[Highboy90]

Hello Everyone! :act030:

As a multi previous Toyota PU owner, I recently began looking for another vehicle as my last Toyota Tacoma ('99) was bought back by the manufacturer due to frame rust a little over a year ago.

Naturally, there were times my car simply wasn't cutting it. Especially during the winter months. So, it was time to trade the car in and get another vehicle. All wheel drive? 4-Wheel drive?

For me, it was between a new Tacoma or Ridgeline. I really don't need a "truck" per say as I don't 4-wheel, etc. Like Toyotas very much as I've never had a "bad one" but I'm 6'2" and are tad tall for the Tacoma but still comfortable. The Ridgeline has plenty of room. Of course, each vehicles has it's pros and cons.

Test rode a couple new Tacoma double cab 4x4's and one Honda Ridgeline. Ended up locking in a 2014 Tacoma at a dealer I had done business with in the past. Then, the dealer pissed me off. Long story short, there was a delay due to someone not being up on their e-mails at the dealership and lack of communication between the salesman and myself. Rubbed me the wrong way. So, slightly ticked and... stubborn, I bounced around yesterday looking at a couple other Toyota and Honda dealers to see what was in stock. Well, fast forward... I bought a new 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport yesterday. :act024:

This morning, I sent the Toyota dealership a sweet, polite e-mail stating I would not be following through with the purchase of the Tacoma. E-mailed the same copy to the salesman, the finance guy who was the biggest problem and the company President. Like they care I suppose.

That being said. This is my first Honda. If she is good to me and handles the snow like I've seen in videos online and all, she'll be a keeper unless the next model is much better. But, that's awhile down the road anyways so... wish me good luck!

 

[Wrascal]

If you got them to buy back a 13-14 year old vehicle then they're treating you right. While I too prefer the RL I wouldn't have been so quick to dump them.

 

[northernlights]

But boy oh boy are you gonna like your new ride compared to a "99". Bet you cant wait till the snow flies, well maybe not.

 

[sonik_fury]

I was in the same boat you were a few months ago, Tacoma vs Ridgeline. The room (I'm 6'3") and functionality/versatility is what did it for me. Welcome to the club.

 

[tmy3329]

Congrats on your purchase & Welcome to the ROC! Great color choice!

 

[Highboy90]

If you got them to buy back a 13-14 year old vehicle then they're treating you right. While I too prefer the RL I wouldn't have been so quick to dump them.

Toyota certainly did a great job in regard to frame issues. May go back someday but it wasn't working this time for some reason. Sale was pending for weeks actually.

But boy oh boy are you gonna like your new ride compared to a "99". Bet you cant wait till the snow flies, well maybe not.

Definitely rides nicer. If it doesn't snow at all (unlikely as hell), I'd be happy.

I was in the same boat you were a few months ago, Tacoma vs Ridgeline. The room (I'm 6'3") and functionality/versatility is what did it for me. Welcome to the club.

Even while I was waiting for delivery of the Tacoma, I still found myself researching the Ridgeline. Function and versatility does give the Ridge extra points.

Congrats on your purchase & Welcome to the ROC! Great color choice!

Thank you. Mine does have hand painted striping down the side which gives it a nice touch.

 

[Ian Brantford]

Congrats on your upgrade! Don't waste any mental energy on wondering "what if bought the Tacoma". It's a good truck and the next best choice for a compact half-ton pick-up truck. It's also great for off-roading. However, The Ridgeline is both a capable truck and an all-around lifestyle vehicle. Virtually every time I drive my Ridgeline, I get to enjoy one or more things about it that would be diminished if I were driving a Tacoma. The ride, handling, space, storage options and drive system are just so much better.

One thing that confuses me is why Toyota has a full-time 4WD option for the 4Runner, but not the Tacoma. I used to own a 4Runner with part-time 4WD and, while it's modestly entertaining to manually engage it at intersections in winter, it gets old to have to do that in varying conditions when you can't just leave it in 4WD (plus, there's understeer). Then there is the need to anticipate slippery conditions by sight when the real requirement is to do it by feel, because some bad patches are invisible. The Ridgeline's drive system makes these issues disappear.

The contrast was easy to see for me because I switched to the Ridgeline while there was already snow on the ground. What a difference! It's much, much more confidence inspiring. Actually, my biggest issue when starting to drive the Ridgeline was controlling my speed, because of the far superior handling and traction. It's less a matter of overconfidence than simply not being aware that you could be going that fast in conditions that bumps and roll would scare you into slowing down in a traditional RWD, solid-axle vehicle.

Enjoy!

 

[im-ocd]

Nice, the color and those wheels are sharp.

I loathe the new vehicle buying experience.
My Ridgeline purchase was relatively painless; from the time I arrived until I was done & ready to go was an hour (I called in advance of setting foot on the lot, negotiated an "out the door price" and gave info needed for finance). The experience was free of BS and would have been about as good as it gets if I had firmly rejected the salesman showing me the features of the vehicle. I would have much preferred to just go look at my new ride in peace.

 

[Major Tom]

Nice looking sport. I too have the sitting height problem. Honda has been my choice for years now. On Honda number 5, solid vehicle, that will go for years if maintained.

 

[Highboy90]

The contrast was easy to see for me because I switched to the Ridgeline while there was already snow on the ground. What a difference! It's much, much more confidence inspiring. Actually, my biggest issue when starting to drive the Ridgeline was controlling my speed, because of the far superior handling and traction.

While I hate snow, I do live on a huge hill with a long driveway and how the Ridge handles snow will tell me lots as to whether I made a mistake or not. Expecting to experience what you describe Ian.

I loathe the new vehicle buying experience.
My Ridgeline purchase was relatively painless;

The Honda buying experience was okay except for the Finance guy and a Honda Care add-on. Kept telling me it would be "free" and part of a finance through Honda "special" and other B.S. statements. I was tired and knew I could cancel (probably with lots of hassle) so signed and drove away. Finally got to double check the numbers and I got robbed! I feel like an ass today. Texted the sales guy this morning to get the extension number for Mr. "Free" and will be asking to cancel the Honda Care plan and buy one elsewhere.

Nice looking sport. I too have the sitting height problem. Honda has been my choice for years now. On Honda number 5, solid vehicle, that will go for years if maintained.

The Ridge certainly has more room. I like that. Only have about 60 miles on her so reserving reviews or anything for a tad. Overall, good so far.

One thing that is bothering me and I saw it with some Toyota Tacoma's also was the paint. See different shades between the front and rear doors. More noticeable in pictures. Why is this?

 

[coolbob]

Congrats on your RL and Welcome to the ROC!

Ridgeline is definitely one-of-a-kind, and for some people it's a good thing, for others the uniqueness is a deal breaker. I've never been a fan of the 'high floor, low seat height' design of the Tacoma. when it was introduced, the Toyota T100 looked tempting to me, but over the years it grew into a full-size truck and I don't need or want a full-size truck. Hope there is a next generation Ridgeline and I hope it's awesome.

 

[Highboy90]

Congrats on your RL and Welcome to the ROC!

<SNIP>

Hope there is a next generation Ridgeline and I hope it's awesome.

Thank you Bob. If Gen II is better and this one treats me well, an upgrade may be just what the doctor ordered. Did find the Ridgeline makes milk runs easier...

 

[Highboy90]

Quoting myself...

The Honda buying experience was okay except for the Finance guy and a Honda Care add-on. Kept telling me it would be "free" and part of a finance through Honda "special" and other B.S. statements. I was tired and knew I could cancel (probably with lots of hassle) so signed and drove away. Finally got to double check the numbers and I got robbed! I feel like an ass today. Texted the sales guy this morning to get the extension number for Mr. "Free" and will be asking to cancel the Honda Care plan and buy one elsewhere.

Went back to the dealer today and met with the finance guy/manager. All of a sudden, "Free" (C78 plan 84/70 - custom plan I guess) became $900 but some fuzzy math on his part told me or should I say tried to tell me they saved me $1,600 yet on the paperwork, $2,535 plus tax was added to the cost of the vehicle and the interest rate was still 4.70% (very good credit) so no deal there.

Anyway, I told him to cancel the plan (we filled out form) and said I would probably get Honda Care elsewhere. He replied "the vehicle would be considered used so I don't know..." Now all of a sudden, he didn't know?

I don't trust him and think I made the right decision. When the dust settles in a few weeks, I'll spend the extra $100 plus cost and get Honda Care elsewhere with NO deductible unlike the plan I was offered this time around.

 

[AG87BlkLX]

Thank you Bob. If Gen II is better and this one treats me well, an upgrade may be just what the doctor ordered. Did find the Ridgeline makes milk runs easier...

I've done that multiple times.

 

[northernlights]

Good God pics like that are what the other truck web sites look for and put this truck in the ***** category.:act029:

 

[AG87BlkLX]

It's already there and it will take a miracle to ever change the publics opinion. The RL will forever be deamed a Minivan with a bed.

 

[im-ocd]

The RL will forever be deamed a Minivan with a bed.

The uninformed or envious would say that.

 

[Dnick]

Anyone here not comfortable with their manhood???

 

[carlson03]

Great looking truck! I am surprised Toyota bought back your old PU....wish Mercedes would buy back my SUV for rust issues...ugh....been close to a month now with your new ride, how do you like it so far?
I used to have a 94 Toyota 4runner that was fun to drive (underpowered yes), but felt rugged, and never had any issues, so that would be tough going from a personal reliable brand to another brand. I have had a Honda for years and can say, my accord has been great, and was a reason why I dumped my wife's Pontiac for the Ridge.
I have a fun dealer story from two years ago...wife and I were going to trade her car in, long story short, they were off on their numbers by a lot....truck was $27k, we were getting $10k on trade in and they said financing would be $31k....they couldn't explain where the extra money was, guy kept saying tax, I called him a liar. Needless to say, we bought our new Ridgeline from another dealer, they were honest and made it simple to buy.

 

[Highboy90]

Update: Honda Care (C78) was canceled and finally applied to loan balance to the tune of about $2737 with taxes. Called Saccucci Honda and repurchased for $890. Same coverage with NO deductible (D78).

When are some of these dealers going to learn?