Odyssey 4 Speed versus 5 Speed and other question

Hi, I am trying to decide between a 2001 EX versus a 2002 EX. There is
several thousand dollars difference and about 13k miles difference
between the two. The 2001 has 83k and costs $11,500 and 2002
about$16,000.

The technical specs are almost identical, except in the engine. The
2001 has 210 HP vs. 240 and the 4 spd vs. the 5sp. I think I might
want more horsepower, though I don't really know why (in this vehicle),
but I don't know what the gearing matters here. Why would I want the
5spd? Is it worth four thousand more dollars? The size inside the
vehicle appears to be identical. The engine is, of course, important,
but the cabin space is also. I have seen the 2002 EX inside - is there
any difference in the size in the 2001 EX?

Thanks for helping me.

 

Both trannies had issues. But while the warranty on the 4-speed was
extended to 7 years or 100,000 miles (or something like that), the 5-speed
was subject to a recall. The recall suggests to me that Honda has solved
their V6 auto tranny problems at least with the 5-speed.

On the other hand, the cost to replace the 4-speed unit would be, I am
estimating, about $4000. So in the end, you'd be paying almost the same.
However, for the peace of mind knowing that any required recall work on
the 5-speed has been done (assuming it has in fact been done) and thus,
far less likely to leave you stranded, I would spend the extra money up
front and get the one with the 5-speed.

 

So if there is no evidence the vehicle was serviced for the recall I
should not purchase it (the 5 spd)? Do you have a source for the
recall information? Here is all I could find:

http://world.honda.com/news/2004/4040414.html

 

The difference is in the engine, transmission, rear brakes (discs on the
02, drums on the 01), and the availability in 02 of factory leather and
DVD.

You *want* to avoid the 4 speed transmission at any cost.

Get the 02. It is absolutely worth the difference in cost.

 

go to http://www.odyclub.com and ask your questions--but search and
browse the forums first. You will have more information than you ever
thought you'd get.

 

The recall was only one factor that caused the five speed to fail. They are
still failing after the recall. Many of reports on www.odyclub.com on
failures even after the recall.