Honda Odyssey or Nissan Quest buying used?

[1PrincessMomma1]

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[kkwis2]

Our first mini-van was a Nissan Quest, but that was back in about 1996. We bought it used. It had several mechanical problems. Traded it in for a used Odyssey that we loved. Traded in for a new Odyssey (which we stupidly leased). At the end of the lease in summer of 2007 got another Odyssey rather than buying our lease simply because of some of the updates such as the split third row, second row windows that go down and have built-in shades and second row middle seat (what a great option!). We plan on keeping this one forever.

I agree that Hondas hold their value well over some other makes.

 

[musical2]

We have a 2000 Honda Odyssey that is still going strong. The only problem we have had thus far is to replace the EGR valve. It has been to WDW from Maryland seven times since we received it (three times driving, four times via the Auto Train). I have been very happy with it thus far. I figure at the point I will drive it into the ground before replacing it.

 

[Goofyzgurl]

We have an 2004 Nissan Quest and love it! They extended the warranty to 60K, so any problems that has come up we haven't had to come out of pocket. There haven't been many but it's nice to know that they're covered. I wanted to trade our 04 for a newer model but noticed that they weren't as big inside.

 

[mlraabe]

Love our Quest! It is an 02. Never had a problem with it. When we were car shopping it was the only non extended model mini van that would easily fit our eddie bauer double stroller. Plus, we loved all of the options. The inside space is not huge and we usually use our suburban for longer trips or extra kids but the quest does just fine as the taxi service for dance, soccer, t ball, track, .......on and on!

 

[kidshop]

I love my '01 Quest! We bought it new and had a few issues..the front windows stopped going up and down and the rear seatbelts weren't connected properly, but that was all covered under the warranty. Since then we have has zero issues, and no mechanical problems. I have 3 kids and we have plenty of room still. I have 66,000 miles on it, I just don't drive all that much and I get 21. something mpg with regular driving. I'm a freak who LOVES the vcr since we have mostly tapes, so I'll keep this car until it won't drive anymore. I've been very happy with Nissans...I had a Pathfinder previously.

 

[Praying Colonel]

I love love love my Odyssey.

But, it's an '02 and that's the year of the bad transmissions. Knock on wood, mine hasn't crapped out yet, but I'm prepared for it. If/when that happens, I plan to make the repair and keep on driving it at least until it's 10 yo. Love it that much. ETA: I'm at 100K miles.

I have no experience with Quests, so can't comment on those.

Yes, beware the tranny on the older Odysseys. We didn't know about it when we bought our 02 used, and we ended up having to replace the tranny at around 80,000 miles. Honda agreed to pay half, which was OK, except we still had to pay half and Honda had replaced other customers' for free, even though theirs was out of warranty, too. IMHO, they should've extended the warranty on the 02s to 100K, like they did with earlier model years.

You can read more on the Odyssey forum, odyclub.com.

 

[adisneymama]

I have an 06 Honda and love it. Get great gas mileage about 20 mpg city driving and well over 30 hwy. Love the way the seats fold etc. Mine is fully loaded and I am a bit spoiled. LOL

My friend has an 06 Quest and hates it. I dislike it as well. Seating configuration is not great and she doesn't have anywhere near the storage space behind the third row seat.

G/L whatever you decide.

 

[WeLuvDiznee]

We just bought a used 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. I love it! I was a little leary of Dodge, but the 2nd and 3rd row seats fold away into the floor. It has a deep trunk. My sister has had a Dodge for 4 years now, with no problems, so I figured I'd go ahead with one.

 

[honeymom]

I have never had either, but I have owned Nissan and Honda sedans. Just about every part on the Nissan broke down 2-3 weeks after the warranty on the particular part expired.

We've had our Accord since 1995. It has been practically maintenance free and I am a big believer in Honda.

I do a Toyota Sienna minivan. No huge mechanical problems, but not as maintenance free as the Honda.

 

[4forMe]

I've never owned a Nissan so I won't comment.

We have a 2001 Honda Odyssey, and it's on its 4th transmission at 82,000 miles. The 2000-2002 years have known transmission problems. If buying a used Odyssey, I would suggest looking at 2003 or later. We also have friends that love their Toyota Siennas - I believe the used ones hold their value well.

 

[twoandtwins]

I loved my Odysssey when I had it(now DD drives it). The transmission was failing so we bought something else. We were going to trade it in but the car sales man was not going to give us anything, so we kept it.

A few weeks after we bought the new car, we got a mailer about a class action law suit regarding the transmision problems in Odysseys and Accords. Honda fixed our transmission fro free(yeah!!) and now DD who just turned 16 drives it everywhere. No more problems. We still are happy with our Odyssey(even though DH or I do not drive it) and so is DD.

Donna