It's up to you in the end, but I bought an 06 recently for a little over 8k after all was said and done. The interior and exterior had serious wear and damage but the engine and mechanical parts were almost pristine, and I love everything about this truck, my budget was similar to yours and I was replacing a colorado.

The Ridgeline is the best truck for that budget and I would fight someone over that statement

I would take my old RL over a brand new midsize from any other company

 

What is your timeline on getting the truck?

Personally, I would pass and hold out for a higher trim in the same price range. Although if you're on a tighter timeline or just want to jump the gun, it's probably a good-ish deal, considering the used car marker IS insane. I remember looking at first gen trucks (2006 thru 2008) with over 130k miles being closer to 10k or more at any dealership.

In November 2020, I was able to buy a private party 2007 RTL with 135k miles for $7,300. It was in good/ fair condition, originally priced at $9,600 but after the pre-purchase inspection, we were able to haggle down to $7,300 since it would need all the repairs and maintenance listed below (at the time, not including the condensor).

I have had to put a few thousand in for maintenance such as all fluids, timing belt, water pump, new tires, etc. Unrelated to routine maintenance, I had to replace 2 door lock actuators and the rear seat pulley guides and as of today, looking at replacing the AC condenser.

I like that my RTL has a sunroof and heated seats that are grey cloth (with black exterior).. I live in Texas but it's still a nice feature. Imagine, you're only going to buy the truck once! Although if you're on a tighter timeline or just want to jump the gun, it's probably a good-ish deal, considering the used car marker IS insane.

My other car is a 2006 scion xb, so this truck is like... a major upgrade from my daily driver with musty cloth seats.

 

What is your timeline on getting the truck?

Personally, I would pass and hold out for a higher trim in the same price range. Although if you're on a tighter timeline or just want to jump the gun, it's probably a good-ish deal, considering the used car marker IS insane. I remember looking at first gen trucks (2006 thru 2008) with over 130k miles being closer to 10k or more at any dealership.

In November 2020, I was able to buy a private party 2007 RTL with 135k miles for $7,300. It was in good/ fair condition, originally priced at $9,600 but after the pre-purchase inspection, we were able to haggle down to $7,300 since it would need all the repairs and maintenance listed below (at the time, not including the condensor).

I have had to put a few thousand in for maintenance such as all fluids, timing belt, water pump, new tires, etc. Unrelated to routine maintenance, I had to replace 2 door lock actuators and the rear seat pulley guides and as of today, looking at replacing the AC condenser.

I like that my RTL has a sunroof and heated seats that are grey cloth (with black exterior).. I live in Texas but it's still a nice feature. Imagine, you're only going to buy the truck once! Although if you're on a tighter timeline or just want to jump the gun, it's probably a good-ish deal, considering the used car marker IS insane.

My other car is a 2006 scion xb, so this truck is like... a major upgrade from my daily driver with musty cloth seats.

I totally get that last part, my RL is a base trim like most vehicles I buy and it's a huge upgrade from my '00 mustang which was the last vehicle I drove before I switched to a truck

 

Looks like a great deal to me with only 105000 miles. I have an 06 RTL that I have had for 14 years and still love it. It has 200000 miles on it and runs l great. Of course it has been maintained according to Honda's specs. I like it so much I decided to order a 2022 RTL E which I am waiting on to get here. I would not hesitate to buy that Ridgeline and think you will be well pleased.

 

Fair price based on cars.com search of Ridgelines with a max price of $10,000. Will seller let you take it to a trusted mechanic to check it out? That might make you feel better and make sure you're not getting a problem truck with accident damage or another major problem.

 

Look for newer

 

I would buy it. Talk her down to 9,500 cause you'll need to change the radiator (search "strawberry milkshake of death). From the looks of the bed, it has not seen serious work.

 

Seems like a reasonable deal. Six months ago, I bought a well-maintained one-owner 2008 RTS w/180,000 miles for $8,600 and feel like I got a great deal. Couldn't negotiate much since the dealer had taken it in just the day before! The market for Ridgelines in this region is really tight and most are in bad shape. In the end, it's worth what it's worth to you.

In addition to all the above advice, it appears that you will have have to also add the tow package, a receiver/hitch, and a brake controller IF you plan to tow.

That said, inquiring minds want to know ... did you buy it?

 

I'm in almost the same boat, just got mine more recently, the poster literally just posted this thread and never replied