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

[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

[djeaux]

I have an '07 RTX & except for a tear in the driver door gasket & some wear on the side of the driver's seat -- often mentioned here but 100% related to how the driver enters the truck (i.e., big butt syndrome) -- I've experienced none of the problems that have been often discussed here.

And about the gasket & seat cover -- my dealer is replacing both under warranty even though it's pretty obvious I needed to ride with the seat a little farther back (or lose weight)...

100% satisfied. The things you already like about Honda are things you will like about the Ridgeline. (I've never had a perfect Honda automobile anyway. They're not perfect -- just real good vehicles!)

[wjr1004]

I have 2007 RTL with Navi
I have none of those problems.
My truck has been good to me..
I like it and would not trade for anything.....

[hiPSI]

There have been around 100,000 of these trucks made. There are less than 10,000 members on this board. Out of the 10,000, there are NOT several hundred of any problems that I can gather...in total. When reading the posts on this board there are some people who post multiple times in different threads about a single problem. This makes it look much worse than it is. There have been polls run here on everything from water leaks to gas milage and everything in between. It is going on two years owning my truck and I have had the squeaky steering wheel and the windshield noise. Both were fixed promptly and no other issues. I would buy this truck again (there is a poll for that too) and I think 99% of this board would too. We can't make up your mind, only you can do that. It's a great truck. Good luck

[brich]

I have an 06 so I guess I'm out of this one... Just curious what the "hidden expenses" are that you speak of? With a truck only 2 years young, the warranty seems to take care of most of the issues...
Also, what else have you looked at and are they trouble free? You've come to know Honda dependability so I'm a bit surprised at your ability to pull back so fast.

I've had a leak. It's been fixed and I haven't had any problems since. My radio is fine. I have no problems with it. After my first year of ownership and 19,000 miles, aside from oil changes this truck has had zero "hidden expenses". I absolutely love my Ridgeline and would not hesitate one second in buying another.

My dad has a Tacoma. It's nice and I'm sure it runs offroad nice, but it doesn't touch my Ridgeline in terms of how it rides on the street, which is 97% of where mine's used. It takes snow better than any vehicle I've been in. I did have a squeek on my dash in the cold mornings but it went away when the truck warmed up. It's been silent for a month now that the weather is warmer.

I guess because I own one I can't see why any of the reported problems on this forum would be cause for me to want to get rid of my truck. If static is a problem for you, that's a pretty silly thing to keep you from all the other great things the Ridgeline has to offer. To each his/her own I guess.

Good luck with your decision. I have zero regrets for the decision I made and absolutely love my Ridgeline.

Oh wait. I DO have hidden expenses. I spend WAY to much money on cleaning this truck. Then again, it still looks like it did the day I drove it home...

[rms56]

Mine is an 06. Never had the leak issue. Rattle in a strut, AM radio crackle, sterring wheel creak.....one of the best, most balanced vehicle I've ever owned.



I'd give it 5 cools but the message board won't let me.

[fwood]

'07 RT with 11000 miles. No issues.
Best handling truck I've owned or driven.
I've owned 6 and driven many others. I'd definitely buy another one for what I use a truck for.

[chisoxjim]

Only expenses for the 1st 70,000 miles on my 2006 RT in the past year and four months:


(9) Oil changes
(2) Rear Differential change outs
(1) Transmission fluid change
(1) set of new tires.
(1) headlight bulb
(1) tail light bulb

The only work I have done other than these maintenace items was the steering wheel creek that the dealer fixed. No leaks, no rattles, no radio static.

As I stated on another thread if I didnt need a full size suv for my next vehicle I would get another RL.

Good luck with your purchasing decision

[25 Year Honda Owner]

Had my RTL for 2 years and not one of the issues you have mentioned. I have only been out $$$ for a few oil and filter changes and fuel. I have had no problem with the fuel mileage. I would buy again without hesitation.

[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.)