Should I upgrade

4072 Views 70 Replies 37 Participants Last post by eatcpa, 5 d ago

2020 Ridgeline BE

Discussion Starter · 21 d ago

I have a 2020 BE with pretty low mileage (approx 25K miles). Have recently been thinking of possibly upgrading. I know the 24 is supposed to have some interesting updates but those will probably come at a $$ cost. So Just thought I would see what others might do. Would you wait and spend the extra on a 24? It looks like infotainment might be upgraded and as that is my biggest (and pretty much only) gripe with my 20 BE. I also like the look of the 2021 and beyond better as well though. Or would you get what would probably be a sweet deal on a 23? I am sure they will be offering pretty good deals as that is how I got a good deal on my 20 as they 21's were starting to roll out soon after I bought it. Or would you go for the new Colorado which has a far superior infotainment and looks like a really nice truck? I actually had a 2018 Canyon before the Ridgeline and it was a pretty nice truck actually. Or would you do what is probably the smartest thing economically and just keep the 2020BE?

Just curious what others may think. Truth be told I will probably just keep the 2020BE but was just curious to see others opinions on the subject.

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Jelly donut

· #2 · 21 d ago

Seem like trivial concerns to change vehicles, but it's your money.

A 2023 Ridgeline hardly seems like much of an upgrade to me. Maybe the 2024 will be but I doubt the changes are going to be anywhere as significant as some folks expect.

If you primarily use your Ridgeline as a car (as most of us probably do) you may find the Colorado a little harder to live with in terms of comfort. If you really like to do truck things it could be a good choice.

If it were me, I'd keep what I have. You do you.

Reactions: 5

2020 Ridgeline BE

Discussion Starter · #3 · 21 d ago

Jelly donut said:
Seem like trivial concerns to change vehicles, but it's your money.

I tend to agree here. Truth be told that is probably what I will end up doing. Just with the Warranty expiring and all I was just something I had thought about.

Jelly donut said:
A 2023 Ridgeline hardly seems like much of an upgrade to me.

That thought also was in my mind. Really just cosmetic changes there. Although the wiper heater is something I would really love to have. Other than that the exterior look and a volume knob seem to be the only differences.

Thanks for the input.

Also I meant to ask in original post is there anything that the 2020 version is better at than the 2021 forward refresh versions? Again, just curious.

jbear555

· #4 · 21 d ago

I buy a vehicle when I need a vehicle (as in...it's worn out)...not to chase features. I think doing that is is wasteful on many levels. That's just my opinion of course.

Reactions: 5

bluegrass

· #5 · 21 d ago

2020 Ridgeline BE said:
I have a 2020 BE with pretty low mileage (approx 25K miles).
Just thought I would see what others might do. Would you wait and spend the extra on a 24? Or would you get what would probably be a sweet deal on a 23? I actually had a 2018 Canyon before the Ridgeline. Or would you do what is probably the smartest thing economically and just keep the 2020BE?
Just curious what others may think. Truth be told I will probably just keep the 2020BE but was just curious to see others opinions on the subject.

You are asking for opinions, so here is mine...
Stop buying brand new vehicles every few years. It is a huge financial waste and you are flushing tons of money down the drain.
Drive your current truck for 7+ more years before thinking about another vehicle. Get off the bandwagon of constantly needing to churn through a depreciating asset every few years.

Of course, if you are financially independent and have nothing better to spend your money on, then feel free to buy whatever you want.

Reactions: 5

wjfyfe

· #6 · 21 d ago (Edited)

I guess it would depend on your personal definition of what an "upgrade" is, would it not? For example, our 2019 RTL fits our needs pretty well, and even though it would be considered "plain jane" to some, the additional bells & whistles that would come with a newer model hold no interest for us, so what you may consider to be an "upgrade", would simply mean wasted expense to us.

Catch my meaning?

Bill

Reactions: 1

2020 Ridgeline BE

Discussion Starter · #7 · 21 d ago

jbear555 said:
I buy a vehicle when I need a vehicle (as in...it's worn out)...not to chase features. I think doing that is is wasteful on many levels. That's just my opinion of course.

I tend to agree with this usually, and with most things I am as frugal as they come. For some reason vehicles seem to be the kryptonite to my frugality, lol.

bluegrass said:
You are asking for opinions, so here is mine...
Stop buying brand new vehicles every few years. It is a huge financial waste and you are flushing tons of money down the drain.
Drive your current truck for 7+ more years before thinking about another vehicle. Get off the bandwagon of constantly needing to churn through a depreciating asset every few years.

Of course, if you are financially independent and have nothing better to spend your money on, then feel free to buy whatever you want.

Yep, I am definitely looking for opinions and appreciate them all. You are of course right especially when you add in things that even go beyond the depreciation things like registration and insurance costs make the financial aspect look even worse. I am most likely going to keep it as small things aside (infotainment system), It has been a great truck and the financial side is hard to argue with.

I was also just thinking with retirement approaching within the next couple years would I be better to buy my possibly last vehicle before then with a really large trade in rather then wait until a few years into retirement where who knows what they might cost then. But the responses so far on here, (along with my aforementioned frugality) have me thinking that getting more run time out of this one might be the way to go.

Thank you both for your thoughts.

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2020 Ridgeline BE

Discussion Starter · #8 · 21 d ago

wjfyfe said:
I guess it would depend on your personal definition of what an "upgrade" is, would it not? For example, our 2019 RTL fits our needs pretty well, and even though it would be considered "plain jane" to some, the additional bells & whistles that would come with a newer model hold no interest for us, so any of these we would not consider to be "upgrades." Catch my meaning?

I do see what you are saying. Very valid point.

trainman605

· #9 · 21 d ago

My situation is similar to yours, I've owned two Ridgelines in the past, a 2008 (sold at 52,000 miles) and a 2017 (sold at 15,000 miles). I did sell the 2017 to pull a travel trailer as the Ridgeline was under rated, so I purchased a new RAM to tow the trailer, now we have sold the trailer and thinking about going back to a Ridgeline. My problem is the RAM has 25,000 miles on it and it is a perfect vehicle so far without ever having any problems, this makes it hard to let it go, just to go back to a Ridgeline at this time. My thought is to stay with the RAM until the Ridgeline makes a change in their body style and other mechanical options. All being said, it's not about the money, it just about what I want and buying a new Ridgeline, or even a new RAM is for me just buying the same vehicles that I have already have again, so until the vehicles make a body change I might as well stick with what I now have and change when the vehicles have new redesigned format.

Reactions: 3

14v6

· #10 · 21 d ago

Not enough given info right now to make an informed decision.

You can go test the Colorado so that will be a piece of the puzzle. I'd guess that the build quality and Colorado price will only get better as time goes on. Colorado's are taking forever to get to dealerships. I'd check out the Canyon too, it's better equipped out of the box and since you are a BE owner, looks like you want all the goodies.

Not confirmed what the updated RL will be like or when it will be released. It would likely have the current Pilot bits with price creep. Maybe test drive a Pilot to make sure there's nothing you don't like.

Then there's the trade in value of the Black Edition which could force a move.

I couldn't see trading in your BE for the same truck in 2023 form. Would you want to look at the same dash for almost a decade.

Good luck with your decision.

Reactions: 1

Hatman1793

· #11 · 21 d ago

I am in a similar position. It seems that 1-3 years old RL with appropriate mileage still retains higher trade values than similar year domestic trucks. Going into to year 4 is where you get hurt on trade in value. Plus, if you didn’t buy the outrageously expensive purportedly extended warranty, three (3) years & 60K later, your warranty is toast.
There has been much bluster about new upgrades for the 2024 model year, frankly, I’m afraid of engine & transmission changes. Why f*uck with a bulletproof powertrain? I looked at a 2023 BE with the HPD package recently…….a different grill, fender extensions & some minor badging was $2500.00 over & above the BE additional cost. Not worth it, the dealer wouldn’t budge on negotiating the price either. And we all know the Honda will add at least $2500.00 more For the 2024 model.
The new Colorado maintains its cramped interior, be prepared to rub elbows every time with your passenger. Cramped cabins are the norm for Ford too. From what I’ve seen about the 2.7L turbo 4 cylinder, with its engine management system (it can run on 2 cylinders) different HP levels means different cams, and Chev/Ram/Ford’s continued use of so many different packages & add-ons, I’m not impressed. With Toyota building the Tacoma in Mexico with indigenous sourced parts, Taco quality control appears dubious.
With your low mileage 2020, a 2023 upgrade won’t hurt that much, you get a new warranty, tried & proven versatile vehicle that is still the BEST mid-size truck in the market.

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Nervey

· #12 · 20 d ago (Edited)

Spring brings the fever of wanting change. If your warranty holds out with a little buffer to trade for a 24, that sounds like a good plan. If your warranty expiration is earlier, consider your other two choices. I'm wanting to test the Colorado/Canyon myself. I just want to see how well others are doing too. I gave up on waiting for the Bronco, so I'm itching for something else, still (something with a working charge pad, decent cup holders and radio/phone on after shut off). Those three things just eat at me and I hate feeling like the manufacturer just doesn't care. But, still a decent truck, so I'm waiting for something that checks all boxes (again).

It's your garage, your toys. If it buys you pleasure or happiness (frequent trades for me do, it's just fun), have at it. Plus, I love being the person that doesn't agree with the majority.

Reactions: 5

samythebull

· #13 · 20 d ago

2020 Ridgeline BE said:
I have a 2020 BE with pretty low mileage (approx 25K miles). Have recently been thinking of possibly upgrading. I know the 24 is supposed to have some interesting updates but those will probably come at a $$ cost. So Just thought I would see what others might do. Would you wait and spend the extra on a 24? It looks like infotainment might be upgraded and as that is my biggest (and pretty much only) gripe with my 20 BE. I also like the look of the 2021 and beyond better as well though. Or would you get what would probably be a sweet deal on a 23? I am sure they will be offering pretty good deals as that is how I got a good deal on my 20 as they 21's were starting to roll out soon after I bought it. Or would you go for the new Colorado which has a far superior infotainment and looks like a really nice truck? I actually had a 2018 Canyon before the Ridgeline and it was a pretty nice truck actually. Or would you do what is probably the smartest thing economically and just keep the 2020BE?

Just curious what others may think. Truth be told I will probably just keep the 2020BE but was just curious to see others opinions on the subject.

If you can financially do it go for it.

Reactions: 1

TXLutzy

· #14 · 20 d ago

There is an economics term I learned in school (many moons ago) - called "Utils".

Wise spending varies by person - but, a rule of thumb that can be applied to the general population is to spend where you receive the most "utils". (After basic necessities, of course)

A "util" is a fictional measurement of pleasure/value that is unique to a person.

As @wjfyfe notes above s/he would receive ZERO enjoyment from some of the new bells and whistles.

Another person (you?) may get a ton of enjoyment out of something small and seemingly meaningless to others.

So - "util" is custom to you.

All that is to say - it's impossible to know if trading in is worth it to you. But, you can challenge yourself by trying to monetize the enjoyment you may get from something new or "peace of mind knowing your vehicle cost is fixed because you're under warranty".

A couple of side editorial comments:

A 1980 Car vs. a 1990 Car. It used to be that so little changed in vehicles that keeping your cars a long time made financial sense. In the decade that was 1981 - 1990, very little changed in cars. Sure, there were radio improvements...maybe you got a CD player instead of the cassette...but, generally speaking updates were limited.

Today, there are step changes in vehicles every few years (Taco/4Runner aside) and the repairs are more predictable. No matter how good Honda is....they still rely on circuit boards that have a limited lifespan. The more circuit boards, the more likely for a repair that is costly. (You will see BMW has made a step change in reliability according to 2023 Consumer Reports, BUT, BUT BUT.....it is the lower trim versions that have improved reliability)

I still think it's most fiscally sound to buy a proven platform and drive it for as long as possible...but, it's getting more and more expensive to keep cars on the road.

Those of us cheering the naturally aspirated V6 probably have a limited number of years ahead of us before everything is turbo and smaller displacement.

I'm interested in what you choose to do.

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SEW

· #15 · 20 d ago

My thoughts. Efficiency is an important factor in my life. In 1993, Dodge came out with their newer design; and though it likely had no more aerodynamic drag than the boxy shape of <‘93, it looked to me like a wanna be Peterbilt truck. And from then on, pickups seemed to ignore aerodynamics. The ‘21 -‘23 RLs look boxier than the ‘17-‘20s. To me, the choice RL, so far, is the ‘20 (and I have a ‘22).

At age 76, I can reflect on things I would change if I could. Even though I’ve kept my vehicles an average of 6-7 years, have done all my own maintenance , I wish I’d spent less on vehicles and kept my perfectly maintained much longer. I let my “wants“ get ahead of my “needs”. Though I’m comfortably retired, I’d have a lot more money if I had lived more frugally.

Reactions: 2

toyotamotorhome

· #16 · 20 d ago

Save your money especially if its fully paid for. Nothing better than driving a vehicle thats been fully paid, but that's just me.

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Drsojo

· #17 · 20 d ago

Life is short, maybe shorter than you anticipate. Trade for whichever makes you happy 😊

Reactions: 4

IMRIDGELINE

· #18 · 20 d ago

Drsojo said:
Life is short, maybe shorter than you anticipate. Trade for whichever makes you happy 😊

THIS (look up)

That said, I would definitely at least wait to see what the 2024 offers. Heck is I’ve got a 2023 and I’m actually looking forward to see the 2024, maybe they’ll have a wireless charger that works, imagine that! HAHA

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MJE

· #19 · 20 d ago

My plan is to wait & see what the 2024 offers, that’s after all a matter of mere months away now. I plan to compare the Canyon (and Ranger for that matter) as well. While I’m not familiar with year on year differences (beyond the front end), for me one to the same wouldn’t be enough of an upgrade. The new GM entries do look awesome though & would definitely be worth checking out if you enjoyed your last one.

Reactions: 2

Funks

· #20 · 20 d ago

As long as you can properly afford it and not going into debt, why not? Money is useless after death.

Lots of midsize trucks you can try out in a couple of months, the GM twins of course, the new Ranger, the new Tacoma, and maybe even a new Ridgeline. There's the Nissan Frontier as well.

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