Pre-delivery check-list: List of Factory Defects (pre-delivery checklist)
Watch for hood fluter - hood movement from vehicles passing you going the opposite direction, such as a two-lane highway.
Issues that should/could have been addressed before your potential ride's manufacture include warrantee installation of cover over fuel tank and potential fuel injector replacement. Search engine will lead you to specific info.

 

I think the biggest detractor for my used 2017 BE was the driver's seat. The foam closest to the door looks like it was beat down and has 200,000 miles on it, not 40,000 that is on the clock. Just remember one thing buying used EVERYTHING is negotiable. Start low and work your way up in price and throw ins. It's hard to negotiate down in price when you've agreed to a higher price at the start. Mine was certified Pre Owned and has some extra warranty tossed in for good measure. Good luck with the sharks !

 

How many miles are on it?

 

Waiting to hear an exact figure but offhand the dealer believed it to be under 5k.

 

Could and should I request that the vehicle gets "certified pre-owned" status/inspection? Does it actually help anything?

Benefits of Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Honda

Learn the benefits of buying a Certified Pre-Owned Honda over a private seller and see how vehicles are inspected and tested for certification.

www.hondacertified.com

Would asking for an extended warranty be in my favor and what do they cover?

https://www.hondafinancialservices.com/static/pdf/Honda_Care_New_PreOwnCoverage.pdf

 

Kelly Blue Book lists the trade in value of a used 2019 E with 5k miles as $30,600. more or less.

 

Seems like there is some merit in getting the CPO, especially if the vehicle has been on the road for less than a year. It might tack on a grand or two to the price, but I can negotiate there.

 

CPO usually gives you a 7 year 100k mile warranty which makes it worth it.

Yes, you only have 2 years of bumper to bumper left, but you have 31k miles of it and the CPO should carry you out many more years.

Check what the deductible is for the CPO too.

I have had 2 CPO vehicles (1 year old RX450H with 9k miles and a 4 year old BMW 135i convertible with 24k miles).

The CPO paid off in both cases. BMW gave me a $2500 or so DCT service for an oil seep for the $50 deductible with 1 month left on the CPO.

 

Well, the dealer came back with info/offer and their opening salvo is weak. 2655 miles on the odometer, with CPO, but their price is same as they offered for the new that got away (hair under $37k). My understanding is that I can negotiate, however I am too green to know with what.

 

That price is too high. You need to pick a price you think is fair, $32K was suggested above, and stick with it. Be prepared to walk out the door and look elsewhere if they don’t get the price down to something acceptable to you. In 2015, we bought a dealer demo NX200T with 4550 miles and it’s been great. Demo vehicles can be good buys, but the price needs to reflect their usage.

 

For some reason, finding a low mileage (<15k) Ridgeline for a price that makes it worth not buying new is next to impossible. I would suggest calling around and getting a deal on a 2020. Ideally you get a few dealers in a bidding war.

 

It is. I bought during the end-of-model 2019 discount period (November)….there was no comparison in value on used vs. new at that juncture. The few RTLs I saw listed as used were mostly 2017s with 30k+, and priced in the high 20s - only 3-4k under brand new, warrantied units.

Seems like that 2 year gap of no new Ridgelines (2015-16) put a kink in the used market - just one factor.

 

Find out the in service date for the vehicle. Your three year Honda warranty started then.
Ensure that the vehicle has not been in an accident of any kind, look carefully at all painted surfaces and alignment of panels, lines etc.
Ask what they could kick in for extras if you were to buy, extended warranty, free oil changes, winter tires etc.

Don't be scared to low ball, its your hard earned and treat it like its your last. Be prepared to walk if the price is not right for you, but ensure you back your offer if its accepted