Minivan Advice - Honda Odyssey?

[Ben]

I said it - we're getting one... Family size & practicality are hard to argue. Anyway, I'm selling my truck & getting a van and will take over the wife's car. I need something that has the ability to tow the 205 if we want to go on a trip (2x / year max). Other than that, the boat is on a hoist.

Looking to spend in the $15K range, and '04-'05 Honda Odyssey's seem to fit the bill. I've had good luck with honda accords in the past, and I'm scared to get a used dodge. We're from Ohio, so yes, I can live in detroit and buy a honda. JUst don't tell anyone. The Odyssey tow rating will cover me exactly (3500 lbs).

Anyone have one of these, or a recommendation to make of something else to look for? I may be able to get a deal on a lease for a dodge through a friend, but 2-3 years old is really looking like the answer.

Thanks.

[phecksel]

Wait for the '08 Chrysler, they've made some impressive improvements.

Wait for the early '09 Ford Flex, that car is going to be unbelievable, and will have a impressive towing capacity.

[tex]

Did he say, Minivan Advice on this MC site?

[skibrain]

We have an '05 Ody that we bought new. The LX at $25K is the better buy IMHO than the EX or touring as it has the same engine size/hp (although no cyl. deactivation for the 1-2 mpg claimed highway increase), same size tires, anti-lock brakes, 7 airbags, Vehicle Stab. control - all standard. We also did NOT want the power doors and electronic climate control.

Honda warranty requires the towing package if you put ANY kind of a hitch on the the '05. This is a $1280 affair that includes a tranny cooler, alternator and a variety of under car airdams to help route air to the above items. An ouch and something to keep in mind if one you find does NOT have the tow pkg.

With 255hp it is plenty quick. Actually fun to punch it at stoplights and surprise a few folks. I tow a much lighter boat. (1200 lb w/ outboard + trailer. I'm still under 2,000 lb even with gear). If you drive aggressively around town the mileage is 15-16. We've done trips loaded down (no trailer) driving 75 - 80 mph and had 24 mpg easy which I think is great.

If you pull a loaded inboard @ close to 3,000 lb you don't have much capacity left for people and gear IN the vehicle.

We had a 96 Caravan for 10 years. It had it's problems (like needed a new tranny and some alternators) but there were a few things on it I liked better than the Honda - even with the 152 hp 3.3 V6. We ordered one when new and got the HD suspension which was a bit stiffer shocks and roll bars. I think the steering and handling on it was nicer than our Honda. The used Chrysler products are a great buy and have a similar tow rating I believe.

We'll probably keep the Honda for 10 years so it will be interesting to see the comparo. of repairs and resale at the end. (our Dodge was only worth about $3K after 10 years so we gave it to a relative).

[skibrain]

i was going to say Glastron, but I figured my post would get deleted.

Love the odyssey, but never towed with mine. It has more HP than my LX470!

[TMCNo1]

Originally Posted by tex

Did he say, Minivan Advice on this MC site?

Around here, you have to have a 1500 Chebby to tow a Red Radio Flyer wagon.

[Archimedes]

My wife drives an 05 Odyssey Touring. Great minivan, but no way I would tow anything (other than maybe a closed bow sub 19 foot ski boat) with it. It could never tow our X-1 safely, which is essentially a 205 with a tower. It simply will not be up to the task.

[Jesus_Freak]

We have an 07 and like it very much. Of course the EPA was highly confused when they posted the mileage expectations, as they seem to be with many vehicles these days, so dont believe it. We have never tried to tow with it, but have used our older minivan (yes, I am a two minivan-man) for towing.

[Ben]

Originally Posted by TMCNo1

Around here, you have to have a 1500 Chebby to tow a Red Radio Flyer wagon.

I know, and I had that covered and then some, see pic. However, if it's big truck OR house on lake.... we'll get the minivan every time..

BTW, anyone interested in a clean '97 F350 Diesel?

Thanks to the others for the tips. I'm aware of the tow package, and would try to work that in with the deal if we get a certified odyssey from a dealer. Still no 100% sure I'd tow with it, but would like to know I could if need be.