Topic: 97 Odyssey - how long to keep

[stevek]

Hope my subject heading is ok.

My 97 Odyssey has 280,000 km on it. It's been great, but for a while I've been wondering how do I know when it's time to get rid of it.

Last week's oil change at the dealer I was given the following recommended repairs:
1. The swaybar bushings are "dried out and falling apart." Cost to replace $246. There was no noticeable problem at the time, but today the van started making a high pitched whine when driving - is this the swaybar?
2. DRL relay sensor light is on. Highbeams not working (one light out) Cost $251
3. Leaking oilpan gasket. (Oil change guy said he'd look at it again next oil change) Cost $164.

Back in March they replaced the left front wheel bearing for $376. When that shimmy was gone I was happy with the smooth ride and thought I'll keep it a while longer. Now I'm not sure - it seems like one thing after another.

Also back in January they had to replace the oil cooler seal, oil filter cooler line, and valve cover gasket (the oil had leaked out and it was almost dry when I got to the dealer) - cost $264. I assume this is different from the oilpan gasket leak noted above?

Is it worth doing all these repairs and keeping the van longer? How do you know when enough is enough? I've never kept a vehicle this long, and it's been great over the years (my first Honda). Last summer I saw another Odyssey same year with 100,000 more km than mine on it and still going fine.

Any comments/advice will be appreciated.

[barrie1]

Its not a fun situation to be in as when do you draw the line on when to sell any vehicle you enjoy. Like all makes and models the repairs start to add up on them and unfortunately it as you that has to set the time frame as to when its replacement time. New Vehicle shopping tho can be fun if you are a real car person like most of us here. Usually a $1000. a year for repairs is the norm for an older high mile vehicle but some years you can exceed that in a hurry. I suggest getting an aprasial on it and going from there as only you know guess your future earnings to cover the cost of a newer one. 

[curls]

The rear sway bar bushings are not expensive themselves, and with a jack, jackstands, and a few basic tools, aren't hard to replace, either.  One of the easiest repairs to DIY, actually, in terms of suspension stuff.

Are they trying to charge you $251 to change a hi-beam light bulb?  If so, run.  And then change it yourself ($6-$10 for the bulb, 5 minutes to change it).

Oil pan gasket should be changed but as long as its not leaking a lot of oil onto your driveway, etc... then I'd leave it for a bit until you find a mechanic you trust (ie: not the stealership)

[maritime_storm]

I always figured it this way, when it costs you more in a one year period than 6 months on new car payments, the vehicle has served it purpose.

[stevek]

I wasn't sure whether to revive this thread or start a new one.

My 97 Odyssey now has 302,000 km on it. For 5 months it has become our 3rd vehicle. My son uses it to drive to college in our city. With 5 in the family and 3 vehicles insurance has been expensive but it's convenient.

Now the Odyssey has a broken crank shaft pulley and needs a new engine. The dealer found a used engine, 100,000km on it with 90 day warranty. Cost $2400 installed, taxes in.

We may well decide to live with 2 cars only for a while. But if not I'd like advice on:

- is the new engine a good way to go on a 97 vehicle?

- would an older used car be better? We could afford maybe up to $5000.

I know there are many variables and unknowns, but I'd appreciate any guidance. Also if we do decide to get rid of the Odyssey (it's sitting at the dealer for a few days awaiting our decision), what if anything might I expect to get for it?

Thanks.