I am pretty sure it isn't a Chrysler van, as I had one of those and it was
worse!

- Phil
"Artfulcodger" <mcbat@rogers.com> wrote in message
news:hulub.31014$j1d.6234@news04.bloor.is.net.cabl e.rogers.com...
>
> "Phil" <p.mentz@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:fdhub.177376$ao4.592925@attbi_s51...
> > I just took my '95 Odyssey van in for a major service at 120,000 miles.
> > Since I bought it used at 43,000 miles, the reliability of the vehicle
has
> > been disappointing. Previous Hondas have been pretty good, but this van
> > seems to have all kinds of reliability problems. I wonder if this is
>
> Are you sure that isn't a Chrysler van?
>
> Seriously whether or not a "bad" year it sounds like a "bad"
> vehicle. Only a personal opinion but were it me I would be cutting my
losses
> and moving that out of my driveway.
>
> Regards
> The Artful Codger
> The Artful Codger
>
>
>

 

I am pretty sure it isn't a Chrysler van, as I had one of those and it was
worse!

- Phil
"Artfulcodger" <mcbat@rogers.com> wrote in message
news:hulub.31014$j1d.6234@news04.bloor.is.net.cabl e.rogers.com...
>
> "Phil" <p.mentz@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:fdhub.177376$ao4.592925@attbi_s51...
> > I just took my '95 Odyssey van in for a major service at 120,000 miles.
> > Since I bought it used at 43,000 miles, the reliability of the vehicle
has
> > been disappointing. Previous Hondas have been pretty good, but this van
> > seems to have all kinds of reliability problems. I wonder if this is
>
> Are you sure that isn't a Chrysler van?
>
> Seriously whether or not a "bad" year it sounds like a "bad"
> vehicle. Only a personal opinion but were it me I would be cutting my
losses
> and moving that out of my driveway.
>
> Regards
> The Artful Codger
> The Artful Codger
>
>
>

 

Well, I went through with the service today, since the tune up, timing belt,
and brakes were the bulk of the cost, and these are expected. I asked the
shop who services Hondas only, about the other items. I was told the axle
boot replacement is normal, with some lasting longer than my 125K miles, and
some less. I was also told about every third van they see has a broken
motor mount! So while I think that is unacceptable, like the ABS failure,
that too is not so uncommon. And the exhaust hanger failure is only
moderately common. I asked about the previously leaking radiator, and was
told the plastic tank Honda uses does not last that long either. I don't
think the shop is pulling my leg, as they have a stellar reputation, and the
quality of work is beyond reproach.

I don't know how you can have only spent $500 over 95k miles! If most of
that was for the timing belt, what about service intervals every 15k miles?
Oil changes come twice as frequently as that. I don't know how you could
drive any car for 95k miles and spend something well less than $500 for
maintenance. Tell me how!

- Phil

"E. Meyer" <e.meyerNOSPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
news:BBDF92B0.285D4%e.meyerNOSPAM@ieee.org...
> On 11/17/03 10:27 PM, in article fdhub.177376$ao4.592925@attbi_s51, "Phil"
> <p.mentz@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> > I just took my '95 Odyssey van in for a major service at 120,000 miles.
> > Since I bought it used at 43,000 miles, the reliability of the vehicle
has
> > been disappointing. Previous Hondas have been pretty good, but this van
> > seems to have all kinds of reliability problems. I wonder if this is
> > typical, or maybe I should get rid of it ASAP.
> >
> > Besides typical maintenance, I have noticed that it goes through brake
pads
> > noticeably faster than my previous '91 Accord. It has always used oil
at a
> > rate much faster than my previous Accord. The engine is sound with 191
lbs.
> > compression in all cylinders. Otherwise, it has not been impressive.
The
> > plastic door panel cracked on the driver's side, and that is over $400.
The
> > ABS gave up, and that will cost $1000 or so to get fixed. The top
plastic
> > tank on the radiator began leaking, setting me back another $330.
Today,
> > the service people (at a very good shop), said the brakes are worn out
yet
> > again ($135). They also found the "A" pipe exhaust hanger or bracket
broken
> > causing the rattling under the car ($56). One of the motor mounts was
> > broken ($113). The front axle boots are about gone (2 x $119). The
> > transmission has a several second delay before engaging "Drive". The
heater
> > can now never be completely turned off, the temperature control lever
> > (cable) stiffened up, resulting in the lever end breaking off (we use a
key
> > to adjust the temperature now), the wipers never stop chattering and the
> > radio freaks out with static at times. Other than that, and the
> > non-existent power, it is a good vehicle. Seriously, it is a good
runabout,
> > but was '95 a bad year for Hondas? I have a '98 BMW M3 which I thought
> > would cost me a lot in maintenance and be so-so in reliability, but it
has
> > been stone reliable, costs LESS in regular maintenance than any Honda I
have
> > had. Just wondering if I got the short end of the stick this time with
the
> > Odyssey.
> >
> > - Phil
> >
> >
>
> I had a '96 Odyssey from new that I passed down to a daughter at 95k
miles.
> She still has it & is at about 120k miles now. The only problem on your
> list that we had with the '96 is the ABS failure which seems to be common
in
> Hondas of that vintage. If you remember how to pump the brakes in an
> emergency, there is no need to fix it, as the main brakes are unaffected.
> There have been no other maintenance issues with the car. I have spent
> about $500 on it since new, most of which was for replacing the timing
belt
> at 90,000 (obviously we did not replace the ABS).
>
> I think yours must have been abused before you got it, or it lives in a
very
> inhospitable environment. Time for a new car.
>

 

Well, I went through with the service today, since the tune up, timing belt,
and brakes were the bulk of the cost, and these are expected. I asked the
shop who services Hondas only, about the other items. I was told the axle
boot replacement is normal, with some lasting longer than my 125K miles, and
some less. I was also told about every third van they see has a broken
motor mount! So while I think that is unacceptable, like the ABS failure,
that too is not so uncommon. And the exhaust hanger failure is only
moderately common. I asked about the previously leaking radiator, and was
told the plastic tank Honda uses does not last that long either. I don't
think the shop is pulling my leg, as they have a stellar reputation, and the
quality of work is beyond reproach.

I don't know how you can have only spent $500 over 95k miles! If most of
that was for the timing belt, what about service intervals every 15k miles?
Oil changes come twice as frequently as that. I don't know how you could
drive any car for 95k miles and spend something well less than $500 for
maintenance. Tell me how!

- Phil

"E. Meyer" <e.meyerNOSPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
news:BBDF92B0.285D4%e.meyerNOSPAM@ieee.org...
> On 11/17/03 10:27 PM, in article fdhub.177376$ao4.592925@attbi_s51, "Phil"
> <p.mentz@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> > I just took my '95 Odyssey van in for a major service at 120,000 miles.
> > Since I bought it used at 43,000 miles, the reliability of the vehicle
has
> > been disappointing. Previous Hondas have been pretty good, but this van
> > seems to have all kinds of reliability problems. I wonder if this is
> > typical, or maybe I should get rid of it ASAP.
> >
> > Besides typical maintenance, I have noticed that it goes through brake
pads
> > noticeably faster than my previous '91 Accord. It has always used oil
at a
> > rate much faster than my previous Accord. The engine is sound with 191
lbs.
> > compression in all cylinders. Otherwise, it has not been impressive.
The
> > plastic door panel cracked on the driver's side, and that is over $400.
The
> > ABS gave up, and that will cost $1000 or so to get fixed. The top
plastic
> > tank on the radiator began leaking, setting me back another $330.
Today,
> > the service people (at a very good shop), said the brakes are worn out
yet
> > again ($135). They also found the "A" pipe exhaust hanger or bracket
broken
> > causing the rattling under the car ($56). One of the motor mounts was
> > broken ($113). The front axle boots are about gone (2 x $119). The
> > transmission has a several second delay before engaging "Drive". The
heater
> > can now never be completely turned off, the temperature control lever
> > (cable) stiffened up, resulting in the lever end breaking off (we use a
key
> > to adjust the temperature now), the wipers never stop chattering and the
> > radio freaks out with static at times. Other than that, and the
> > non-existent power, it is a good vehicle. Seriously, it is a good
runabout,
> > but was '95 a bad year for Hondas? I have a '98 BMW M3 which I thought
> > would cost me a lot in maintenance and be so-so in reliability, but it
has
> > been stone reliable, costs LESS in regular maintenance than any Honda I
have
> > had. Just wondering if I got the short end of the stick this time with
the
> > Odyssey.
> >
> > - Phil
> >
> >
>
> I had a '96 Odyssey from new that I passed down to a daughter at 95k
miles.
> She still has it & is at about 120k miles now. The only problem on your
> list that we had with the '96 is the ABS failure which seems to be common
in
> Hondas of that vintage. If you remember how to pump the brakes in an
> emergency, there is no need to fix it, as the main brakes are unaffected.
> There have been no other maintenance issues with the car. I have spent
> about $500 on it since new, most of which was for replacing the timing
belt
> at 90,000 (obviously we did not replace the ABS).
>
> I think yours must have been abused before you got it, or it lives in a
very
> inhospitable environment. Time for a new car.
>

 

Well, I went through with the service today, since the tune up, timing belt,
and brakes were the bulk of the cost, and these are expected. I asked the
shop who services Hondas only, about the other items. I was told the axle
boot replacement is normal, with some lasting longer than my 125K miles, and
some less. I was also told about every third van they see has a broken
motor mount! So while I think that is unacceptable, like the ABS failure,
that too is not so uncommon. And the exhaust hanger failure is only
moderately common. I asked about the previously leaking radiator, and was
told the plastic tank Honda uses does not last that long either. I don't
think the shop is pulling my leg, as they have a stellar reputation, and the
quality of work is beyond reproach.

I don't know how you can have only spent $500 over 95k miles! If most of
that was for the timing belt, what about service intervals every 15k miles?
Oil changes come twice as frequently as that. I don't know how you could
drive any car for 95k miles and spend something well less than $500 for
maintenance. Tell me how!

- Phil

"E. Meyer" <e.meyerNOSPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
news:BBDF92B0.285D4%e.meyerNOSPAM@ieee.org...
> On 11/17/03 10:27 PM, in article fdhub.177376$ao4.592925@attbi_s51, "Phil"
> <p.mentz@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> > I just took my '95 Odyssey van in for a major service at 120,000 miles.
> > Since I bought it used at 43,000 miles, the reliability of the vehicle
has
> > been disappointing. Previous Hondas have been pretty good, but this van
> > seems to have all kinds of reliability problems. I wonder if this is
> > typical, or maybe I should get rid of it ASAP.
> >
> > Besides typical maintenance, I have noticed that it goes through brake
pads
> > noticeably faster than my previous '91 Accord. It has always used oil
at a
> > rate much faster than my previous Accord. The engine is sound with 191
lbs.
> > compression in all cylinders. Otherwise, it has not been impressive.
The
> > plastic door panel cracked on the driver's side, and that is over $400.
The
> > ABS gave up, and that will cost $1000 or so to get fixed. The top
plastic
> > tank on the radiator began leaking, setting me back another $330.
Today,
> > the service people (at a very good shop), said the brakes are worn out
yet
> > again ($135). They also found the "A" pipe exhaust hanger or bracket
broken
> > causing the rattling under the car ($56). One of the motor mounts was
> > broken ($113). The front axle boots are about gone (2 x $119). The
> > transmission has a several second delay before engaging "Drive". The
heater
> > can now never be completely turned off, the temperature control lever
> > (cable) stiffened up, resulting in the lever end breaking off (we use a
key
> > to adjust the temperature now), the wipers never stop chattering and the
> > radio freaks out with static at times. Other than that, and the
> > non-existent power, it is a good vehicle. Seriously, it is a good
runabout,
> > but was '95 a bad year for Hondas? I have a '98 BMW M3 which I thought
> > would cost me a lot in maintenance and be so-so in reliability, but it
has
> > been stone reliable, costs LESS in regular maintenance than any Honda I
have
> > had. Just wondering if I got the short end of the stick this time with
the
> > Odyssey.
> >
> > - Phil
> >
> >
>
> I had a '96 Odyssey from new that I passed down to a daughter at 95k
miles.
> She still has it & is at about 120k miles now. The only problem on your
> list that we had with the '96 is the ABS failure which seems to be common
in
> Hondas of that vintage. If you remember how to pump the brakes in an
> emergency, there is no need to fix it, as the main brakes are unaffected.
> There have been no other maintenance issues with the car. I have spent
> about $500 on it since new, most of which was for replacing the timing
belt
> at 90,000 (obviously we did not replace the ABS).
>
> I think yours must have been abused before you got it, or it lives in a
very
> inhospitable environment. Time for a new car.
>

 

Well, I went through with the service today, since the tune up, timing belt,
and brakes were the bulk of the cost, and these are expected. I asked the
shop who services Hondas only, about the other items. I was told the axle
boot replacement is normal, with some lasting longer than my 125K miles, and
some less. I was also told about every third van they see has a broken
motor mount! So while I think that is unacceptable, like the ABS failure,
that too is not so uncommon. And the exhaust hanger failure is only
moderately common. I asked about the previously leaking radiator, and was
told the plastic tank Honda uses does not last that long either. I don't
think the shop is pulling my leg, as they have a stellar reputation, and the
quality of work is beyond reproach.

I don't know how you can have only spent $500 over 95k miles! If most of
that was for the timing belt, what about service intervals every 15k miles?
Oil changes come twice as frequently as that. I don't know how you could
drive any car for 95k miles and spend something well less than $500 for
maintenance. Tell me how!

- Phil

"E. Meyer" <e.meyerNOSPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
news:BBDF92B0.285D4%e.meyerNOSPAM@ieee.org...
> On 11/17/03 10:27 PM, in article fdhub.177376$ao4.592925@attbi_s51, "Phil"
> <p.mentz@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> > I just took my '95 Odyssey van in for a major service at 120,000 miles.
> > Since I bought it used at 43,000 miles, the reliability of the vehicle
has
> > been disappointing. Previous Hondas have been pretty good, but this van
> > seems to have all kinds of reliability problems. I wonder if this is
> > typical, or maybe I should get rid of it ASAP.
> >
> > Besides typical maintenance, I have noticed that it goes through brake
pads
> > noticeably faster than my previous '91 Accord. It has always used oil
at a
> > rate much faster than my previous Accord. The engine is sound with 191
lbs.
> > compression in all cylinders. Otherwise, it has not been impressive.
The
> > plastic door panel cracked on the driver's side, and that is over $400.
The
> > ABS gave up, and that will cost $1000 or so to get fixed. The top
plastic
> > tank on the radiator began leaking, setting me back another $330.
Today,
> > the service people (at a very good shop), said the brakes are worn out
yet
> > again ($135). They also found the "A" pipe exhaust hanger or bracket
broken
> > causing the rattling under the car ($56). One of the motor mounts was
> > broken ($113). The front axle boots are about gone (2 x $119). The
> > transmission has a several second delay before engaging "Drive". The
heater
> > can now never be completely turned off, the temperature control lever
> > (cable) stiffened up, resulting in the lever end breaking off (we use a
key
> > to adjust the temperature now), the wipers never stop chattering and the
> > radio freaks out with static at times. Other than that, and the
> > non-existent power, it is a good vehicle. Seriously, it is a good
runabout,
> > but was '95 a bad year for Hondas? I have a '98 BMW M3 which I thought
> > would cost me a lot in maintenance and be so-so in reliability, but it
has
> > been stone reliable, costs LESS in regular maintenance than any Honda I
have
> > had. Just wondering if I got the short end of the stick this time with
the
> > Odyssey.
> >
> > - Phil
> >
> >
>
> I had a '96 Odyssey from new that I passed down to a daughter at 95k
miles.
> She still has it & is at about 120k miles now. The only problem on your
> list that we had with the '96 is the ABS failure which seems to be common
in
> Hondas of that vintage. If you remember how to pump the brakes in an
> emergency, there is no need to fix it, as the main brakes are unaffected.
> There have been no other maintenance issues with the car. I have spent
> about $500 on it since new, most of which was for replacing the timing
belt
> at 90,000 (obviously we did not replace the ABS).
>
> I think yours must have been abused before you got it, or it lives in a
very
> inhospitable environment. Time for a new car.
>

 

I do all the work myself. My time is free (just ask my wife). The only
money spent is on materials - oil, filters, transmission fluid, antifreeze,
spark plugs (got one set free because of the emissions recall), one half set
of brake pads (fronts at 60k, rears lasted to 117k), timing belt & water
pump.

Well -- I forgot about tires, so add another $380. I put Michelin X-Ones on
it when the original tires wore out just shy of 50,000 miles. The X-Ones
were still good when my daughter took it over at 95k.

And of course, I didn't count gas, but that's not maintenance.


On 11/18/03 9:29 PM, in article 8sBub.244488$Fm2.247878@attbi_s04, "Phil"
<p.mentz@comcast.net> wrote:

> Well, I went through with the service today, since the tune up, timing belt,
> and brakes were the bulk of the cost, and these are expected. I asked the
> shop who services Hondas only, about the other items. I was told the axle
> boot replacement is normal, with some lasting longer than my 125K miles, and
> some less. I was also told about every third van they see has a broken
> motor mount! So while I think that is unacceptable, like the ABS failure,
> that too is not so uncommon. And the exhaust hanger failure is only
> moderately common. I asked about the previously leaking radiator, and was
> told the plastic tank Honda uses does not last that long either. I don't
> think the shop is pulling my leg, as they have a stellar reputation, and the
> quality of work is beyond reproach.
>
> I don't know how you can have only spent $500 over 95k miles! If most of
> that was for the timing belt, what about service intervals every 15k miles?
> Oil changes come twice as frequently as that. I don't know how you could
> drive any car for 95k miles and spend something well less than $500 for
> maintenance. Tell me how!
>
> - Phil
>
> "E. Meyer" <e.meyerNOSPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
> news:BBDF92B0.285D4%e.meyerNOSPAM@ieee.org...
>> On 11/17/03 10:27 PM, in article fdhub.177376$ao4.592925@attbi_s51, "Phil"
>> <p.mentz@comcast.net> wrote:
>>
>>> I just took my '95 Odyssey van in for a major service at 120,000 miles.
>>> Since I bought it used at 43,000 miles, the reliability of the vehicle
> has
>>> been disappointing. Previous Hondas have been pretty good, but this van
>>> seems to have all kinds of reliability problems. I wonder if this is
>>> typical, or maybe I should get rid of it ASAP.
>>>
>>> Besides typical maintenance, I have noticed that it goes through brake
> pads
>>> noticeably faster than my previous '91 Accord. It has always used oil
> at a
>>> rate much faster than my previous Accord. The engine is sound with 191
> lbs.
>>> compression in all cylinders. Otherwise, it has not been impressive.
> The
>>> plastic door panel cracked on the driver's side, and that is over $400.
> The
>>> ABS gave up, and that will cost $1000 or so to get fixed. The top
> plastic
>>> tank on the radiator began leaking, setting me back another $330.
> Today,
>>> the service people (at a very good shop), said the brakes are worn out
> yet
>>> again ($135). They also found the "A" pipe exhaust hanger or bracket
> broken
>>> causing the rattling under the car ($56). One of the motor mounts was
>>> broken ($113). The front axle boots are about gone (2 x $119). The
>>> transmission has a several second delay before engaging "Drive". The
> heater
>>> can now never be completely turned off, the temperature control lever
>>> (cable) stiffened up, resulting in the lever end breaking off (we use a
> key
>>> to adjust the temperature now), the wipers never stop chattering and the
>>> radio freaks out with static at times. Other than that, and the
>>> non-existent power, it is a good vehicle. Seriously, it is a good
> runabout,
>>> but was '95 a bad year for Hondas? I have a '98 BMW M3 which I thought
>>> would cost me a lot in maintenance and be so-so in reliability, but it
> has
>>> been stone reliable, costs LESS in regular maintenance than any Honda I
> have
>>> had. Just wondering if I got the short end of the stick this time with
> the
>>> Odyssey.
>>>
>>> - Phil
>>>
>>>
>>
>> I had a '96 Odyssey from new that I passed down to a daughter at 95k
> miles.
>> She still has it & is at about 120k miles now. The only problem on your
>> list that we had with the '96 is the ABS failure which seems to be common
> in
>> Hondas of that vintage. If you remember how to pump the brakes in an
>> emergency, there is no need to fix it, as the main brakes are unaffected.
>> There have been no other maintenance issues with the car. I have spent
>> about $500 on it since new, most of which was for replacing the timing
> belt
>> at 90,000 (obviously we did not replace the ABS).
>>
>> I think yours must have been abused before you got it, or it lives in a
> very
>> inhospitable environment. Time for a new car.
>>
>
>

 

I do all the work myself. My time is free (just ask my wife). The only
money spent is on materials - oil, filters, transmission fluid, antifreeze,
spark plugs (got one set free because of the emissions recall), one half set
of brake pads (fronts at 60k, rears lasted to 117k), timing belt & water
pump.

Well -- I forgot about tires, so add another $380. I put Michelin X-Ones on
it when the original tires wore out just shy of 50,000 miles. The X-Ones
were still good when my daughter took it over at 95k.

And of course, I didn't count gas, but that's not maintenance.


On 11/18/03 9:29 PM, in article 8sBub.244488$Fm2.247878@attbi_s04, "Phil"
<p.mentz@comcast.net> wrote:

> Well, I went through with the service today, since the tune up, timing belt,
> and brakes were the bulk of the cost, and these are expected. I asked the
> shop who services Hondas only, about the other items. I was told the axle
> boot replacement is normal, with some lasting longer than my 125K miles, and
> some less. I was also told about every third van they see has a broken
> motor mount! So while I think that is unacceptable, like the ABS failure,
> that too is not so uncommon. And the exhaust hanger failure is only
> moderately common. I asked about the previously leaking radiator, and was
> told the plastic tank Honda uses does not last that long either. I don't
> think the shop is pulling my leg, as they have a stellar reputation, and the
> quality of work is beyond reproach.
>
> I don't know how you can have only spent $500 over 95k miles! If most of
> that was for the timing belt, what about service intervals every 15k miles?
> Oil changes come twice as frequently as that. I don't know how you could
> drive any car for 95k miles and spend something well less than $500 for
> maintenance. Tell me how!
>
> - Phil
>
> "E. Meyer" <e.meyerNOSPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
> news:BBDF92B0.285D4%e.meyerNOSPAM@ieee.org...
>> On 11/17/03 10:27 PM, in article fdhub.177376$ao4.592925@attbi_s51, "Phil"
>> <p.mentz@comcast.net> wrote:
>>
>>> I just took my '95 Odyssey van in for a major service at 120,000 miles.
>>> Since I bought it used at 43,000 miles, the reliability of the vehicle
> has
>>> been disappointing. Previous Hondas have been pretty good, but this van
>>> seems to have all kinds of reliability problems. I wonder if this is
>>> typical, or maybe I should get rid of it ASAP.
>>>
>>> Besides typical maintenance, I have noticed that it goes through brake
> pads
>>> noticeably faster than my previous '91 Accord. It has always used oil
> at a
>>> rate much faster than my previous Accord. The engine is sound with 191
> lbs.
>>> compression in all cylinders. Otherwise, it has not been impressive.
> The
>>> plastic door panel cracked on the driver's side, and that is over $400.
> The
>>> ABS gave up, and that will cost $1000 or so to get fixed. The top
> plastic
>>> tank on the radiator began leaking, setting me back another $330.
> Today,
>>> the service people (at a very good shop), said the brakes are worn out
> yet
>>> again ($135). They also found the "A" pipe exhaust hanger or bracket
> broken
>>> causing the rattling under the car ($56). One of the motor mounts was
>>> broken ($113). The front axle boots are about gone (2 x $119). The
>>> transmission has a several second delay before engaging "Drive". The
> heater
>>> can now never be completely turned off, the temperature control lever
>>> (cable) stiffened up, resulting in the lever end breaking off (we use a
> key
>>> to adjust the temperature now), the wipers never stop chattering and the
>>> radio freaks out with static at times. Other than that, and the
>>> non-existent power, it is a good vehicle. Seriously, it is a good
> runabout,
>>> but was '95 a bad year for Hondas? I have a '98 BMW M3 which I thought
>>> would cost me a lot in maintenance and be so-so in reliability, but it
> has
>>> been stone reliable, costs LESS in regular maintenance than any Honda I
> have
>>> had. Just wondering if I got the short end of the stick this time with
> the
>>> Odyssey.
>>>
>>> - Phil
>>>
>>>
>>
>> I had a '96 Odyssey from new that I passed down to a daughter at 95k
> miles.
>> She still has it & is at about 120k miles now. The only problem on your
>> list that we had with the '96 is the ABS failure which seems to be common
> in
>> Hondas of that vintage. If you remember how to pump the brakes in an
>> emergency, there is no need to fix it, as the main brakes are unaffected.
>> There have been no other maintenance issues with the car. I have spent
>> about $500 on it since new, most of which was for replacing the timing
> belt
>> at 90,000 (obviously we did not replace the ABS).
>>
>> I think yours must have been abused before you got it, or it lives in a
> very
>> inhospitable environment. Time for a new car.
>>
>
>

 

I do all the work myself. My time is free (just ask my wife). The only
money spent is on materials - oil, filters, transmission fluid, antifreeze,
spark plugs (got one set free because of the emissions recall), one half set
of brake pads (fronts at 60k, rears lasted to 117k), timing belt & water
pump.

Well -- I forgot about tires, so add another $380. I put Michelin X-Ones on
it when the original tires wore out just shy of 50,000 miles. The X-Ones
were still good when my daughter took it over at 95k.

And of course, I didn't count gas, but that's not maintenance.


On 11/18/03 9:29 PM, in article 8sBub.244488$Fm2.247878@attbi_s04, "Phil"
<p.mentz@comcast.net> wrote:

> Well, I went through with the service today, since the tune up, timing belt,
> and brakes were the bulk of the cost, and these are expected. I asked the
> shop who services Hondas only, about the other items. I was told the axle
> boot replacement is normal, with some lasting longer than my 125K miles, and
> some less. I was also told about every third van they see has a broken
> motor mount! So while I think that is unacceptable, like the ABS failure,
> that too is not so uncommon. And the exhaust hanger failure is only
> moderately common. I asked about the previously leaking radiator, and was
> told the plastic tank Honda uses does not last that long either. I don't
> think the shop is pulling my leg, as they have a stellar reputation, and the
> quality of work is beyond reproach.
>
> I don't know how you can have only spent $500 over 95k miles! If most of
> that was for the timing belt, what about service intervals every 15k miles?
> Oil changes come twice as frequently as that. I don't know how you could
> drive any car for 95k miles and spend something well less than $500 for
> maintenance. Tell me how!
>
> - Phil
>
> "E. Meyer" <e.meyerNOSPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
> news:BBDF92B0.285D4%e.meyerNOSPAM@ieee.org...
>> On 11/17/03 10:27 PM, in article fdhub.177376$ao4.592925@attbi_s51, "Phil"
>> <p.mentz@comcast.net> wrote:
>>
>>> I just took my '95 Odyssey van in for a major service at 120,000 miles.
>>> Since I bought it used at 43,000 miles, the reliability of the vehicle
> has
>>> been disappointing. Previous Hondas have been pretty good, but this van
>>> seems to have all kinds of reliability problems. I wonder if this is
>>> typical, or maybe I should get rid of it ASAP.
>>>
>>> Besides typical maintenance, I have noticed that it goes through brake
> pads
>>> noticeably faster than my previous '91 Accord. It has always used oil
> at a
>>> rate much faster than my previous Accord. The engine is sound with 191
> lbs.
>>> compression in all cylinders. Otherwise, it has not been impressive.
> The
>>> plastic door panel cracked on the driver's side, and that is over $400.
> The
>>> ABS gave up, and that will cost $1000 or so to get fixed. The top
> plastic
>>> tank on the radiator began leaking, setting me back another $330.
> Today,
>>> the service people (at a very good shop), said the brakes are worn out
> yet
>>> again ($135). They also found the "A" pipe exhaust hanger or bracket
> broken
>>> causing the rattling under the car ($56). One of the motor mounts was
>>> broken ($113). The front axle boots are about gone (2 x $119). The
>>> transmission has a several second delay before engaging "Drive". The
> heater
>>> can now never be completely turned off, the temperature control lever
>>> (cable) stiffened up, resulting in the lever end breaking off (we use a
> key
>>> to adjust the temperature now), the wipers never stop chattering and the
>>> radio freaks out with static at times. Other than that, and the
>>> non-existent power, it is a good vehicle. Seriously, it is a good
> runabout,
>>> but was '95 a bad year for Hondas? I have a '98 BMW M3 which I thought
>>> would cost me a lot in maintenance and be so-so in reliability, but it
> has
>>> been stone reliable, costs LESS in regular maintenance than any Honda I
> have
>>> had. Just wondering if I got the short end of the stick this time with
> the
>>> Odyssey.
>>>
>>> - Phil
>>>
>>>
>>
>> I had a '96 Odyssey from new that I passed down to a daughter at 95k
> miles.
>> She still has it & is at about 120k miles now. The only problem on your
>> list that we had with the '96 is the ABS failure which seems to be common
> in
>> Hondas of that vintage. If you remember how to pump the brakes in an
>> emergency, there is no need to fix it, as the main brakes are unaffected.
>> There have been no other maintenance issues with the car. I have spent
>> about $500 on it since new, most of which was for replacing the timing
> belt
>> at 90,000 (obviously we did not replace the ABS).
>>
>> I think yours must have been abused before you got it, or it lives in a
> very
>> inhospitable environment. Time for a new car.
>>
>
>

 

I do all the work myself. My time is free (just ask my wife). The only
money spent is on materials - oil, filters, transmission fluid, antifreeze,
spark plugs (got one set free because of the emissions recall), one half set
of brake pads (fronts at 60k, rears lasted to 117k), timing belt & water
pump.

Well -- I forgot about tires, so add another $380. I put Michelin X-Ones on
it when the original tires wore out just shy of 50,000 miles. The X-Ones
were still good when my daughter took it over at 95k.

And of course, I didn't count gas, but that's not maintenance.


On 11/18/03 9:29 PM, in article 8sBub.244488$Fm2.247878@attbi_s04, "Phil"
<p.mentz@comcast.net> wrote:

> Well, I went through with the service today, since the tune up, timing belt,
> and brakes were the bulk of the cost, and these are expected. I asked the
> shop who services Hondas only, about the other items. I was told the axle
> boot replacement is normal, with some lasting longer than my 125K miles, and
> some less. I was also told about every third van they see has a broken
> motor mount! So while I think that is unacceptable, like the ABS failure,
> that too is not so uncommon. And the exhaust hanger failure is only
> moderately common. I asked about the previously leaking radiator, and was
> told the plastic tank Honda uses does not last that long either. I don't
> think the shop is pulling my leg, as they have a stellar reputation, and the
> quality of work is beyond reproach.
>
> I don't know how you can have only spent $500 over 95k miles! If most of
> that was for the timing belt, what about service intervals every 15k miles?
> Oil changes come twice as frequently as that. I don't know how you could
> drive any car for 95k miles and spend something well less than $500 for
> maintenance. Tell me how!
>
> - Phil
>
> "E. Meyer" <e.meyerNOSPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
> news:BBDF92B0.285D4%e.meyerNOSPAM@ieee.org...
>> On 11/17/03 10:27 PM, in article fdhub.177376$ao4.592925@attbi_s51, "Phil"
>> <p.mentz@comcast.net> wrote:
>>
>>> I just took my '95 Odyssey van in for a major service at 120,000 miles.
>>> Since I bought it used at 43,000 miles, the reliability of the vehicle
> has
>>> been disappointing. Previous Hondas have been pretty good, but this van
>>> seems to have all kinds of reliability problems. I wonder if this is
>>> typical, or maybe I should get rid of it ASAP.
>>>
>>> Besides typical maintenance, I have noticed that it goes through brake
> pads
>>> noticeably faster than my previous '91 Accord. It has always used oil
> at a
>>> rate much faster than my previous Accord. The engine is sound with 191
> lbs.
>>> compression in all cylinders. Otherwise, it has not been impressive.
> The
>>> plastic door panel cracked on the driver's side, and that is over $400.
> The
>>> ABS gave up, and that will cost $1000 or so to get fixed. The top
> plastic
>>> tank on the radiator began leaking, setting me back another $330.
> Today,
>>> the service people (at a very good shop), said the brakes are worn out
> yet
>>> again ($135). They also found the "A" pipe exhaust hanger or bracket
> broken
>>> causing the rattling under the car ($56). One of the motor mounts was
>>> broken ($113). The front axle boots are about gone (2 x $119). The
>>> transmission has a several second delay before engaging "Drive". The
> heater
>>> can now never be completely turned off, the temperature control lever
>>> (cable) stiffened up, resulting in the lever end breaking off (we use a
> key
>>> to adjust the temperature now), the wipers never stop chattering and the
>>> radio freaks out with static at times. Other than that, and the
>>> non-existent power, it is a good vehicle. Seriously, it is a good
> runabout,
>>> but was '95 a bad year for Hondas? I have a '98 BMW M3 which I thought
>>> would cost me a lot in maintenance and be so-so in reliability, but it
> has
>>> been stone reliable, costs LESS in regular maintenance than any Honda I
> have
>>> had. Just wondering if I got the short end of the stick this time with
> the
>>> Odyssey.
>>>
>>> - Phil
>>>
>>>
>>
>> I had a '96 Odyssey from new that I passed down to a daughter at 95k
> miles.
>> She still has it & is at about 120k miles now. The only problem on your
>> list that we had with the '96 is the ABS failure which seems to be common
> in
>> Hondas of that vintage. If you remember how to pump the brakes in an
>> emergency, there is no need to fix it, as the main brakes are unaffected.
>> There have been no other maintenance issues with the car. I have spent
>> about $500 on it since new, most of which was for replacing the timing
> belt
>> at 90,000 (obviously we did not replace the ABS).
>>
>> I think yours must have been abused before you got it, or it lives in a
> very
>> inhospitable environment. Time for a new car.
>>
>
>