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Considering purchasing a friend's 2010 Odyssey....

3K views 24 replies 21 participants last post by  thscott 
#1 ·
I was glad to find this forum when looking for information on these great vehicles - I have been considering one for a long time, and the family keeps getting bigger in height/weight - quantity is stable!

A friend at work has offered me the opportunity to buy her 2010 Odyssey EX-L. She is the second owner, having purchased it in 2014 with 40,000 miles on it. It now has 201,000 miles.

I had the chance to look at it closely today. It was parked for four hours and I saw no leaks under it. There is a dent in the right fender, but I remember her telling us at lunch a year ago about it happening in the driveway. This is Pennsylvania, so I looked closely for rust at the wheel wells and under the doors, but did not find any. Both side doors work smoothly - she said her mechanic serviced them recently. The moon roof and rear gate work smoothly, the DVD player works, back up camera works, the AC blows cold, I did not check the heated seats, the leather driver seat is well worn and cracked where ones slides in and out (but the rest of the seats seem good), and it needs a good detailing inside, which she said she would get before the sale. Tires x 4 are new this year.

We took it for a nice long test drive, even tested it in reverse. It shifted smoothly, but I could not get the mileage out of my mind. It tracked straight and no shuddering with braking. No check engine light or other warnings came on. I forgot to test the wipers!

She has had the previous services ("150,000 mile service") and maintenance performed by a local mechanic - a Dodge dealership near her home. She has chosen not to do the 200,000 mile service since she is selling it. That is something I would want to have done pretty quickly if I purchase it - can someone point me to where I can find a list of what is performed at that service and thoughts on what it might cost?

Of course she is selling it as is with no warranty. But I have known her for two years and feel she is honest and forthright. In this situation, I feel that is an advantage, if only a small one, over meeting a stranger over Craigslist selling something similar.

I live in Maryland and that's where it will registered. Maryland seems to have a pretty rigorous inspection process, and of course it will be subject to emissions testing. She resides in a PA county that does not require emissions testing, so it has not been tested in years. I asked her today if she could take it for testing, and then I could compare the results to what Maryland requires. Later today I received a text from her that her mechanic states it will pass as long as no check engine light is on - can anyone comment on the veracity of this statement? She said her mechanic advised her to sell it truly "as is" with no additional testing or diagnostics.

I am concerned that even if there are no emissions issues, Maryland will come back to me with a list of all kinds of bushings and mounts and such things that will need to be replaced before it passes.

As for the price.... she said the Kelly Blue Book site gave her an "instant cash offer" of $2780. She felt that was too high for the condition and mileage (did I mention she was a nice person?). After the test drive today, I said I needed to do a little more research, but would probably offer something between $2000-$2500 - she was good with that.

I would appreciate hearing thoughts as to whether I have been presented with a good opportunity here, or if I may be headed towards a big mistake. Thanks!!
 
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#4 ·
I think that vehicle is worth $2000-2500.

It will need a new timing belt kit change very soon though. If she already changed the timing belt twice, it is a bonus. At this mileage, it will require regular maintenance to keep it running into 300K miles. You are better be a diy person.
 
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#5 ·
The van is what you call a throw-away. If you aren't too far from the MD state line, get a MD state inspection, and you'll know what you're dealing.

If you offer $2k, and it needs $1k worth of work, then the price becomes $1K.

If this is going to be for 'local' trups, buy it, and throw it away when it breaks. You could probably get $1K for it even when it's broke!

You also might want to get a pre-purchase inspection, which is different than a MD inspection. Emissions is just the check engine light, which, if it isn't lit, you pass.

Marvin, the commie/socialist, Stockman
 
#6 ·
I'll be the contrarian and say go for it. If that is what is in your budget then it sounds like a good deal. 160k in 5 years is a lot of miles so she obviously drove longer distances. If she serviced it like she said it should be solid. I sold my 06 recently with 250k only because we take lots of long trips and haul a popup. Traded up to a low mile 07. The motor mounts may be a concern from the vcm, but if it's not having problems now it must be one of the few good ones.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
 
#7 ·
From above I see how the inspection works. So if you do an inspection and the price would be reduced then sure. If, for example, I were to buy it and can inspect well it is a different story. If the person is new to DIY/maintenance knowledge then it makes it a hard decision without inspection, just taking at face value. If something went wrong after purchase, it may cause tension with that friend. Something like this has happened to a cousin and neighbor few houses down, so I have seen this type of situation first hand. Better to be clear.
 
#8 ·
As already stated, there is nothing quite like a bad business deal to sour a relationship. If you are able to keep personal feelings aside, even if the car ends up being a lemon (hopefully not!), then I say go for it.

Along with the expected costs of a 200k service (timing belt, water pump), I imagine the catalytic converter could require replacing. This is not a high-dollar item, but it would prevent your car from passing the emissions test if it pops up a CEL or the readings are high.
 
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#10 ·
I would buy that van in a heartbeat for $2K. In fact, I bought an '07 EXL a couple of years ago for $3200 and it had 208K on it. It runs great and we just pulled our pop up on a 5K mile trip with it out west. If regular maintenance has been done, then the only unusual thing you would need to do is the TB. The rest you just keep up with like a regular van. I did a VCM defeat on my van with the sVCM module since I didn't want it going into VCM mode while pulling the camper.

I would honestly expect that van to be able to go to 300K at least with proper maintenance. If you can get 100K miles out of a vehicle for $2K - I think that is a pretty good deal - fantastic actually. I kind of specialize in buying ~10 year old used Odys and properly maintained ones are out there and they can last a long time with continued good care.
 
#11 · (Edited)
If that's your budget range then as Cahaak said I would also "buy it in a heartbeat" you know it's been maintained properly.
Timing belt is the main thing/expense, and then VCM defeat preventative maintenance (little $$, how much oil does it burn is very important to check). If the vcm wasn't de-activated there could be premature wear in the cylinders.
One of the guys in this forum had 650,000 out of his ody, with minimal maintenance.

The 2010 is a very solid machine, strong engine and transmission (proven). Refresh it - Drain and re-fill with amsoil transmission fluid and again a month or so later, then every other oil change 1x drain & fill, and I don't see why you can't get 3 to 4 hundred thou out of it.

If you are in doubt then get it checked over by a mechanic, make sure the transmission shifts smoothly and have the engine/head pressure tested (vcm is probably not de-activated) to indicate wear or not, then check suspension, brakes etc.

Your friend will allow you to take it to a mechanic, not so sure any other private seller else would be so helpful.

What the hell else could you possibly get that's in any way decent for that price?

My 08 I purchased locally and being that I'm in the south there is no rust on anything, But your climate is a little different.
I sure would be interested to hear why the guys are saying avoid, please elaborate?

Maybe it was this statement> She said her mechanic advised her to sell it truly "as is" with no additional testing or diagnostics.

That possibly is a red flag? Ask her if you can take it to your mechanic, what has she got to lose, if she doesn't make a sale to you then no skin off her nose, and she sure wouldn't want to jeopardize her reputation/relationship with you.

At the end of the day she can sell it to someone else, right.
 
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#12 ·
On top of the timing belt, other things to consider are if it has the original starter motor, suspension, AC compressor, catalytic converters these will probably need replacing under your ownership.

Can you do this work yourself? If not get prices for them in your area and think the deal over.
 
#13 ·
New to Hondas but not Japanese vehicles. Do you know right now someone is looking at a used Tacoma with 200K miles and considering paying 10k dollars for it? All over America. A new Odyssey is going for well over 30K now, even a low level model.

2000 bux, heck yea. Even 2500. This is dependant on if you are a DIY'er. If not, get something newer and prob. pay as much for maint. but have more equity. It's a wash to me but that's your call.

BUT....it does matter if the 2nd owner ever took care of the transmission. that's the weak point of ANY automatic transmission vehicle sale. You just never know about them, they're the ultimate craps game.
 
#14 ·
Holy smoke 161k in 5 years!....i bought my 08 in feb. 2014 with 63k currently has 96k. If you want something to take ur family around Ill rather save some money under the mattress and get something with less miles. Like others were saying, if what you need is a "transportation" go for it. Ill go low baller with $1,500 and work your way up.
 
#15 ·
I'd buy it. I have a 2010 EX that I purchased in 2014 with 64,xxx miles. I believe it now has 146,xxx miles. Still runs and drives as good as the day I purchased it. I did the timing belt, water pump, tensioner, pulley, thermostat and transmission drain and fill all around 120,xxx miles. A little past the recommended 105,000 service. Recently started to see the p0325 knock sensor code. Comes and goes. I'll be inspecting and replacing soon if needed. Unfortunately I financed mine and have a year left with $5,xxx left to pay off. My payment has been $303/mth since 8/2014. I've paid over $18k so far.? Hopefully I'll never finance another vehicle. So if you can pick one up for under $3000 I'd say go for it and do the required maintenance and enjoy
 
#16 ·
I take all my cars to a Coles garage for 70 bucks they pull the wheels, inspect the brakes, run a scan for hidden codes. , check exhaust, check ball joins front end parts. Try out the heater as some do not work . Tell her you'll give the 2500 subject to an inspection With charges paid by you. If she balks, walk away. There has to be an indy shop in your town to do it
 
#17 ·
I'd pass unless you are handy. You're going to have to pay at least $700 right up front for 200k mile service and its not one you're going to want to do (timing belt replacement, timing belt tensioner, water pump replacement, thermostat, coolant flush etc etc). It'll likely need new spark plugs ($200-$300 in labor if you don't want to do it). It'll likely need the valves adjusted if those weren't done at 150k (tack on another $400-$500 as its very labor intensive). No way I'd do it personally.

I liken higher mileage vehicle purchases to the experiences I have with my garden tractors here in Florida. Is it awesome not having to push a mower? Hell yes. But it needs regular maintenance and crap breaks on them constantly (belts, starters, batteries dying). I'm handy so I can fix it in 30 min with a few dollars in parts. My neighbor on the other hand? Drive belt snapped on his 2 weeks ago and he doesn't know how to replace it (I do, but haven't had time to help him). He's 5 minutes away from calling a mower repairman over it. I'd say we are having a night and day difference in experience lol!!!
 
#18 ·
Check transmission first and foremost. Odyssies transmissions tend to break within that mileage range. Other than that, go for it. I had my transmission rebuilt at 139,000 miles. I'm a second owner. Previous owner didn't care much for the vehicle. Take it to a good mechanic and have it checked. Honda engines are very reliable, but no so much for the transmission on this particular model. Good luck if you already bought it.
 
#19 ·
I think $2500 is a fair price for that vehicle in that condition. It may need work, it may not, but it will take some effort from you to find out. $2500 is a reasonable baseline cost for a fully currently working vehicle; and even the ongoing maintenance cost is fairly well known, the question is just when you'll have to put money into it. Might be in a month, might be in a year.

I think the real issue is what happens if the transmission (or something else major) fails in like one month. Will you hold it against the seller?

One positive would be if they have good maintenance records; at least you know there was no neglect.
 
#20 ·
I, too, would buy it. The price is low enough that if something breaks after a while, you can afford to put some money into it. One thing I would check and probably replace, given the mileage, is the brake calipers. They won't be in "like new" condition after so many years and miles, and you want reliable brakes when stopping such a heavy vehicle.
 
#21 ·
After hearing so many people moan and groan about problems, the bottom line is that it's your friend. I have people at work that would absolutely never sell their car to anyone at work for that reason, they are afraid of any potential issues. The van is what it is, it will break when it wants to break. Whether it's a 10 year old car or a 1 year old car, do you think the owner has control over it? Get it inspected to your satisfaction, but don't hope that it's going to be a car that will put your kids through college. Things will have to break eventually, but any good car will last a long time. If I had my neighbor offer me something like this and already thinks it's not worth it, they are doing you a favor. Unless they actually know something is weird.. ask them what is the amount that would make her happy.. and take it. My 06 odyssey is going to hit 200K now. I'd certainly say a 2010 model which is newer will have at best parts that aren't as rusty.. rubber that isn't as dry. Still we take our odyssey on all the big family trips because it's the most comfortable beater car.

So.. it's been a couple weeks. Did you get it?
 
#22 ·
Hi All,

Thank you all so much for weighing in on this. Your comments really helped me sort this out in my mind.

So what did I do? I offered her $2000 and she accepted. At that price, I am comfortable knowing how much I will have to spend for the 200k mile service. Thank you also for pointing out other things I should have them inspect, service, or replace. She goes in for that service tomorrow...

As to the friendship, I feel like she told me everything she knew about it, gave me ample opportunity to look it over, and accepted my low-ball offer knowing what the scheduled maintenance would cost. If something breaks a month from now, or there are surprises revealed tomorrow, I will not hold that against her.

I'm looking forward to moving the family around in comfort on the coming weekends. I will continue to use my fantastic '06 Accord for my very long work commute. But if something interesting comes up on Craigslist along that route, I'm glad to know that I can switch to the Odyssey and have no trouble getting it home (I look for old BMW motorcycle bits, stainless steel medical cabinets/tables, interesting MCM office furniture). I'm sure I will be back on the forum next week reading up on the VCM, VSA, TPMS, and many more topics....

Thanks again!
 
#24 ·
Dude don't listen to much negativity , you BETTER BUY THAT VAN ! 200,00 miles is much of nothing . The van is 9+ years old , and she bought it in 2014 with 40,000 miles . She's driven it 32,000 miles a year since purchased , which is normal if that's her only car and means that if any issues came up while she owned it she's repaired . So you got a dvd screen , back up camera , leather in a Odyssey that's only been owned by two people ? Even if you got to do SOME work , it's worth fixing ... Dude if you got the money , BUY IT FOR THAT PRICE !!!
 
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