Buying a used Odyssey

I am considering buying a used odyssey. Any years (2001 and up) to
avoid. What should I look for when buying one?

 

: I am considering buying a used odyssey. Any years (2001 and up) to
: avoid. What should I look for when buying one?
:
Try to find out whether it's had the EGR valve modified or replaced per the
recall or warranty extension or whatever Honda ended up calling it.

Paul

 

Check out www.odyclub.com for all the info you desire. All up thru 03 seem
to have transmission, egr and other problems... The reliability has been
worse than you would think reading the stupid american press....

 

Avoid anything earlier than 2002, for two reasons:

1) starting with 2002 they gave it a 5 speed transmission, rear disc
brakes, and a more powerful engine--in other words, they tweaked it to
be what it should have been from the beginning

2) that 5 speed transmission is different from the VERY problematic 4
speed auto transmission that Honda used previously. That older 4 speed
unit was pure junk, on every V6 model they put it on (Odyssey and
Accord).

But beware, even with the new 5 speed transmission they goofed up.
Second gear wasn't being cooled--it didn't get any oil spray--and Honda
had to do the biggest recall in their history. Certainly not all
transmissions were replaced, but every one had to have at least a
modification done to it--and that only if a complex visual inspection of
2nd gear showed it not to be burned. If it was burned, the dealer sent
the pictures to Honda and Honda made the decision whether to replace the
transmission.

Despite the 5 speed transmissions being superior, Honda still replaced a
LOT of those transmissions.

They didn't fix it in the factory until the 04 model year.

So, get an 02, 03, or 04 Odyssey--and make sure that the transmission,
if it was involved in the recall, had the recall service performed.

 

But they're still more reliable than the Ford and Crapsler minivans.

I would suggest to look for a Toyota Sienna, and pay no attention to the
sludge accusations. If the oil has been changed regularly, it will be fine.

 

I own a 2003. Recently had the GRS valve replaced which appears to
have fixed a serious problem. However, the transmission still feels
"weak" to me; shifts rough. I purchased the extended power train
warranty when I bought it though, so I'll probably keep it until that
expires.