Ok here's my one cent worth...
I also have an RL with 135k... it still runs like the day we bought it. Has all the creature comforts you could ask for. So a new one would be only for bling effect. We always have it serviced at Acura dealers and have used it for many cross county trips with no issues. No fear of breaking down. I feel it will last for ever!

The ridgeline, imo would be a major change, truck versus luxury car. Maybe you would like it better, Maybe not. But like the captian said... buy a used one if your going to do it... no use in throwing money away!

ps. I don't remember the 105k service being that much? have you called around? checked dealers down here in orlando? I know dealers around the country charge differnet rates, (ie, DC area is about double what they charge here)...

 

My 2 cents....

At some point you have to make sure you are not throwing good money at bad when it comes to a higher mileage used vehicle. 2K is a lot to invest for a service however I would look at what am I getting for my 2K. Lets assume you get 50K miles over the next 2 years with no major repairs (oil changes and regular maint. excluded) that works out to $84.00 per month, which is cheap transportation these days especially for a nice car which the RL is.

If however you just want to get something different I agree with the Captain don't buy new, let some other sap take the hit, there are tons of 1 to 2 year old used (pre-owned) vehicles out there in great shape and you can buy them right.

A lesson I learned the hard way after buying a new car about every 2 years. I am not sure I will ever buy a new one again.

Good Luck with what ever you decide!

 

WOW!

Thanks EVERYONE for your input. I've been tied up with work and my 20-year reunion the last few days so sorry for the lack of posts on my part.

I do plan on calling a different mechanic, non-dealer, to see what they'll charge. I am a bit bored with the RL but I'm also not excited about a car payment since I have none right now. It's always been a great car but as with any high mileage car it has its rattles, bumps, and bruises.

I have NO problems buying used. I've only ever owned 2 new cars in the past 20+ years of driving, the S being the most recent back in 12/2000. A new Ridgeline is considered for a couple reasons though I'm not honestly sure how serious I am. The incentives that have now make new appealing. Yes, it's a truck vs a luxury car but it is loaded with all of the creature comforts and I've been told over and over that it "drives like a car." I'm also a Home Depot/Lowe's junkie when it comes to doing stuff in the yard and I still have dreams of getting a trailer for the S and making more serious trips to Roebling and a few other Chin events as I get better at driving. But as noted, the Ridgeline is bad on gas and this would be my daily. I tend to run 20-30k business miles/year so that is a major consideration but it's not like the RL is great on gas either so I'd be in about the same boat.

Though I would consider something in the used Lexus - Infiinity arena I don't have any first hand experience with any of them. I know my dad has had 3 Lexus's and he's a bigger pain in the ass than I am so I guess that's saying something right there.

I know I will NOT be doing the service myself. Anybody that knows me knows I'm clueless under there. If it's more than turning a wrench I better stay out of there. I just finished the new 02 sensor install earlier tonight but beyond an exhaust, TP, etc. I'd do more harm than good. Let me balance your porfolio, protect some assets, or transition your estate and/or business to the next generation...now we're talking my game.

More to come I'm sure....
Shay

 

Let Oster do the service!

 

My little brother whos is 18 has a 2006 RTL Ridgeline. Its got everything but Navi. Gas mileage is not the greatest.(He gets about 19mpg average) Its a college car now and lets just say we beat that thing to HELL. Mulch, furniture, you name it. Its a great truck. Its so quiet and rides so nice. Even with 20inch rims its a very nice ride. He has about 25,000 miles and nothing has gone wrong. I say get the truck!! $2,000 for a service is just plain ridiculous if you ask me.

 

ALL points well taken. Waiting on word on a BIG case right now. To say I've had a few Prilosec moments the last two weeks would be an understatement. If I get passed over I'll have to hold on to the RL. If I get the case then I'll need to get serious about figuring out what to do. I see total benefit either way. I like the RL. I like what I see about the Ridgeline. I LOVE that both are Honda products.

BTW the price I'm getting is just under $28k brand new RTL w/o navi (+ttt of course and I have my RL to trade) so I'm not talking a big payment.

thx
Shay

 

The BMW M3 looks nice
Perfect replacement for that RL!!

 

Dude...looks nice but OUCH on price. I don't spend that kind of money on beaters. Granted I want a "nice" beater but net net (after trade, etc.) I'm more in the $20k range because of the abuse I put on the puppy.

 

if you sell the RL let me know...

 

Good luck on getting the case.