Should I upgrade

4031 Views 70 Replies 37 Participants Last post by eatcpa, 4 d ago

2020 Ridgeline BE

Discussion Starter · 20 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.

21 - 40 of 71 Posts

jobblyRL

· #21 · 19 d ago

Money aside, I'd at least wait to see what 2024 has to bring. If it's major interior upgrades then I'd opt for that. If not I'd buy a cheaper 23. RL is the only mid size truck I'd consider due to interior size.

Reactions: 1

jbear555

· #22 · 19 d ago

Or...life is short...but the planet will continue on (for a while) with your grandkids and theirs ect...maybe take a less wasteful approach. It's just a thought...and now...I will duck and cover

.

Reactions: 1

bluegrass

· #23 · 18 d ago

SEW said:
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.

This is good advice.

Many here are apparently part of the YOLO crowd, with the attention span of a gnat, and are advocating for buying something new.
But the OP already has a newer vehicle (only 25K miles) and is considering spending $10K+ for a nearly identical version of the same truck.

If he is paying cash for the truck, has a large pile of money saved/invested, and has nothing better to do with these funds, then go right ahead and "upgrade".
If not, then there are certainly better uses for the $10K+ you'd waste on this transaction.

Reactions: 3

ferrari1898

· #24 · 18 d ago

Between the 2020 and 2023 I do not see a huge difference aside from the front end facelift. 2019 to 2023 is a different story with at least getting a more reliable transmission out of the deal.

Waiting for a 2024 will (hopefully) bring a better infotainment system and maybe even wireless phone chargers that work?! Personally, have no interest in losing the ZF 9 speed for a Honda built 10 speed, seeing their challenges with the 6 speed. I am waiting to see what improvements come with the 2024 but expect to be disappointed.

There is a new Chevy and Toyota are getting upgraded if you want a "real" truck. I would argue their ride will not be half as good as the Honda. Hyundai's Santa Cruz in my view is a great "not real" truck if you can live with something a little smaller and do not tow much.

While Honda's model year upgrades on the Ridgeline are disappointing, they do have the benefit of little direct competition.

Reactions: 3

ToyTruck

· #25 · 18 d ago

I upgraded from a 2020 to a 2022 and my 22 was a much poorer vehicle in terms of body integrity. Creaks and groans, some weird hesitations and rear window rattle prompted me to trade for a different brand after 14 months. Love the vehicle but hate the quality control. Should have kept my 2020.

Reactions: 3

2020 Ridgeline BE

Discussion Starter · #26 · 18 d ago

bluegrass said:
This is good advice.

Many here are apparently part of the YOLO crowd, with the attention span of a gnat, and are advocating for buying something new.
But the OP already has a newer vehicle (only 25K miles) and is considering spending $10K+ for a nearly identical version of the same truck.

If he is paying cash for the truck, has a large pile of money saved/invested, and has nothing better to do with these funds, then go right ahead and "upgrade".
If not, then there are certainly better uses for the $10K+ you'd waste on this transaction.

The more I have been thinking of it the more this statement rings true. Even though I would get a large amount from my trade in there would still be the aprox 8-10K difference between that and the price of a new truck. That is a significant chunk of money with me hopefully retiring soon. While I would enjoy the new one there really apparently is not that much improvement between the 2020 and the 2023 especially with the infotainment which is what is really the main issues for me with this truck, (i guess it shows i really generally like the truck if that is all that bugs me about it).
So I guess unless I want to go to another brand with a much better infotainment/map/phone set up like GM or Ford (other issues though beyond infotainment by doing this) I am most likely going to stick with what I got. Heck, it appears there are actually some drawbacks to the newer style that I was not even thinking of, (transmission different for 24, some structural things on the 21-23's).

Thanks to all who have responded, I have really enjoyed reading all the responses and they have all been really helpful. Thats why I like this Discussion Board so much.

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Reactions: 4

jbear555

· #27 · 18 d ago

It's a pretty cool place...agreed. Good luck!

Reactions: 3

oarnold

· #28 · 18 d ago

Catching up to the “not much changed between 1981 and 1990” comment. I guess the introduction of front wheel drive and fuel injection were not as big of innovation as I had thought they were. ; )

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FTM1

· #29 · 18 d ago

It's your money your choice.
But I wouldn't trade in on 2023 unless you unsatisfied with color. Now a 2024 if it gets full redesign. That's different with new vehicle and technology. That's the same for GM unless something you like about it.
I traded my 1990 Accord LX purchased new in on a redesign 1994 Accord EX a few days after they released them.
I wanted leather interior more HP anti-lock brakes
Airbags. These were all features my 1990 didnt have.

Reactions: 2

Jelly donut

· #30 · 18 d ago

Life is indeed short, but I'm not sure what that has to do with frivolous spending on expensive vehicles. Doubt I'll be brought comfort on my deathbed by the fact that I always had a new car warranty and a ventilated tushie.

Everyone should do as they please with their money, but there are much better things to spend your hard earned bread on than vehicle upgrades to chase minor features or styling changes. The most precious thing money can buy is time. The less money you spend, the less time you have to sacrifice making more money. Just my opinion. Do your own thing.

Reactions: 4

Funks

· #31 · 18 d ago

Money can't buy time nor can it buy health (ask Steve Jobs). The average owner for Honda Ridgelines seems to be 55+ people, majority who should have made their money already. If you are still worrying about money at that age, then you shouldn't be buying a new car.

It just takes a stroke, or heart attack at this age to make people's plans change real quick. I'm saying, take care of your health, get outside and enjoy nature while you still can, and if you have plenty of disposable income, buy what you want as long you are not going into debt doing it (or adversely affecting other people).

Reactions: 5

fdeno

· #32 · 18 d ago

Weeellllll, I'm not a "life coach" but the only thing that would make me move to a later model is to get the 9 speed (10 speed some day ?) and get off the problematic 6 speed, but with your low mileage you will most likely not see an issue until you have several more good years of service.... I certainly wouldn't trade to a newer car for a sexier infotainment center.

I've had 7 eye surgeries (both eyes) and can't drive long distances and know all about "life-altering" health issues.... The ONLY reason I traded my 2013 Tundra for my 2022 RL was because its smaller and the Tundra had red gauges literally in dash "tunnels" that I could no longer read (at all) and limited safety features.

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22RTLE

· #33 · 18 d ago

ToyTruck said:
I upgraded from a 2020 to a 2022 and my 22 was a much poorer vehicle in terms of body integrity. Creaks and groans, some weird hesitations and rear window rattle prompted me to trade for a different brand after 14 months. Love the vehicle but hate the quality control. Should have kept my 2020.

Same. My 2022 was really bad, I got sick of dealing with it and traded out after a little over a year. I think Honda had some Covid QA manufacturing issues, no other way to have so many issues on a new vehicle. The functionality\utility was amazing, the rest of the truck was junk.

Reactions: 2

fdeno

· #34 · 17 d ago

22RTLE said:
Same. My 2022 was really bad, I got sick of dealing with it and traded out after a little over a year. I think Honda had some Covid QA manufacturing issues, no other way to have so many issues on a new vehicle. The functionality\utility was amazing, the rest of the truck was junk.

I see the 2022 issues on here sometimes, honestly - my 2022 has been flawless, it'll be a year of ownership this June and zero, nada, zilch issues - guess I got one of the "good" ones.

Reactions: 3

SEW

· #35 · 17 d ago

fdeno said:
I see the 2022 issues on here sometimes, honestly - my 2022 has been flawless, it'll be a year of ownership this June and zero, nada, zilch issues - guess I got one of the "good" ones.

Me too. My right, front passenger door is slightly mis-aligned on my ‘22 RTL-E. Other than that, it seems perfect. I knew of the other shortcomings before buying (infotainment, phone charger, what I consider excessive maintenance requirements, the less than perfect 9-sp) .

Reactions: 1

22RTLE

· #36 · 17 d ago

SEW said:
Me too. My right, front passenger door is slightly mis-aligned on my ‘22 RTL-E. Other than that, it seems perfect. I knew of the other shortcomings before buying (infotainment, phone charger, what I consider excessive maintenance requirements, the less than perfect 9-sp) .

Yeah, every manufacturer puts out duds. Who knows, could of been bad temp labor that day\week or something and they have a batch of 22's with higher than average issues. I was just so tired of dealing with all it's quirks. A vehicle should be enjoyable to drive, not piss you off every time you drive it

.

They really are great trucks from a utility standpoint, I was very disappointed I had to get rid of it. It was just way too stressful to deal with. Maybe I'll give a Gen3 a shot after they're out for a few years. Even though I no longer own a Ridge, I still like them and enjoy poking around the forum to see how others are doing as well as keeping up with the latest news.

Reactions: 3

Drsojo

· #37 · 17 d ago

I'd be interested in the build dates of the problem prone '22s. Our '22 E was built in 12/21 and has been an absolute joy.

Reactions: 1

Vincent Ridge

· #38 · 17 d ago

fdeno said:
Weeellllll, I'm not a "life coach" but the only thing that would make me move to a later model is to get the 9 speed (10 speed some day ?) and get off the problematic 6 speed, but with your low mileage you will most likely not see an issue until you have several more good years of service....

The OP has a 2020, thus it is a 9 speed.

Reactions: 2

Vinny in ATX

· #39 · 17 d ago

I LOVE my new '23 and the deals were good enough to get me in the game, but if I had a '20, especially with the 9-speed, I would probably just stick with it and see what the '24s or '25s bring. My RTL-E already has had a rattle in the headliner (mysteriously stopped and now I cannot recreate it, which I guess is good?), and my wireless charger is basically worthless as everyone else has mentioned. The first time I really used it it charged my phone up about 15% and the phone was super hot, but now it charges 1 or 2% tops and then stops ... might work 2 minutes, or might work 10 seconds. Not that a wireless charger should sway the balance, just pointing out that the new trucks off the line are great but not perfect. If you have a solid nice '20 I would say it is a keeper

Reactions: 2

22RTLE

· #40 · 17 d ago

Drsojo said:
I'd be interested in the build dates of the problem prone '22s. Our '22 E was built in 12/21 and has been an absolute joy.

Mine was April of 22.

Reactions: 2

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