HELP! Wanna buy but first year???

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

I like what I've read, and this forum appears fantastic...

I sure wish the Ridgeline had been shipping for maybe a couple of years, but I left my time-warp machine at home.

I'm really on the fence, 'cause it's so new. Obviously, the folks in this forum got over that, so I'm asking - how do I do that????

I'm short on faith, and the last Japanese vehicle I owned was a subaru 15 years ago...

Help me... I wanna be convinced <grin>... Or at least be able to sleep...

Thanks!

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

I felt the same way. First of anything is NOT always a good route to go. How I got over it was simple. My biggest concern with an auto is the engine. The Ridgeline engine is the same as that used in the Pilot, which has been around for a few years. In many ways, the Pilot was the first non-truck Ridgeline. Consumer reports was able to give a high reliability rating based on this common component and it's reliability history. The manufacturer has a very good history in releasing new autos (with few recalls) and thus a great reputation. Will next year's Ridgeline be better? Probably. That can be said of just about any vehicle. You'll never purchase a new vehicle waiting for the new and improved to come down the road.

But, to be safe I also got the extended warranty (7 years / 100k mi). I won't be keeping it beyond that.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

Hi,

I was like you, but a Toyota and Lexus fanatic.

Read here, test drive, then you'll buy.

I bought the second production run after some of the issues, number 26xxx and had only 1 problem so far, a scratch on my windshield at delivery, otherwise a great vehicle. They're fixing the windshield at the first service.

You HAVE TO DRIVE ONE to see.

Good luck.

Joe

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

Only issues I am aware of is wind noise on a few and water leaks on a few also. I believe these issues have been identified and are being fixed. I have had mine since very early march and it has had one issue. sticky back seat release. Fixed first time.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

I always see totally new cars come off the line from other car makers that are plagued with problems, so your question does not surprise me. All I can say is that the Ridgeline uses gear that is tried and true, although the application has changed. Honda also spends a lot of time engineering a vehicle before releasing it. Let me tell you, if this were anything but a Honda, I would not have bought a first year truck.

As for problems, I had air leaking around my windsheild, causing a whistle that prevented me from using the voice activation past 40 mph. Honda fixed it at no charge, and even gave me a rental to usewhile it was in the shop. The result is a much quieter cabin, although I do get some wind noise off the roof rack. But I can't blame Honda for that, I took it that way.

All you have to do is keep in mind what manufacturer you are buing from, and all the years they have worked hard to earn the reputation they have.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

Well I can only tell you what my experience has been. I've had 4,000 plus trouble free miles. This is the most versatile vehicle out there and a pleasure to drive. We absolutly love this vehicle. No wind noise or water leaks in the cabin. These are the only real issues I've read about, and I'm everywhere on the net. These can be easily checked for before you buy, though from what I glean, these have been resolved awhile ago.

The engine has been around for awhile, has a good track record, and is tuned for the RL as well as better cooling capacity over the pilot.

The tranny has also been beefed up especially for the RL, and is considered heavy duty. It also is has a transmission cooler, so I'm not really concerned about the tranny.

I also had 1st year concerns, but after seeing it and driving it, I had to have it. I could settle for nothing less, and believe me everything else is less.

Go drive one. you'll love it. ........................and above all, it's a Honda. :mrgreen:

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

I've owned several first year vehicles including:
1983 S-10 Blazer
1997 F150
2003 Honda Pilot
2005 PT Cruiser (convertible)
and finally the RidgeLine

Some of these were all new and some were major re-designs. The only one in the list above that I had problems with was the Blazer.

Good Luck - but I think you will be fine with the RidgeLine!!!

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

I thought about the same thing . The engine is a powerful 3.5 same as the MDX and the pilot .
Its reputable besides its a Honda you cant go wrong .
I also have a CRV . My wife took the truck Go figure.

Good luck

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

Every day so far I have total strangers either pulling up next to me at a stoplight or walking up to me in the parking lot or somewhere asking me if I like my truck, that they're checking them out. My neighbors and coworkers all have inspected it. It is a 'way-cool' truck.
It's the safest truck around too. For once, you can be safe, and cool too.
Very innovative (in a good way) 4WD/AWD/traction control.
Are there any other trucks WITH A TRUNK?
255 horses, feels powerful. Heck, my Mustang only had 225 horses!
If you'd just take it for a test drive I know that would seal the deal! 8)
What the heck you waitin' fer?

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

Hi,

I bought my Ridge from Torrington Honda, web site:

www.torringtonhonda.com
Ask for Ora Curry III
45 Migeon Ave
Torrington, CT 06790

Toll Free: 866-292-0926
Phone: 866-292-0926

They are great there. I bought my Ridge from Ora 2 weeks ago. He is great and they are the best Honda dealership to deal with, hands down. No pressure and a great experience.

I do not work for them, just trying to help out anyone interested.

Thanks.

Joe