Talk me out of a Honda Ridgeline

Here's the TFL's review

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You can however, judge based on whether the front license bracket is offset or centered.

 

Thanks to everyone for their replies! The purpose of this thread was that I want to buy another Tundra but I could not justify the need considering the ridgeline seemed to fit all my criteria and I wanted to convince myself that the Tundra was the better choice. I went out this weekend and test drove a couple trucks (have not bought one) so I am still trying to make up my mind. I am comfortable with my masculinity so I do not really need a truck to reassure me that I am a man lol. At the same time, I do want something that also looks good which is why I am reluctant to pull the trigger on a ridegeline.

Great analysis! Considering I tend to buy certified I may be able to get a good deal once the new tundras come out and people begin to trade theirs in.

I don't drink any more, do you think it can haul my essentia water?

Ha!

That is true, there is a reason why there is a demand for F-150 with a 2.7 engine. People want the look but complain about the MPG.

I am trying to take a more practical approach to my next vehicle compared to my previous purchase. I am trying to go based on a utilitarian approach instead of mainly appeal.

Would an accountant be able to do this? *does backflip*

We make these threads since we know you love to read them.

I am in texas and I have had customers about 1 hour away from me. Obviously I charge them a trip me.

Thanks haha!

Yeah I am trying to find something that serves a purpose instead of something that reaffirms my sexuality lol.

Thanks for the reply!

I do have to haul crap away, this past weekend I have to replace some boards on a deck and had to attach a trailer to my wifes lexus lol.

Mainly weekend for now

I am sure alot of people would gravitate towards a ridgeline if it looked better.

I was out on test drives and also some part of my weekend was spent huddled in a corner.

What year did you have? Any issues?

It started off as hobby for me but lately it has been taking off. I like the idea of a van but I also need a vehicle I can drive to client offices lol.

The 70+ hours a week is usually during year end, tax season, and quarter ends. After that I have a 40 hour schedule pretty much for the rest of the year. The handyman stuff started off as a hobby but it has taken off. I enjoy working with my hands so I make time for it whenever i can.

Damn am I one of your best friends? I also stopped drinking booze and eating fatty foods and also I started biking like 30 miles every weekend lol

 

If you're going for pure utility, you need a Toyota Pickup. If you can't get it done with one of those, it's not worth doing.

 

What about a work truck Sierra or Silverado with the 2.7L Turbo? You get your MPG for longer trips plus higher payload and a 6900lb tow rating.

 

Noticed you mention you need the vehicle to be able to client offices right now - I think this would be the most important factor at this time. For example I used to work around selling survey equipment, and if I showed up in a Ridgeline it would not be a good start to trying to sell the gear to many - this thread is proof. No idea if your clients would have the same hang up, but if your vehicle is going to have an impact on your main career then make sure it fits with that. That could even mean staying away from a Tundra if they're big on domestics. If it means I get to go farther in my career and earn lots more money I'd be in an F150 tomorrow.

 

All that money he is saving and can't afford decent bikes? $4k won't get me wheels and a drivetrain.

 

He could just say he is driving his wife's car.

 

Very subtle, but I get your humor...

 

I've had a Tundra, Tacoma and Ridgeline, all current gens.

RL is a better vehicle than Tacoma in every single aspect other than off road capability and looks. I know looks are subjective but you will not find many people who will say RL looks better than Tacoma.

Tundra is a whole different beast. And if I could go back, I wouldn't sell it to begin with...

 

Dang! Looks like a Ridgeline hater pile-on. Simma down now...simma down!
I've owned several Hondas over the years and they were every bit the quality of my Toyota's. It's not for me, but for sure the Ridgeline checks many boxes for lots of folks.

 

From one accountant to another I feel compelled to respond. Trucks can also be for hobbies, not just work. Definitely don’t need this for my job sitting at a desk all day

 

I literally am not sure I understand this argument at all?

Are you implying that driving domestic will ring true with clients that you are a good 'murican?
And that not doing so suggests the opposite too?

If so I guess the big white van seems like the answer again.

Or are you suggesting that driving anything that expensive implies that you dont really need the money or the work?

 

Taco wins on reliability and towing capacity, too. If I had to pick a midsize, those two points plus off-road capability would make it a no brainer for me.

 

I think at the end of the day it comes down to your use case and preference, yes, the Toyota trucks are lacking when it comes to features and gadgets, they have the bare minimum, but what they have proved to have is reliability. Thats something I wouldn't sacrifice, but if you're really looking for a midsize truck with features, why not look at the Chevy Colorado or Ford Ranger? I'd rather see you driving one of those than a Ridgeline; both the Chevy and Ford have implemented newer technology and they both get good mpg (Chevy: 20/30 - Ford 21/26) while also looking better and having better off road capabilities than the Honda. They won't beat Toyota's reliabilty but they aren't bad trucks and at the end of the day, they are a truck.

Technical terms the Ridgeline is not...

I know a lot of guys and girls are giving you shit for the Honda, but I'd rather you buy what makes you happy over what doesn't. I'd hate to see you drive anything other than Toyota, but if thats what you need...

Give the Ford and Chevy a look, and any truck can have good ride quality with modifications, personalize it, make it your own, don't base your purchase off of a stock truck, make it your own.

 

I had a 2014 with zero issues. I just followed the maintenance schedule.

 

I'd rather see him in a Honda than a Ford or GM.

 

Definitely not saying that it's not about needing the money or work. If you're going to meet clients sometimes the vehicle you show up in can make a huge difference, sometimes it's a good ice breaker, and others it doesn't matter a lick. Most will fit into b) or c), but if a client is in a) and it could mean tens of thousands of dollars in a bonus then it's something to look at. From my experience a Ridgeline will get you funny looks and off on the wrong foot for some, a van would get funny looks but likely be a good conversation, while any half ton was a safe bet with a couple fanboys mixed in.

It's something for OP to think about, I have no idea what their clients would think of vehicles, I can just put my 2 cents in from my personal experience. For me you'd be better off showing up in a Camry over a Ridgeline

 

I liked the look of the earlier gen and seriously thought about a ridgeline to replace the xterra. I looked at the specs and then what I thought I would need now and in the future. When it all was said and done the ridgeline just did not have the load capacity, driveline options and the v6 would only save a few mpg so i went to the tundra as that, to me, made the best sense. Plus, the ridgeline was going through the retool for the next gen at the time when I was buying.

I personally don't like the look of the current ridgeline gen.

At the end of the day this is your vehicle and you get what works for you as that is the what matters the most.

 

So I am going to assume you are talking about his clients as an Accountant then and not as a Handyman?
As a Handyman a Van is exactly what they expect as much as any Truck at all but a Ridgeline is not what they might expect.

As an Accountant I suppose it would be the opposite if I agree with your reasoning which I am pretty sure I do not.

My work is all referral from existing customers and friends and people already know about and have checked me out a little whether we already know each other or not.
If they are concerned at all by what I am driving I dont think I really want to work for them anyway?

And my Van is a Mercedes!
Not that hey notice or understand anyway.

 

My financial advisor drives a CRV.

 

Something to make note of.

And I am more comfortable thinking of my Sprinter as a "Creeper Van".

 

I can't believe this thread is still going. People are a glutton for punishment.

 

He says as he adds to the thread....

 

Yeah, I realized that after i sent it. I'm just perpetuating the problem. Therefore not a solution. much like this post.

 

Lol. I love ren and stimpy.

 

Oops I did it again!!!

 

Just gonna point out to all the Ridgeline haters:

Honda Ridgeline has a higher payload capacity than Toyota Tundra.

 

Which is going to get more Girls ???? Duh????