Good Bye TW-You ALL Have Been Great!

Sadly, after 3 Tundra's (01', 06', 12') and 2 Tacoma's (16' SR5, 20' TRDOR) I'm gone. I've been a long time member of TW and have gained an invaluable amount of advice about my Tacoma's from forum members. I bought my 20' TRDOR in 10/19 for slightly over $35K and added about $1K of accessories (rails, bed mat, TRD skid plate, etc.). I drove it for 58K trouble free miles except I had to change the tires out at 38K (went to Bridgestones). Sold it privately for $28,500 last week. Could have sold it for a little more was happy with $1500 a year cost to own the truck. Now here is where many of you will think to yourself "dumb ass." I bought a new 2024 Ridgeline RTL (the first one the local dealer received). I'm 80 years old and my wife recently passed (she had a 2022 Lexus which I sold) so I only needed one vehicle. My local tech said, "you traded a real truck for a toy truck." That is probably true but, I must admit, so far so good. The Ridgeline rides great, gets good mpg (27 highway) and is loaded with features. I also sold both my trailers (6x12 dual axle and 5x10 enclosed motorcycle trailer). Had to say "goodbye" to the Harley as well. So towing is no longer an issue.

I'm sure I will be lambasted with negative comments about the Ridgeline. I looked at the 2024 Tacoma but just wasn't impressed with the new engine/drive train. Learned my lesson about buying the first year of a major model change-sans the 16' Tacoma. The Ridgeline will probably get a major overhaul in 25'. But, at 80, this could be my last rodeo. My next vehicle will probably be a motorized scooter. However, I did just buy a Ride1 UP ebike.

If you have read this far, let me say I have GREAT respect for TW members. I will miss reading the forums (third gen). That said, God bless, and I hope all of you have the same enjoyment and reliability I had with my last Tacoma...

Dr. G

 

Enjoy your life sir. You deserve anything you want at your ripe age

 

Sorry for your loss, Sir.

The Ridgeline is a good vehicle.
Those that say different, haven't driven one. (long enough)
The AWD system on them is GREAT. Honda figured it out there.

Sure, it's not a trail eater, but it will far more than most think.

 

I had a Ridgeline and it served me well for several years. Best wishes to you, sir.

 

I, for one, applaud you sir. Sorry for the loss of your wife. I cannot imagine what that is like. Honestly though, you decided what is right for you and went with it. It doesn't matter what others think you should or should not do. Only you can decide what works best for you. Enjoy the Ridgeline!

 

Forums on camping, hunting, woodworking, welding, computers ... hang around a bit and make new friends there.

 

At 80, I would not hesitate at having a Ridgeline over Tacoma. I think Ridgelines are more practical and functional for everyday. Goodluck to you sir.

 

those new Ridgelines are nice....

what issues did you have with the '16 Tacoma?? I bought a used '16 and wish I hadn't.......

 

DOCSG,
You sound like a great American and I hope your new rig provides you many trouble free years. Sorry to hear about mama but it sounds like you two had a good long life together! Most people should be so lucky, sir!

 

You made it to 80, bud. Right on! And a Tacoma helped ya get there! Don’t be a stranger around these parts.

 

Sorry to hear about your wife passing. Could not imagine what that is like. Ridgeline is solid! And the e-bike. Keep getting out there!

 

I echo what others have already said, sorry for your loss, there’s nothing wrong with a Ridgeline I have a church buddy who loves his. They are well equipped and they ride nice, especially if you’re not going off-road. Enjoy your new ride.

 

I give you a lot of credit with driving the Tacoma and being 80. Shoot I’m in my mid 30s and it was not a comfortable vehicle to drive long distance. But to heck what the haters say, if you are happy with your purchase then that’s all that matters. At 80 I’m sure you could care less what the kids think of your ride and I’m sure it’s a heck of a lot more comfy than the Tacoma! But just cause you aren’t in a Toyota anymore or a Tacoma for that matter doesn’t mean you have to leave this forum. I recently trade my trd pro Tacoma for a limited tundra. Very happy with my new ride and I still come to the forums to read and see what up with the Tacoma world.

 

Sorry for your loss brother. You are 100% correct about the 2024 Tacoma's. I just bought one of the last 2023's because I also am not impressed with the specs on the 2024's and I also learned my lesson about buying the first year of a new model. I bought one of the first 2nd gen Tacoma's ever shipped and of course it has all of the issues that the later model Tacoma's did not have after they worked all the bugs out.

Even though it is not a Tacoma , congrats on your new truck and take care brother!

 

Sorry for your loss. Best wishes for the future.
At 80 The Ridgeline is probably a wise choice. I'm 71, and always feel kinda stiff when I get out of my Tacoma.
I'm sure it is way more comfortable as well as practical.
Happy trails.

Aloha

 

Very sorry to hear about your wife.
Only you can decide at this point which vehicle will fit your needs best and if it's the Ridgeline then so be it.
Take care.

 

I’m not mad at ya, the Ridgleine is nice and will serve you well.
I’m so sorry you lost your mate.
Happy trails, stay active and stay positive!

 

hopefully i make it to 80 ,also ridgelines are legit in my book but they look rather bulbous