I have visited the Honda dealerships in the Twin Cities area (MSP/St. Paul) and found that none of them is willing to sell the Ody for less than MSRP. (The price is MSRP + cost of accessories you want like mud flaps etc.) Going by the salesguys, the demand is huge and so there is negotiation on the price. You can't even get an Ody to test drive. I would appreciate if other Ody owners/shoppers in the Mpls/St. Paul area could share their experience on this.
Recently put a set of these winter tires on my Odysssey and am unimpressed so far. On any wet surface, the tires "sing" pretty loudly between about 35 and 60mph, plus their snow traction doesnt seem much better than the OEM Michelin Symmetry's. Anyone else have any experience like this?
...I have the same setup on my 2000 - third season. They do sing on wet pavement - just the nature of the tread doing it's job IMHO.
I drove home 75 miles last night in a snowstorm with nary an issue. I was able to navigate snow covered off ramps and get through the 14" tall by 2' thick plow snot at the end of my driveway. I have found the traction to be excellent although I can make the traction control come on when starting out simply by overapplying the throttle. I think you could do that to any snow tire though. I've never gotten stuck with them and they seem to stop very well in snow.
The thing about the Arctic Alpin is that the tread is designed to accomodate use on dry roads as well without great wear. Most snow tires will not wear well on dry roads.
Recently put a set of these winter tires on my Odysssey and am unimpressed so far. On any wet surface, the tires "sing" pretty loudly between about 35 and 60mph, plus their snow traction doesnt seem much better than the OEM Michelin Symmetry's. Anyone else have any experience like this?
In the brocure it says that the EX model has 6 speakers. I just got a EXL-RES and i only count 4. Where are the other 2. I'm counting 2 in the front and 2 in the back.
It's very interesting a bank will finance a car in such a way collateral "car" is worth less the money you owe and come back to ask borrower for a Gap insurance to cover the difference. I would ask the dealer to show me the "formula" they use to determine during the "X" months of the car loan at what period that car is worth less than you owe.
You're asking the impossible, it depends upon so many factors. Time of year, state of local market, condition of the vehicle before the loss occurred all affect the value of a vehicle, not just it's age and mileage. My insurance company allows me to pay a small premium to cover the gap for 30 months from new. I have heard that others allow 2 years.
...plow snot - sorry that's a local euphemism for the frozen blockade of snow, ice, sand, and salt that's left at the end of your driveway by the plow. Typically in my neighborhood the plow does it's thing 30 seconds before I pull into the driveway or 30 seconds after I put the snowthrower away!!
Try the Alpins in some deeper snow - I hope you'll be suprised.
Sounds like the PMI required by lenders on home mortgages with less than 20% equity. It's an expensive insurance that only protects the lender, while fattening their pocketbooks at the borrower's expense. I sure wouldn't buy it.
njswamplands- congrats on your ody purchase. I have been using a laptop computer's dvd player in my ody. I took hints from posts some time ago, and used a bungee cord to hold laptop to the tray between two front seats. Electronics become ludicrous antiques so fast that I was loathe to purchase the permanent Honda dvd player. I don't understand why somebody would pay hundreds more for a tiny screen, when a laptop has a 14 to 15 inch screen, and is portable, multifunctional, and can be updated when old. A friend of mine has installed a GPS(?)navigation software/hardware system on his laptop, and it worked really well. Not being too adept at electronics, for now I'll have to stay with roadmaps.
Hard to believe any puter attached with bungee cords is a "good" idea... given that it has the potential to be a high speed projectile during crash regardless of the bungee.
Overhead project creates a stationary object on the ceiling of the vehicle that will not fly around the vehicle and doubtfully (if seatbelted) be flown into (because it is on the ceiling) during an accident.
My 2002 Odyssey is one year old, purchased on 10/2001. The brakes pop when the pedal is pressed. This happens often but not all of the time. It just started a couple of months ago. The dealership, University Honda in Corvallis, Oregon says it's just a characteristic of the Odyssey. I wonder why it took I year to start popping. They say it's the pads slapping, but nothing is wrong with the pads. Also, the driver seat back has been replaced twice because there is a sloppy spot. Plus, the road noise is terrible in this vehicle. I'm sorry I bought it. I expected so much more with all the great reviews and research I did. I feel I am getting bad service from the dealership's service department.
sbpceap, anyway you can show me your bungee arrangement or point me to the sources that you used for this arrangement?
i agree with about the electronics end. i usually need to take my computer where i am going anyways. but taste brings up a good point and just want to see how you tied it down. but i usually have a 1000 projecticles in the back when i take the kids on a trip. any ideas on that taste?
I recall reading a series of posts about laptop advantages about a year ago, probably in "prices paid" ody discussion, because that was where I "hung out" for several years before buying. "Taste's" point is valid; it isn't the safest way. But who drives a car without any cargo items? And I think it inconvenient and unsightly to nail everything to the van walls and ceiling. (guess I should make one of those winky faces here, but can't bring myself to do it). I only took the laptop into the van a couple of times. I used a couple of thin, smaller bungee cords around laptop's hinge area, and around the table top between front seats. My laptop actually wedged in between front seat armrests pretty tight, so movement wasn't a problem. Later in the trip my daughter took the laptop onto her lap.
Hey sbpceap far from me to preach "safety" as I am certain someone could make a strong case of safety concerns in my car as well; not to speak of my driving (this is particularly true when I switch from driving my TT to the Mini) however one of my brothers does something similiar to you but does not secure the PC and it just seems really dangerous to me. In a mid-high speed crash everything small and large (including people not seatbelted) become projectiles.
But as I said far be it from me to "be the pot that calls the kettle black" given I take my boy around the neighborhood in my car to see the Xmas lights...
I live in Apple Valley and my experience is similar to yours. I have heard from all five local dealers (Brooklyn Park, Buerkle, Richfield, Burnsville, and Hopkins) as well as Rochester and the story is the same - MSRP or nothing. I am going to Chicago this weekend and will be checking out a dealer in Libertyville and, just for grins, Jacobs Twin (heard a LOT of mixed reviews). Finally, I may have to get serious about the Ohio dealers... It appears that there are some dealers willing to ship the van to your front door! So far, the only drawback of buying out of state is that you MIGHT lose your Lemon Law rights (I have not confirmed this). In lieu of saving almost $2000, I am willing to look around...
Keep us posted on your searching please!
Wholigan
2003 Honda Odyssey EX-LRES - Midnight Blue Pearl 2004 Honda Accord EX-L Graphite Pearl 2007 Honda Civic EX - Atomic Blue 2013 Honda Civic LX - Crimson Pearl
Well...I have to admit that the Ody is for wife replacing 9-5 Saab Wagon (which I will drive until lease for TT comes up in March). Not sure what my next vehicle will be...looking at G35, Allroad Audi or Pilot, (maybe even a used Bimmer 540i : - )
I do however like driving the Ody given I am used to sitting very low on the road and look sort of funny getting out of such a small car at 6'2". Loved the TT but a two roadster is not a family vehicle :-)
Well...I have to admit that the Ody is for wife replacing 9-5 Saab Wagon (which I will drive until lease for TT comes up in March). Not sure what my next vehicle will be...looking at G35, Allroad Audi or Pilot, (maybe even a used Bimmer 540i : - )
I do however like driving the Ody given I am used to sitting very low on the road and look sort of funny getting out of such a small car at 6'2". Loved the TT but a two seat roadster is not a family vehicle :-)
I am looking to buy a 2003 EX and wanted to know if anyone had any issues with installing an after market mobile video(DVD) system in the Ody. Honda wants you to get leather in order to get the DVD system. looking to save some $$. Any gotches or positives will be much appreciated.
Just for your reference, "6th Ave Electronics", a retail chain in the NY/NJ area, offers an "after Christmas sale" on Accele Mini Van Video System installed for $849., usually $1199. But that's video, not dvd. It mounts on the ceiling (headliner), has 7" flip down lcd widescreen monitor. (In response to post 5832)- As for my own dvd aftermarket "cheapskate" portable version, I use my laptop with "Intervideo" dvd software.
My wife and I are going to purchase a 03' LX Odyssey in April. As some of you may know, it does not come with a CD/Radio and Keyless Entry options. We want to keep costs down and don't want to pay Dealer costs for these options. What are my options and where can I purchase these aftermarket accessories? Ps - I also like to get mud-flaps and a "bug" shield for it too. Thanks.
I agree. Handaaccessories was my choice too. The mud guards are an easy do-it-yourself job if your a little handy; no drilling is required. Other aftermarket accessories can be competitively priced at some other sites I learned about from this forum, including hondapartsforyou, partscheap, hparts, and hondaautomotiveparts. Hondapartsforyou has a convenient, $3.95 shipping charge.
Handa is usually cheaper than parts4you, in spite of the flat shipping rate from the latter. Parts4you has a bad habit of charging your charge card on the day of your order, no matter how long it may take before they ship. Handa only charges your card when the shipment is made; which, imnsho, is the way it should be.
beam are on, but once I completely pull the level and it clicks, it switches to High beam only and the low beam headlights go out. Is that the way they should work in the oddy?
In my old Accord, when switching to high, both headlights would remain on?
What happens when you guys and gals switch the headlights from low to high?
The end of the month marks the 1st anniversary for our '02 EX (granite green / cloth), and I thought I would post it's history and some opinions for those considering buying one. This is my first Honda (in 9 new cars purchased/leased). Present mileage is about 16k.
Like most people, I waited about 2 months and paid sticker MSRP ($27K). No games, no extra dealer fees - very professional. Dealer was Friendly Honda (NY). There is room for negotiation on dealer installed accessories - I got them to reduce their markup based on price matching from printout I showed them from the internet. I had them add Mud Flaps, Cassette Deck, Roof Rack Crossbars, Cargo Well Mat, and the Acrylic Hood Deflector.
After much deliberation about projected Honda reliability and how long we figure we will keep the van, we decided to go for the 7yr / 100k miles / $0 deductible Honda Care. We paid $875 over the internet in October (Alton Blakley in KY). The price was reasonable, and it should help resale value. In November, I also bought 4 Dunlop WinterSport tires on steel wheels (with ugly covers...) from TireRack. Great investment, as winter in the Hudson Valley of NY has been tough this year.
Problems? Nothing unusual - the normal stuff reported on these boards: a) Some wind noise (around roof rack, windshield seals, mirrors) b) Interior noise - sloshing fuel, road rumble c) Rear brake carrier motion - click on first stop after transitioning from forward to reverse d) Some drivetrain lugging when in 5th gear at less than 50mph or so (slow to downshift) e) Power sliding and tailgate noise (cured by monthly application of silicon lube to seals)
Warranty Issues (no hassle, no charge...): a) Front brake cleaning (some grinding noise) b) One door sill retainer clip replaced
Dislikes - What would I change? (some of this is compared to my last two vans - '00 Ford Windstar SE and '97 Dodge GC Sport): a) Quieter interior - more sound deadening b) Better stereo (poor, even by OEM standards) c) A 5th gear lockout (electric switch on shifter), as the mechanical gate only has Drive (all 5 gears) or D3 - no way to get 1-4 with 5th excluded for hilly driving. d) How about some more interior lighting (floor lamps, glove box, door and wheel switches)?? e) Maybe a 'warmer' feel to the interior? Somehow our last two vans felt 'richer' - materials, colors.
What might I still add? a) Hitch for my utility trailer (usually pulled by my Subaru Outback), with tranny and PS coolers b) Fog lights c) Rubber strips for the roof rack (roof paint protection)
So am I happy? Yes. Great handling, reasonable long trip comfort, lots of utility - Magic Seat (which stays stowed 90% of the time), only a single dealer visit outside of routine maintenance (so far, knock on wood.....). A solid investment, and probably a keeper.
Thanks you two and others for your inputs. This is the kind of information I was looking for. Being a future Ody owner, I also liked Steve's 1 year driving report. Keep them coming!
I am considering buying an Odyssey in near future but also tempted to get the Honda Pilot instead( only about 2.5k more) . Don't really need Extra space in Odyssey. Deciding factor are superior handling, less body roll, firmer suspension. Want to be absolutely comfortable driving through curves at speeds of 75-80 mph.Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. Raj
Hello, new poster here, and I was seriously considering a '03 Oddy. But after browsing on the 'problems' board, it seems like everybody has the howling noise around the windshield, squeaky brakes, and doors that either won't close or stick.
Much thanks to fibber2, who summarized his first year with his Oddy, but even he (she?) had windshield noise and brake noise. Do ANY Oddys work correctly off the assembly line?
Don't mean to be too harsh, but all the troubles have me, well, troubled.
All help and stories appreciated, thanks in advance - JK
I haven’t had any problems with noise. I understand if you drive on concrete there is noise whereas on asphalt there is not. Also if you leave the cross bars on in the roof rack you will get some noise.
To prevent door problems you may need to lubricate then occasionally.
For driving on curves at 75-80 mph, a minivan of any kind is not going to do the job. If you want to drive around curves at these speeds, neither the Odyssey nor any other minivan is going to work for you. Really the only safe alternative is a sports car, like the Corvette for example. Otherwise you will end up with your vehicle skidding off the road and perhaps turning over.
No problems on delivery and none since, but only nine months so far. I think it's the first vehicle I have owned that I can say that about. I do have the odd gripe about certain features that could or should have been designed differently, but overall very satisfied.
My car is one of the early production 99 Ody LXs that came off the assembly line in Jan 99. Four years and 40k miles later, the only things I've had to do to it is the scheduled maintenance and the recall work. I am very conscious of other people's experience with the transmission, but so far (knocking on wood) so good. I did get the tranny fluid replaced at the 30k service, not wanting to take any chances with the transmission. I didn't get the EX (and at that time, the EXs hadn't hit the showrooms yet) because I didn't need the power doors and their associated problems, and hearing of the problems some are having with them, I'm glad I didn't get it.
I have a 2000 EX with 39,000 miles on it and have never had squeaky brakes. However, there is wind and pretty bad road noise. The road noise is worse on concrete surfaces than on asphalt. You can forget having a conversation in a normal voice on concrete above 50 mph.
I have not had any problems with the sliding doors in a while. They used to stop half way closed or get all the way down to where it latches and then pop back out. I found that if you keep the contacts on the B pillar clean the doors will work just fine.
From your description, looks like you want a sporty ride. Have you considered an Audi, BMW or Volvo wagon? (if you need the cargo space)
These sport wagons will make you comfortable for sure!
On the other hand, if you really need the 7 seats, with the vehicle full of kids I would NEVER "be absolutely comfortable driving through curves at speeds of 75-80 mph"
Thanks very much to vtec2, grandtotal, and dave594 for sharing their real-world experiences. It sounds like not every Ody has bad door problems, but enough do so that everybody knows how to fix the problem, right?
That's actually kind of funny.
In a follow up question, has anyone found out if any of these problems will be fixed on the 2004 model, and when will the 2004's go on sale?
I am a 'he'. ;-) An engineer, and a fairly decent 'shade tree mechanic'. Glad my report helped, but let me clarify some of my writing a bit.....
Compared to my last two vans, the Honda is generally louder, and seems to generate some unusual howls when hit with strong winds at high speed. But to be honest, I have not done much to diagnose the problem.
The crossbars are facing the right way (like an airplane wing - blunt leading edge forward), but I have yet to try moving them back along the crossbars, or removing them. The windshield seals look OK. I have the front bug deflector as well, and it might be the culprit. But I like it, as it does a great job at pushing stuff (light debris, even some stones) up and over the vehicle, saving hood chips, windshield marks.
General interior noise level is high, but even the magazines say so. Some suspect the deep well in the rear may contribute. Maybe tires. The noise did increase even more with the WinterSports, so tread and tire construction play a role.
I think power door performance is a notch below those that I had on the Ford. Surprising, but true. They act odd occasionally, but are easy to recover when they do. I was annoyed by body flex induced rattles and drumming, but found that seal lubrication eliminated 99% of my complaints. So now it is a 20 minute monthly task.
I think overall initial quality was first rate. I can be a critical PITA, and spent better than an hour crawling all over it before sending it into 'make ready', and again before signing on it. Found virtually nothing worth complaining about!
And in the first year I had far more problems with both the Dodge and Ford. Serious problems, like tranny failure, PS rack replaced, brake and fuel system problems. But still, I opted for the extended warranty, with the expectation of using its services over the next 7yrs/100k, or getting some of it back in higher resale value.
I have no problem with the doors. However in very strong wind I get a buzzing noise coming from the passenger side of the windshield. I have an '03 with 1100 miles on it. so far so good.
Thanks Steve for the excellent follow up report. I also love getting into the details, so your posts are right up my alley.
Front bug deflector sounds like a great idea for keeping windshield clean, and nicks off hood. But how much interior noise are we talking? I know it's hard to quantify, but would it be possible to still hold a conversation in a normal voice inside the car when going at say, 50 mph? Could a child sleep in the car with the whistling?
Second, what is the deal with these doors? We've never had a minivan, so this would be our first exposure to such a thing. But it still seems really weird to have a power door not open, even manually. Fortunately, it seems everyone knows to keep them lubricated (I'd like to get the name of the lubricant if possible) or the "B" pillar clean. Can you or someone give me a laymans description of where I would find the "B" pillar?
Third - not coming from a very mechanically-inclined family, could you give a short description of the things you checked when you picked your new minivan up (i.e., before sending it in for 'make ready')? I myself wouldn't know what to check for, but would like to look for trouble areas, especially when dropping 30K on a new car ( I currently drive a Civic DX, to give you some idea of my frame of reference).
I realize after reviewing my note that I'm perhaps imposing a bit too much, so sorry if I am. But I would greatly appreciate any pointers you or anyone else would be willing to share -
Comments
Thanks
I drove home 75 miles last night in a snowstorm with nary an issue. I was able to navigate snow covered off ramps and get through the 14" tall by 2' thick plow snot at the end of my driveway. I have found the traction to be excellent although I can make the traction control come on when starting out simply by overapplying the throttle. I think you could do that to any snow tire though. I've never gotten stuck with them and they seem to stop very well in snow.
The thing about the Arctic Alpin is that the tread is designed to accomodate use on dry roads as well without great wear. Most snow tires will not wear well on dry roads.
Good Luck.
Where are the other 2. I'm counting 2 in the front and 2 in the back.
Two tweeters on the corners of the dashboard, one at each corner, if you look carefully you could see them look at you!
Congrats,
bjk
Try the Alpins in some deeper snow - I hope you'll be suprised.
Overhead project creates a stationary object on the ceiling of the vehicle that will not fly around the vehicle and doubtfully (if seatbelted) be flown into (because it is on the ceiling) during an accident.
To each their own...
i agree with about the electronics end. i usually need to take my computer where i am going anyways. but taste brings up a good point and just want to see how you tied it down. but i usually have a 1000 projecticles in the back when i take the kids on a trip. any ideas on that taste?
But as I said far be it from me to "be the pot that calls the kettle black" given I take my boy around the neighborhood in my car to see the Xmas lights...
taste, TT to a mini, i feel the withdrawls.
I live in Apple Valley and my experience is similar to yours. I have heard from all five local dealers (Brooklyn Park, Buerkle, Richfield, Burnsville, and Hopkins) as well as Rochester and the story is the same - MSRP or nothing. I am going to Chicago this weekend and will be checking out a dealer in Libertyville and, just for grins, Jacobs Twin (heard a LOT of mixed reviews). Finally, I may have to get serious about the Ohio dealers... It appears that there are some dealers willing to ship the van to your front door! So far, the only drawback of buying out of state is that you MIGHT lose your Lemon Law rights (I have not confirmed this). In lieu of saving almost $2000, I am willing to look around...
Keep us posted on your searching please!
Wholigan
2004 Honda Accord EX-L Graphite Pearl
2007 Honda Civic EX - Atomic Blue
2013 Honda Civic LX - Crimson Pearl
Not sure what my next vehicle will be...looking at G35, Allroad Audi or Pilot, (maybe even a used Bimmer 540i : - )
I do however like driving the Ody given I am used to sitting very low on the road and look sort of funny getting out of such a small car at 6'2". Loved the TT but a two roadster is not a family vehicle :-)
Not sure what my next vehicle will be...looking at G35, Allroad Audi or Pilot, (maybe even a used Bimmer 540i : - )
I do however like driving the Ody given I am used to sitting very low on the road and look sort of funny getting out of such a small car at 6'2". Loved the TT but a two seat roadster is not a family vehicle :-)
I am looking to buy a 2003 EX and wanted to know if anyone had any issues with installing an after market mobile video(DVD) system in the Ody. Honda wants you to get leather in order to get the DVD system. looking to save some $$. Any gotches or positives will be much appreciated.
(In response to post 5832)- As for my own dvd aftermarket "cheapskate" portable version, I use my laptop with "Intervideo" dvd software.
In my old Accord, when switching to high, both headlights would remain on?
What happens when you guys and gals switch the headlights from low to high?
Thanks
Like most people, I waited about 2 months and paid sticker MSRP ($27K). No games, no extra dealer fees - very professional. Dealer was Friendly Honda (NY). There is room for negotiation on dealer installed accessories - I got them to reduce their markup based on price matching from printout I showed them from the internet. I had them add Mud Flaps, Cassette Deck, Roof Rack Crossbars, Cargo Well Mat, and the Acrylic Hood Deflector.
After much deliberation about projected Honda reliability and how long we figure we will keep the van, we decided to go for the 7yr / 100k miles / $0 deductible Honda Care. We paid $875 over the internet in October (Alton Blakley in KY). The price was reasonable, and it should help resale value. In November, I also bought 4 Dunlop WinterSport tires on steel wheels (with ugly covers...) from TireRack. Great investment, as winter in the Hudson Valley of NY has been tough this year.
Problems? Nothing unusual - the normal stuff reported on these boards:
a) Some wind noise (around roof rack, windshield seals, mirrors)
b) Interior noise - sloshing fuel, road rumble
c) Rear brake carrier motion - click on first stop after transitioning from forward to reverse
d) Some drivetrain lugging when in 5th gear at less than 50mph or so (slow to downshift)
e) Power sliding and tailgate noise (cured by monthly application of silicon lube to seals)
Warranty Issues (no hassle, no charge...):
a) Front brake cleaning (some grinding noise)
b) One door sill retainer clip replaced
Dislikes - What would I change? (some of this is compared to my last two vans - '00 Ford Windstar SE and '97 Dodge GC Sport):
a) Quieter interior - more sound deadening
b) Better stereo (poor, even by OEM standards)
c) A 5th gear lockout (electric switch on shifter), as the mechanical gate only has Drive (all 5 gears) or D3 - no way to get 1-4 with 5th excluded for hilly driving.
d) How about some more interior lighting (floor lamps, glove box, door and wheel switches)??
e) Maybe a 'warmer' feel to the interior? Somehow our last two vans felt 'richer' - materials, colors.
What might I still add?
a) Hitch for my utility trailer (usually pulled by my Subaru Outback), with tranny and PS coolers
b) Fog lights
c) Rubber strips for the roof rack (roof paint protection)
So am I happy? Yes. Great handling, reasonable long trip comfort, lots of utility - Magic Seat (which stays stowed 90% of the time), only a single dealer visit outside of routine maintenance (so far, knock on wood.....). A solid investment, and probably a keeper.
Steve
The drivers seat does provide heating for both parts!
Dealers answer: that is normal!
Do you guys agree? that is the way the heated seats perform in the Odyssey?
Much thanks to fibber2, who summarized his first year with his Oddy, but even he (she?) had windshield noise and brake noise. Do ANY Oddys work correctly off the assembly line?
Don't mean to be too harsh, but all the troubles have me, well, troubled.
All help and stories appreciated, thanks in advance - JK
To prevent door problems you may need to lubricate then occasionally.
For driving on curves at 75-80 mph, a minivan of any kind is not going to do the job. If you want to drive around curves at these speeds, neither the Odyssey nor any other minivan is going to work for you. Really the only safe alternative is a sports car, like the Corvette for example. Otherwise you will end up with your vehicle skidding off the road and perhaps turning over.
I have not had any problems with the sliding doors in a while. They used to stop half way closed or get all the way down to where it latches and then pop back out. I found that if you keep the contacts on the B pillar clean the doors will work just fine.
From your description, looks like you want a sporty ride. Have you considered an Audi, BMW or Volvo wagon? (if you need the cargo space)
These sport wagons will make you comfortable for sure!
On the other hand, if you really need the 7 seats, with the vehicle full of kids I would NEVER "be absolutely comfortable driving through curves at speeds of 75-80 mph"
That's actually kind of funny.
In a follow up question, has anyone found out if any of these problems will be fixed on the 2004 model, and when will the 2004's go on sale?
Just wondering, thanks in advance - JK
Compared to my last two vans, the Honda is generally louder, and seems to generate some unusual howls when hit with strong winds at high speed. But to be honest, I have not done much to diagnose the problem.
The crossbars are facing the right way (like an airplane wing - blunt leading edge forward), but I have yet to try moving them back along the crossbars, or removing them. The windshield seals look OK. I have the front bug deflector as well, and it might be the culprit. But I like it, as it does a great job at pushing stuff (light debris, even some stones) up and over the vehicle, saving hood chips, windshield marks.
General interior noise level is high, but even the magazines say so. Some suspect the deep well in the rear may contribute. Maybe tires. The noise did increase even more with the WinterSports, so tread and tire construction play a role.
I think power door performance is a notch below those that I had on the Ford. Surprising, but true. They act odd occasionally, but are easy to recover when they do. I was annoyed by body flex induced rattles and drumming, but found that seal lubrication eliminated 99% of my complaints. So now it is a 20 minute monthly task.
I think overall initial quality was first rate. I can be a critical PITA, and spent better than an hour crawling all over it before sending it into 'make ready', and again before signing on it. Found virtually nothing worth complaining about!
And in the first year I had far more problems with both the Dodge and Ford. Serious problems, like tranny failure, PS rack replaced, brake and fuel system problems. But still, I opted for the extended warranty, with the expectation of using its services over the next 7yrs/100k, or getting some of it back in higher resale value.
Hope this helps,
Steve
Front bug deflector sounds like a great idea for keeping windshield clean, and nicks off hood. But how much interior noise are we talking? I know it's hard to quantify, but would it be possible to still hold a conversation in a normal voice inside the car when going at say, 50 mph? Could a child sleep in the car with the whistling?
Second, what is the deal with these doors? We've never had a minivan, so this would be our first exposure to such a thing. But it still seems really weird to have a power door not open, even manually. Fortunately, it seems everyone knows to keep them lubricated (I'd like to get the name of the lubricant if possible) or the "B" pillar clean. Can you or someone give me a laymans description of where I would find the "B" pillar?
Third - not coming from a very mechanically-inclined family, could you give a short description of the things you checked when you picked your new minivan up (i.e., before sending it in for 'make ready')? I myself wouldn't know what to check for, but would like to look for trouble areas, especially when dropping 30K on a new car ( I currently drive a Civic DX, to give you some idea of my frame of reference).
I realize after reviewing my note that I'm perhaps imposing a bit too much, so sorry if I am. But I would greatly appreciate any pointers you or anyone else would be willing to share -
thanks in advance - JK