"wdb" <wbittle1@alltel.com> wrote in message
news:3F648511.8A2F4BBF@alltel.com...
> Hi all,
> I am thinking of purchasing a used (2000 - 2001) Odyssey and was
> wondering how reliable these vehicles are. I will use this van for work
> and it will be hauling about 250 lbs of tools and parts. I drive about
> 30K a year and hope to keep the vehicle for 4 - 5 years. So, I was
> wondering if hte Odyssey has a durable enough drive train to last up to
> 150K without needing anything major like a transmission, engine, or
> major suspension parts (other then the normal strut / shock
> replacements) I have read a few posts about transmission problems, tire
> wear problems and poor fuel economy (13 - 15 mpg). Are transmission
> failures in 30K miles common? Is the 13 - 15 mpg figure the norm or do
> most people with these vans get 18 - 25 mpg? Does anyone have a V6
> powered 1999 or newer Odyssey with high mileage and how has it
> performed? Since this vehicle is going to be used for my job, I can not
> have a vehicle that is going to be unreliable. These things are
> expencive used or new. I'm willing to pay the premium if the Odyssey can
> equal the reliability of Civics and Accords I have had or used. I'd
> rather have a Civic, but I need the room of a van. I am also looking at
> the Toyota van. Would this be a better choice then the Honda? I prefer
> the looks and feel of the Honda, but if the Toyota is more reliable, I
> would go with it since reliability is my major concern.
> Thanks,
> Bill B.
>
>
If reliability is your major concern, get the Toyota, but the Odyssey
hasn't been too shabby, both are a magnitude better than the
domestic brands. They did have some early problems with
the transmission, that might be enough to make me go with the
Toyota, but Toyota had some problems too. If you go looking
at web sites looking for problems, you'll find them, guaranteed.
Look at reliable sources, like consumer reports and take the stuff
from the internet with a grain of salt. Personally, I'd buy the one
that was the best deal and had proof of regular maintenance.

-Tom