Considering getting a used Ridgeline. Anyone have experience with these and know if I should pay attention to any particular item on the truck? They seem pretty typically Honda.

 

I’m familiar with the 2nd gen but not the first gen. People who have them seem to like them.

 

I ended up getting a 2006. So far the biggest thing I noticed is that Ridgeline owners don't wave to each other!

 

I have a 2009 with 190k miles, owned for the last 4 years or so and absolutely love it. It is not a fancy vehicle but it does what I need it to do and is a pleasure to drive as a DD.

With the 2006-2008 models, there is a known issue with the radiator where a fitting corrodes over time and allows transmission fluid and coolant to mix. The transmission is cooled by a loop that passes through the radiator.

Once this happens, it can cause transmission damage. When I was shopping for a used Ridgeline, I looked at more than one where you could tell this had occurred as there were remnants of the milky sludge goo that happens when the two fluids mix, which was visible in the coolant overflow tank. Most people just drain and replace the fluid, but down the road it can lead to a failed transmission. Many of these trucks had been serviced by Honda after this occurred and there are records of it on Carfax reports or by simply calling the dealer where it had been serviced and asking.

You can generally avoid this issue if you buy a 2009 or newer, as to my knowledge there are no documented cases of this happening in 2009 or newer trucks (it has been a while since I checked). However I replaced my radiator anyway as a precautionary measure.

Also, since by now trucks that age are getting up into the high 100k mileage zone, I would check that the timing belt has been replaced, and if not, make sure you do it right away after taking ownership of the truck. I changed mine using an OEM belt/water pump kit, and did the job in my garage with no lift. It sucked but was doable.

I have also seen a couple of 2006 trucks with a rear main seal leak. Both 2006 models I looked at when shopping had this issue. This will be evident as you can see oil dripping from between the transmission and engine block. I think this is mostly an issue limited to the 2006 models but it is always good to check.

Hope that helps
-Will

 

Sorry I didn't realize you had already bought one when I made my long post above. How many miles on the one you bought?

 

Thanks, it has 210k on it. I'll check for the coolant issue. The main seal is ok so no leaks so far. It sucks that the carfax reports do not say what service was performed. I'll try and see if I can figure out if the timing belt has been replaced or not.