scubacamper

I'm looking at going from a Nissan Quest to an Odyssey (2005 or 2006 model) - 150,000+ miles

What are some things to consider or look for with this model? Are there certain years to stay away from? I've heard here & there, that some of these vans have transmission issues...

scubacamper

Anyone have any experiences, good/bad, they'd like to share?

Anyone heard of this transmission issue besides me?

lazlong

I don't know about the whole generation but, at least the first couple of years (2005-2006) have a weak spring in the transmission that eventually requires a rebuild. You should be able to feel the trans surging and see the rpm's surging around certain speeds or when coasting if they haven't rebuilt the transmission.

No18

Also avoid the Michelin PAX run flat system that was prevalent on the touring trim level for that generation. Tires don't last long and are extremely expensive to replace. It can easily be overcome with a set of aftermarket wheels, but just keep that in mind.

GoLowDrew

I would look for 2008+ with the 4 shaft version of the 5 speed AT. I had a 2009 EX-L RES, the AT was solid. The "prior" ATs both 4spd and 5spd are the ones you commonly heard about AT failures.

I change my ATF every 20-25K miles. But the "updated" ATs are the way to go, IMO. Yes, I did the research back then.

Honestly...I would worry about a 150K Honda V6 AT if it's the original AT. I would not get it unless I got papers that the AT was a reman, and install by a good shop or dealer.

I'm going to guess you are choosing this model because of price. My advice is to save up a few more month. I'm not saying the 08+ will automatically be better. It's just what I would go with.

GoLowDrew

Outside of the AT issue, the depending on model if it has VCM. They will tend to misfire about every 65K miles, unless it got the updated software.

But not a big deal now. Just change out the spark plugs. If you got a code reader, it will tell you which one. Since it's used, and no history, not a big deal to change all 6 plugs. I had two J35V6 with VCM, and this happened on both engines.

Other than AT and misfire. It's all 100% Honda the way you expected it to be.

lazlong

^^ Yeah, I have a 2005 @ 127K miles and change the fluid every year. Just started acting up in the last 10,000 miles, I can't coast around 30mph anymore.

Even then I prefer this Odyssey to the Quest I had... and I only have an LX.

GoLowDrew

Back to the OP's question. I can guess what the price of that Ody would be. So I'm not sure anyone would go that low. If the owner - dealer is willing to take $3,500 off the KBB used retail, then I would take it. Budget that $$$ on plans for a new AT. That is, if it's on the original AT.


$3,500 for a new AT is already "low." So it is a reasonable number to ask for, IMO. You are carrying kids and family. It's best not to have Joe's Garage down the street install a new AT for your Ody.


I'm on my 2nd Ody. It's the "best" minivan and I think owners will be generally happy, once you get past this AT thing. It is a thing...because some owners never have any issues. But we enough of it on the forums to note it.

93SiHatchguy

I was against getting a minivan but because we're expecting our 3rd child I decided to go out and test drove one with the wife (I wanted a later model SUV). I know it's not the generation you're looking at but we bought a 2012 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite with 46k plus miles 2 months ago. Best decision we made in my opinion. We drove a Sienna and also a Quest but I've always liked the look of the latest generation Odysseys. I wasn't impressed with the Quest, and the salesman was very negative about minivans. The toyota salesman also seemed to be interested in texting more on his phone than talking about the highlights of the Sienna. The Honda salesman took his time and did research on the Odyssey. He pointed out all the features of the van and highlighted all the positives of the van. It also is the only van that can hold 3 car seats in the 2nd row comfortably and seats 8. The only issue I had was a transmission shifting issue that was quickly fixed at the dealership for free but there's a technical service bulletin out on it (TSB 12-064). It's common on certain years and models of the 2011-2012 Odyssey Touring Elites.

GoLowDrew

I'm still not certain about the 6spd shifting on my 2014 TE, like yours. It a bit more harsh. I'm living with it...for now. Mostly because I can't duplicate it on-demand.