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Regrets Going from 1st to 2nd Gen

17K views 41 replies 33 participants last post by  jakisgirl  
#1 · (Edited)
Thinking about trading in my 2012 (90k miles) for a 2nd gen (21 or 22). The 12 is my first pickup and it has been great. No issues/problems. Reliable, cool looking, and drives nice. Well maintained and well cared for. But the lure of a new one lingers. Anyone made a switch and wish they hadn't? (I don't tow or off-road; just light hauling at most)
 
#6 ·
Went from a 2009 that I personally put 200k miles on and hopped into the 2017 (put 45k miles on), then the 2019 (put 25k miles on)(all sports). I liked the beefier look of the old vs the new, however the latest 2021+ redesign looks awesome. Maintenance has been easy across all three, and I've experienced no issues with any of them. Some pro's for the new ones that I enjoy the most were the easy-to-access bed, the increased adjustments for the steering wheel and the fact that the steering wheel grip is thinner/more ergonomic.
 

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#7 · (Edited)
I was very pleased with my 2012 RTL NAVI that I'd owned since new, but then I took it to my Honda dealer for routine maintenance and they made me a trade-in offer I couldn't refuse on a 2018 RTL-E. Very pleased with reliability of both trucks, but the creature comforts and quieter ride of the 2018 won me over. Zero regrets!
 
#9 ·
I was very pleased with my 2012 RTL NAVI that I'd owned since new, but then I took it to my Honda dealer for routine maintenance and they made me a trade-in offer I couldn't refuse on a 2018 RTL-E. Very pleased with reliability of both trucks, but the creature comforts and quieter ride of the 2012 won me over. Zero regrets!
Did you mean to say "the creature comforts and quieter ride of the 2018"?
 
#10 ·
Anyone made a switch and wish they hadn't?
I've commented several times over the years that I wish I had kept my black 2014 Ridgeline SE. I've purchased nine automobiles including three 2G Ridgelines since then valued at around a quarter of a million dollars (I hate it when I stop to think about that).

I like the features, performance, and efficiency the 2G, but I miss the reliability, durability, and simplicity of the 1G.

I got rid of my 2005 in 2013 and immediately regretted it.
The first model year for the Ridgeline was 2006. :)
 
#13 ·
I've commented several times over the years that I wish I had kept my black 2014 Ridgeline SE. I've purchased nine automobiles including three 2G Ridgelines since then valued at around a quarter of a million dollars (I hate it when I stop to think about that).

I like the features, performance, and efficiency the 2G, but I miss the reliability, durability, and simplicity of the 1G.



The first model year for the Ridgeline was 2006. :)
Yep. With 133 sold in Feb 2005, and 42,460 more sold my Dec 31, 2005.
 
#14 ·
Your mileage is not bad; just over 9k/year. Sounds like you love your 2012.

Considering this current market, I would keep it and start saving for your upcoming major service (timing belt, idler, pully, water pump, etc.), then continue saving (the amount you would estimate for a '21/'22 truck payment) and build up a nice down payment for a future model.
 
#15 ·
I would keep the Gen 1 (mine is a 2007). My impression has been that the Gen 2 Ridgelines are having more problems including water leaking into the cabin. An advantage of the Gen 2 is more horsepower; also, I don't know if Honda changed the tranny-radiator cooling system, but I do worry about the potential for SMOD in my '07. Cars are rarely an investment (unless you consider losing money an investment), and not having car payments is always a relief, especially as, given its imbecilic leadership, this Nation is likely facing some very hard times. I was chatting with a local used car dealer/owner who stated that used Ridgelines are difficult to find and are commanding high prices, so the good news is that you would likely get a good price on your old one; the bad news is that you will pay a high price for a new one. Good luck.
 
#17 ·
With only 90,000 on your G1 you could hang on to it for quite a while, unless you're bored. If you do make the switch, take a garden hose to the bed and rear window of the G2 you are considering, preferably parking it facing downhill for the water test. I just about pulled the trigger on a 22 last week, but bailed due to my concern of water intrusion issues.
 
#18 ·
I've never been in a Gen1 but what I've noticed over the years when buying a new ride, you always miss some things about the old and love some things about the new.
The worst is when you have a bullet proof vehicle and your new one has issues. Often it's the luck of the draw.

Anyway, best of luck in whatever you do.
 
#19 ·
Thanks for all the comments/recos; very informative and helpful.

Sounds like people miss their G1, but are generally happy with their new G2. Anyway, think I'm going to hang on to my 2012 for a year or so. Hopefully the G2 issues (e.g., window/bed leakage), car market/pricing, G3, and whatever will all settle out or get fixed soon. Meanwhile, I'll just continue to enjoy driving my happy-to-own truck until the right time for a trade.😄
 
#30 ·
My 2008 Ridgeline bed has lots of character marks! Maybe I should refer to it as patina. ;)
 
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#23 ·
I had a 2006, kept it 6 months and got rid of it due to poor fuel economy (20 mpg highway) and power train constantly down shifting on slight hills. Got a 2007 Frontier that got the same economy but had much more torque and no down shifting.

I bought a 2017 Ridgeline RTL-E and have had no regrets. I liked it so much I traded for a 2019 and now I'm waiting for my '22 RTL-E TO arrive next week. I average 23 mpg (actual calculation from log book) and an indicated 30 to 31 mpg highway (realistically 28 to 29 mpg actual) and I've gotten this with both trucks.

I think you'll like the G2.
 
#26 ·
I have a 2006 with 130K miles and was looking at the 2022 RTL-e, following is the "deal" (if you can call it a deal) from my local dealer.
Here is the Costco pricing for the 2022 Ridgeline RTL-E

Selling price $47,240.00
costco discount -350.00
resistall 799.00
wheel locks 140.00
mudguards 189.00
Costco accessory discount -169.20
doc 579.00
tax 1,452.83
tag 109.75
total $49,990.38

This offer did not really excite me and I decided to drive my 2006 until I either have major issues or I can get an EV. My 2006 is paid for, ain't broken. I agree that the 2022 would be MUCH nicer but as Ridge Tex said a new one is a LONG WAY FROM FREE. Currently, I mainly drive my 2007 Lexus RX350 which has 150K miles on it. Most likely I will be giving it to my son in the very near future and just drive the Ridgeline.
BTW I have no idea what the heck "resistall" for $799 is in the offer.
Wheel Locks $140, at Amazon I see them for $13
Mudguards $190, at Amazon about $92
Doc $597, really???
 
#34 ·
"Hideous" huh? To each their own. Personally, I like the fact that the Gen 1s weren't trying to look more like Taco's. I also like that my Aberdeen green is unique. I also like that I've not had to spend anything on repairs other than routine maintenance. Not bad for a 15 year old truck.
 
#32 ·
Been driving a RL since November 2005, 2006 RTS, 2010 RTL. Have 3,000 miles on my 22 RTL E and I love it. Better ride, handling, power, sound system, quieter cabin, I love driving my new RL. Loved my Gen 1s, obviously, but the 22 is better, definitely would buy again.

Good luck!