See what the fluid looks like, and as someone said earlier, tack rebuild cost to purchase price.. and if still a good deal get it.. otherwise pass on it..
2002 Hondy Odyssey Transmission Issues
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Originally Posted By: Rolla07
You should know better than quoting JD POWER.. hahahaa JD POWER always rates domestics better.. any one source that places a bias or favor in one way or another is not to be trusted. Its been long know that imports win when it comes to being dependable. Its not to say domestics are not solid vehicles and that it is always the case.
Whatever Dude. JD Power has Non-Domestics at the top of the heap for reliability. As well as their list does change from year to year (as it should).
You should know better than quoting JD POWER.. hahahaa JD POWER always rates domestics better.. any one source that places a bias or favor in one way or another is not to be trusted. Its been long know that imports win when it comes to being dependable. Its not to say domestics are not solid vehicles and that it is always the case.
Whatever Dude. JD Power has Non-Domestics at the top of the heap for reliability. As well as their list does change from year to year (as it should).
Originally Posted By: rjundi
You ever drive one. Garbage. These kind of vehicles that make people think domestic vehicles are so bad. Not saying new ones.
No but Dad had an 03 as a company car. No better or worse than the competition. It would not have been the highest quality minivan if it were bad. Yes, the frames were bad but it seems as if there were a lot of them around that time period. (I'm looking at you Toyota.)
I don't think I'd buy one but if you're torn between a 220k POS Honda or a, say 100k Windstar, I'd go Windstar. The AX4N/S is well known (and not bad if you change fluid every 30k), and by that time the 3.8's gaskets would have been done if they are bad (and the coolant isn't nasty). That is, of course there is little rust and the recall has been done to the Windstar.
You ever drive one. Garbage. These kind of vehicles that make people think domestic vehicles are so bad. Not saying new ones.
No but Dad had an 03 as a company car. No better or worse than the competition. It would not have been the highest quality minivan if it were bad. Yes, the frames were bad but it seems as if there were a lot of them around that time period. (I'm looking at you Toyota.)
I don't think I'd buy one but if you're torn between a 220k POS Honda or a, say 100k Windstar, I'd go Windstar. The AX4N/S is well known (and not bad if you change fluid every 30k), and by that time the 3.8's gaskets would have been done if they are bad (and the coolant isn't nasty). That is, of course there is little rust and the recall has been done to the Windstar.
On any vehicle with a automatic transmission, and that many miles.. well the transmission is going to be a flip of the coin. Considering all the problems this particular model has had.. its certainly not in your favor... that being said.. if everything else is nice, and the price is right.. it may be a risk worth taking.. However you also need to take into consideration IF it does fail will you have the money to replace it, and will it be worth it to you to invest the money to replace it.
I would test drive it extensively(paying close attention to the feel of the shifts), inspect the fluid, make sure you get it through its entire gear range and give it time to get up to temp. I had a Buick where the transmission issues wouldn't show up until 30-40 minutes of continuous driving in hot weather.
I would test drive it extensively(paying close attention to the feel of the shifts), inspect the fluid, make sure you get it through its entire gear range and give it time to get up to temp. I had a Buick where the transmission issues wouldn't show up until 30-40 minutes of continuous driving in hot weather.
Honda transmissions of early 2000 were engineered bad, i wouldnt go for it.
I just paid 2000 for new rebuild at a shop.
Honda ATF sluge is essentially unavoidable from what I dug up. I wouldnt go for 2002.
I just paid 2000 for new rebuild at a shop.
Honda ATF sluge is essentially unavoidable from what I dug up. I wouldnt go for 2002.
Originally Posted By: rjundi
Ford Windstar is rolling garbage and sadly unsafe with severe structural issues from rust.
{yawn} My Windstar is on track to pass 200k within 6 months or so. As the sign says "original head gasket and transmission". Only bad advice I got on BITOG is to sell it.
Ford Windstar is rolling garbage and sadly unsafe with severe structural issues from rust.
{yawn} My Windstar is on track to pass 200k within 6 months or so. As the sign says "original head gasket and transmission". Only bad advice I got on BITOG is to sell it.
I stopped at the servicing dealer over my lunch break. The advisor recognized the name and he said the owner is meticulous about service intervals and has three other Hondas serviced there. He saw that a trans recall was applied around 50k miles, but from the looks of it, original trans!
I think the recall performed was a revised trans cooling line. He stuck to 3K OCI's. Advisor said the transmission fluid was changed every 30k. The timing belt job was thorough, WP, belts, tensioner, etc.. Spark plugs were changed at proper intervals and not needed again for a while.
The advisor said he has not seen a whole lot of '02+ models in for blown transmissions, although he'd seen plenty of 01 and earlier.
I'll know a LOT more after going to see it this evening and looking over the records. This won't be a daily driver, it'll be a third vehicle for when I need to work on my Audi, home depot runs, etc.
I have a Scangauge-II, I think I can monitor the trans temps with it on the test drive.
From the photos I'd rate the van to be in good condition, and it's priced about $1k less than 'fair' KBB. I haven't found a trans shop yet, but I'd imagine that to be anywhere from $1500-$4500 depending where you go, or less than that if I DIY swap a used or reman unit. There are many threads on the various Honda forums on how to rebuild these with parts and valves that will last.
Anyhow, tonight's test drive should be interesting...
The advisor said he has not seen a whole lot of '02+ models in for blown transmissions, although he'd seen plenty of 01 and earlier.
I'll know a LOT more after going to see it this evening and looking over the records. This won't be a daily driver, it'll be a third vehicle for when I need to work on my Audi, home depot runs, etc.
I have a Scangauge-II, I think I can monitor the trans temps with it on the test drive.
From the photos I'd rate the van to be in good condition, and it's priced about $1k less than 'fair' KBB. I haven't found a trans shop yet, but I'd imagine that to be anywhere from $1500-$4500 depending where you go, or less than that if I DIY swap a used or reman unit. There are many threads on the various Honda forums on how to rebuild these with parts and valves that will last.
Anyhow, tonight's test drive should be interesting...
The fluid always looks dark on Honda V6 transmissions. They often work fine too, and then suddenly fail.
I would be prepared to spend $3500 on a reman transmission, but I think it's a good buy if you are prepared its a good deal.
I would be prepared to spend $3500 on a reman transmission, but I think it's a good buy if you are prepared its a good deal.
Originally Posted By: e40
I stopped at the servicing dealer over my lunch break. The advisor recognized the name and he said the owner is meticulous about service intervals and has three other Hondas serviced there. He saw that a trans recall was applied around 50k miles, but from the looks of it, original trans!
I think the recall performed was a revised trans cooling line. He stuck to 3K OCI's. Advisor said the transmission fluid was changed every 30k. The timing belt job was thorough, WP, belts, tensioner, etc.. Spark plugs were changed at proper intervals and not needed again for a while.
The advisor said he has not seen a whole lot of '02+ models in for blown transmissions, although he'd seen plenty of 01 and earlier.
I'll know a LOT more after going to see it this evening and looking over the records. This won't be a daily driver, it'll be a third vehicle for when I need to work on my Audi, home depot runs, etc.
I have a Scangauge-II, I think I can monitor the trans temps with it on the test drive.
From the photos I'd rate the van to be in good condition, and it's priced about $1k less than 'fair' KBB. I haven't found a trans shop yet, but I'd imagine that to be anywhere from $1500-$4500 depending where you go, or less than that if I DIY swap a used or reman unit. There are many threads on the various Honda forums on how to rebuild these with parts and valves that will last.
Anyhow, tonight's test drive should be interesting...
A Honda dealer is not going to admit they see any bad transmissions. Just like a Jeep dealer will deny that the 3.8s spin bearings. A Ford dealer will deny that Ford vehicles have rust problems.
I stopped at the servicing dealer over my lunch break. The advisor recognized the name and he said the owner is meticulous about service intervals and has three other Hondas serviced there. He saw that a trans recall was applied around 50k miles, but from the looks of it, original trans!
The advisor said he has not seen a whole lot of '02+ models in for blown transmissions, although he'd seen plenty of 01 and earlier.
I'll know a LOT more after going to see it this evening and looking over the records. This won't be a daily driver, it'll be a third vehicle for when I need to work on my Audi, home depot runs, etc.
I have a Scangauge-II, I think I can monitor the trans temps with it on the test drive.
From the photos I'd rate the van to be in good condition, and it's priced about $1k less than 'fair' KBB. I haven't found a trans shop yet, but I'd imagine that to be anywhere from $1500-$4500 depending where you go, or less than that if I DIY swap a used or reman unit. There are many threads on the various Honda forums on how to rebuild these with parts and valves that will last.
Anyhow, tonight's test drive should be interesting...
A Honda dealer is not going to admit they see any bad transmissions. Just like a Jeep dealer will deny that the 3.8s spin bearings. A Ford dealer will deny that Ford vehicles have rust problems.
I love Honda's so much I own about $1k worth of stock, and drive mine forever, selling them in top running order.
I would not buy THIS particular Honda, however. No chance. Those AT's in that timeframe have an extremely high fail rate due to a design flaw, not with maintenance neglect.
I would not buy THIS particular Honda, however. No chance. Those AT's in that timeframe have an extremely high fail rate due to a design flaw, not with maintenance neglect.
Originally Posted By: Vikas
Get a quote on transmission rebuild from a reputable place and add that to the price of the vehicle. If it is still good deal, then go for it.
+1
With 220k miles on the original transmission, YOU will need to replace/rebuild it before long. Factor a transmission replacement cost into your total price.
Odysseys are also known for having abnormally high rates of A/C compressor failures, motor mount failures, and timing belt tensioner failures.
Get a quote on transmission rebuild from a reputable place and add that to the price of the vehicle. If it is still good deal, then go for it.
+1
With 220k miles on the original transmission, YOU will need to replace/rebuild it before long. Factor a transmission replacement cost into your total price.
Odysseys are also known for having abnormally high rates of A/C compressor failures, motor mount failures, and timing belt tensioner failures.
Originally Posted By: Miller88
A Honda dealer is not going to admit they see any bad transmissions. Just like a Jeep dealer will deny that the 3.8s spin bearings. A Ford dealer will deny that Ford vehicles have rust problems.
Quoted for truth!
OP stay away from that rolling refugee from the scrap heap, put the poor house in your GPS because thats where it wants to go.
That transmission will fail without warning one day to the next not matter how much the fluid has been changed, the problems are legendary.
A Honda dealer is not going to admit they see any bad transmissions. Just like a Jeep dealer will deny that the 3.8s spin bearings. A Ford dealer will deny that Ford vehicles have rust problems.
Quoted for truth!
OP stay away from that rolling refugee from the scrap heap, put the poor house in your GPS because thats where it wants to go.
That transmission will fail without warning one day to the next not matter how much the fluid has been changed, the problems are legendary.
Well, just got back from looking at it. Definitely better looking than other sub $3k Craigslist cars out there. Dealer receipts for everything since new. Window sticker, manuals, full set of keys, etc.
The motor mounts were replaced 11k ago along with the timing belt service. Engine runs nice and smooth, no exhaust leaks. Garage kept and little to no corrosion on the body, exhaust, undercarriage. Will need tires in about a year. The cloth interior is clean, no rips. The body was straight except for a section of rear quarter where they squeezed upon a plastic parking pole.
I've never driven an Odyssey, so I couldn't tell if the drivetrain was normal sounding or ? Seems to have a distinct whine to it around 40mph. He said it sounds the same as it always has. It shifted gears fine. He cannot recall a time where it's ever surged, hesitated between shifts, or thrown transmission codes. He seemed pretty oblivious to the conversation about the trans issues on this platform, like it was the first he had heard of it.
Sleeping on it. I'm in no real need for a third vehicle, though it would be nice to have one around. He's buying a new Pilot, and is firm on the price.
The motor mounts were replaced 11k ago along with the timing belt service. Engine runs nice and smooth, no exhaust leaks. Garage kept and little to no corrosion on the body, exhaust, undercarriage. Will need tires in about a year. The cloth interior is clean, no rips. The body was straight except for a section of rear quarter where they squeezed upon a plastic parking pole.
I've never driven an Odyssey, so I couldn't tell if the drivetrain was normal sounding or ? Seems to have a distinct whine to it around 40mph. He said it sounds the same as it always has. It shifted gears fine. He cannot recall a time where it's ever surged, hesitated between shifts, or thrown transmission codes. He seemed pretty oblivious to the conversation about the trans issues on this platform, like it was the first he had heard of it.
Sleeping on it. I'm in no real need for a third vehicle, though it would be nice to have one around. He's buying a new Pilot, and is firm on the price.
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If it's rust free, then get it. Then get acquainted with the procedure for putting in an AT from a newer generation Odyssey in case it ever does goes out. And since this will not be your primary car, it sounds perfect for you...
If you liked driving it, get it!
If you liked driving it, get it!
My wife had an early 2000's ody when we got married. It was a great vehicle. Original trans a t 96,000 miles and it drove just fine. The recall had been performed. We now have a used 02 MDX with another "bad" trans... with the oil squirter... it just turned 100k on the unit with no issues.
The running opinion on honda boards is that if you get a good one, it will last forever. If you replace it, you are in for a lifetime of replacements. Not sure how that logic works but it does show that some hold up better than others.
I watched my wife get T-boned in that van by a durango that never touched its brakes while running a redlight. It was rolling 35mph in a 40 when they hit. The van was totalled. All 3 occupants walked away from the van. And get this. The frame was still straight. both left doors were crushed in, and there were wrinkles in the floor and ceiling. But I drove it for a week, with the seatbelt stitched into place---- and it drove straight as an arrow.
I drove it to the body shop as requested by insurance, and it left on a flatbed for the salvage yard.... I have a lot of respect for those vans.
Anywho, 220,000 miles on any trans is pretty self-explanatory-- it owes you nothing, and whatever miles you can get out of it is cake. That applies for any make. Drive it, but have something saved in case there is any kind of major repair that pops up. You have to expect them. To me though, it doesn't sound like you'll find better. I paid more than that for the T&C in my sig.... and I highly doubt it is as much "van" for the money.
The running opinion on honda boards is that if you get a good one, it will last forever. If you replace it, you are in for a lifetime of replacements. Not sure how that logic works but it does show that some hold up better than others.
I watched my wife get T-boned in that van by a durango that never touched its brakes while running a redlight. It was rolling 35mph in a 40 when they hit. The van was totalled. All 3 occupants walked away from the van. And get this. The frame was still straight. both left doors were crushed in, and there were wrinkles in the floor and ceiling. But I drove it for a week, with the seatbelt stitched into place---- and it drove straight as an arrow.
I drove it to the body shop as requested by insurance, and it left on a flatbed for the salvage yard.... I have a lot of respect for those vans.
Anywho, 220,000 miles on any trans is pretty self-explanatory-- it owes you nothing, and whatever miles you can get out of it is cake. That applies for any make. Drive it, but have something saved in case there is any kind of major repair that pops up. You have to expect them. To me though, it doesn't sound like you'll find better. I paid more than that for the T&C in my sig.... and I highly doubt it is as much "van" for the money.
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If you are really interested in this van, get the recall/service history from the dealer. I think you can find the TSB/recall number on odyclub.com and verify that the oil squirter has been installed. Or, if the owner will let you pull the airbox, you can visually confirm that the fill plug has been replaced with the squirter. There are pics of where the fill plug is on the top of the trans on odyclub, too.
About the whine, our 6-speed auto does the same think with only 6k miles on it. At the first oil change around 5k, I dumped 3.5 quarts of ATF and refilled with DW-1 and the whine is still there. It's just the nature of the beast for Honda autos.
About the whine, our 6-speed auto does the same think with only 6k miles on it. At the first oil change around 5k, I dumped 3.5 quarts of ATF and refilled with DW-1 and the whine is still there. It's just the nature of the beast for Honda autos.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3161548
here is a good pic of where the fill bolt is, and in the next posting is where I found the info about the oil squirter.
here is a good pic of where the fill bolt is, and in the next posting is where I found the info about the oil squirter.
Decide up front which path you will take when the transmission blows. Now it could last you another 50 thousands miles and given your usage, that would be decades! However, the question is if it blows tomorrow, are you willing to write off the van? Is $2500 something that you can afford to lose and not look back? If so, go for it. As some said, if you get a good original transmission, it will last forever but chances are slim. Putting another $3500 probably is not good idea as very rarely I have seen a rebuild last for more than 50K miles. I have 1999 Odyssey and I am active on Odyclub. That is pretty much *the* bible on these vans.
At one time Gator rebuilds were good but they went out of business and they too fail Another is Jasper but they do have taken a hit on their reputation.
At one time Gator rebuilds were good but they went out of business and they too fail Another is Jasper but they do have taken a hit on their reputation.
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