Ready to purchase an RTL-E. Used '21 or new '23 or wait for '24

1013 Views 19 Replies 11 Participants Last post by HQN1693, 7 d ago

HQN1693

Discussion Starter · 14 d ago

I've been waiting for about a year for a Ridgeline RTL-E. I normally buy used, but the price difference between new and used seemed worth the difference. I live in the Mid-Atlantic area and am willing to drive up to 200 miles to purchase the vehicle. Used '21 I'm seeing ~$38K with an outlier asking $34K (reasonable mileage). New, I'm seeing dealers asking $42,500 (~$4K off MSRP) with one outlier asking $40,500, but very far away. Not sure if there are "dealer installed" options or other tricks.

I do believe that the '24 will have all the changes of the '23 Pilot, but getting one would probably mean paying at or above MSRP which might go up too. I don't think the '23 Pilot updates are game-changers. Not sure about the change from the 9 sp tranny vs the 10 sp tranny.

So here's the question used '21 or new '23 below MSRP or wait for '24 at or above MSRP? I think if I can get that outlier used '21 for $34K, I'm going with that. If I can get a new '23 for $44K out the door, I'm probably going with that. My current car is still reliable with no issues.

What are your thoughts? TIA

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MIke Mercury

· #2 · 14 d ago

there are 3-4 new RTL's in my area, but no RTL-E.

I'm waiting for the 2024, but mainly because I don't normally purchase a new vehicle in the same model year.

Gohogs

· #3 · 14 d ago

I was just offered $34081 for my 21 RTL-E by Carvana. It has 30k miles, is in pristine condition, and has a hard bed cover. I’m not really trying to sell mine but was just curious. Thought this might help give you a point of reference if you decide to go the used ‘21 route.

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longball2go

· #4 · 14 d ago (Edited)

Wait...If redesign comes out used older Gen fall in price. If they keep the same design you can decide how far back to buy. I purchased a 2017 and generally speaking people don't know if it is 1 year or 6 years young.

Wait and see at this point...

MIke Mercury

· #5 · 14 d ago (Edited)

longball2go said:
Wait...If redesign comes out used older Gen fall in price. If they keep the same design you can decide how far back to buy. I purchased a 2017 and generally speaking people dont know if it 1 year or 6 years young.

that's a benefit of jumping on the first year of a redesign.

But buying the last year before a redesign can be beneficial as well... if the newer one is not popular.

I believe the consensus right now is a "freshining" of the Ridgeline for 2024... but not a total redesign.
The test mules have the very front and rear covered... but not the middle part. Some speculate that the 2024 will get the Pilots newer front facia and the rear tailights.

If it were a total redesign, you would think they would of camo'd the entire vehicle; and if the front and rear weren't being refreshened there would be no reason to camo any of it (unless they are playing with us) 😀

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22RTLE

· #6 · 14 d ago

I'd wait for a 24 just to see if they upgrade Honda Safety Sense. SS and radar cruise in the Gen 2 are really poorly implemented. Also IMO the 9 speed is no peach to live with either so the 10 speed should be a nice upgrade ( if it makes it in the 24).

Good luck!

Reactions: 2

HQN1693

Discussion Starter · #7 · 14 d ago

22RTLE said:
I'd wait for a 24 just to see if they upgrade Honda Safety Sense. SS and radar cruise in the Gen 2 are really poorly implemented. Also IMO the 9 speed is no peach to live with either so the 10 speed should be a nice upgrade ( if it makes it in the 24).

Good luck!

Thanks for the note on the Honda Safety Sense. Adaptive Cruise is important to me. I use it in my current car whenever I'm on the highway. It works all the way to a stop which I think the Honda system does not.

The only other new item I might wait for is the updated IP and Infotainment system, but the '21 should have Android Auto which is what's important to me.

Regarding the tranny, I'm more concerned about reliability and durability. I think the 10 sp has been used for years in other Hondas and have a good reputation.

The current exterior styling is fine and the new one on the Pilot doesn't blow me away.

I normally keep my car for 4-5 yrs thought I've had my current car for 7 so short-term depreciation is not a big concern. As I mentioned, it's still reliable and doesn't have any issues looming, but it's a sedan and I want the utility of a truck. My 16 yr old son is chomping at the bit to get it as a hand-me-down.

bluegrass

· #8 · 14 d ago

HQN1693 said:
So here's the question used '21 or new '23 below MSRP or wait for '24 at or above MSRP? I think if I can get that outlier used '21 for $34K, I'm going with that. If I can get a new '23 for $44K out the door, I'm probably going with that.
What are your thoughts? TIA

This is a no-brainer...buy a highly discounted NEW 2023 model.

Buying slightly used Hondas/Toyotas almost never makes financial sense.
Paying a big premium for a (likely) slightly refreshed 2024 model is also a poor value.

Reactions: 4

Drsojo

· #9 · 13 d ago

I'd be all over the '23's with the big discounts, if you can find a deal you like.
We're in North Florida and it took 400 miles to find the deal and color we liked. I wouldn't limit myself to 200 miles.

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TXLutzy

· #10 · 12 d ago

We are kindred spirits. I watch this space "every day".

If I had to bet, I'd bet on a 2024 freshening vs. G3 but - I'm not using the test mule pics to drive that decision. While the test mule was only camo'd on the front and rear....the G3 changes would be largely invisible on the rest of the body anyway:

- new platform, conforming to 2023 pilot (you wouldn't be able to tell this from a picture)
- new J35 engine from the 2023 pilot, also invisible from the picture
- new 10spd transmission - ditto on invisible
- new infotainment, well - this we could see....but, the pics haven't shown any interior views that I have seen.

Also - the test mule was probably not the "trail package".

My disappointed position on "refresh" is largely because Honda seems to be ignoring this segment....despite it being the most popular segment overall AND the most profitable.

If I was on the board of directors, I'd be asking serious questions about the direction.

"Why is the most popular vehicle segment (trucks) and the most profitable at all other companies just an after-thought here?"

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HQN1693

Discussion Starter · #11 · 12 d ago

TXLutzy said:
We are kindred spirits. I watch this space "every day".

If I had to bet, I'd bet on a 2024 freshening vs. G3 but - I'm not using the test mule pics to drive that decision. While the test mule was only camo'd on the front and rear....the G3 changes would be largely invisible on the rest of the body anyway:

new platform, conforming to 2023 pilot (you wouldn't be able to tell this from a picture)

new J35 engine from the 2023 pilot, also invisible from the picture

new 10spd transmission - ditto on invisible

new infotainment, well - this we could see....but, the pics haven't shown any interior views that I have seen.

Also - the test mule was probably not the "trail package".

My disappointed position on "refresh" is largely because Honda seems to be ignoring this segment....despite it being the most popular segment overall AND the most profitable.

If I was on the board of directors, I'd be asking serious questions about the direction.

"Why is the most popular vehicle segment (trucks) and the most profitable at all other companies just an after-thought here?"

yeah, it seems like the consensus on this forum is '24 RL is only going to be a refresh and the arguments for that are reasonable. It also seems a little late in the calendar without hearing anything about a significant '24 introduction.

Right now I'm leaning on a '23 RTL-E. I like the '23 Pilot's Trail Sport package, but I can replicate that with the aftermarket. I'll report back once I actually make a purchase in a month or so. Thanks for all the input.

Vinny in ATX

· #12 · 11 d ago

I just went through the exact same thought process, and realized that the resale value is so high on the trucks you might as well go new. With the current discounts and market, you can snag a great deal if you shop around just a little. But note that every dealer advertised price of say $4k off MSRP is likely going to have $1K to $2K in mandatory add-ons. Still some great deals though. And you are getting a fresh full warranty, plus you reduce the risk of inheriting someone else's problems with a used vehicle. I usually buy used, but not this time!

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MIke Mercury

· #13 · 10 d ago

my local dealer expects the 2024 RL to show on his APEz order allotment sheet - either the mid of June or July. Possibly take delivery late August or Sept.

Of course these preditcions were made using a

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Drsojo

· #14 · 10 d ago (Edited)

CarGurus showing 1635 '23 rtle available nationwide.

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FTM1

· #15 · 10 d ago

HQN1693 said:
yeah, it seems like the consensus on this forum is '24 RL is only going to be a refresh and the arguments for that are reasonable. It also seems a little late in the calendar without hearing anything about a significant '24 introduction.

Right now I'm leaning on a '23 RTL-E. I like the '23 Pilot's Trail Sport package, but I can replicate that with the aftermarket. I'll report back once I actually make a purchase in a month or so. Thanks for all the input.

Can't replicate the newer version of IVTM4 or Trail Driving mode.

FTM1

· #16 · 10 d ago

I myself will wait for 2024 and hope Ridgeline is redesign soon. It will be top model for me.
So RTL-E trim not Black Edition.
I would prefer the brown seats offered on the Pilot Elite.
I have Ebony seats in my 2000 Acura 3.2 TL
I had Dark Gray color seats in my 1994 Accord.
The 2007 Ridgeline is vehicle in family.
I purchased Wet Okole Beige seat covers with Black trim for it. If It was my exclusive driving vehicle. I would have not covered seats.

MIke Mercury

· #17 · 9 d ago

here is the latest 2024 Ridgeline "guess" video on YT; was just uploaded today:

thingspure

· #18 · 9 d ago

Oh

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TXLutzy

· #19 · 9 d ago

those things are likely in a G3 Ridgeline....most of the bets here are on a G2 refresh.

HQN1693

Discussion Starter · #20 · 7 d ago

FTM1 said:
Can't replicate the newer version of IVTM4 or Trail Driving mode.

True, but the current IVTM4 seems very capable. I don't have any plans on doing any rock climbing. Maybe some overlanding on maintained trails. Gotta watch those videos again on the difference with Trail Mode.

The main reason for getting the RL is to stop borrowing my buddy's Ram 1500 to haul mulch and rocks to my house and stop using my wife's SUV when I go kayaking.

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