2014 Ridgeline SE > 2016 CR-V Touring

2884 Views 31 Replies 14 Participants Last post by ISO Truck, Feb 16, 2017

zroger73

Discussion Starter · Apr 16, 2016 (Edited)

Today, I traded in my third Ridgeline for a new CR-V. It was an even swap and my Ridgeline was paid for so no money changed hands.

There are too many unknowns regarding the airbag recall, I was bored to tears with my third first-generation Ridgeline, I rarely need a pickup, and I don't have any interest in the 2017 Ridgeline. I chose a CR-V after falling in love with one I was given as a loaner. I tried to buy it, but they wouldn't sell it since it was still under contract as a courtesy car.

Even though they are about to be a generation behind, the electronics in the CR-V Touring are incredible. I can play music virtually any way I want and the autonomous steering and braking are freakishly cool - this thing literally drives itself. It's an eerie feeling to watch the car steer itself around a corner without touching the wheel and to brake and accelerate on its own as it maintains a set distance behind the vehicle ahead. There's no doubt many of you will enjoy and appreciate these features in the next-generation Ridgeline.

This isn't a "goodbye" since I plan to hang around for the time being. I'm anxious to watch the airbag recall continue to play out (without my vehicle being involved) and read everyone's reviews once they start buying second-generations in the coming months.

Kudos to Loving Honda in Lufkin, Texas. I negotiated all week with five different dealers with results ranging from horrific to somewhat workable. Loving chimed in at the last minute with a counteroffer better than any other between Dallas and Shreveport. The staff at this place were insanely accommodating, trusting, and honest - I've NEVER had such a pleasant experience at a dealer in my life and I've bought, sold, and traded a lot of vehicles.

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oarnold

· #2 · Apr 16, 2016

Congrats, and let's see some pictures!

Heli ATP

· #3 · Apr 16, 2016 (Edited)

Your input here was invaluable, especially the technical stuff.
Good Luck with your new ride... and I guess it has a center console :grin:

cccbock

· #4 · Apr 16, 2016

thanks for the update. Hope you stick around for awhile.

Dnick

· #5 · Apr 16, 2016

We may follow suit with a CRV one of these years... who knows. We've talked about it... but our '06 RTL is probably still in our future for another few years.

Have fun with your new ride. :wink:

zroger73

Discussion Starter · #6 · Apr 16, 2016 (Edited)

I was just really past due for a change. I considered so many different types of vehicles and the choice ultimately came down to two polar opposites: BMW 3-series or CR-V. I've always wanted a BMW, but I'm mature enough to realize that the excitement of showing one off to friends and family won't last and it'll become "just another [over-priced] car". With the options I wanted, the price was hovering around $50K for the small sedan. I've had the CR-V itch before, but it took driving one for two months to convince me that it is a practical vehicle that I can easily live with and enjoy on a daily basis. Only the car gods know how long I'll keep this CR-V. I might swap it for the next-generation when they come out later this year or next year or might end up back in a Ridgeline if Honda will bring back the center console armrest and I find out I can't do without a pickup again. The more likely scenario is that as rarely as I need an open bed, I'd end up buying an inexpensive, used truck. Here's a photo of the twins before I return CRaVy the loaner (left) and CRaVy 2.0 (right).

Since this was a trade, it's impossible to tell what I actually got for the Ridgeline and paid for the CR-V. On paper, they showed $32,108 for the CR-V and $32,478 for the Ridgeline. Invoice on the CR-V is $31,019. Their holdback is $602, so the CR-V cost them no more than $30,316. If you adjust the prices based on the cost of the CR-V, then I got $30,686 for the Ridgeline. I paid $35,000 for it, so it retained almost 88% of its original value after almost two years. Unbelievable.

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fastdrvr

· #7 · Apr 17, 2016

Congrats!

We've had great service out of our 15' CRV EX so far, which already has 32K miles!

Just finished changing the air filter, cabin filter and CVT fluid. It's a piece of cake to work on and we've been getting over 30mpg all the time. Great little car.

25 Year Honda Owner

· #8 · Apr 23, 2016

zoger, how is the CVT transmission working out? We have had 2 recent CR-Vs, 210 and 2102, the wife loved them and I never paid much attention as I preferred the RL. Since we are thinking downsizing and going to 1 vehicle and a smaller home the CR-V could be the answer. I have a like new 5' X 8' aluminum trailer so that should eliminate the the truck need. Supposed to break ground on the downsized home Monday.

speedlever

· #9 · Apr 23, 2016

zroger73 said:
they showed $32,108 for the CR-V and $32,478 for the Ridgeline. Invoice on the CR-V is $31,019. Their holdback is $602, so the CR-V cost them no more than $30,316. If you adjust the prices based on the cost of the CR-V, then I got $30,686 for the Ridgeline. I paid $35,000 for it, so it retained almost 88% of its original value after almost two years. Unbelievable.

Just curious, what was the sticker price on the new CRV?

zroger73

Discussion Starter · #10 · Apr 23, 2016

I have zero complaints about the CVT. It does exactly what it needs to do to make the vehicle go and it does so quietly and while keeping the engine speed below 2,000 RPM (unless you're going up a decent hill or get too liberal with the accelerator). There's no unusual noise or vibration or unexpected behavior whatsoever and no gimmicky simulated shift points. I drive with the ECON mode on because it encourages relaxed driving with less throttle tip-in and it keeps the engine speed low and things very quiet. The vibration updates included with the 2016 seem very effective so far. This powertrain

Before I returned the 2015 loaner last week, I turned ECON mode off, shifted into S mode, and drove aggressively to get a feel for the CR-V's capabilities. In that configuration, it will chirp the front tires from a stop (or smoke one if you floor it in a turn), hit 60 MPH in under 8 seconds, and feels very responsive for a small SUV with a 4-cylinder engine. The trip computer still indicated an average of 25 MPG during driving conditions that no CR-V owner should ever subject it to.

My original plan was to install a hitch/harness and pull a small trailer a few times a year. Those plans came to an abrupt halt when I discovered how much work was involved in installing the hitch/harness on the CR-V. WAY too much has to come apart including much of the rear trim. I'm not paying a dealer hundreds of dollars in labor nor do I want the interior of a brand new vehicle taken apart. I'll just borrow Dad's truck when needed (or trade the CR-V for a G2 Ridgeline if Honda will put a "real" armrest in it). Haha!

I expect great things from the next-generation CR-V whether it hits later this year at a 2017 model or Honda waits one more year until the 2018 model year. Being based on the 2016 Civic's platform, it should see improvements in ride, handling, electronics (including CarPlay and Android Auto), fuel economy, and get the Civic's sweet turbocharged engine.

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zroger73

Discussion Starter · #11 · Apr 23, 2016

speedlever said:
Just curious, what was the sticker price on the new CRV?

$32,995 + whatever they felt like adding for tint, splash guards, all-weather mats, and cargo mat. I never saw the adjusted window sticker and didn't care to. My offer was based on the vehicle as it rolled off the assembly line. The accessories were an unexpected bonus.

Thankfully, it didn't have wheel locks (which I always remove and replace with regular lug nuts) or pin striping (which I always have removed or remove myself) or VIN etching (I'm opposed to any aftermarket modifications).

25 Year Honda Owner

· #12 · Apr 23, 2016

zroger73 said:
I have zero complaints about the CVT. It does exactly what it needs to do to make the vehicle go and it does so quietly and while keeping the engine speed below 2,000 RPM (unless you're going up a decent hill or get too liberal with the accelerator). There's no unusual noise or vibration or unexpected behavior whatsoever and no gimmicky simulated shift points. I drive with the ECON mode on because it encourages relaxed driving with less throttle tip-in and it keeps the engine speed low and things very quiet. The vibration updates included with the 2016 seem very effective so far. This powertrain

Before I returned the 2015 loaner last week, I turned ECON mode off, shifted into S mode, and drove aggressively to get a feel for the CR-V's capabilities. In that configuration, it will chirp the front tires from a stop (or smoke one if you floor it in a turn), hit 60 MPH in under 8 seconds, and feels very responsive for a small SUV with a 4-cylinder engine. The trip computer still indicated an average of 25 MPG during driving conditions that no CR-V owner should ever subject it to.

My original plan was to install a hitch/harness and pull a small trailer a few times a year. Those plans came to an abrupt halt when I discovered how much work was involved in installing the hitch/harness on the CR-V. WAY too much has to come apart including much of the rear trim. I'm not paying a dealer hundreds of dollars in labor nor do I want the interior of a brand new vehicle taken apart. I'll just borrow Dad's truck when needed (or trade the CR-V for a G2 Ridgeline if Honda will put a "real" armrest in it). Haha!

I expect great things from the next-generation CR-V whether it hits later this year at a 2017 model or Honda waits one more year until the 2018 model year. Being based on the 2016 Civic's platform, it should see improvements in ride, handling, electronics (including CarPlay and Android Auto), fuel economy, and get the Civic's sweet turbocharged engine.

Thanks for the info. Noticed the Honda Honda hitch for the CR-V is $541 and assume mega bucks more for installation.

larryr

· #13 · Apr 23, 2016

zroger73,

You can get an aftermarket hitch and wiring harness for much less and not as bad an install as the Honda one - only drawback is the trailer plug stays in the CR-V and not the hitch. There are links to the instructions on the amazon pages. Did this to my neighbor's 2013 CR-V. It is much easier if two people are holding the Hitch in place while inserting and tightening the bolts.

total cost $140 with shipping

Hitch

http://www.amazon.com/Curt-13119-Class-Receiver-Hitch/dp/B007JEJQP0

Wiring Harness

http://www.amazon.com/Curt-56158-T-Connector/dp/B009HSP3K8

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zroger73

Discussion Starter · #14 · Apr 23, 2016

larryr said:
zroger73,

You can get an aftermarket hitch and wiring harness for much less and not as bad an install as the Honda one - only drawback is the trailer plug stays in the CR-V and not the hitch. There are links to the instructions on the amazon pages. Did this to my neighbor's 2013 CR-V. It is much easier if two people are holding the Hitch in place while inserting and tightening the bolts.

total cost $140 with shipping

Hitch

http://www.amazon.com/Curt-13119-Class-Receiver-Hitch/dp/B007JEJQP0

Wiring Harness

Amazon.com: CURT 56158 T-Connector: Automotive

Very helpful. Thanks!

I ran across the hitch the other day, but hadn't seen the wiring harness until now. I figured there was one, but hadn't really researched it much. I still don't care for cutting a hole in the underbody panel, but there's no way around it. For what little I'd ever pull a small trailer, I suppose I could deal with the wires hanging out the back temporarily, although my OCD would be tweaking the whole time!

I'm not much for aftermarket accessories, but considering this setup is all bolt-on and plug-and-play and a small fraction of the Honda solution, I might end up going this route.

northernlights

· #15 · Apr 24, 2016 (Edited)

I bought a new CR-V a month ago and my brother bought one a week later after asking me questions about our 2011 and the new one we just bought cause of the air bag (got a sweet deal). He pulls a trailer at least 3 times a month and is going with the Curt set up class 3, I believe. He trades up vehicles every 2 to 3 years and coming off several Rav 4s and a couple Outbacks, I will be interested what he thinks of the new CR-V vs those others, this is his first Honda, he drives about 35,000 miles a year.
Edit: thinking of putting one of them Curts on mine as well, never no when the old RL could be out of service.

fastdrvr

· #16 · Apr 25, 2016 (Edited)

Re: 2014 Ridgeline SE &gt; 2016 CR-V Touring

We put a curt hitch on our 2015 from etrailer.com .... super easy install, even had measurements for a template to cut the plastic piece you mentioned.

I pulled my atv on my 5x8 trailer, around 1,000lbs total, 10 miles or so around our hunting lease, all private roads, and it did fine, only time it's "kinda" towed anything.

We didn't run wiring as all we intend to use ours for is a hitch mounted bike rack and a carryall for hauling coolers/gas cans/dirty stuff.

Bumper Vehicle Automotive exterior Car Auto part

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zroger73

Discussion Starter · #17 · May 7, 2016

larryr said:
zroger73,

You can get an aftermarket hitch and wiring harness for much less and not as bad an install as the Honda one - only drawback is the trailer plug stays in the CR-V and not the hitch. There are links to the instructions on the amazon pages. Did this to my neighbor's 2013 CR-V. It is much easier if two people are holding the Hitch in place while inserting and tightening the bolts.

total cost $140 with shipping

Hitch

http://www.amazon.com/Curt-13119-Class-Receiver-Hitch/dp/B007JEJQP0

Wiring Harness

http://www.amazon.com/Curt-56158-T-Connector/dp/B009HSP3K8

I installed the harness and hitch after work this evening. The wiring harness went easier than I thought and I managed to not break any trim pieces or fasteners. The hitch, however, proved to be quite a task for one 150 lb. person, but I finally got it. I used the Honda 2" receiver plug.

Thanks for the recommendations.

speedlever

· #18 · May 7, 2016

zroger73 said:
I installed the harness and hitch after work this evening. The wiring harness went easier than I thought and I managed to not break any trim pieces or fasteners. The hitch, however, proved to be quite a task for one 150 lb. person, but I finally got it. I used the Honda 2" receiver plug.

Thanks for the recommendations.

Did you use the large zip ties to hold the hitch up while you ran the bolts in?

Hamhocs

· #19 · May 7, 2016

Does this mean that not all trim levels of 2016 CRVs were added to the recall list this week?

zroger73

Discussion Starter · #20 · May 7, 2016

speedlever said:
Did you use the large zip ties to hold the hitch up while you ran the bolts in?

No. I set the hitch on a floor jack and raised it up then lifted one side up and installed one bolt then lifted the other side up and bolted in into place. Finally, I installed the U bolt on the tow hook. The installation went pretty fast considering I did it by myself. What took the longest was me meditating, praying, and seeking enlightenment in an attempt to overcome my OCD about cutting out a rectangular access hole in the plastic cover under the vehicle.

Hamhocs said:
Does this mean that not all trim levels of 2016 CRVs were added to the recall list this week?

So far, the Car and Driver article is the only place I've seen mention of the 2016 CR-V being on the list. Perhaps it is a mistake, but I doubt I'd be so lucky. I don't know where they got that information, though - it hasn't appeared anywhere else...yet.

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