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Out With Toyota - In With 2014 Honda Sport

5976 Views 29 Replies 16 Participants Last post by  S.T.U.V
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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:


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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!
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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.

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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?
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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...
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.
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?
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Thank you. For me, the big test will be how she handles the snow. Other than that, as long as the Ridge is trouble free and service department does good, she's a keeper for awhile.

Pictures with Romik step boards and Access Roll-Up Tonneau cover.

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Thanks for the comments and input Rob and welcome to the ROC.

I have a very steep public road leading to my driveway. Not going out looking for snow to drive in nor do I need to go and travel during bad weather usually but certainly expect the Ridge to get me home. And yes, the Ridgeline should actually be better than a typical open wheel "4 Wheel Drive" truck. Might test it out in 2 days as a snow storm is heading this way. GRRRR
Welcome to the ROC and thank you. :act030:

The painted pinstripe was added while on the dealer showroom floor. I got the striping included in the price for nothing extra compared to another model without on the lot.
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Paid her off today. :act024: Nice to have a vehicle with around 10K on the odometer and paid for.

To update this thread:

In general, I am still pleased with the Ridgeline though service has been a BIG negative to me. "Truck" has been trouble free. Comfort for ME on longer rides is not the best. Driver side window "rattles" when not fully closed.

Only other mods to date. A Street Guardian SG9665GC Dashcam. Working well. Detailed install can be found here.

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The Ridgeline has fit my needs to date and will probably have for awhile. Time will tell.
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