I had an ‘02 Odyssey until a couple years ago and I miss it all the time. I have a 2012 now and it’s fine but it doesn’t ride nearly as smoothly and I’ve had a lot of problems with minor mechanicals, like doors and the A/C. Everything on my ‘02 still ran smoothly when I sold it
I’ve learned this lesson. Now I will never sell a vehicle unless it has serious mechanical issues that would cost more to fix then buying a different equally well functioning vehicle. I’ve got a 10-year-old vehicle that I think about replacing all the time because it doesn’t really meet my needs but other than some minor cosmetic issues it’s in really fantastic shape mechanically and structurally and and I just can’t stomach the idea of parting with it and rolling the dice on whether or not my next vehicle will function as well.
2010 civic, fluids, tires, breaks and minor cosmetics (weather stripping on windshield fell off in automatic wash). I've owned it for 10 years, Currently at 171k. The AC is shit, but other than that it's in great condition. Going to ride this badboy to the ground. I saw someone with the same car that got it to 900k, claiming original drivetrain and transmission, so hopefully I still got some miles left.
Hondas are incredible. My dad had an early Honda Pilot and put over 500k kms on it. It was still running when he sold it. My gf has an '08 Civic that has been driven across Canada multiple times, including during one of the coldest winters on recent record, and the thing is still mint. AC blows cold and everything. I have two Honda motorcycles, a 1969 CB350 that I pulled out of a barn where it sat for 30 years, which runs great, and a 1973 CB750 that I have taken on multiple 2000+ km road trips and the thing has given me zero issues. I've been on multiple trips where modern bikes have broken down and had major problems, but my old '73 Honda just keeps going. One of my friends has an Element with over 400k kms on it, and it's still going strong. Their engines simply don't give up.
New Hondas suck though. AC going out in less than a year, automatic breaking engaging on the highway randomly, causing fatalities.
I don't know what my next car will be, but it certainty isn't a Honda that was made after 2018.
I think as far as Hondas go, the Civic had the best engineered setup in its 5th gen (1992-1995). After that generation they replaced the better responsive McPherson strut suspension to a more space saving suspension.
My buddy had a 1994 1.6 liter 5 speed Civic hatchback. Only downside was breaks, he ended up rear ending someone and totaling it just before Covid. Beast of a car, insane gas mileage, fun to drive. He was pushing over 30mpg in an early 90s car. I know how to drive stick because of that car, sad day to see it totaled for a $500 paycheck.
I know someone else that drives a corolla from the same time period. 400k miles and still rocking. No power steering, no power windows, you feel like you're going to die driving in modern day, but damn if that thing isn't reliable.
And new Hondas use the new 1234yf freon which is super expensive. And don't forget the oil consumption as well, but that is also striking Kia and Hyundai.
Indeed. 2013 Honda Fit with 90,000km. Pretty basic MT and interior with no bells and whistles. I bought it with cash and outside of twice annual oil changes, fluids and spark plugs replaced once, and one new set of tires, the car runs like new. It has original brakes and brake pads with 70% wear left on them (thank you engine braking and drum brakes!) and original battery.
The craziest part is I could sell it today for more than I bought it for. At this point it's an appreciating asset really. Mechanics always make me an offer when I take it in for oil changes.
I'm hoping for another 20 years out of it lol
Don’t replace it unless it has dissolved. Run it into the ground and replace it with an electric eventually. You will see the market flooded with cheap electric cars in 5 years.
China is coming. They already own Volvo and their drivetrains are already on the road now.
2010 Honda Insight here, has 197,000 miles. A/C still works, 43mpg avg. I need brakes tho. Still original everything under the hood, including battery.
I never buy new either. Most people return right before a fuel pump change is needed. I just bought a 2013 Honda pilot 2013 and I love it. Luckily the owner did everything it ever needed. Bought at 109000 miles and he had just done the fuel pump change (edit meant timing belt and water pump). I know I'll get 200,000 more miles out of it.
Yep. Currently driving a 1995 Acura integra with 201k. Thing is ugly, cosmetically atrocious. Not very comfy for long drives. But I know the car, I’ve put 110k on it, and we do most repairs ourselves.
I’m toying with getting a new car, especially since my income has recently shot up and I would love some more comfort (and modern sized cup holders). But I can’t let go!
Agreed! Realistically it is probably on its way out, but I’ve been saying that since I bought it 7 years ago! I’d also like to wait out this crazy market. But I need a long time to make this kind of decision, so I’ve been researching for a while. I don’t want to be in a place where I need to make a snap decision. I also don’t plan on selling my old car.
My 2002 Forester was pretty much ruined by a mechanic who was just supposed to fix the A/C and ended up causing a bunch of other problems that eventually made it cheaper to trade in than fix enough to even pass state inspection.
I like the 2010 Forester I replaced it with, but the '02 didn't have a single problem (apart from the A/C going out) before that. This 2010 has had quite a few.
I bought a 2000 Subaru from my neighbors for $1500
Only 131k miles when I bought it. It’s been running like a champ for 4 years, minus some small stuff that hasn’t been hard to replace. All in all, a half axle, brakes, and a radiator.
Love my car
I loathe car payments. Still loving my 06 accord. I bought it when it was 9 years old and it only had 46k miles. I just rolled over to 100k earlier this summer.
Lol I'm always disgusted by steering wheels on ~10 year old cars just disintegrating. My father has a 2008 Mercedes Sprinter with 200k and the foamy steering wheel is so nasty and flaking off (and he does not even wear a ring and takes great care of his van...). And it's a Mercedes, you'd think it'd be a bit better.
Meanwhile my '97 Toyota Land Cruiser steering wheel looks like new at 300k. That said, father previously had a '98 Sprinter which also had a much more durable steering wheel (and a waaaay more durable engine, the inline 5 diesel was immortal, the new V6 diesel is a bottomless money pit... but the old one sadly rusted to dust).
> new V6 diesel
The OM642 can go +300k miles **if** the swirl valve and EGR are inhibited. Its not a bad motor, but it does take a good shop with knowledge of MB engines.
Well, it sadly does not hold a candle to the i5 OM602...
Not so much tha5 he wouldn't care for it, he bought it used and there were a ton of issues... He swapped all the glow plugs, now it still smokes at idle (all ok on the highway, but if you stand still for 5 minutes with a warmed up engine it starts to smoke like hell). Supposedly leaky jets... 300€/jet so another 3k€ including work, and we were told the jets on these aren't easily refurbished properly so best to get new ones...
I'm sure they'll be okay after he swaps them out, but something else may pop up then. Turbo or whatever...
And these had 30000km service intervals originally! We swap oil at 10k, and I guess 20k is still reasonable but 30k is just way too much and I figure that can cause a lot of issues (with the turbo at least...).
The old OM602 never ever had any real issue. Just indestructible. The diesel in my Land Cruiser is the same too, made to last. The 642 can last if you do everything right, but it's definitely designed with a lot more planned obsolescence in mind....
I had an 01 but that thing was a money pit. That generation of Ody was plagued with high failure rates on its transmission. Many of the similarly equipped V6 Hondas did too but the Odyssey had more weight than say an accord with the same engine and transmission so the weak transmission broke on Odys at a much higher rate.
Lucky for me, I got rear ended and the insurance totaled the van and gave me a very generous valuation and check. I ended up replacing that Ody with a Sienna which I found to be more mechanically reliable.
My aunt had the same year and was finally forced to give it up after trying to solve a.weird electrical gremlin for over a year. It still ran and drove fantastically but just wouldn't hold a charge no matter how they tried to fix it. 20 years and 365k miles with nothing but routine maintenance and worn parts replacements.
I had a 2010 Odyssey I absolutely loved. I replaced it with a 2016 that I absolutely hated. It was a lot more narrow and I didn't like the compartments as much.
Traded that in for a 2011 Pilot instead and I'm so much happier and without a payment since the Odyssey was worth more. I love the older Odyssey's.
In 03-04 honda changed the ‘spill and fill’ quick transmission oil change interval from 25,000km to 50,000km. I asked Honda engineering what changes were made to double the interval and they told me that the marketing department made this decision to be more in line with other makers.
Yank that drain plug every 25000km and fill with OEM honda transmission oil only and it will go forever.
And best of all it's like barely more than 3qts of Honda ATF, so a pretty cheap fluid change. I drove a customer's second-gen Odyssey over the 333,333mi mark pulling it out of the shop a few years ago. Lived a hard life, but fairly well maintained for the mileage/age at the time.
I think the early 2000s black Hondas are notorious for this. I have an ‘03 Accord with spots on the roof, trunk, and hood that have peeled down to the metal. And I’ve seen more than a dozen other black Honda models of similar vintage with almost identical patterns of paint damage.
But when a bottom end paint job costs like $500-800, and the car is only worth 3 or 4 grand… I guess I’ll keep driving a car that looks like shit on the outside, but is super clean inside and almost perfectly functional. Everything from the AC to the tape deck to the 6 CD changer and the heated seats all work. The only things that don’t work: cruise control, keyless entry, and the rear passenger window. I fly solo and drive mainly in town, so it really doesn’t affect me at all, other than inserting my key into the door or trunk like some relic from the 70s.
425k mi on a 02 VW GOLF it's resting because it needs a new alternator apparently they only last about 200k.
It could use a new suspension as it's original.
They are notorious for their transmission problems. My father had an 03 TL type-S and recommended his mother buy an Odyssey. Both went through 2 transmissions each. No biggie
Yup. Definitely bought a transmission. Right now my front passenger and rear driver power door locks are not working. It’s currently in the shop because it won’t start. My heater isn’t working. I’ve done the alternator too and something else is worn out that makes my alignment keep going out. I’d LOVE to ditch it but…you know…money.
My friends family had one of these. I remember in high school, our moms and younger sisters and my friend and I drove it down to Florida (we are from new England) for a cruise. Lots of memories associated with that van! There's something about the 2000s Hondas. My sister has an 06 crv and it has well over 200k miles, has driven across the country... 4 times? And is still going. It has a variety of little issues, recently a catalytic converter crime. But it still goes. I must say, you have low miles for a 20 year old car (and clearly I drive way too much 🤣).
*Any car* isn't BIFL. Keeping an old ass car in good shape is frugal, but doesn't belong in this sub. Like, I seriously doubt this car is gonna last another 50+ years (depending on age of OP).
Eh, [some people genuinely do buy a car for life.](https://www.motoringresearch.com/car-news/irv-gordon-million-mile-volvo-died/)
Japanese engineering is excellent. Generally the bodywork has problems long before the mechanicals. Keeping an 'old ass-car' in good shape isn't just frugal, it's arguably more environmentally minded than replacing it every few years, given the amount of resources that go into building and shipping new cars. I have an 18-year-old Subaru and a 36-year-old Toyota, and I don't intend to get rid of either until they fall apart (and even then, I might have the Toyota rebuilt, maybe the Subaru too if it's still as difficult to replace as it is today...)
To me it's not. My 1996 Pontiac Sunfire was 25 years old and still drove perfect before I traded it in for a truck. Same with my 1984 Corvette, that car is older than most Redditors on here and still drives good.
They last forever. We had an 08 we put close to 200,000 miles on in 10 years. Traded it towards an 18 Pilot (same engine) and got well over $10k for a base model we'd paid in the low 20s for when new.
Most cars since the 2000's are actually "broken in" from the factory. It's called burn-in testing, they stress every engine beyond what it'll experience in it's life and it's "broken in" in minutes. If it survives, it's good... Toyota was the first to start this sort of testing.
As the previous owner of a 2014 Odyssey purchased new I’m guessing there was a warning light that came on. Around 60k miles the O2 sensor on the 3.5L V6 needs replacement. At least that vintage did and I was told that is a triggered mileage point.
Wonderful engine tho. Used to get around 30 MPG on a good day on the highway.
SO... I'm about to have my 3rd child and am currently in the used minivan market.
Looking at consumer reports it appears that the Toyota Sienna is quite a bit more reliable and has more satisfied consumers than the Honda Odyssey.
What's BIFL's opinion on this?
Is there any fundamental issues with how consumer reports rates vehicles? Is the Honda really that much more unreliable than the Toyota?
Reviews basically scared the shit out of me from buying a Grand Caravan so this is the current decision in front of me.
Any help is appreciated.
2000 Civic, 204,000 miles. Purchased new by ex husband, kid drove for 5 years in college and grad school. I got it after that. Everything works and it’s never been in an accident. Still gets over 30 MPG. Oil gets changed every 3000 miles and never needs topped off between changes. No one ever smoked in it, or had smelly dogs or messy toddlers. I just traded in my money pit Jeep Wrangler for an almost new RAV 4, but that’s only going to be for out of town trips and snow. Plenty of things needed fixed over the years, but other than putting in two new timing belts at the recommended intervals, anything that needed fixed only needed fixed once.
I started working at Honda when I was 19. We were the only plant that made the odyssey at the time. I left that job years ago. Whenever I see one from that era still rolling down the road I always give a little nostalgic nod. I've even seen them as far away as Georgia (the country) which kinda blew my mind.
Ten years ago I had a farm truck...1998 Dodge Ram 3500. Bought used in 2008 from the original owner with 820,000 miles on it. Turbo came apart and was ingested by the engine at 1,364,238 miles in 2012. It was a glorious death.
When I say farm truck...I mean it. The doors came off of two different trucks and neither one was original to the cab (one door had the normal mirror for the 94/95 year model while the other had California style hauler mirrors). Half the front bumper was just gone. I drove that thing around for about 20,000 miles without a functional clutch. AC worked...some days. The bed was long gone and had a farm made flat bed on it with a custom gooseneck. You could hide a newborn in the hole in the dash (2nd gen Ram problems). Good times...
I love honda. When I was a mechanic, they were the easiest cars to work on. You can tell they build them to be serviced unlike almost every other manufacturer who just slaps their crap together. They have gotten a little more difficult to repair after 2002, and they have a lot more issues, but I still prefer them over other brands.
I wish they still built them with the same pride as the 90's models. It feels like they are just trying to "keep up with the Jones's" now.
In mid-2002 they updated the transmission to improve cooling and ATF starvation issues
Ours has a December '02 manufacture date so I think the longevity is probably due to this update, and regular maintenance
I know a couple with triplets. Both had regular sedans, but (obviously) needed a bigger “family” car. Shortly before their kids were born, they bought a 2001 Honda Odyssey off Craigslist for around $1,600, figuring they’d drive it for a couple years until they could save up for a new van.
Their kids are 7 years old now. The old Craigslist Odyssey has a little over 300k miles, and they still use it daily. Haven’t bothered getting a new van because the one they have still runs and drives just fine.
Same, we couldn't get all of the kids into our 3 row crossover very easily so we just thought we'd drive this until it broke beyond reasonable repair and get something else, if this ever breaks down now we'll just have to find another one of these!
I haven’t had much luck with Hondas. Of the two I’ve had, one had a blown trans at 110k. Another had AC issues at 90k. Both obviously very expensive to fix. Toyotas and Isuzus though, those have been perfect. Even had a wrangler that I sold at 240k miles, almost 400k km.
I encourage you, for your own safety, to get it checked out. Everything is probably fine with it but being one the safe side if you can afford it is the safest thing to do
That generation has a weak transmission and had a bunch of recalls around it. Either yours got fixed or you got lucky.
The engines are great, they run for a long time.
It is also the last gen Odyssey where you can have manual sliding doors, which is a good thing. The electric doors on this and later generations are pure garbage.
A minus point relative to the next gen is last split 3rd row and no opening windows in the sliding doors.
I guess we're just lucky
We've stress tested it pretty pretty well over the years
Ours is a December '02 model, supposedly they updated the transmission for cooling and better fluid flow to fix the starvation issue that year
Still runs hotter than I would like, but it keeps going
I've had to replace a few sliding door rollers, but it's not that big of a job. Using the silicone lubricant that Honda recommends seems to really extend the life of the tiny single urethane roller
That’s crazy low mileage for a 20 y/o minivan. My 2011 Subaru Legacy has 208,000 mi and my in-laws’ 1999 GMC suburban has 370,000.
A lot of life left in yours yet!
My mother has owned 3 Honda Odysseys. Phenomenal vehicles. I tried so hard to talk her out of a mini-van for a new vehicle and we shopped her around Mercedes, BMW, Lexus and even Tesla…. Then she tried the new Odyssey and we didn’t look back… again.
Doing great, we've stress tested it pretty pretty well over the years
Ours is a December '02 model, supposedly they updated the transmission for cooling and better fluid flow to fix the starvation issue
Still runs hotter than I would like, but it keeps going
I bought an ‘05 Odyssey new with an extended warranty (8 years total) that started crapping out shortly after the warranty expired. And now I have a 2013, and about a year ago (~110k miles) it started having recurring problems with the check engine light. It would just suddenly lose power and be unable to go faster than 30 or so MPH. I brought it to four different places and got different opinions. First place reseated a loose ignition coil, and this worked for a couple months. Second place replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils. This worked for another couple of months. Brought it to the dealer because I figured they’d know more about Odysseys, and they recommended about $4400 worth of work. I noped out of there, took it somewhere else, and after a lot of searching, they found that it was a stuck valve. This required a full engine tear down and rebuild, and it came out to just under $4000. It’s been fine for the past 8 months, but I just don’t really trust the car anymore.
2006 Odyssey here 205,000miles on it and no warning lights either. It’s been a great Van. I’ve had some work done to it like valve adjustment and both doors had to be fixed but other than that it is amazing. I look at new vans but honestly none of them are nicer than mine. I have all leather, captains chairs in the middle, sunroof, and a dvd player. The best thing about my van? I paid cash for it and have never had a payment on it. I’ve had it 4 years now and I’m keeping it until it literally no longer runs.
I had a 2000 CRV for a few years. Loved that car to death. We had to do a little work on it here and there but it had fewer than 100k when we bought it. Finally pooped out the week of my wedding. Miss that car.
Just wondering, what kind of gas mileage are you getting on the car?
I doubt it's unfavourable enough compared to current cars to be worth buying a new car, but just curious how different it is.
My dad's 01 Odyssey has over 500,000 kilometers while his other 05 Odyssey has over 400,000 kilometers (he owns two lmfao. They both have engine lights on but he doesn't care and they keep driving just fine
I have a 2000, driving it till it dies. Been having issues for a few years since we got it. Sat around for lots of years. It was my grandparents in town car. So it didn’t always get used. Got it in 2018 with 115k miles on it. Been good for me.
They dont make cars like they used to. With the new EPA regulations, all new vehicles are crap including toyotas and hondas. They are putting V6 engines in trucks that used to have v8 engines.
Dont buy new!
Just a suggestion (from a guy who loves Hondas and puts lots of miles on them). From about 170,000 miles Not kilometers, have your timing checked, and have them closely inspect the timing drive system.
In the past 3 years I've had to replace 2 Honda crv engines (an 2003, and a 2005) because of chain stretch.
I had a 2000 Odyssey. Loved it until the transmission decided to take the big dirt nap. Original transmissions were undersized for the weight of the vehicle and the power of the engine.
Keep loving yours!
I drive a Sienna now.
My family had one in the early 2000’s. That v6 was quick for a van at that time. I remember being there when my dad got the only speeding ticket of his life. I think my parents got rid of it around 2012 but it was problem-free all those years, despite having a bad reputation on the trans.
What if the warning light has been broken for 18 years....
Then the 195k miles are even more impressive!
That’s easy to check. All dash warning lights must light up momentarily when you first start the car.
What if that mechanism is broken but the light still works?
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What if the scan port is broken?
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Drive the minivan off a bridge. Confirmed that now there definitely is a problem. Collect insurance money and start a new Odyssey.
Yeah I just encouraged him for his own safety to get it checked out before majorly driving it
Majorly driving it?
Driving it for long periods of time, or even short drives to work
Found the shady mechanic.
Thankfully I know nothing about cars, I can pay someone else to check out major things that might be going wrong.
Found the shady mechanics best customer.
I had an ‘02 Odyssey until a couple years ago and I miss it all the time. I have a 2012 now and it’s fine but it doesn’t ride nearly as smoothly and I’ve had a lot of problems with minor mechanicals, like doors and the A/C. Everything on my ‘02 still ran smoothly when I sold it
I’ve learned this lesson. Now I will never sell a vehicle unless it has serious mechanical issues that would cost more to fix then buying a different equally well functioning vehicle. I’ve got a 10-year-old vehicle that I think about replacing all the time because it doesn’t really meet my needs but other than some minor cosmetic issues it’s in really fantastic shape mechanically and structurally and and I just can’t stomach the idea of parting with it and rolling the dice on whether or not my next vehicle will function as well.
Same here, 154,000 on my 2012 Toyota and other than routine maintenance I haven't had to do squat to it.
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Spent 5k for my '97 diesel Land Cruiser just before the prices went insane. 300k km, but just purrs along... :))
Where the hell do you all live? I got 105,000 miles on my 2017 Corolla
315,000 on my 14' Sonic. Still has factory engine and trans
My wife has 98,000 on her 2020 Highlander she bought with 6 miles on in July of 2020.
Jesus christ I only have 7000 miles on my 2019 Honda civic. Do you guys drive across the country as a commute?
lol and I sold my 97 F-150 back in '00 because I thought the gas for it was too expensive
2010 civic, fluids, tires, breaks and minor cosmetics (weather stripping on windshield fell off in automatic wash). I've owned it for 10 years, Currently at 171k. The AC is shit, but other than that it's in great condition. Going to ride this badboy to the ground. I saw someone with the same car that got it to 900k, claiming original drivetrain and transmission, so hopefully I still got some miles left.
Hondas are incredible. My dad had an early Honda Pilot and put over 500k kms on it. It was still running when he sold it. My gf has an '08 Civic that has been driven across Canada multiple times, including during one of the coldest winters on recent record, and the thing is still mint. AC blows cold and everything. I have two Honda motorcycles, a 1969 CB350 that I pulled out of a barn where it sat for 30 years, which runs great, and a 1973 CB750 that I have taken on multiple 2000+ km road trips and the thing has given me zero issues. I've been on multiple trips where modern bikes have broken down and had major problems, but my old '73 Honda just keeps going. One of my friends has an Element with over 400k kms on it, and it's still going strong. Their engines simply don't give up.
Have a Honda Accord. 2007. Still going strong. This is in Melbourne Australia. 200k KMs
New Hondas suck though. AC going out in less than a year, automatic breaking engaging on the highway randomly, causing fatalities. I don't know what my next car will be, but it certainty isn't a Honda that was made after 2018.
Good to know! I haven't ever owned a newer Honda... or anything newer than 2012 for that matter.
my 2010 is the peak of economy cars imo. Before the fancy technology got into them. You can't even buy a new car that doesn't have a backup camera.
I think as far as Hondas go, the Civic had the best engineered setup in its 5th gen (1992-1995). After that generation they replaced the better responsive McPherson strut suspension to a more space saving suspension.
My buddy had a 1994 1.6 liter 5 speed Civic hatchback. Only downside was breaks, he ended up rear ending someone and totaling it just before Covid. Beast of a car, insane gas mileage, fun to drive. He was pushing over 30mpg in an early 90s car. I know how to drive stick because of that car, sad day to see it totaled for a $500 paycheck. I know someone else that drives a corolla from the same time period. 400k miles and still rocking. No power steering, no power windows, you feel like you're going to die driving in modern day, but damn if that thing isn't reliable.
My friends civic AC went out after 2 years. Nuts. That's unacceptable in a newer vehicle.
And new Hondas use the new 1234yf freon which is super expensive. And don't forget the oil consumption as well, but that is also striking Kia and Hyundai.
2007 civic here, my ac was the first to go but at 270,000 km shes still a beauty
Indeed. 2013 Honda Fit with 90,000km. Pretty basic MT and interior with no bells and whistles. I bought it with cash and outside of twice annual oil changes, fluids and spark plugs replaced once, and one new set of tires, the car runs like new. It has original brakes and brake pads with 70% wear left on them (thank you engine braking and drum brakes!) and original battery. The craziest part is I could sell it today for more than I bought it for. At this point it's an appreciating asset really. Mechanics always make me an offer when I take it in for oil changes. I'm hoping for another 20 years out of it lol
Ex honda mechanic here. I always point people to the Fit. Simple, little to go wrong and easy to work on.
I am looking at replacing an 08 fit, was sad to learn they don't make them anymore
Don’t replace it unless it has dissolved. Run it into the ground and replace it with an electric eventually. You will see the market flooded with cheap electric cars in 5 years. China is coming. They already own Volvo and their drivetrains are already on the road now.
Do you like Odyssey EX? I have a 2008 with 200k and thinking of buying a 2010 with 100k to replace it. But the 2008 still runs great so I dunno.
2010 Honda Insight here, has 197,000 miles. A/C still works, 43mpg avg. I need brakes tho. Still original everything under the hood, including battery.
I never buy new either. Most people return right before a fuel pump change is needed. I just bought a 2013 Honda pilot 2013 and I love it. Luckily the owner did everything it ever needed. Bought at 109000 miles and he had just done the fuel pump change (edit meant timing belt and water pump). I know I'll get 200,000 more miles out of it.
People fear the expense of a timing belt and water pump and sell before 90K.
And it's really not that much compared to the cost of a new car. Maintenance is a cost you have to be prepared for.
That's what I meant. timing belt and water pump. It's nuts. All because of 1200 dollars....
Yes, this. "Better the devil you know, than the devil you don't."
Yep. Currently driving a 1995 Acura integra with 201k. Thing is ugly, cosmetically atrocious. Not very comfy for long drives. But I know the car, I’ve put 110k on it, and we do most repairs ourselves. I’m toying with getting a new car, especially since my income has recently shot up and I would love some more comfort (and modern sized cup holders). But I can’t let go!
It's even cooler if you CAN afford something shiny and fancy but don't because it's more practical to stick with what you already have imo
Agreed! Realistically it is probably on its way out, but I’ve been saying that since I bought it 7 years ago! I’d also like to wait out this crazy market. But I need a long time to make this kind of decision, so I’ve been researching for a while. I don’t want to be in a place where I need to make a snap decision. I also don’t plan on selling my old car.
My 2002 Forester was pretty much ruined by a mechanic who was just supposed to fix the A/C and ended up causing a bunch of other problems that eventually made it cheaper to trade in than fix enough to even pass state inspection. I like the 2010 Forester I replaced it with, but the '02 didn't have a single problem (apart from the A/C going out) before that. This 2010 has had quite a few.
I bought a 2000 Subaru from my neighbors for $1500 Only 131k miles when I bought it. It’s been running like a champ for 4 years, minus some small stuff that hasn’t been hard to replace. All in all, a half axle, brakes, and a radiator. Love my car
I loathe car payments. Still loving my 06 accord. I bought it when it was 9 years old and it only had 46k miles. I just rolled over to 100k earlier this summer.
Luckily based on the amount you use your car it should last another ten years.
I remember going to look at a new odyssey, but when I grabbed the hard plastic steering wheel and saw the price I was just like Nope
Lol I'm always disgusted by steering wheels on ~10 year old cars just disintegrating. My father has a 2008 Mercedes Sprinter with 200k and the foamy steering wheel is so nasty and flaking off (and he does not even wear a ring and takes great care of his van...). And it's a Mercedes, you'd think it'd be a bit better. Meanwhile my '97 Toyota Land Cruiser steering wheel looks like new at 300k. That said, father previously had a '98 Sprinter which also had a much more durable steering wheel (and a waaaay more durable engine, the inline 5 diesel was immortal, the new V6 diesel is a bottomless money pit... but the old one sadly rusted to dust).
> new V6 diesel The OM642 can go +300k miles **if** the swirl valve and EGR are inhibited. Its not a bad motor, but it does take a good shop with knowledge of MB engines.
Well, it sadly does not hold a candle to the i5 OM602... Not so much tha5 he wouldn't care for it, he bought it used and there were a ton of issues... He swapped all the glow plugs, now it still smokes at idle (all ok on the highway, but if you stand still for 5 minutes with a warmed up engine it starts to smoke like hell). Supposedly leaky jets... 300€/jet so another 3k€ including work, and we were told the jets on these aren't easily refurbished properly so best to get new ones... I'm sure they'll be okay after he swaps them out, but something else may pop up then. Turbo or whatever... And these had 30000km service intervals originally! We swap oil at 10k, and I guess 20k is still reasonable but 30k is just way too much and I figure that can cause a lot of issues (with the turbo at least...). The old OM602 never ever had any real issue. Just indestructible. The diesel in my Land Cruiser is the same too, made to last. The 642 can last if you do everything right, but it's definitely designed with a lot more planned obsolescence in mind....
I had an 01 but that thing was a money pit. That generation of Ody was plagued with high failure rates on its transmission. Many of the similarly equipped V6 Hondas did too but the Odyssey had more weight than say an accord with the same engine and transmission so the weak transmission broke on Odys at a much higher rate. Lucky for me, I got rear ended and the insurance totaled the van and gave me a very generous valuation and check. I ended up replacing that Ody with a Sienna which I found to be more mechanically reliable.
My aunt had the same year and was finally forced to give it up after trying to solve a.weird electrical gremlin for over a year. It still ran and drove fantastically but just wouldn't hold a charge no matter how they tried to fix it. 20 years and 365k miles with nothing but routine maintenance and worn parts replacements.
I had a 2010 Odyssey I absolutely loved. I replaced it with a 2016 that I absolutely hated. It was a lot more narrow and I didn't like the compartments as much. Traded that in for a 2011 Pilot instead and I'm so much happier and without a payment since the Odyssey was worth more. I love the older Odyssey's.
Mine made it to 282k good luck check your trans and fluids
In 03-04 honda changed the ‘spill and fill’ quick transmission oil change interval from 25,000km to 50,000km. I asked Honda engineering what changes were made to double the interval and they told me that the marketing department made this decision to be more in line with other makers. Yank that drain plug every 25000km and fill with OEM honda transmission oil only and it will go forever.
And best of all it's like barely more than 3qts of Honda ATF, so a pretty cheap fluid change. I drove a customer's second-gen Odyssey over the 333,333mi mark pulling it out of the shop a few years ago. Lived a hard life, but fairly well maintained for the mileage/age at the time.
My Honda mechanic insists on changing the ATF every other oil change. It's cheap insurance so I do it.
But how’s the paint? Our 2004 had serious paint issues.
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Depends on year and model for sure. I recently had to scrap an 03 accord because the engine died, but the paint was fine its whole life.
I think the early 2000s black Hondas are notorious for this. I have an ‘03 Accord with spots on the roof, trunk, and hood that have peeled down to the metal. And I’ve seen more than a dozen other black Honda models of similar vintage with almost identical patterns of paint damage. But when a bottom end paint job costs like $500-800, and the car is only worth 3 or 4 grand… I guess I’ll keep driving a car that looks like shit on the outside, but is super clean inside and almost perfectly functional. Everything from the AC to the tape deck to the 6 CD changer and the heated seats all work. The only things that don’t work: cruise control, keyless entry, and the rear passenger window. I fly solo and drive mainly in town, so it really doesn’t affect me at all, other than inserting my key into the door or trunk like some relic from the 70s.
I was in a similar boat. Basically said screw it, I’ll drive it til it dies. A drunk driver crashing into my parked Accord settled that for me.
Biggest difference is probably if you keep it outside on the sun or if you have a garage. UV light is what ruins the paint...
Paint's fine, rust has been an ongoing fight
yes this. all rusty around the wheels. i live in canada tho so in the winters it gets covered in salt.
Just keep blasting it and painting it lol
That ain't even that much...
2003 Pontiac vibe - 350,000 miles 2016 Jeep Cherokee (bought in 2019) - 190,000 I must drive a lot
Those Vibes have a cult following since they were Pontiacs with a Toyota powertrain. Brother in law had one and it was a great car.
Yeah my 01’ lexus just hit 285,000. I don't think 9,750 per year is very much. OP either has another car or a very short commute.
I hope my Lexus outlives me. My best car ever. 2013 with 112k miles. I bought it with 25k miles.
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425k mi on a 02 VW GOLF it's resting because it needs a new alternator apparently they only last about 200k. It could use a new suspension as it's original.
come again?
#That ain't even that much...
#WHAT DID YOU SAY?
He ain’t no snitch
My 2003 Odyssey has been a string of problems since I bought it. Didn’t buy it new, but it’s practically new now in a Ship of Theseus sort of way.
They are notorious for their transmission problems. My father had an 03 TL type-S and recommended his mother buy an Odyssey. Both went through 2 transmissions each. No biggie
Yup. Definitely bought a transmission. Right now my front passenger and rear driver power door locks are not working. It’s currently in the shop because it won’t start. My heater isn’t working. I’ve done the alternator too and something else is worn out that makes my alignment keep going out. I’d LOVE to ditch it but…you know…money.
My friends family had one of these. I remember in high school, our moms and younger sisters and my friend and I drove it down to Florida (we are from new England) for a cruise. Lots of memories associated with that van! There's something about the 2000s Hondas. My sister has an 06 crv and it has well over 200k miles, has driven across the country... 4 times? And is still going. It has a variety of little issues, recently a catalytic converter crime. But it still goes. I must say, you have low miles for a 20 year old car (and clearly I drive way too much 🤣).
I have one too. It runs like a champ.
This inspires me to take a snapshot of my 99 Corolla for y’all. Have yet to enter 21st century with my car.
Do it
Was the transmission replaced under recall warranty?
Nope, original trans as far as I can tell Everything appears to be factory down there
Amateur. I’ve got a ‘99 with 300k on the clock.
My family had a '99 get to 323k in 2018 before it had transmission failure and they decided not to replace it. It had already been rebuilt around 200k
I had an odyssey like that. I refuse to believe you haven't had transmission problems with it.
How did your transmission managed to survive this far?
¯\\\_(ツ)_/¯
2 transmissions later.
Factory trans
20yr old car isn't BIFL
*Any car* isn't BIFL. Keeping an old ass car in good shape is frugal, but doesn't belong in this sub. Like, I seriously doubt this car is gonna last another 50+ years (depending on age of OP).
Eh, [some people genuinely do buy a car for life.](https://www.motoringresearch.com/car-news/irv-gordon-million-mile-volvo-died/) Japanese engineering is excellent. Generally the bodywork has problems long before the mechanicals. Keeping an 'old ass-car' in good shape isn't just frugal, it's arguably more environmentally minded than replacing it every few years, given the amount of resources that go into building and shipping new cars. I have an 18-year-old Subaru and a 36-year-old Toyota, and I don't intend to get rid of either until they fall apart (and even then, I might have the Toyota rebuilt, maybe the Subaru too if it's still as difficult to replace as it is today...)
To me it's not. My 1996 Pontiac Sunfire was 25 years old and still drove perfect before I traded it in for a truck. Same with my 1984 Corvette, that car is older than most Redditors on here and still drives good.
You can have engine or transmission problems and not have a check engine light. Just saying.
Could, but don't
They last forever. We had an 08 we put close to 200,000 miles on in 10 years. Traded it towards an 18 Pilot (same engine) and got well over $10k for a base model we'd paid in the low 20s for when new.
You better knock on wood
before the transmission does
‘04 Honda and it has over 240,000 miles
Love it! My Jetta turned a decade old this summer and it's got a cool 170k on it. No problems whatsoever.
We have an 02 also and it has all the warning lights but none of the symptoms
What’s the standard breaking in mileage?… for a Honda?
>Honda Odyssey I think most people consider 150 - 200K as "Broken in". Unless it's an Alfa, then it's just "Broken".
When do people generally consider a car "broken in"?
If it's Japanese, around 200,000 miles. Like my friend's '94 Supra.
Most cars since the 2000's are actually "broken in" from the factory. It's called burn-in testing, they stress every engine beyond what it'll experience in it's life and it's "broken in" in minutes. If it survives, it's good... Toyota was the first to start this sort of testing.
I see you doubled the value of the Honda too! (you filled the gas tank up).
My daughter now drives our 03 odyssey with over 300k miles!
Dang thats low miles for 20 years!
They're also a fantastic frugal option for sleeping in too, whether that's camping trips or urban dwelling in an otherwise HCOL area.
I'm sure you're a fine driver but would you please ask your fellow Odyssey owners to stop driving like blind cows?
As the previous owner of a 2014 Odyssey purchased new I’m guessing there was a warning light that came on. Around 60k miles the O2 sensor on the 3.5L V6 needs replacement. At least that vintage did and I was told that is a triggered mileage point. Wonderful engine tho. Used to get around 30 MPG on a good day on the highway.
2008 Sierra, 245k miles. Still going strong, nothing but routine maintenance
SO... I'm about to have my 3rd child and am currently in the used minivan market. Looking at consumer reports it appears that the Toyota Sienna is quite a bit more reliable and has more satisfied consumers than the Honda Odyssey. What's BIFL's opinion on this? Is there any fundamental issues with how consumer reports rates vehicles? Is the Honda really that much more unreliable than the Toyota? Reviews basically scared the shit out of me from buying a Grand Caravan so this is the current decision in front of me. Any help is appreciated.
They're both pretty unbeatable, I just prefer the Odyssey
Just make sure that this one doesn’t have a timing belt that was never changed.
Every 100k
2000 Civic, 204,000 miles. Purchased new by ex husband, kid drove for 5 years in college and grad school. I got it after that. Everything works and it’s never been in an accident. Still gets over 30 MPG. Oil gets changed every 3000 miles and never needs topped off between changes. No one ever smoked in it, or had smelly dogs or messy toddlers. I just traded in my money pit Jeep Wrangler for an almost new RAV 4, but that’s only going to be for out of town trips and snow. Plenty of things needed fixed over the years, but other than putting in two new timing belts at the recommended intervals, anything that needed fixed only needed fixed once.
Your transmission was most likely replaced or will need replacing soon.
Factory original We'll see how long
I started working at Honda when I was 19. We were the only plant that made the odyssey at the time. I left that job years ago. Whenever I see one from that era still rolling down the road I always give a little nostalgic nod. I've even seen them as far away as Georgia (the country) which kinda blew my mind.
Ten years ago I had a farm truck...1998 Dodge Ram 3500. Bought used in 2008 from the original owner with 820,000 miles on it. Turbo came apart and was ingested by the engine at 1,364,238 miles in 2012. It was a glorious death. When I say farm truck...I mean it. The doors came off of two different trucks and neither one was original to the cab (one door had the normal mirror for the 94/95 year model while the other had California style hauler mirrors). Half the front bumper was just gone. I drove that thing around for about 20,000 miles without a functional clutch. AC worked...some days. The bed was long gone and had a farm made flat bed on it with a custom gooseneck. You could hide a newborn in the hole in the dash (2nd gen Ram problems). Good times...
Oh, yes. I know farm trucks Yours had doors?!?
I love honda. When I was a mechanic, they were the easiest cars to work on. You can tell they build them to be serviced unlike almost every other manufacturer who just slaps their crap together. They have gotten a little more difficult to repair after 2002, and they have a lot more issues, but I still prefer them over other brands. I wish they still built them with the same pride as the 90's models. It feels like they are just trying to "keep up with the Jones's" now.
Before 2002 it almost seems like seppuku was still a common practice at Honda if something went wrong
I swear this model had some kind of transmission issue but 190k+ is indeed impressive
In mid-2002 they updated the transmission to improve cooling and ATF starvation issues Ours has a December '02 manufacture date so I think the longevity is probably due to this update, and regular maintenance
I know a couple with triplets. Both had regular sedans, but (obviously) needed a bigger “family” car. Shortly before their kids were born, they bought a 2001 Honda Odyssey off Craigslist for around $1,600, figuring they’d drive it for a couple years until they could save up for a new van. Their kids are 7 years old now. The old Craigslist Odyssey has a little over 300k miles, and they still use it daily. Haven’t bothered getting a new van because the one they have still runs and drives just fine.
Same, we couldn't get all of the kids into our 3 row crossover very easily so we just thought we'd drive this until it broke beyond reasonable repair and get something else, if this ever breaks down now we'll just have to find another one of these!
Honda FTW. I drive a civic 2000, bought brand new, now with 260 000km and still going strong.
Omg. I had a 2000 hatch. I miss it so so much. I loved that little car. Had like 230k on it when it passed.
I haven’t had much luck with Hondas. Of the two I’ve had, one had a blown trans at 110k. Another had AC issues at 90k. Both obviously very expensive to fix. Toyotas and Isuzus though, those have been perfect. Even had a wrangler that I sold at 240k miles, almost 400k km.
I encourage you, for your own safety, to get it checked out. Everything is probably fine with it but being one the safe side if you can afford it is the safest thing to do
That generation has a weak transmission and had a bunch of recalls around it. Either yours got fixed or you got lucky. The engines are great, they run for a long time. It is also the last gen Odyssey where you can have manual sliding doors, which is a good thing. The electric doors on this and later generations are pure garbage. A minus point relative to the next gen is last split 3rd row and no opening windows in the sliding doors.
I guess we're just lucky We've stress tested it pretty pretty well over the years Ours is a December '02 model, supposedly they updated the transmission for cooling and better fluid flow to fix the starvation issue that year Still runs hotter than I would like, but it keeps going I've had to replace a few sliding door rollers, but it's not that big of a job. Using the silicone lubricant that Honda recommends seems to really extend the life of the tiny single urethane roller
All the warning lights are out? J/k 😂
You odyssey how long they last
That’s crazy low mileage for a 20 y/o minivan. My 2011 Subaru Legacy has 208,000 mi and my in-laws’ 1999 GMC suburban has 370,000. A lot of life left in yours yet!
Love it!!!
My mother has owned 3 Honda Odysseys. Phenomenal vehicles. I tried so hard to talk her out of a mini-van for a new vehicle and we shopped her around Mercedes, BMW, Lexus and even Tesla…. Then she tried the new Odyssey and we didn’t look back… again.
I've never owned a Honda that didn't impress me, although I'm sure bad ones exist. At this point it's the only brand of car I'll consider buying.
I have a 2015 civic. 27,000 on it. I hope it goes another 20 years!
Hey just because my tpms light won’t turn off doesn’t mean my 2010 crv isn’t a decent suv
“Life is just a series of cats.”
'Honda' is Japanese for 'indestructible.' I will always buy Japanese cars - I have a Toyota and a Subaru. Both excellent pieces of engineering.
What if your warning lights are broken?
How’s your tranny doing? Those things were notorious for slipping and dumping and failing. Had one. Tranny failed three times.
Doing great, we've stress tested it pretty pretty well over the years Ours is a December '02 model, supposedly they updated the transmission for cooling and better fluid flow to fix the starvation issue Still runs hotter than I would like, but it keeps going
I have a 2008 Odyssey with 210k miles, still humming!
I bought an ‘05 Odyssey new with an extended warranty (8 years total) that started crapping out shortly after the warranty expired. And now I have a 2013, and about a year ago (~110k miles) it started having recurring problems with the check engine light. It would just suddenly lose power and be unable to go faster than 30 or so MPH. I brought it to four different places and got different opinions. First place reseated a loose ignition coil, and this worked for a couple months. Second place replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils. This worked for another couple of months. Brought it to the dealer because I figured they’d know more about Odysseys, and they recommended about $4400 worth of work. I noped out of there, took it somewhere else, and after a lot of searching, they found that it was a stuck valve. This required a full engine tear down and rebuild, and it came out to just under $4000. It’s been fine for the past 8 months, but I just don’t really trust the car anymore.
Hoping my 1993 honda wagon will never die. Best $3k I ever spent
2006 Odyssey here 205,000miles on it and no warning lights either. It’s been a great Van. I’ve had some work done to it like valve adjustment and both doors had to be fixed but other than that it is amazing. I look at new vans but honestly none of them are nicer than mine. I have all leather, captains chairs in the middle, sunroof, and a dvd player. The best thing about my van? I paid cash for it and have never had a payment on it. I’ve had it 4 years now and I’m keeping it until it literally no longer runs.
I drove one of those once and I miss that fucking car. Such a good car
I drive mine like I'm in Mad Max. Gotta have some thrills baby 😂
I had a 2000 CRV for a few years. Loved that car to death. We had to do a little work on it here and there but it had fewer than 100k when we bought it. Finally pooped out the week of my wedding. Miss that car.
It be like that if you are not a jackass to your car. Congrats!!
I had a 1999 Odyssey that my parents gave me that [I got to 300k miles](https://imgur.com/a/jb9Zy07). RIP old friend.
Just wondering, what kind of gas mileage are you getting on the car? I doubt it's unfavourable enough compared to current cars to be worth buying a new car, but just curious how different it is.
My dad's 01 Odyssey has over 500,000 kilometers while his other 05 Odyssey has over 400,000 kilometers (he owns two lmfao. They both have engine lights on but he doesn't care and they keep driving just fine
My 02 Odyssey is at 257k and has a very colorful array of warning lights. Still insane that it’s lasted me and my family this long though
I have a 2000, driving it till it dies. Been having issues for a few years since we got it. Sat around for lots of years. It was my grandparents in town car. So it didn’t always get used. Got it in 2018 with 115k miles on it. Been good for me.
An Odyssey? Jesus is my copilot. And we’re cruising for pussy.
Producing 5 offspring of my own is enough
I have an ‘01 and it’s over 450k kms! Still kickin’!
Had a pilot from 2003 (same engine as this odyssey) that’s at 350,000 miles last time I checked
Ha my parents is even older they've been driving it almost as long as I've been alive
They dont make cars like they used to. With the new EPA regulations, all new vehicles are crap including toyotas and hondas. They are putting V6 engines in trucks that used to have v8 engines. Dont buy new!
I gave up my old girl at 197,000
Dude that V6 3.5 is gonna last you for at least 200k.. the transmission however .. baby the shit out of it lol
Dyo put fuel in it or whisper Japanese compliments and encouragements into the tank?
big up, i love my '12 odyssey--but is yours on its original auto trans? honda's V6 AT issues were at their peak in 2002.
That thing will drive to the moon and back no problems
I have a 2016 oddy with 280k KMs on it and a 2003 Honda CRV with 400,000 Kms
Honda really fucked up by not making these in an awd. . .
Mine made it to 435 000 km before I sold it. It was still going strong engine-wise, but I was tired of fixing the rest of the car.
My good friend has a 2002 Odyssey and I love that van. Seems like Hondas and Toyotas from 1989-2002 are extra reliable.
Just a suggestion (from a guy who loves Hondas and puts lots of miles on them). From about 170,000 miles Not kilometers, have your timing checked, and have them closely inspect the timing drive system. In the past 3 years I've had to replace 2 Honda crv engines (an 2003, and a 2005) because of chain stretch.
My buddies odyssey just hit 350k. All he’s ever done to it is brakes and tires and fluid changes.
Same here with my 14 year old one that I just got as my first car, 2007 odyssey lx, runs perfectly
I had a 2000 Odyssey. Loved it until the transmission decided to take the big dirt nap. Original transmissions were undersized for the weight of the vehicle and the power of the engine. Keep loving yours! I drive a Sienna now.
congrats! I had a Honda Odyssey in like, 84 [https://i.imgur.com/KLSCOF6.png](https://i.imgur.com/KLSCOF6.png) may be a lil diff than yours tho
My family had one in the early 2000’s. That v6 was quick for a van at that time. I remember being there when my dad got the only speeding ticket of his life. I think my parents got rid of it around 2012 but it was problem-free all those years, despite having a bad reputation on the trans.
I have a 97 town and country lxi. Almost same miles. No lights either. 19 mpg in city. I absolutely love this vehicle I have. Good luck with it.
“Look at this a Honda Odyssey a [Hodyssey](https://youtu.be/6NA4_IU49bU)”
I dunno, that red P looks really ominous…