[Huffer]

My 2006 Ody EX-L is still going. I've planned to replace for about 10 years, now. I looked at an Elite but now may look at a different brand.

Just don't buy brand new. I just picked up a solid condition 2018 EX without all the Touring/Elite accoutrements and it's had a lot of major work done because of the timeline. That means the majority of the bugs are worked out by the prior ownership (1 owner) and while it might have higher miles (160k) I'm calling that "battle tested". Prior owner also replaced the transmission at 150k.

I'm a firm believer that the lower spec'd vehicles are more reliable as there's just less to go wrong. No RES or auto-stop in mine, even though there is a back up camera, lane departure etc (I disabled all the "safety" stuff honestly).

Brand new cars are absolutely RIFE with issues usually, because they're in a hurry to get inventory to the shop floor - and with so many things being "dealer upgrades" now it's no wonder things get broken during that final phase. I've seen dealer techs mis-install roof rails, cross thread bolts and scratch the paint. Honda's paint isn't exactly known for it's durability either...

 

[Huffer]

Well since December 2024 we have bought 2 2025 Odyssey Elite LEMONS that the Honda Dealer has bought back.

Here are the following issues we have had:

1. Massive paint issues, including chipping, overspray, dirt under paint, etc.
2. Bluetooth failure.
3. CarPlay issues.
4. phone charger pad issues and failure.
5. Seat sensor failure.
6. Parking sensor failure
7. Weatherstripping issues.
8. Cracking, wrinkling of leathers seats.
9. Drivers side sunshade clip loose and fell off.
10. Steering wheel noises.
11. plastic around seats popping off
12. Insulation around doors falling off.
13. Erratic Shifting when on cruise control.

These are just to name of few issues. that said we will be buying another brand after these experiences.

I give you a lot of credit for trying a 2nd van... but I would never blame you for walking away after those issues. A lot of that stuff is unacceptable at any trim level.