Joined
·
3,011 Posts
This is the eighth year I've posted this thread on the anniversary of the purchase of my 2007 Ridgeline. I hope it helps new, current and potential owners of what the goods and not so goods have been.
Last year I commented that I thought the prior year (year six) would be a big maintenance year with things like OEM tires and brakes would need to be replaced. The OEM tires lasted through year seven but the rear brakes were replaced last year. It was year eight that a couple of big maintenance items presented themselves. First, I replaced the Michelin OEM tires. The OEM tires were replaced at 71958 on the ODO. They could have gone another 5k if I wanted to push it as they weren’t quite at the treadwear bar, but winter was coming. I went with Michelin LTX/AT’s from Sams Club and so far like the way they ride and handle in the snow.
Second, I replaced my second OEM battery. The first was replaced under warranty, and the second Honda “100 month” battery lasted about 50-months. I went with an Optma Red Top battery, we’ll see how that goes, so far so good.
Outside of two oil changes, replacement of wiper blades, transmission and rear diff fluid changes, that was all the maintenance that was done in year eight, but it was the most expensive year of ownership for obvious reasons. The only out of maintenance issue was that I was rear ended in January resulting in $1,115.00 in damage to my rear bumper. The bumper cover was replaced and looks great. Here's my analysis of my eight-years of ownership of my 2007 DCP RTX.
Miles-My ODO is at 76,722 as of today (9,590 miles/yr.), my annual averaged dropped 175 miles/year from year seven. My miles driven are pretty low by most RL owner standards.
Not changed from last year: Mileage-I register around 15-16mpg in the city which hasn't changed over the years. I usually used Unleaded however in my area you can't find it and have to settle for E10. I have yet to break 20 mpg on the highway/interstate after six-years. Almost made it with 19.7 mpg once, but if I took out all the crap I carry for safety preparedness etc, I'd probably make it.
General appearance: Excellent, however there are a few scratches on the bumpers, lower passenger door, but I did have a couple door dings removed (pretty cheap actually to get them out). The RL still looks great (considering I drive from garage to parking garage five days a week in Nebraska). Having the rear bumper cover replaced and painted also helped.
Exterior paint is still good but could probably use a good detailing with a clay bar, but gets waxed a couple times a year.. Interior, while a bit dirty due to lack of driver maintenance is still in excellent condition. The rubber in the cup holders has started to split/deteriorate due to daily use. I had the oil changed yesterday at the dealership . They found no leaks etc. The engine compartment needs major cleaning however.
Maintenance-I follow the MM for all routine maintenance. Total cost for maintenance over the last eight-years is $2556.70. Total maintenance costs almost doubled between years seven and eight due to tires and battery (or about $319.59/year over eight-years) Compare that to the seven-year mark of $189.63/year. Maintenance costs have started to creep up which is expected as a vehicle ages. I still think the average cost is still low over the eight year period.
Maintenance/Repairs on my dime included:
-1 set of Sylvania standard headlight bulbs
-2 sets of Sylvania Silver Star headlight bulbs
-1 RR Tail light bulb
-1 center Tail light bulb
-1 Nail in the tire, repair
-15 Oil Changes (one free)
-3 Rear Diff. Changes
-2 Transmission fluid change
-1 Brake fluid change
-2 Air/cabin filters at 30k/60k.
-5 tire rotations
-2 Door dings repaired
-Rear brake pads replaced
-New Tires (Michelin LTX/AT)
-Battery (Optima Red Top)
-Wiper Blades
Warranty issues-I had more than my share of warranty/recall issues the first three years, however my local dealership (Williamson Honda) took care of everything with a smile. My warranty repairs included:
-Replacement of swing tailgate latch
-Replacement of Drivers side Headlight assembly due to condensation
-Replacement of Battery due to bad cell
-Replacement of missing bolt in center console causing console to
rock L/R
-Replacement of blower motor 2P connector (recall).
-Replacement of power steering rack that was caught within warranty, just not diagnosed but replaced under warranty.
Overall-I'm very happy with this truck. It fits my needs. I've been impressed with the lack of rattles etc. Everything still works, but that's expected from a Honda. Fit and finish is impressive. I'm surprised with the resale value of this truck after eight-years as well. While most vehicles aren't an investment, at least this one isn't going down the tank value wise. I'll be keeping it for at least 150K unless someone dies and leaves me butt loads of money...
I said this every year I think but it still applies: The RL is still in my recommend category, while Honda engines are bullet proof if maintained, Honda needs to increase MPG, and IMHO reinvent the Ridgeline if it is going to survive. We’ll see what 2016 brings for the RL. See you in 12-months...
Ridgeline Day 1:
![]()
Ridgeline Day 2922:
![]()
Last year I commented that I thought the prior year (year six) would be a big maintenance year with things like OEM tires and brakes would need to be replaced. The OEM tires lasted through year seven but the rear brakes were replaced last year. It was year eight that a couple of big maintenance items presented themselves. First, I replaced the Michelin OEM tires. The OEM tires were replaced at 71958 on the ODO. They could have gone another 5k if I wanted to push it as they weren’t quite at the treadwear bar, but winter was coming. I went with Michelin LTX/AT’s from Sams Club and so far like the way they ride and handle in the snow.
Second, I replaced my second OEM battery. The first was replaced under warranty, and the second Honda “100 month” battery lasted about 50-months. I went with an Optma Red Top battery, we’ll see how that goes, so far so good.
Outside of two oil changes, replacement of wiper blades, transmission and rear diff fluid changes, that was all the maintenance that was done in year eight, but it was the most expensive year of ownership for obvious reasons. The only out of maintenance issue was that I was rear ended in January resulting in $1,115.00 in damage to my rear bumper. The bumper cover was replaced and looks great. Here's my analysis of my eight-years of ownership of my 2007 DCP RTX.
Miles-My ODO is at 76,722 as of today (9,590 miles/yr.), my annual averaged dropped 175 miles/year from year seven. My miles driven are pretty low by most RL owner standards.
Not changed from last year: Mileage-I register around 15-16mpg in the city which hasn't changed over the years. I usually used Unleaded however in my area you can't find it and have to settle for E10. I have yet to break 20 mpg on the highway/interstate after six-years. Almost made it with 19.7 mpg once, but if I took out all the crap I carry for safety preparedness etc, I'd probably make it.
General appearance: Excellent, however there are a few scratches on the bumpers, lower passenger door, but I did have a couple door dings removed (pretty cheap actually to get them out). The RL still looks great (considering I drive from garage to parking garage five days a week in Nebraska). Having the rear bumper cover replaced and painted also helped.
Exterior paint is still good but could probably use a good detailing with a clay bar, but gets waxed a couple times a year.. Interior, while a bit dirty due to lack of driver maintenance is still in excellent condition. The rubber in the cup holders has started to split/deteriorate due to daily use. I had the oil changed yesterday at the dealership . They found no leaks etc. The engine compartment needs major cleaning however.
Maintenance-I follow the MM for all routine maintenance. Total cost for maintenance over the last eight-years is $2556.70. Total maintenance costs almost doubled between years seven and eight due to tires and battery (or about $319.59/year over eight-years) Compare that to the seven-year mark of $189.63/year. Maintenance costs have started to creep up which is expected as a vehicle ages. I still think the average cost is still low over the eight year period.
Maintenance/Repairs on my dime included:
-1 set of Sylvania standard headlight bulbs
-2 sets of Sylvania Silver Star headlight bulbs
-1 RR Tail light bulb
-1 center Tail light bulb
-1 Nail in the tire, repair
-15 Oil Changes (one free)
-3 Rear Diff. Changes
-2 Transmission fluid change
-1 Brake fluid change
-2 Air/cabin filters at 30k/60k.
-5 tire rotations
-2 Door dings repaired
-Rear brake pads replaced
-New Tires (Michelin LTX/AT)
-Battery (Optima Red Top)
-Wiper Blades
Warranty issues-I had more than my share of warranty/recall issues the first three years, however my local dealership (Williamson Honda) took care of everything with a smile. My warranty repairs included:
-Replacement of swing tailgate latch
-Replacement of Drivers side Headlight assembly due to condensation
-Replacement of Battery due to bad cell
-Replacement of missing bolt in center console causing console to
rock L/R
-Replacement of blower motor 2P connector (recall).
-Replacement of power steering rack that was caught within warranty, just not diagnosed but replaced under warranty.
Overall-I'm very happy with this truck. It fits my needs. I've been impressed with the lack of rattles etc. Everything still works, but that's expected from a Honda. Fit and finish is impressive. I'm surprised with the resale value of this truck after eight-years as well. While most vehicles aren't an investment, at least this one isn't going down the tank value wise. I'll be keeping it for at least 150K unless someone dies and leaves me butt loads of money...
I said this every year I think but it still applies: The RL is still in my recommend category, while Honda engines are bullet proof if maintained, Honda needs to increase MPG, and IMHO reinvent the Ridgeline if it is going to survive. We’ll see what 2016 brings for the RL. See you in 12-months...
Ridgeline Day 1:
Ridgeline Day 2922:
