I'm buying a Ridgeline.

My crunchy Frontier won't pass its annual inspection in a year or two because of rust underneath.  I like  it, peppy enough, 20+ mpg with 4WD and 6-speed stick and if it weren't for the rust I would keep it forever.  It will probably go to CT or someplace where there are no Inspections.

So, Ridgeline.  I've read all the GRM reviews though I'm not that familiar with the various models.  I see them all over with "Rebuild Titles", which are not honored in NY.  Since I no longer pound it 25 miles going to work every day, the question is Lease or Buy?  Which model do we like?  Suggestion, observations or opinions welcome.

Frontier:

I just traded my '22 Tundra for a '24 Ridgeline trail sport,I like it quite alot allready.

 4 adults fit comfortably,its wider inside then the full size tundra,rides great and the side swing tailgate and in bed trunk are as handy as an extra arm.

 Early 2nd gens seem to suffer transmission/converter/oil burning issues from the VCM vibrations etc.

 I'll be adding an S-VCM to defeat 3cyl running and keep it hitting on all 6 fulltime.

 So far its getting about the same mileage as the tundra on snow tires,so not very impressive considering its 1000lbs lighter and missing 100hp and 150lbs ft of turbo tq.

I don't really see the point of leasing unless you get some kind of company car allowance. 

Don't expect great mileage or treat them like a 3/4 ton convernional pickup and they're great. I'm on my second one. The former owner beat on and neglected it, yet at 180K miles the only thing that's gone wrong is the headliner needing re-gluing. They're really great vehicles.

I looked at a Ridgeline back in December when they offered some pretty solid lease deals. I ended up going with a Ram 1500 for about the same money.

The big issue for me was the tow rating: just 5000 lbs for the Honda vs 7500 for a V6 Ram (or 10-12k for the V8 ). 

Just like Me-otter, the answer is always Ecoboost F150,  Newest and most lux you can afford.

20 MPG and none of the trucklet penalties.  

93gsxturbo said:

Just like Me-otter, the answer is always Ecoboost F150,  Newest and most lux you can afford.

20 MPG and none of the trucklet penalties.  

What penalties? Great ride, handling and Honda quality?

z31maniac said:

I don't really see the point of leasing unless you get some kind of company car allowance. 

Or you're the kind that doesn't drive excessively but absolutely, positively wants a new car every 3 years.

In reply to Kreb (Forum Supporter) :

Exactly,even a crew cab F150 so you can take full sized people along and a short bed(same lenght as the ridgeline btw)is still long to park and deek around in costco.

Also payload is similiar to a full size with the same amenities,towing is down of course.

 No other truck has any in bed storage let alone the massive trunk of the ridgeline and dual action tailgate to allow standing right at the bed and also using the step bumper for access without climbing over the gate.

😂 I haven't bought a new out of the show room vehicle since 1976? when I bought a Fiat 128.

Ridgeline is fantastic. My FIL is on his 3rd. Traded first gen for Tacoma, and quickly went to a second gen. Then he went Tesla, but missed the Ridgeline so much he just picked up a 2023 Black edition. Best upgrade is adding the volume knob back! Buy it, you won't want to get rid of it. Only reason not to get it is if you need serious towing or off-road use, or can get (and fit in) a hybrid maverick. 

Duke said:

z31maniac said:

I don't really see the point of leasing unless you get some kind of company car allowance. 

Or you're the kind that doesn't drive excessively but absolutely, positively wants a new car every 3 years.

 

I can think of several reasons, not necessarily having to have a new car every three years. 

- Get the right promo deal for low and you can drive for three years, decide you want something different, and not really go beyond the depreciation if you had bought it. Plus some states charge sales tax on the monthly payment, not full price, so some savings if you decide to get rid of it at the end of the term.

- Some people want a fixed ownership cost and the warranty. Cost per year/month/mile may not be much different with the right deal. 

- promo lease could be a way to drive new and buy out at the end if you think interest rates will drop. 

- leasing a hybrid or EV could enable you to see the reduction in capitalizated cost upfront from tax credits, resulting in lower monthly payment by leasing then buying. 
 

Kreb (Forum Supporter) said:

93gsxturbo said:

Just like Me-otter, the answer is always Ecoboost F150,  Newest and most lux you can afford.

20 MPG and none of the trucklet penalties.  

What penalties? Great ride, handling and Honda quality?

 

280 horse vs 400 horse and 500 ft-lbs of torque and less than 1 MPG difference.  F150 only has about a 200lb weight penalty over a Ridgeline, 1/3 more horsepower, and full time AWD in certain trims.  Don't be so certain about that "poor handling". 

Plus the F150 will actually tow and haul things.  You know, because of truck stuff.  

If the concern is dry lockable storage, then maybe consider an SUV instead of a truck.

In reply to 93gsxturbo :

I've put an entire costco run in the trunk,then I could put 5 adults in the cabin and go to home depot and fill the bed with whatever else was needed.

All in comfort,not a single truck on the market short of 100k + lightenings or rivians can do the same.

 I'm 55,my 1st vehicle at 17 was a full size truck and I've driven one just about every day since as I've been in construction my whole life plus hauling race cars around on weekends for over 2 decades.

 I have no need to swing male parts around to feel manly,we've semi retired and gone to a single vehicle....a Ridgeline does exactly what its intended for very well and meets what many people actually need a vehicle to do.

 If you "need" a "real" truck then buy one and be happy without bashing those that don't.

The only thing to be careful of is with the F150 it takes very specific options to get capabilities substantially greater then the Ridgeline. 

Without the specific "53A Trailer tow package" that isn't the more common "Trailer technology package" the 3.3/2.7 F150 is limited to 6000lbs towing and the 3.5/5.0 is limited to 7000lbs.  

Obviously SUBSTANTIALLY greater capacity is available.   However when I was shopping a month ago of the 750+ F150s in my area only ~20 had the 53A towing package.  Most with trailer brake controller got it through the towing technology package.  

Payload also is tricky.  A Crew Cab Lariat F150 typically only has a sticker payload capacity of ~1200lbs (21+ and 3.5/5.0L are slightly higher).  A XLT is a little better typically around 1350lbs.  

Again a Payload package is available that pushes it to 1700+ lbs, but it is not a common option.  

Contrast that to every Ridgeline having 1450-1500lbs payload and a 5000lb towing capacity.

I am not saying the Ridgeline is a more capable vehicle then the F150, nor am I disagreeing that the F150 or equivalent full size truck may be the right answer for many people.  

I am just cautioning others to if they choose that path to Make sure the specific capabilities of the exact truck they are buying are what they expect and need.  

914Driver said:

😂 I haven't bought a new out of the show room vehicle since 1976? when I bought a Fiat 128.

Well, that'll cure anyone from buying new!

Oooooo............truck talk always gets people all fired up. Kinda like talking politics or motor oil.  Just be glad there's a big range of vehicles out there for just about any person's tastes, wants or needs. I spent the 80's and 90's driving CRX's and Miata's around as my only vehicle, so that tells you how much I want/need a truck. I am sort of interested in the (supposedly) upcoming Toyota Stout though...as long as it's small. And I mean really small, like the the old mini trucks.  Realistically not very likely though. I could use one to haul my bicycles and garden supplies around in. We are living in a great time for cars/trucks...who knows how long it will last.

In reply to 93gsxturbo :

I get your point even if many here seem to be missing it.  F150 is more of many truck related things but offers nearly the same economy.

For that same reason back in 2019 I was seriously on a Ridgeline but ended up buying a Ram 1500 Classic Express with a V6.  In that instance, more truck for LESS money.  And with the 3.6 I was routinely seeing 24 mpg+ in a 4x4 full size pickup with a quad cab.

Ridgeline is a fabulous truck in a handy package but isn't the solution for everyone.  

Feedyurhed said:

Oooooo............truck talk always gets people all fired up. 

Not to throw kerosene on a fire, but if it was Ford vs Chevy, Ford loses every time if the money comes from my wallet.

914Driver said:

😂 I haven't bought a new out of the show room vehicle since 1976? when I bought a Fiat 128.

Now this would be a fun subject line.  When was the last time you bought a new car.  You have me beat, 1986 for an Omni GLH turbo.  That was also the last dodge product for me.

In reply to Feedyurhed :

The Stout has my interest as well and was intending to keep my Tundra untill it was more clear what or if it may even be a thing.

 Industustry sources don't expect anything untill maybe '27 or '28 though.

 Honda offered a straight trade for my tundra,no brainer considering the down turning full size truck market.

 Maybe the Stout is the right choice in 4 yrs,or not who knows :)

The Ridgelines certainly do appear to a certain white New Balance, jean shorts, bug deflector, "i have a truck" crowd. 

Where I am challenged to see the value is when you actually start comparing the numbers.

• Horsepower and Torque - F150 by a landslide
• Interior Volume (Crew Cab) - F150 by a landslide
• Towing - F150 (see a pattern yet?)
• MPG - Even money in real world driving.
• Tech - F150 all day every day and twice on Sunday
• Price - Depends on how you option it up.  With current discounts they are gonna be close.  
• F150 is bigger - almost 2 feet longer in the comparable Super Crew/5.5 foot box config, but its all between the wheelbase, so that just makes it ride nicer and tow/haul better.  

In reply to 93gsxturbo :

Price here in Canada isn't even in the same ball park if you match up the amenities.

 Big 3 and their discounts and financing options are part of what keeps toyota and honda resale head and shoulders above them.

 Save now pay later kinda deal.

After driving 3 generations of F150's as company trucks if you ever see me post about me buying one call someone....I've obviously suffered a brain injury.

kevlarcorolla said:

In reply to 93gsxturbo :

Price here in Canada isn't even in the same ball park if you match up the amenities.

 Big 3 and their discounts and financing options are part of what keeps toyota and honda resale head and shoulders above them.

 Save now pay later kinda deal.

After driving 3 generations of F150's as company trucks if you ever see me post about me buying one call someone....I've obviously suffered a brain injury.

Neither me or OP are in Canuckistan, but thanks for weighing in.  

Duke said:

z31maniac said:

I don't really see the point of leasing unless you get some kind of company car allowance. 

Or you're the kind that doesn't drive excessively but absolutely, positively wants a new car every 3 years.

 

Given an area where they inspect a vehicle for rust, I can't imagine not leasing.  It's like having a guaranteed way out of ownership.