Thinking of buying an Odyssey

http://www.odyclub.com

 

Hi,
I am new to this news group and Honda vehicles. I am thinking of
replacing my work vehicle with a Honda Odyssey. But, I have read several
posts and such which make me wonder about the reliability of this
vehicle. I need a vehicle that, given 3K oil changes, 24K transmission
servicing, and all other scheduled maintenance, will run without major
break downs for 150K miles. I know several people who have done little
more then change a timing belt and alternator, along with all normal
maintenance on Accords and Civics who have gone pretty much trouble free
for over 150K miles. Is this possible in an Odyssey or should I look
elsewhere like Toyota? I do need a van since a carry some tools and
parts for my job. Essentially what I need is a working van that is not
going to have much down time. What bothers me are two things. First, I
hear about the horrible fuel economy from some people (13.9 - 15 mpg...
ouch!) and second, I have heard several complaints about transmission
failures. I thought a Ford Windatar I had which killed two
transmissions in 64K was bad but I read a post about an Odyssey owner
who has had transmission failure in under 17K miles. Are these problems
unusual, or common? Also how good is Honda at taking care of these
problems?
I can't be dealing with a vehicle that is going to be in the shop as
much as on the road or a dealer network that used 'bandaid' fixes as
oposed to taking care of the whole problem the first time.
Oh, I have been looking at low mileage 2000 and 2001 vehicles so these
are the years I would appreciate info on.
Thanks,
Bill B.

 

What sort of "work" are we talking about? What kind of weight do
you typically haul around?

The Odyssey is NOT what I would consider to be a "work van", but it
may work for you. I'd say the Ody is a step up from a Windstar; but sounds
to me like you might need a "real" work van. Not a kid hauler van...


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I am a technician who works on network printers and Sun computers. I'd rarely
haul much over 250lbs in the van. The big thing I need is the head room. I
presently have a pickup with a cap and if I hit my head on that darn cap one
more time I'm going to scream. I liked the Odyssey because it handled rather
well for a van and the seats were a little flatter which made them more
comfortable for me. I like side bolsters and such in a sports car, but for work
that are a pain in the butt (no pun intended) . Another thing I liked about the
Odyssey I tested was that the engine and transmission seemed to work well
together unlike the Ford and GM vehicles I tried which always seemed to be in
the wrong gear and doggy in traffic.
In my spare time I have a couple boats I would occasionally tow. The largest of
which is a 35 year old Sanger hydroplane. Total weight of the rig is about 2600
lbs. Since the Odyssey can be equipped with a towing package and a class 3
hitch it would work as a tow vehicle. But, if these things have a bum
transmission as I have heard from a couple people on that odyclub website, I'd
rather not have one. I don't need another vehicle with smoking transmission
problems.
Bill B.