Tell my why I should trade in my Honda Ridgeline for a Tacoma DC?

I am new to the forum and have been lurking around reading about your vehicles the past week. Lots of great information here. As with any forum, some good and some bad that makes you wonder a little bit if you are buying the right truck. Anyway, I have a solid deal secured to trade in my Honda RL for an '09 Double Cab Pre-runner sport model. It will be my daily driver and I will use the truck for your typical runs to Home Depot and Lowes for home improvement projects. It will also be the vehicle I use to transport my triathlon bike. I have had zero issues with the Ridgeline other than the fuel economy is lousy (14 mpg around town) and I HATE the color. Learned my lesson about settling on color. Don't ever settle on color because you will regret it. I do like the comfort and handling of the RL and the ability to stand my bike inside the cab with the backseats folded back. The trunk in the bed is also amazing. The exterior look of the RL has to grow on you as it did me so don't use the reason that it's "ugly." I could trade my current RL in on the color I desire and it would increase my current car payment by $120/month or I could get the 2WD double cab sport Tacoma short bed and increase my payment by $40/month. Both scenarios would require no money out of pocket. I haven't even owned the RL one year and it has 4400 miles on it. Help convince me that the Tacoma is the right deal and truck for me.

 

its a toyota and the tacomas r just beast........ what else do u need to know?

 

We cant convince you the Tacoma is right for you. It would be along the same lines as settling for a color...which is a lesson you have already learned.

Drive both (which Im assuming you have) and see which one inspires you more. They both seem to have the functionality you need. Which one would you be more excited to see in your driveway?

Another thing to consider...if your Ridgeline is that young you may be dealing with some serious negative equity and would be rolling that into your Tacoma loan. It may benefit you a lot more to wait and put some time in the Ridgeline before moving vehicles. That way you also have the option to wait and see what the 2010 Tacoma is like. But if finances arent an issue...

Best of luck...and heres 55+ pages of debate to help ya...

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ef56d7b/0

 

ridgeline............what a nice truck

 

Not to sound like a smartass, but go test drive a tacoma and you will erase all doubt about it.

Toyota trucks have excellent resale value for good reason.
Last time I checked honda doesn't sell a truck. (IMO) IRS belongs on belongs on a car. so does a trunk. The RL has both. LOL

 

The Ridgeline and Tacoma are two totally different beasts. From what you've stated, I don't think you'd be able to put your triathalon bike in the back seat of a Tacoma, but then again it' a truck, that's what the bed is for. As with any vehicle, there will be pro's and con's to each. I don't want to give you the cop out answer, but only you can determine your own needs. The Ridgeline isn't a true truck and will have a lower towing/hauling and off-road capability. If you want to be able to do more of each, than a move to a Tacoma would make sense; but if you're like 90% of the average truck owner, a Ridgeline make sense. It is very disappointing that they don't get better gas mileage since it's based on a uni-body car platform. If a Ridgeline got significantly better mileage, I'd probable be driving one over my Tacoma. I haven't done research much on the Ridgeline but a Tacoma as with many Toyota's tend to hold their value. There have been several persons from this site and Toyota-nation who traded in their Taco's for a Ridgeline....again it's all based on your needs.

 

To start with, if you do any kind of off road activities, the RL's 4 wheel independent suspension has terrible articulation, and therefore traction on uneven surfaces.

This would be my biggest concern, aside from the unibody design.

 

You can get better gas mileage with the Taco. It depends on what MODS you do to the truck. There are a lot of people here that can suggest and help you with MODS and/or questions you may have.

 

i was looking at getting a Ridgeline as they are rated so good, looks did play a big part in my decision, my 2wd Prerunner TRD Sprt is getting 20 mixed driving... as soon as i took it for a test drive i knew i had to have it, tacomas have the solid rear axle has the option for offroading, the stance of the truck is amazing, cargo room in the rear of my dbl cab is great

 

No off roading plans for the truck (Taco or Ridgeline). I have an H3 that does that pretty darn good. I live in FL where it's flat and we have a rainy season. How well does the Tacoma handle on slick roads? Any fishtail concerns or does the VSA help?

 

also the resale of ridgelines are low, as while i was looking for my vehicle i could get very similar trucks with miles and years and all but the ridgeline was a few thousand cheaper... so the longer u hold on to the ridgeline the more likely itll depreciate faster than a tacoma

 

i seem to drive quite a bit faster than most in the rain and have had scares or problems

 

This is the main reason I steered away from the ridgeline.



How ever if your truck never leaves the pavement, then this does not matter. Its all about what you need, and if you are in a position to get what you WANT

 

Another thing to consider...if your Ridgeline is that young you may be dealing with some serious negative equity and would be rolling that into your Tacoma loan. It may benefit you a lot more to wait and put some time in the Ridgeline before moving vehicles. That way you also have the option to wait and see what the 2010 Tacoma is like. But if finances arent an issue...

Best of luck...and heres 55+ pages of debate to help ya...

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ef56d7b/0[/quote]

Fortunately for me, I bought the Ridgeline last year for $22K out the door. I owe $19K now and the dealer is offering me $20K as a trade and then selling me the Tacoma for $2300 under invoice.

 

The only truck i'll buy is a tacoma! There very reliable (obviously) and retain their value very well. So it'll last forever and you get your moneys worth! The question isn't why should you buy a Tacoma, it's "why shouldn't you?"

 

I can't really comment on the VSC, or Auto-LSD features as my 08 did not come equipped with any electronic stability, or traction control aids. I believe the Auto-LSD and VSC come standard on the 09 Tacomas so maybe some of those guys can chime in with some first hand experience. From what I hear, most people say they preform very well.

 

Where in SW Florida are you? Honestly I hate the looks of the ridgeline. I've had my Tacoma since April 05 and absolutely love it. There's some places to go offroad around here if you wanna go.

 

how the hell would you have this picture of these 2 together??? can you put a tacoma next to a fiat?? than you would really be good

 

haha I actually got that pic from a previous Ridgeline vs Tacoma debate

 

ill take a toyota over honda anyday. im not happy with my 08 taco for 2 reasons: gas mileage sucks.i get 16 in town and 19.5 on highway. my frame is already rusting pretty bad.
i have looked at 3 other 2nd gen tacos and they too are cursed with the rusted frame.