Need advice - thinking about buying an Odyssey

[Winny_the_Pooh]

After 10 years of Ford Windstar ownership, the wife is wanting a new mini-van and has her eye set on the Odyssey. As owners, would you recommend this van? Are there any things to watch for?

I've spent alot of time on the Windstar forum discussing vacuum leaks, leaking intake gaskets, etc., etc. The Windstar has it's share of problems and ideosyncracies. I'm just wondering if the Odyssey has it's own problems and common complaints.

In general, I like to purchase new and own the car as long as possible (6 to 10 years or more). I also try to do most of my own maintenance. Is the Odyssey condusive to that goal?

Thanks in advance,
Winny_the_pooh (George)

['97ventureowner]

Don't get one with "run flat tires" see here:http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbc...WS01/701090307

[camaro383]

I work at a honda dealership...as a tech. the ody is a good van. has a lot of things that make life easy for a family. Honda is good with its warrenty and will do a lot to take care of its owners and keep them. I think you would be surprised. If you have any questions...ask away. I'll be happy to answer.

[duodad]

I also work at a Honda dealer (service advisor). The most common complaints I receive are whistling noise from windshield moldings at highway speeds and interior rattles. Overall it's a great buy.

[badbrakes]

I have a 2003 Odyssey. 80000 kms (little less than 50000 miles). My experience with this car is as follows: it's an 'ok' car... I think you pay too much for what you get... no disrespect to the 2 other fellows who work at Honda dealerships, but I think that Odyssey is overated. So far on my vehicle, I haven't had any serious problems such as tranny or engine... but the trim and electrical has been problematic. Examples: -> 2 out of 5 door lock actuators died. Replacing these (especially on front doors) require a lot of patience if you do it yourself or labor if you go to dealership... the honda dealership told me that these actuators commonly go... -> automatic sliding door... trouble... -> trim in general looks like was put in a hurry and cheaply... mud guards came off within 5000 kms, back seat handle came off, etc... -> driver lock cylinder 'seized'... key doesn't go in anymore... have to 'wiggle it a minute or two before goes in... all sort of annoyances you wouldn't expect to see in supposedly 'higher end' van.

[Winny_the_Pooh]

Thanks for all of the responses.

Have the transmission problems been eliminated on the 2007 models? If not, this would be a non-starter for me.

I can replace door lock actuators (something that the Windstar has in common) and even head, intake, and timing cover gaskets (also a requirement for owning a Windstar). But, repairing a transmission on my own is not feasible.

Thanks in advance,
George

[GrandmaK]

Thank you for posting the very question I had, George. I appreciate the responses from the Honda techs but I wanted to hear from Honda owners also as far as their experiences. We may be leaving a 1999 Suburban that has given us many problems in the past 4 years. I don't want to end up with another vehicle that has inherent problems. Our other Honda was a great little car but I wanted something along the size of the Odyssey. I'm not so sure I want an Odyssey now.

Any other opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Grandma K

[webbch]

Just bought an '03 Odyssey last week. Good price, appears to be in _excellent_ condition, hopefully it will be good to us.

We were actually searching for a 2005+ Chrysler T&C to replace our '97 T&C, but we came across this '03 odyssey in what appears to be fantastic shape at a reasonable price that appeared to have been extremely well maintained, and bought it. After I came home and looked on the forums and noticed the barrage of transmission problems, I had a little bit of a sinking feeling in my stomach. It's extremely rare for me to have a change of plans like this - but sometimes you follow your gut feeling. Hopefully the tranny problem doesn't happen to us. I will say I _love_ the brakes on the Odyssey - far, far, _far_ superior to our T&C in that respect. I will, however, be missing the temperature, compass, and mpg readout that is absent on the Odyssey (not sure if they added one after 2003 or not).

[rcrownet]

I have 30,000 miles on my 2008 Odyssey EX that I purchased new. Just rountine oil changes and tire rotations so far. Tires need rotating by Xing front rear starting at 4000 miles due to rotaional wear. That got better as time went by. I now rotate every 6000 miles. I see a lot of posts on brake issues with my model but I haven't had any trouble with brakes. Car handles very good at high speed and is good for long trips. My wife has a little trouble parking in tight places. Gas mileage is 20 MPG on average, 24 on trips.

[Goldlexus]

I had a 99 Ford Windstar. It was totalled in an accident. I went thru' the wringer with that thing. Put in a lot of money. At the time of the accident it was beginning to have electrical issues along with the heat and a/c not working. I bought a used 2007 Honda Odyssey...Talk about an upgrade! WOW I love it. If you look up recalls on Windstars you will find tons. If you look up recalls on the Odyssey far far FAR less. I have read, although, that 2003 and older Odyssey have had issues with tranny's. I haven't seen that with the newer ones 2006 and newer.