Odyssey '02 145K: to keep or not to keep

oozbooz

I have '02 Odyssey with 145K miles (original owner). Up to this point, did not have major problems except a motor mount replacement at 100K and failed AC last year (works for passenger cabin and on not so hot days; not a big issue in northern CA).

I am facing timing belt replacement, in addition a trusted mechanic warns me on upcoming tranny replacement due to wear (no signs yet, but he claims its inevitability).

As of now, Car should sell for $3K or less. Should I invest $3-4K for the above mentioned maintenance. Or, say goodbye to and buy some used SUV under $20K.

Your $0.02 is highly valued

Thanks

01intrigue

Your timing belt maintenance is overdue, but should be no more than $1000, with the water pump and idler changed as well. If you've been nice to your tranny (light gas pedal, fluid changes) I'd reco putting the $1000 into it. Our 2006 EX-L has had zero maintenance issues in 128K of miles thus far. My wife's right foot is lighter than mine, and I am sure that has helped the tranny work as well as it has. (I also think they changed the tranny with the 2005 model redesign, but cannot confirm that.) If every Ody tranny had problems, they would be out of business. Heck, I'm looking at mid-2000's Acuras to replace my Intrigue when it falters.

donethat_1

Get rid of it now while it still runs and do not be surprised if you are asked if you have had any tranny issues when you trade it. From 2000-present, this is an ongoing issue and it will fail......no doubt. Homda knows it and continues to try and sell to unsuspecting consumers. Do a google search. You will be surprised to hear of all the issues, inlduing how undae it is to operate as a result of the tranny issues.

isellhondas

Actually the transmission problems DID NOT affect as many Odysseys as some people would like you to think they did.

Yes, they ahd a lot more problems than is normal for Honda but there are a whole lot of people who have never had a problem after 200,000 plus miles.

Odysseys tend to get abused and driven hard! Peole load them down and use them to tow heavy loads.

packardtford

Replace tranny on mine at 190,000 last year. Local repair shop got a rebuilt one from the Honda dealer and total was $2900 installed. Over 200,000 miles now and my kids are still driving it.

autowrite

Replaced my 02 transmission at 184,000kms in 2007 at Honda dealer. Becasue if was done in 2007 the replacement was updated to 07 specs. In 2010 put in an after-market transmission cooler installed at a comany that installs hitches and sells travel trailers; but I just got the cooler. Right after this I started the synethic transmission oil changes to give it 98% synethic. This year at 299,000 kms I had Honda rebuid the air-conditioer. People might say this was a crazy move for someone living in Ontario, Canada that only sees hot days for 3-4 months and not everyday, but we had a fve day stretch in March this year were it was close to unbearable ( about 28c & humitex of about 35c) without the a/c. We (my wife & I) really love this van and it's only got 304,000 kms on it; so I guess it could go to 600,000 kms easily; although I could be looking at a 2nd transmission replacement. So it's only worth about $6,000; but a non-working senior cannot avoid the high price of $C60,000 HST included for a 2012 Touring and in 10 years it will be only worth $C8,000. It least my house goes up in value!

susan1946

I'm not sure I'm a good source to tell you whether to keep or sell an '02 Odyssey. But I can chip in in favor of the Odyssey as a wonderful vehicle.

We got our first Odyssey when our daughter moved up to a concert grand harp, and the added orchestral bass to her collection of instruments. It can carry 2 harps and a bass with padding, and nothing else I know can pull that off.

When our daughter was in high school, our first van got T-boned with our daughter driving. Car was totaled, but our daughter walked away unscathed. She has inherited our second Odyssey - the 3rd was taken out by a hurricane, but the 4th (MY vehicle) is doing wonderfully. I'm afraid I'm addicted to the backup camera and other amenities.

So I think if I were in your shoes, I'd be looking to acquire the latest Odyssey. Sue

castironguitar

I am also of the opinion that it is not inevitable that your Odyssey will experience transmission problems.

Our first Odyssey was a 2000 which we had for 130,000 miles with no transmission problems. Our current Odyssey is a 2005 with more than 150,000 miles. We recently had the transmission serviced (inspected, adjusted, and fluid changed) by a transmission expert (30+ years), who said it looked very good - no sign of problems.

dottield

Do yourself a big favor dump it just as I am going to do, I have a 2002 with less than 78,000 and the trans is totally junk at over $4000 to replace it, with a new one that will do the same thing I test drove a new one the other day and the trans is the same as the 02, so do the same math, say goodbye to Honda as they do not have a clue how to treat customers I called about the recalls they tell me there is nothing wrong with mine the fluid is burnt and it won't shift but there is nothing wrong with it.

jeromew

We have a 2001 Odyssey - purchased new/only owner. First transmission issue was around 70K. While I was in Iraq, Wife played real hardball with northern Virginia dealership and after threating them with better business bureau action, eventually got a replacement at no cost. Van has 165K now and we're having our second transmission issue - will be taking the van into a private Transmission specialist this week.

While not thrilled with our decision, thinking about keeping it because we don't drive it that much how and the darn thing is just so convenient for hauling large items like furniture, antiques...

I'm either crazy or just hate new car payments.... jeromew :confuse:

donethat_1

Really? Check that. Honda lost a $90 million class action lawsuit for early model year tranny issues and there are others ongoing for newer models. This is a design flaw by Honda. THey know and do nothing about it. Mine went out at 68000 miles,(no abuse or towing either) the motor mounts were broke, door stuck, etc. Piece of crap!

Dump the car now while it still runs. I got rid od mine and when I drove it to the dealer lot and got out, the first queston they asked me was if I had any tranny problems. THis is a very well know problem. Even the NTSB has been notified of all the concerns becasue the tranny fails while driving it and some people have almost been killed.

In additon, February 2012 Motor Trend Long Test Article 2011 Odyssey Touring Elite, 6 months old, 14999 miles "...we'll have the technicians look at the transmission as well. Over time, shifting has become rough, and occasionally upon acceleration between first and second gears, the transmission seems to be shuddering."