I have a 2006 Honda Odyssey which I been living in for about 2 months full time now and I love it!! I gutted the bottom down to the frame and took out the side panels (ended up putting the passenger side back to help protect the A/C lines other side has my desk/table protecting it) I’m 5’8 and I put a full-size twin bed in there on a wooden frame I built myself since the legs needed to be perfect height plus it’s a u shape frame so I can slide a few bags under easier.
My mini-rv has two basements/ bottom wells the back one is perfect for a bathroom space with a drain plug to let out water already built in (2 drain plugs actually under the plastic tub tray that came with it.) I didn’t mess with the top liners since there are side airbags I don’t wanna play around. I have 2 100w solar panels I put on the roof rack ( I think they might be smaller roof rack than other brands cause they seem tiny) didn’t have enough room to put the back roof rack bar on but they are bolted in place with u bolts and lock washers ( took an entire day to put them in place but they are not going anywhere!! Lol , but I usually only go 60-65 max to save on gas.) I think I get around 22mpg but I keep forgetting to do the tracking method but I did it once and got 22
I bought mine in 18 from a dealer for 6k the car fax showed lots of the expenses repairs were already done so it was a solid purchase. The battery was a dud but that’s not really worth mentioning. Did have to replace the front motor mount luckily my uncle helped ( he did it I watched) replace it. Besides that I love it!
One concern is I guess the transmissions are kinda weak so I baby it and I would never tow anything and I been trying to lighten the load to an extreme to help it live longer.. I did change the transmissions fluid and no significant signs of wear so that was a relief if you do get a odyssey change the transmissions fluid every 50k miles unless it’s to late and it was never changed idk ask a mechanic if need be I guess..
If you have the money I say go for a Toyota sennia. But if you want something of good value an odyssey could be a good fit too. I will say I’m already looking forward to getting a 2011 sennia it was out of my budget back in 18 as they were like 10-12k at least. When I bought my odyssey it was like 137K miles now it’s like 160k and still drives like a land-yacht! It’s a bit more bouncy over bumps but before this I was driving a car.
I wouldn’t scare anyone away from a odyssey but I learned how to drive city busses and I’m a very slow and defense driver I’m hoping to be able to get to 260k miles before I’m itching for a newer model ( 2011ish Toyota sennia before they become all grill design, or maybe a 2023 electric sennia the climate control electric engine would be awesome for my dog if i need to leave her in the car to go shopping) I been staying at the LTVA and I feel so proud and happy of my new home.. you couldn’t go wrong with a odyssey. If you have any questions just ask. I learned so much I would have wished I could have known beforehand but life is a learning experience.
