New RTS or used RTL

3349 Views 23 Replies 7 Participants Last post by IanRTL, Mar 2, 2015

tbl01

Discussion Starter · Feb 5, 2015 (Edited)

I am seriously considering coming back to a Ridgeline. I had a 2008 RTS which I sold when gas was real expensive and I commuted more.

I currently drive a 2001 Dakota sport extended cab good condition few issuesand a 2012 Dodge charger rt. The beater and a fun car, but with 3 girls getting older its tight to get them in the back of the dakota for short trips. Heat doesnt work great either, no power accesories, but runs well, ac works

I am a DIY burn firewood in my stove in the winter, and use the pickup alot, but dont need a full blown pickup. Having had a ridgline and how nice it drives, and the large backseat for the kids and dog Im started looking around again getting rid of both and just get a used nice Ridgeline.

I have been looking around at some CPO Ridges, mostly only RTL listed. I did come across a 2012 RTS with under a 100 miles at a dealer ( asking 26.9, and wondering if its worth looking at that one and seeing if they will go any lower or if thats in the ball park. Its basically new. OR do I go with a RTl with higher miles, similar price. The leather would be nice with the kids and the dog, heated seats would be nice as well in the winter.(NY) I only drive about 5 k miles a year and I do need a 4wd/awd type auto in the winter since I do go out when its bad to snow plow.

Baiscially do I go with RTL with some mileage or look at the RTS thats almost new. I guess one could always put on leather seat covers and update the radio and still be ahead of the game?

I do like the look 18 inch rims on the RTL give the ridgeline, and the color or the RTS black is not my favorite either. I dont see much of a difference between the 12 and the newer Ridges so that'
s not a problem either.

If I missed anything with the differences please let me know, and what do you think give the scenarios? Thanks

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rmhpmi

· #2 · Feb 5, 2015

In my humble opinion, a CPO RTL is the way to go. One feature you mentioned that would be desirable (mandatory?) for you is the heated seats and I think you only get those on the RTL. As a fellow dog owner, I also agree that you will appreciate leather seats over the long term.

The CPO warranty is probably pretty darn good. If all you are driving is 5K miles a year, you'd never worry about the mileage running out even on the factory new warranty, it will just be the time.

I am not 100% familiar with all the minor differences between model years but from what I've gathered, there is really not much at all from 2012-2014. Mainly minor cosmetic things and some phone/bluetooth improvements?

Anyway, I'd go with the CPO if it were my call. Good luck!

beatle

· #3 · Feb 5, 2015

Sunroof on the RTL is also nice to have.

I put almost no stock in technology improvements as I usually rip out whatever is in the car and replace with the latest tech. It moves a lot faster than manufacturers can keep up with, not that Honda has even bothered trying to keep pace with the RL...

Nateperez3

· #4 · Feb 5, 2015

2012 RTS with less than 100 miles? That makes me wonder what it has been doing for roughly 3 years. A vehicle just sitting that long can't be good. That price seems okay though. Has it been titled? Or will you get the full warranty on it?

tbl01

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 6, 2015

Nateperez3 said:
2012 RTS with less than 100 miles? That makes me wonder what it has been doing for roughly 3 years. A vehicle just sitting that long can't be good. That price seems okay though. Has it been titled? Or will you get the full warranty on it?

Actually they have two. One slight more mileage that was titled. I am little hesitant to contacted the dealer yet since once I do that then they constantly contact you trying to get you in test drive etc.

I wanted to have some more information on if I wanted the RTL or the RTS. I think I am going to contact them tonight and get some additonal info on the Ridge.
I will keep you posted.

tbl01

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 16, 2015

So I am going to go look at the Ridgeline sometime in the next week. I dont have much history on it other then it s a leftover rts. They are asking $26.7 which I feel is high based on some of the pricing I have seen on some leftovers and it is now over 3 years old.

I do understand any car sitting for 3 years is not a good thing, but it also depends on where and how it was stored.

Is $25.3 k a reasonable offer? If everything checks out? Lower? I know once its driven off the lot is takes a huge hit in depreciation compared to a new model due to its age. The dealer says they will enterain any reasonable offer.

Any suggestions? should I try to negoiate new tires if they are orginial? I am also waiting to hear back on a leftover 2013 as well.

Thanks for the assistance.

cccbock

· #7 · Feb 17, 2015

tbl01 said:
So I am going to go look at the Ridgeline sometime in the next week. I dont have much history on it other then it s a leftover rts. They are asking $26.7 which I feel is high based on some of the pricing I have seen on some leftovers and it is now over 3 years old.

I do understand any car sitting for 3 years is not a good thing, but it also depends on where and how it was stored.

Is $25.3 k a reasonable offer? If everything checks out? Lower? I know once its driven off the lot is takes a huge hit in depreciation compared to a new model due to its age. The dealer says they will enterain any reasonable offer.

Any suggestions? should I try to negoiate new tires if they are orginial? I am also waiting to hear back on a leftover 2013 as well.

Thanks for the assistance.

I concur with being leery on the 2012 leftovers. That just does not make sense in the car dealer world we live in today. Who is gonna sit on a depreciating $30,000 asset for three years? Makes me wonder if it is an insurance problem left over from a flood.

I would expect a pretty fancy explanation as to why the low miles. And need to know also if they will honor the full factory warranty. You would have some fancy explaining to do if you pulled into a dealer out of town to explain your truck is under warranty when it is 4, 5, 6 years old.

Assuming the explanation is believable, I would do a regional search for used RL of the same year with very low miles (maybe 15k-25k). Average those numbers and base my offer on the results, perhaps adding some $$ if they offer the full warranty.

tbl01

Discussion Starter · #8 · Feb 17, 2015 (Edited)

cccbock said:
I concur with being leery on the 2012 leftovers. That just does not make sense in the car dealer world we live in today. Who is gonna sit on a depreciating $30,000 asset for three years? Makes me wonder if it is an insurance problem left over from a flood.

I would expect a pretty fancy explanation as to why the low miles. And need to know also if they will honor the full factory warranty. You would have some fancy explaining to do if you pulled into a dealer out of town to explain your truck is under warranty when it is 4, 5, 6 years old.

Assuming the explanation is believable, I would do a regional search for used RL of the same year with very low miles (maybe 15k-25k). Average those numbers and base my offer on the results, perhaps adding some $$ if they offer the full warranty.

Something didnt post correctly so I am editing the post to its orginal content.

I did speak to to the dealer it comes with a 3 year factory warrranty.
I could ask for or get a carfax myself. Well worth the little money to avoid a headache down the road.

I totally agree with you regarding anyone looking at a 5 year old car still with a factory warrranty. That should come into play as far as pricing and the buyer haveing that issue down the road.

I have done a search the auction trade in vaules are in the range of $19.5k to $23k for low mileage under 20k miles. A search on local retail is asking price of around $27.5k for a CPO car with some history in the 11k to 15k miles. So the range should be between $23 k and $27.5 k

Given the unknown and potential issues I would think low to mid $25 would be a good deal, with some buffer if issues crop up

Thanks for the reply.

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zroger73

· #9 · Feb 17, 2015

I don't believe there is a good, honest reason why there would be a new 2012 year model vehicle at any dealership. I could be as old as 4.5 years assuming it were manufactured in the fall of 2011. The tires are approaching the end of their suggested life of 6 years. The battery is likely in a poor state of health and should be replaced. The oil should be changed annually, which it may or may not have. Almost a half-decade of the coolant's life has already passed. The brake fluid should be replaced every 3 years. I could keep going.

We all know that all vehicles depreciate dramatically the moment they are sold. However, a new 2012 will be worth much less than a new 2014 the moment you drive off the lot simply because of the year model.

tbl01

Discussion Starter · #10 · Feb 17, 2015 (Edited)

So I pulled the carfax, well worth the few dollars.

The dealer received the car late Sept. 2012 from factory, they have had it inventory since, battery was repalced and was serviced 8/14 last year.

Area is not located anywhere need a flood plain zone on FEMA.

Unless they were asking crazy money for it at one time or thought to hold on to it thinking it would be discontiuned. I dont know, but it looks to be just under 2.5 years old.

Im going to go see this week or Sat. so I will keep you posted.

IanRTL

· #11 · Feb 17, 2015

The RTS, to me, is the best deal in the RL lineup as far as the features it comes with. However, for your situation, it's the features it doesn't have that may make your decision for you. I have an 07 RTL that's been amazing for me. In the winter, I use my heated seats EVERY day and multiple times a day, at that. It's the single greatest feature on my truck. Even when it gets to sub-zero temps, a warm back and bum are fantastic. In the summer, I use my sunroof every day, as well. Unless it's 95 degrees, I rarely use air conditioning. Opening the roof and the rear window on the highway is typically all that is needed to keep the cabin cool and quiet. You can have a quiet conversation with your passengers with this configuration. Lastly, leather is the way to go. No matter how careful you are with the RTS's cloth, it will eventually stain and wear badly. My leather is going on nine years old and it still looks and feels great. Seat covers can only go so far.

Bottom line is that no major fluid service (other than engine oil and filter) needs done to a RL within the first 30k miles. If you find a good CPO RTL with 30k or less for a good price, that's your truck. You can then know that the recommended fluid maintenance can be done on time at the correct mileage. I'd much rather have a pre-owned RTL that was driven 12-15k miles per year than a "new" RTS that has been sitting for over two years. Non-use is almost as bad as misuse.

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tbl01

Discussion Starter · #12 · Feb 17, 2015

IanRTL said:
The RTS, to me, is the best deal in the RL lineup as far as the features it comes with. However, for your situation, it's the features it doesn't have that may make your decision for you. I have an 07 RTL that's been amazing for me. In the winter, I use my heated seats EVERY day and multiple times a day, at that. It's the single greatest feature on my truck. Even when it gets to sub-zero temps, a warm back and bum are fantastic. In the summer, I use my sunroof every day, as well. Unless it's 95 degrees, I rarely use air conditioning. Opening the roof and the rear window on the highway is typically all that is needed to keep the cabin cool and quiet. You can have a quiet conversation with your passengers with this configuration. Lastly, leather is the way to go. No matter how careful you are with the RTS's cloth, it will eventually stain and wear badly. My leather is going on nine years old and it still looks and feels great. Seat covers can only go so far.

Bottom line is that no major fluid service (other than engine oil and filter) needs done to a RL within the first 30k miles. If you find a good CPO RTL with 30k or less for a good price, that's your truck. You can then know that the recommended fluid maintenance can be done on time at the correct mileage. I'd much rather have a pre-owned RTL that was driven 12-15k miles per year than a "new" RTS that has been sitting for over two years. Non-use is almost as bad as misuse.

I have never speced a sunroof in any cars I have ordered for a few reasons, but most of all in the summer with a bald head, they just dont work.:act006: Personally I am not a big fan of sunroofs i just dont use them. The heated seats and leather would be a nice addition. I have that set up in my wifes Oddy. If I had to pick one, I would pick the leather. I have a 3.5 mile one way commute, so the heated seats are nice, but they just start to get warm by the time I get to the office. Leather always seem a little colder when you sit on them vs cloth first thing in the morning, so i think investing in a remote start would be much cheaper and would give me the desired result. The leather definetly wears better then the cloth, thats for sure.

The other issue is $$. A nice CPO 2012 and above Ridge is about 4k-5k north on avg then the RTS. Im looking to stay right around the 26-27 k mark max.

These are some of the reasons, I am looking at a RTS. I too agree it is the best bang for the buck.

I could start to look at earlier years, but I would like to go with a slightly newer model.

Thanks for taking the time to walk thru different scenarios. Its a big help. Im still looking around, nothings set in stone.

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IanRTL

· #13 · Feb 18, 2015

tbl01 said:
I have never speced a sunroof in any cars I have ordered for a few reasons, but most of all in the summer with a bald head, they just dont work.:act006: Personally I am not a big fan of sunroofs i just dont use them. The heated seats and leather would be a nice addition. I have that set up in my wifes Oddy. If I had to pick one, I would pick the leather. I have a 3.5 mile one way commute, so the heated seats are nice, but they just start to get warm by the time I get to the office. Leather always seem a little colder when you sit on them vs cloth first thing in the morning, so i think investing in a remote start would be much cheaper and would give me the desired result. The leather definetly wears better then the cloth, thats for sure.

The other issue is $$. A nice CPO 2012 and above Ridge is about 4k-5k north on avg then the RTS. Im looking to stay right around the 26-27 k mark max.

These are some of the reasons, I am looking at a RTS. I too agree it is the best bang for the buck.

I could start to look at earlier years, but I would like to go with a slightly newer model.

Thanks for taking the time to walk thru different scenarios. Its a big help. Im still looking around, nothings set in stone.

To each, his own. I, too, only have about 3.5 miles to and from work through my neighborhood to the other side of town. There are several stop signs and lights along the way and I never get above 35mph. Typically takes me anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic and lights. I turn on the seat heaters before I even leave the garage and they're usually at full heat about half-way through my commute. If you do end up with the RTS, I'd just get a good set of heavy seat covers that are machine washable. If you can do without the sunroof, leather and heated seats, the RTS is the right truck for you. If having a backup camera is something you'd want, it was standard on the 2013 models. Just do your homework and find a good truck at a price that suits you.

cccbock

· #14 · Feb 18, 2015

I would love to hear the dealer's explanation for the "new" 2012. It is a little hard to believe. Anyway, I would want to see it and understand all the background. If all of that checks out, and based on your research, I would be tempted to offer them 23k and let them talk me up to 24k max. They need to recoup their investment, but your value will drop like a rock when you drive out. The saving grace is the warranty. Needs to be in writing. Good luck with your search.

tbl01

Discussion Starter · #15 · Feb 21, 2015

Well the dealer called me and let me know they sold the 2012 ridgeline yesterday. I was suppose to go down today. They have another 2012 leftover one, but not a color I prefer.

So back looking again.

IanRTL

· #16 · Feb 23, 2015

tbl01 said:
Well the dealer called me and let me know they sold the 2012 ridgeline yesterday. I was suppose to go down today. They have another 2012 leftover one, but not a color I prefer.

So back looking again.

Did you have an appointment to go see the truck? If you did and they sold it out from under you without notifying you, that's pretty crappy. I know it's first come first served, but a decent dealership would have at least called beforehand. For this dealership to have one leftover new 2012 RL is very strange let alone two. Is the RTL still in play or are you set on an RTS now?

tbl01

Discussion Starter · #17 · Feb 23, 2015

IanRTL said:
Did you have an appointment to go see the truck? If you did and they sold it out from under you without notifying you, that's pretty crappy. I know it's first come first served, but a decent dealership would have at least called beforehand. For this dealership to have one leftover new 2012 RL is very strange let alone two. Is the RTL still in play or are you set on an RTS now?

Actaully, I called and left a message with a salesman to come see the truck Sat, and they called back sat and said the truck was sold, and wanted to see if I was interested in the other one which is silver(not a big fan for silver and white)
I contacted another dealer about a 2013 RTS CPO. They said it was in stock and contacted me the next day and told me it was sold. Intresting to see them moving so fast.
So I have contacted two other dealers one is a leftover 2013 RTS and a 2012 CPO RTL 45k miles, and has new brakes, tires and all the fluids with the exception of the tranny fluid changed. Waiting to hear back..I like the idea of the backup cam you mentioned in the 2013. I am trying to stick to my$$ pricing so for the RTL I have to look at one with more miles. Still on the hunt.
Thanks for following up.

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tbl01

Discussion Starter · #18 · Feb 26, 2015

So I have an appointment Sat to see a 2012 RTL Polished Metal Metalliac, 46k miles(looks like highway miles) leased CPO, new tires and brakes all around, rear diff & tranny fluid flushed, oil, new battery, air/cabin filters replaced , axle seals. Looks like they really went thru the entire truck and spent some money on all the key maintenance items.

The only thing I don't see is what was done during the 2 + years. Ill see if there is any paperwork, dont see any records on the carfax or autocheck.

From the pics it looks clean, bed isn't all beat up, and heavily scratched.
Interior looks clean (armrests, seats) One of the rims looks like its got some road rash, but will really need to see the car in person.

Price $26.5, which is on the lower side for a 12RTL. I really like it at $25.5
The miles are a little higher then I would like, but for someone who does about 5k a year, I dont think its going to matter too much. If the oil was changed on a regular basis, is more important, then the mileage.

I like the color, similar to my 2008.

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IanRTL

· #19 · Feb 26, 2015

That sounds like an awesome option. The PMM color is phenomenal. I think it's one of the best colors that was ever on the RL. The maintenance issue isn't a huge deal with 46k miles as long as the oil was changed regularly. Being that it was a lease, I assume that would have been done. When you say the tranny fluid was flushed, are you able to tell if it was actually flushed with a powered machine or simply drained and filled? Honda transmissions should NEVER be power flushed. Nevertheless, $26,500 is an ok price for what it is. I think you'd be doing REALLY well at $24k and should be happy with $25k.

tbl01

Discussion Starter · #20 · Feb 26, 2015

IanRTL said:
That sounds like an awesome option. The PMM color is phenomenal. I think it's one of the best colors that was ever on the RL. The maintenance issue isn't a huge deal with 46k miles as long as the oil was changed regularly. Being that it was a lease, I assume that would have been done. When you say the tranny fluid was flushed, are you able to tell if it was actually flushed with a powered machine or simply drained and filled? Honda transmissions should NEVER be power flushed. Nevertheless, $26,500 is an ok price for what it is. I think you'd be doing REALLY well at $24k and should be happy with $25k.

I would hope since all the maintenance work was done at the dealer, they would properly flush the tranny fluid.
I like that fact that of the CPO's I have looked most have not performed this amount of maintenance this one has had done recently.

Regarding price most i have seen are in the mid to upper $28k range, a few higher and lower.

At $24k that is down near Auction prices, so I would love to pick up the car at that price, I think with that they have invested some $$ in maintenance, they might not go that low. I think the sweetspot is around $25k. Great advice. Thanks.

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