[IanRTL]

I own a 2007 RTL with 153k miles on it. It's been the best vehicle I've ever owned. The updates to the 2011 may be nice, but it's still the same basic vehicle. If the timing belt or radiator replacement haven't been done on the '07 yet, work that into the negotiation. You know you're going to have to have them done pretty much directly after you buy it. So, factor in that $800-1000 for the TB and $400 or so for the radiator. The '11 won't be too far behind that with the mileage that's on it.

If you have a pet and a little one on the way (as do I), leather is a no-brainer. My dog had a motion sickness problem when she was a pup and would upchuck and drool all over the seats. They always cleaned up easily with no residue. That cannot be said for the fabric in the RTS. Also keep in mind that the RTL has heated seats. If you live anywhere that gets even moderately cold, it's one of the greatest features ever.

With the positives that the '07 offers as well as the maintenance hisotry, that would be my choice. Plus, you can negotiate strongly and pocket even more that $5000 for diapers. You're going to need it. Whatever dealership is selling that '07, they likely don't have more than $11k in that truck.

 

[IanRTL]

^^ That's really good that you're shopping around. Go with your gut. For the record, a 2007 RTS with 133k miles should not be selling for over $10k. Especially one from a private party with no maintenance records. Don't be afraid of the 06. There were a few small niggles with the first year, but those great records go a long way. I keep a book of every single thing that is done to my truck from the timing belt to wiper blades. I date the entry and log the mileage. Proper maintenance goes a LONG way. At 153k miles, my girl is still running like a top. Very regular fluid changes (all fluids) and general maintenance.

As a word of advice, the Gen2 truck will be on dealer lots within a matter of days. There will be a massive influx of Gen1 trucks that are traded in for the Gen2's. If you can wait a month or two, I think you'll see many great examples of Gen1 trucks hit dealer lots. Plus, this airbag fiasco is still ongoing. Honda dealers cannot sell Gen1 trucks that haven't received an updated driver's airbag. Once those parts become available, there will, once again, be more trucks available. Don't pass up a great opportunity for a great truck if you find one, but I think you'll have great luck with some patience.

 

[IanRTL]

One step closer... the Honda dealer's detailed inspection did reveal some issues the biggest being;

-passenger side engine mount turn, fluid leaking out
-front upper/lower control arm bushings are staying to tear
-alignment required after bushing replacement

Tires are mismatched in wear depth, spark plugs are getting close to being replacement, cabin and engine air filters are dirty.

All in all not so bad for 10 years, 100k miles I think. I've asked my local shop for a quote on the mounts and bushings. If it all comes together I'm considering doing that work along with the 2" truxx lift and upping the tire size with an alignment at the same time.

Fingers crossed, Monday is the day!

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

All things that are wearable parts. The engine mount is fairly expensive for what it is, but it's not too bad. The labor involved is half the cost anyways. Bushings are easily replaced. You'll probably be $500-600 into it for those things. The spark plugs can be easily replaced on your own for about $60. Dealership will charge you over $20 PER PLUG and then about $100 in labor to change them. Stock iridium plugs can be purchased on Amazon for less than $10 per plug.

Is there any evidence of the radiator ever being replaced? That is one of the big things in the older RL's that is well documented on this forum. The tranny fluid fittings that run through the bottom of the radiator can corrode and fail causing a mixture of tranny fluid and coolant. It can spell disaster for the transmission and is really a bad situation if it happens to you. If it hasn't been done, I would suggest swapping the radiator for an aftermarket Spectra, Silla or Koyorad unit. Dealership will charge about $200-250 in labor to put it in, but it's a necessary preventative maintenance item.

Are there any pics or a link to the ad for this particular 06? I would still shop around, obviously, but I think you've invested yourself into this one already.