On Wed, 08 Sep 2004 18:16:08 GMT, "E. Meyer" <e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org>
wrote:

>On 9/8/04 9:56 AM, in article
>96f4662e.0409080656.59cd3248@posting.google.com , "estea"
><teslaroo@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> I'm looking at a '98 Ody w/about 100K miles for approx $6800 USD -
>> love the way it drives/handles - turns better than my accord and not
>> as noisy! I'm a honda fanatic (have a 96 accord right now but need a
>> wee bit more space for the kids)and have had great experience
>> w/accords.
>
>The timing belt was due at 90,000. Did they change it?

Good point.

>> There are a couple of things I noticed on the test drive -
>>
>> #1 engine light is on and dealer says it's cause the PO let the gas
>> run completely out (!). I don't buy this and will have engine light
>> checked at a dealer before purchase BUT doesn't letting gas tank run
>> to nothing harm the fuel pump or is that on an older, different type
>> engine?
>
>I don't buy it either. Sounds like they are making it up. I would make
>them fix whatever is putting the light on before buying it.

Another good point. The dealer can reset the light and it shouldn't
come back on.

>If you already have it, you can make it tap out a code on the light if you
>short the SCS connector and turn the key to "Run" (II). Reset the light by
>pulling the backup radio fuse in the engine compartment fuse box for 10
>seconds.
>
>>
>> #2 when decel. from about 60-25 mph there's a faint sound similar to
>> an jet descending , then it stops. Doesn't sound faulty, just haven't
>> heard it in any other engine ( this car has the 2.3 Vtec which I've
>> never driven so maybe that's just how they sound?)
>
>The 2.2 they used in '96 doesn't make such a sound either.

My '98 doesn't make any unusual noises. From the description I would
be concerned that it might be a transmission sound. The '98 doesn't
have the best transmission reliability according to CR.

>> #3 ignition switch was replaced at one point, (per dealer) and there
>> are separate keys for ignition and doors. This was covered in a Honda
>> recall on the 98 Ody, so possibly it was replaced pre-recall and PO's
>> didn't want to pay extra to key new ignition same as doors? just
>> seems fishy.
>
>The recall only replaces the actual switch, a $35 part that is screwed to
>the back of the key cylinder. If they changed the key cylinder, it was for
>some other problem.

Like the car was stolen and they yanked the lock cylinder out with a
slide hammer. Look for other damage (and title history.) Could also
have just been a bad lock cylinder.

>> well I love the thing but am not married to it although the 1st
>> generation odys are hard to come by in these parts and it's a good
>> price for a car that will more than likely take me to 200K - would
>> appreciate advice/comments from anyone w/more knowledge than a
>> non-car-minded mom of 3 who just needs decent reliable transportation.
>> I have dealt w/dealer before and he is not crooked, just not super
>> knowledgeable and I don't really know any gearheads IRL ; )
>>
>> thanks in advance for any opinions on the issues I've listed here -
>>
>> estea
>
>We still have the '96 Ody in the family. I bought it new. We passed it on
>to my daughter when she had a second kid and decided she needed a van. It
>has about 130,000 miles on it now. Only repairs ever needed were ABS (did
>not fix - too expensive), the ignition switch went bad around 85000 miles,
>and the brake master cylinder went out at 117000. Overall, it's as
>bullet-proof as any car I've ever owned.

We have a '98 which we bought last year with 50K for $10K. I would
have preferred a large wagon (think Volvo 240 or a little bigger) but
no one makes one. The Ody is good - better now that I put +1 wheels
and tires on it. We have put 10K on it with no problem other that a
routine brake job (rear.) The check engine light did come on for a
week after we bought it but may have been due to not clicking the gas
cap. Haven't seen it since and if flew through emissions testing.