Honda Car Forum

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.

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?

#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?)

#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.

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

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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?
>
> 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.

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.

>
> #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.

>
> 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.

estea 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.
>
> 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?


bullshit... get the code scanned.
>
> #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?)

bad tranny, maybe?
>
> #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 switch itself is behind the lock cylinder. no need to replace the
lock cylinder unless the lock cylinder was broken... by a thief, maybe?

my 98 civic had the ignition switch recall, and uses the same keys.
>
> 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 ; )

to me? not worth it. possibly worth trade in value.
>
> thanks in advance for any opinions on the issues I've listed here -
>
> estea

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.

estea wrote:
> I'm looking at a '98 Ody w/about 100K miles for approx $6800 USD -
<SNIP>

Complaint #2 sounds like timing belt is too tight. Does it sound a bit
like somebody blowing a single (lower) note thru a harmonica when you
take your foot off the gas?

#3, check all doors with all keys. Might just be sign of an accident and
a door has been replaced?

Keys with larger plastic heads have immobilizer chip in them (in Canada
anyhow). . . smaller ones don't, so they can't be used to run the
engine, just open doors.

'98 is a GREAT Odyssey, in general, but there are a few peculiarities. I
like the way the driver's door lock works. Hold it a full second and it
unlocks ALL doors.

'Curly'

welp, thanks for all the input. I took it to my very trusted mech.
this a.m. and found out the lower ball joints need replacing ($580) -
that was the whine we heard - some 98 odys were covered on a recall
for this, but alas my VIN was not among them. Also tranny leaks a bit
but looked fine to him - "age appropriate" is the term, I believe.
All belts looked great, regular maintenance appeared to have been kept
up, brakes 60% life left back and front. EGR(?) light was on but he
didn't know unless he got in there but if would prolly run $300 to fix
whatever it is SO I sent hubby up to offer $6100 or nothin'.

We'll see.
thanks again,

estea

p.s. /update hubby just called and the dealer took it so we own her -
- whew - - - wish us luck!

You can't look at the timing belt and determine if it is good or bad. It
gets replaced period. If it breaks while running it destroys the valves. For
lots of Ody information check out the forum at www.odyclub.com .......


"estea" <teslaroo@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:96f4662e.0409090844.2c2bb60f@posting.google.c om...
> welp, thanks for all the input. I took it to my very trusted mech.
> this a.m. and found out the lower ball joints need replacing ($580) -
> that was the whine we heard - some 98 odys were covered on a recall
> for this, but alas my VIN was not among them. Also tranny leaks a bit
> but looked fine to him - "age appropriate" is the term, I believe.
> All belts looked great, regular maintenance appeared to have been kept
> up, brakes 60% life left back and front. EGR(?) light was on but he
> didn't know unless he got in there but if would prolly run $300 to fix
> whatever it is SO I sent hubby up to offer $6100 or nothin'.
>
> We'll see.
> thanks again,
>
> estea
>
> p.s. /update hubby just called and the dealer took it so we own her -
> - whew - - - wish us luck!
>