u/Tankandbike

what do you think of the Rangers synthetic leather seats and steering wheel? The steering wheel I could always wrap but wondering what you think about the seats. The seats are comfortable, but this material is just different. do you get hot sitting on it if there’s no ventilation? Folks add seat cover options? I’m used to a ventilated true leather in my SUV which I’m training in. So I’m just concerned about long-term how I get along with these seats. But the position and the softness are excellent.

i’m test driving Ridgelines. When I was test driving a 2021, the touchscreen was so slow and laggy and unresponsive even the sales rep was frustrated. Is this what to expect from a 2021 , or is there likely a different issue here?

Product I'm going to use says 200-400 sq ft/gal. Deck has been cleaned and brightened, but the boards are old, thirst and checked. 360 square feet total surface (includings steps, rim boards, etc.). How much stain would you buy to cover this area, given the old wood with checks, etc.?

I found my Transmission tag - 754 | 7A617L - the "6" means it was made in Aisin (per this thread). I've read conflicting reports on the situation with the UA80, but in sum, it sounds like - there are fundamental engineering issues with the UA80 that can be mitigated (change the fluid more aggressively, probably don't push it too hard), but the particular issue of the bolt coming loose (I think it was a bolt - or tabs or something?) is around the US plant (??)

I ask because I just spent the last 3 weeks shopping to trade this in, and I don't see anything that I really want to move to. They all have their issues - from transmissions (like, every maker), to tech, to engines grenading. I'd actually like to upgrade my HL head unit and wheels, and maybe black it out, but don't want to it, if this thing is just going to grenade.

So, is a UA80 made in Asin safer than a UA80 made in Indiana? I've been driving like a grandma these last couple of months after reading about this. Ugh.

Are there any particular problem/pain points of these model years? I would likely install the start/stop and VCM bypass, but are there any problems these models are known for? I've been researching Ridgelines, and am deciding between open bed and closed cabin, so if the issues are the same across both for these model years, then I might already know the issues.

TIA for any help

Did you get them from: Carvana, Carmax, Dealer, Used car (non-dealer), Facebook Marketplace, friends/family, other?

I'm looking at maybe going the Carvana route for my first time.

I've built a spreadsheet of the options at my local dealers. But they don't quite have what I'm looking for, so I checked Carvana. They have just as good or better pricing AND they are offering more on my trade-in ($3K more than the dealer). Theoretically, I could bargain with the dealers but one has already said "that's our flat internet price" and the another (the closest one) is making it painful, starting with their low-ball trade-in.

I see a couple of more attractive options at Carvana - decent price (including shipping), clean Carfax, from southern states, etc.

My concerns:

1. I'm pretty sensitive to smell. I am concerned that what looks like a clean car on paper might have an odor. I stepped into a dealer car last week and I could smell the cigarette smoke, and got out immediately, though the sales person said they could smell nothing. (of course he'd say that, lol)
2. If for that reason - or any other reason - I don't want that car, I don't get back my trade-in back (and lose the tax advantage) and am without a car!

Anyone have any experience good/back/other with the above? Any strategies (like does it make sense to have a back-up car choice ready, just in case?)

I’ve got an SUV and considering a RL for better hauling of some messy stuff, but wondering what I might be missing in dropping the SUV.

things I want to do with the truck: haul lumber, sheet goods, mulch, bushes and trees. Also furniture in good weather.

anyone make the move and had some pain from missing an SUV? some things I can think of: grocery runs easier in an SUV. tailgating under the SUV door overhang, (but thinking I could get a sun screen attachment), Picking up large purchases or items in bad weather. Taking four people and their luggage to the airport. There are no young kids here, so things like child seats are not important.

has anyone regretted the move Or found work arounds? How waterproof is the under bed trunk?

People say they can't hear/understand me when making a BT call in my 2018. I bought the car used 5 years ago, and have been using ear pieces or speaker phone since then, but I'm tired of that. I'd like the audio to be as good as in my previous car w/BT (i.e. no complaints from people I'm calling).

Is this a common/known issue? Is there someway to address it?

I love the click, but having just changed the battery, I'd be willing to rebuy a new set with an easier batter change door, please. What is up with the decision for four screws? Meeting IP68 or something???

I have a 2018 HL with the UA80 transmission. Issues haven't cropped up yet, but despite the possibility of complete failure, it hesitates, delays, and generally sucks. Also the infotainment is bad. Considering moving on. Test drove a bunch of vehicles and the '26 Passport stands out.

Questions:

1. I've read some here about some clunking transmission issues. Is this widespread or rare? It doesn't sound like a total fail - just an annoyance? Is there any hesitation in the transmission during on ramp or passing gear maneuvers?
2. I've only test driven an Elite Sport. Big knobby tires. Has compared a Trailsport vs RTL? Wondering if/how the RTL might ride differently.
3. How's the real world MPG? I can get between 20-21 on the Highlander mostly around town (goes up quite a bit on long trips). How's the real world on the Passport?
4. Anyone come from a Highlander V6? Other than third row (which I don't need) - any differences worth mentioning?

Very nice vehicle, LOVE the styling. I feel like I could buy one and be happy with it for 10+ years, but it's a lot of money, so want to make sure it's the right move.

Thanks for any feedback.

After (too much) research across many options, I'm thinking of getting a Ridgeline to replace a Highlander. My biggest issue, though, is losing my 360 camera.

(I realize they might come out with a new RL in 18 months, perhaps with a 360 camera and maybe updated looks (I do like the Passport, NGL), but I'm also assuming a turbo four-banger, and I have no interest in that, plus I don't want to wait that long. )

Has anyone here done an after-market add of a 360 system? If so, what did it take to add it, does it integration with the existing screen, and anything else to know about it?

I read somewhere that one of the issues with the UA80 (and there are other issues, too) is it tries to shift too high, too quickly (for supposed MPG benefits) putting a lot of load on the transmission too early, and that sport mode eliminates this thereby (supposedly) helping prolong the life of the UA80.

This sounds logical to my unlearned ear, but curious if any can confirm/deny or has heard the same??

I've found information indicating new Fords collect a LOT of data including where you drive, how fast you go, braking, cornering, etc. I've no interest in sharing that data with ANY car manufacturer.

Is there a way to turn this off/disable this, and does this concern anyone else? I am shopping a truck and looking hard at the ranger, but now I'm not so sure. I may just buy an older truck that predates all this new data gathering...

edit: pardon my ignorance. I have done some research and I do see that this is prevalent across makers, and has been going on longer than I knew. This is news to me, as most of our cars are pretty old.

OK, so I've been looking on this board, and I've got a legit but frank question.

My kids have grown, I don't need the three row SUV anymore, but I could use a bed for yard keeping, kayak carrying (easier to access than the top of an SUV), and home improvement projects.

I'm looking at a Ford Ranger mostly, but my hesitancies are 1) dependability (we've driven only Hondas and Toyotas), and 2) AWD vs. part time 4WD. I don't off-road. I just want weather traction and occasional dirt roads. Also - most other modern trucks are sporting turbos.

But given most of my friends with trucks have F150s or Tacomas, how do y'all deal with the ribbing of not having a "proper truck?" ;) One other thing - I find most of the traffic around me is trucks, so getting higher up is preferable to getting lower to the road. Anyone lift their RL?

I have a 2009 MDX closing in on 200K miles. Acura recommends 5W-20 oil (we use synthetic only). My local mechanic who I have used for decades, has started using 0W-20. For EVERYTHING. This car, my Highlander, RDX, our entire fleet of SUVs. Is this an OK switch? Given the at-temp viscosities match, I'm assuming with the cold numbers, 0 is better, but I just want to be sure.

Also - how long between changes? The garage says 7,500 miles once a year, but I'm thinking 5,000 twice a year, just to give the engine as much help as possible?

I drive a 2018 Highlander with about 70K miles. Bought it in the pandemic because it was what was available. It's a good, comfortable vehicle, but what I really wanted was a truck. My kids are grown, so I don't need the 2nd (or 3rd) row anymore. What I DO want to do is:

• Haul a pair of kayaks
• Buy mulch and other gardening supplies (pavers, other stuff like that)
• Occasionally fit sheet goods for home projects, or maybe flooring, a door, or a window, etc.
• move around furniture from time to time
• Daily driver around town

I'm thinking about an XLT or Lariat 4WD. The Highlander gets 20.5MPG around town, so I don't think I'd be losing much there. I don't do a lot of highway driving.

I don't want a very big vehicle. I live in a dense suburb and don't need anything massive, and prefer to keep it smaller for parking, etc. I also don't want to spend a ton on an upgrade. Maybe sell the HL for $20-24K and get a $35-45K Ranger. I can also look at the Tacomas, but pre-2024 they were very truck feeling, 2024 has a train wreck transmission, and the new ones are both bigger and carry the Tacoma tax.

I would like to keep this truck for 10 years +. I average about 8K miles/year (or less). Another thing about my HL is, while it has no issues, that model year has a transmission known for failure, so debating dumping it now.

In short, I'm looking to break even on mileage, get more utility from the bed, not go too large, and not lose too much comfort.

Is the Ranger a good choice? Anything in the 24/25 model years to be wary of?