly five minutes) then we checked for leaks. So far none for my '06 RTL. I would recommend you do the same.

Third, unexpected expenses... the only expenses I have had are for accessories.

Fourth, if you buy the truck for the uses it was intended for, yo will be more than satisfied. I am passing the 25,000 mile and each time I drive it, I find something else little I love about the truck.

Fifth, the radio issues (static) are for AM only. There is a TSB and the problem has been addressed in the '07. This is easily checked by driving down the highway at highway speeds and tune to an AM channel and listen for static.

Sixth, the rattles are usually associated with the speaker covers in the front dash, the sunvisors (TSB on this), glovebox, and the door panels.

You will love the Ridgeline if you get it. I would test it for leaks and rattles by going on an extended test drive or drives. Somewhere in this thread is a well recommended checklist for a potential buyer. Search for it if someone can provide a link, this would be very useful for our potential buyer.

Good luck and make an informed decision.

[level0netrauma]

I have an 07 RTL with 5,000 miles. No issues so far, and none anticipated. The problems you say RL owners have are not common and very minor at that. It sounds like a Lexus truck might be more suitable for you. But if your not looking to spend 50k then believe me the RL is the best truck you'll find in the 30k range.

[NJShoreROCer]

07 RTL, No Nav, Dark Cherry Red, no problems so far, would buy it again