Traded in my 17 Ridgeline Black Edition.

Where to start. I used to own a 16 Tundra TRD Pro but sold it when I had orders to go to Okinawa. However due to family reasons, my orders got changed at the 11th hour. I decided to downsize and since all professional reviews were glowing about the Ridgeline, got a brand new Black Edition.

While it did almost everything I needed well, a few things became apparent over the 14 months that I have owned it.

The first thing I noticed when I needed to haul my trailer to move to WA. My trailer weighed 6k. It goes 5k. However my options with such a short time were limited. I decided to drive to my in laws in NY overnight with it with the help of my Tekonsha brake controller and energy drinks. It actually pulls 6k very well, but the fact I was exceeding the capacities was unnerving. I then hired a mover to move my trailer across country.

My second big complaint. The rear doors. While the rear space is quite a bit bigger than the Taco, it only opened some 50 degrees. It makes moving my baby seat a tight squeeze. There have been many times when I needed to throw a box or container inside but the doors just didn’t f**king open wide enough.

Third, the interior materials while nice, had many shiny plastics that scratch easy and soft textures on the door panels that my dogs nails would dig into. I like dogs and I like being outdoors. I assume many truck owners are too.

Probably my biggest but almost least important complaint. No manual transmission and it’s odd looks. I went with the Black Edition because I thought it was the best looking of all the trims. But no matter how long I owned it, it just didn’t make me excited like my old Tundra TRD Pro did. The Tacomos certainly did have a true truck look AND a manual. Plus it has a seemingly limitless supply of 3rd party parts and support. With the Ridgeline you’re kind of alone. And I can’t argue with the resale value and reliability track record of the Tacoma. The truck will be my son’s in 16 years! Owned it three days and have loved it. I just wish they finally offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto!

I can’t wait to drive this thing to the ground.

 

Welcome to WA! I bought my truck when my son was about 5 months too so he should be driving it in about 15 years or so too Out at JBLM?

 

Welcome to TW! I lived in Okinawa for a couple years. Loved it there.

 

Yeah, working out at JBLM.

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Howdy

 

welcome 6MT brother.

 

Welcome!