In the spring of 2018 I purchased what may be the best maintained used black 2013 Ridgeline RTL w/nav-bluetooth ever (Included good condition BakFlip bed cover and Bridgestone Dueler LTH - ok quality tires, not great, with only 17 k on them). The original owner returned to the dealer for every maintenence item they recommended. I had a five page printout of every service they did. Most were very frequent fluid changes, brakes, filters, alignments, etc. At purchase, the mileage was approximately 79000. Dealer sold to me as certified used Honda with Honda certified warranty. I paid $24476 on the road (tax, title, license incl.). The vehicle was so good, I had no reason to return to the dealer for anything during the entire year and a half during the certified warranty time after the sale. It had everything I wanted in a Ridge, all the available equipment and was favorite color to boot. My first Ridge (2008 nimbus gray rtl) was totaled in my parking lot while I was at work. I hunted for my 2013 for one full year. Wifey was getting a little testy giving me rides after the first six months, of hunting, but I was determined to get a cream puff for my daily driver.
Since then, I have invested $1139 for TB service, $878 for plugs, valve adj, pcv, $95 battery, $417 front brakes, $410 one front engine mount (leaking hydraulic fluid). Of course plugs, battery, brakes are regular wear and tear typical for any vehicle. And I have probably another $870 on additional “normal“ maintenance for any vehicle i.e., oil changes at $30 ea., fluid replacing at top notch independent Honda mechanic, 6000 mile tire rotations at $20 ea, $5 wiper rubbers, air/cabin filters at $20 ea., one alignment. I change my own oil with Mobile1 full synthetic and Mobile1 best extended mileage filter every 3000 miles. I replace all my own filters, wiper rubbers. All other maint. done by same independent Honda mechanic. They are the best in this part of my state. I only return to dealer for recall work and occasional genuine Honda parts.
To summarize, I have owned my Ridge now for about 4 1/2 years and now have 107,000 miles (drove 28000 miles since purchase). Interior and exterior of Ridge is in great shape. I restored silver Honda step bars to new condition with new black powder coat). Paint job is in great shape. The reason I decided to quantify my cost of ownership expenses to date is that I’m looking at replacing the radiator on Monday (to prevent SMOD). I’m guessing that will run me $750 total for parts (new Honda brand radiator) and labor. I throw that in the category with timing belt service and valve adjustments ($1178/TB, approx $500/valve adj only, and now $750 radiator — total for these things - $2,428.00
So, in those 4 1/2 years and 28000 miles, I have approximately $2,170.00 in normal wear n tear maintenance typical for any vehicle. About the only way I could have saved additional money was too purchase impact wrench and rotate own tires, change own tranny, transfer case and rear diff. fluid. To date that may have saved me $180 in labor (less cost of new impact wrench). Between the non standard costs - tb, valves, radiator, and the normal upkeep costs, I will have approximately $4600 total invested since purchase. And especially after the radiator replacement, I have literally addressed everything that I can turn up on this forum or elsewhere related to preventive maintenance for Gen 1 Ridgelines. I do think my truck might still sell privately to a Ridge hunter in the $24000 range considering the great condition and relatively low mileage. So I am really only out my repair and maintenance costs to date, I think.
Do forum readers, mechanics, etc. think that my maintenance costs to date seem reasonable? Any comments based on my story? I am really curious to hear what other forum members think. As you can tell, I’m not a mechanic, but enjoy changing oil, filters, keeping a close eye on things, waxing (Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic Wax!) and always looking for ways to not just maintain, but improve the condition.
Final Comment
The radiator replacement is a big Honda let down. The tranny line radiator connections are terrible. This is not characteristic of their past quality reputaton, and the same for their decision to not fix the calendar issue. These two items alone have done some serious harm to their once loyal customer base. Am looking forward to your comments and opinions on my story, Thank you.