It happens. Lifestyle preferences change for so many reasons, one can’t count. I was going to trade the ‘22 BE for something else and I was on both sides of the spectrum (sportier <-> off-road).

But as life pulls weird tricks on folks our Tesla became harder to charge, plummeted in value and became an unexpected political target… we gave that up instead. If everything was fine in the EV world for us, I would have traded the truck for something a little more spirited like the S43 AMG, X6, Macan GTS… or the other-side for my work and enjoyment in a different area like the Defender 110 or GX550

Unlike you though, I’m happy with the ‘22 BE. I don’t notice handling dissatisfaction compared to the ‘17. I actually think it’s a better vehicle minus the headlight dimming weakness, and shifting when aggressive. Perfectly great truck. I just don’t need a truck anymore, really (just some ok storage). The few times I rely on an open bed, I can do without it.

Here’s the hard pill to swallow though. Depreciation on whatever I want to transition to is MUCH more impactful than the well holding value of the Ridgeline, and the Ridgeline will only get better in value (slow down in deprecation) as inflation and the cost of new cars skyrocket.

The penalty after 3 to 4 years will be big on anything I want.. So in the end we decided to just take the loss on the Tesla and get something “close” to what we (I) want. I picked up a pristine (and I mean immaculate) ‘17 Porsche Macan S with 26k miles and a 3yr/48k bumper to bumper Porsche warranty for the same cost of selling the ‘23 Tesla. So it’s a lateral move.

That is a lot of personal info to just say, “yes” it happens, tastes change for some people. On this forum you will get more folks likely to have an opinion that they love their choice and will hold on to it until they fall apart… that’s respectable.

Life’s too short to always wonder. Don’t debate long. Good luck and enjoy your choice regardless.

 

Thank you for the thorough and insightful response.

It seems weird asking complete strangers about what I should do with my life, but this is more about potential future regrets about losing the utility of a truck.

My wife has an Audi TTS and the golf r will be a similar driving experience, but with a little bit more utility.

My son might be in the market for a new car in about four years so that might be a perfect time if I regret the change to pass the golf onto him at that time.

I can always buy another truck. And yes, you’re right. Life is too short to have regrets.

 

23 years ago, i went shopping for a Golf. Looked at Accord coupe for competition. The Accord won out for best overall bargain and potential resale value, and I've had Hondas ever since.

It's too bad Honda doesn't over a Civic Si hatchback w/ 6-spd to give you something to cross-shop. Nearest competitor might be Integra S.

 

The golf has awd, 7sp dsg and 328hp. Not much competition out there

 

Friends don't let friends drive VWs.

 

I always kind of wondered about the "Drivers wanted" ad campaign... But after seeing some of the VW "drivers" I understood, they were pleading...

 

The Golf R is it pretty impressive ride, but I personally prefer the GTI. I've driven both and the GTI just feels more fun to me.

With all-wheel drive, the R puts the power down very well. The GTI somehow seems a little harder to control and that translates to fun for me. As I get older, absolute power is not as important to me. It's overall feel.

That said, I think I read that for 2025 neither is available with a manual transmission in the US. That's not for me.

I'm sure you'll have a ton of fun if you go with the R. The VW DSG is outstanding if that's your kind of thing.

 

If you do I hope you're finally one of the "drivers" VW keeps asking for when they say "Drivers wanted". Apparently Volkswagen is finding most of the VW drivers are mediocre at best... or worse.


On your actual topic. If I didn't need the pickup bed I wouldn't have bought one. Not sure what I'd have gotten, but it wouldn't be a truck. Only requirement that way would be the ability to pull around 4000 lb to cover the use of our enclosed trailer and my bike trailer with a couple bikes on it. Probably some SUV. I do like our HR-V, but it would be a whole lot more fun with that 1500cc turbo four cylinder we had in our 2017 Civic.

I did have a Pontiac Vibe GT with the Toyota variable valve timing four and a six speed manual transmission. Looked better than the Toyota of similar design and ran pretty decent.

One other I really did like was the 1989 Plymouth Voyager with the Mitsubishi turbocharged four. Would have been more fun with the manual 5 speed manual. It had seating and the higher position like a pickup, but able to ride 7 or have a wide open rear if the middle and back seat are removed. It was nothing like the current mini-vans produced.

Really a Honda Acty would be kind of fun for screwing around town...

 

The 50th Edition GTI whupped up on the Golf R at Nurburgring.

For Its 50th Birthday, The Golf GTI Beat Volkswagen's Golf R Nürburgring Record - Jalopnik

As usual, someone forgot to tell the GTI that hatchbacks just aren't supposed to be that fast.

www.jalopnik.com

 

The drivers' body sizes are an essential part of the vehicle purchase decision. For my 195# 6' frame most of the sedans and small-midsize SUVs simply do not feel good. I went from GMC Yukon XL to Volvo XC-90 to 24 BE. The Volvo never felt right.

 

Go for it!
My RL shares the driveway with a Corvette. I've always admired the Golf R.
You can get it with a stick!

 

I have had 3 GTI's, absolutely loved them and would get another in heartbeat. I did just get my new to me Chevy Bolt, which is not that different in that it is a pretty quick/fun little hatchback. If there would have been a new electric version of the GTI/Golf, I would have strongly considered that instead.

If you can get by without a truck (or rent one when you need it), I definitely say go for it.

 

I started with a Civic hatchback on my own; wish I would have gotten a GTI at the time, but it was more money. The Civic was a fun car for the 12 years I had it. I transitioned to mid-size sedans (Accord and Camry), then to small crossover (CX-5), then to a Passport, which has been great but also excessive for my lifestyle. I miss the simpler and reasonably fun (at times) small cars. I look forward to the day I get back to one.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

I recently used my RL as a truck after my mother-in-law sold her home and transported a FULL load back home... it was nice to have the ability to do this and like @gti16vman said I can always rent a truck for these uses.

One of my all time favourite cars was my 1989 Swift Gti...

Still need the fun police (aka wife) to give the thumbs up.

to this....

 

What did you decide? I had a 2007 Ridgeline and loved it. I now find myself trying to decide between a new GTI and a new Ridgeline. I am 55 and have always wanted a GTI.

 

2025 Golf R Black Edition https://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/posts/3477405/

 

I had a new 79 Scirocco, then a new 83 GTI. Outstanding cars and waaaaay fun.

 

Everyone deserves a fun vehicle in their later years if they can afford it and can justify it in their mind and that of the spouse. The years go by too quickly to deprive yourself.

 

Couldn't agree more. I'm so glad I made the change. My wife and I often just go for a drive, for no other reason than the drive.

 

I have been thinking of making the same switch. I don’t need a truck anymore and I have a desire for something sporty. I wish Audi would import the S3 hatch as I prefer real switches. I don’t think I can live with all hvac controls buried in the touch screen so I have been in a holding pattern. Have you been able to adapt to the touch screen and menus? Other options are integra type s or a slightly used s4/5, m340.

 

To be honest, i would have preferred more physical controls too but there are enough quick buttons to gain access to the regular needed features, ie climate, drive mode, etc.

I wanted a hatch for the convenience and my wife doesn’t drive a manual.

 

Same here. Prefer hatch and the wife isn’t going to learn how to drive manual. Glad ur happy with purchase

 

I


I have both a RL and a 24 GTI Autobahn - always needing a truck - use the GTI for track days and it’s a great economical trip car!