Info On Common Minivans

[Kathleen]

You're way overthinking this. You got a great van that was extremely well maintained, count your lucky stars and live a great life!!

But, take into account their reputation for weak transmissions. Go to a U-Haul to have trans cooler installed and maybe shorten the time between fluid changes. 

Having done all your due diligence, put it out of your mind, let the fears go, and then go out with it and live a life beyond your wildest dreams!!

Thanks for the Uhaul install info and for your encouragement, Bob!

 

[Kathleen]

And take pics please. I really want to see what a GC looks like with a roof vent.

I guess everyone here calls the T & C's Grand Caravans. Same co, slightly different look.

Ok, pics later. But right now I'm paying double rent while I sort my sh*t and slowly transfer all to my new S & B, a 200 year old adobe, close to the mtns.

There are bunnies, lizards, deer, maybe a few coyotes in my new back yard. If I'm lucky maybe the occasional bear.

Most people run at the thought of bears. I lived outside Ystone, bears lived along the creek, a few feet outside my door. We got along just fine.

I know they are big wild animals and can be terribly dangerous. My concern is with predators of the human kind.

To be on the safe side I'll carry a can of bear spray in my van and wear the holster bear spray Bob recommended.

 

[ClassyGlobal]

--- Honda

Overall manufacturer notes: Honda really likes to use tried and true motors in tried and true chassis' designs. They are also one of the few to put 4 wheel disc brakes as standard even in early models. If you do happen to hurt your Honda motor no worries because they are a dime a dozen.

-- Odyssey

Overall model notes: Reliable and delivers superior fuel economy. Vandwellers may find that the slopping roof line (which helps aerodynamic) may make the very rear a little low for comfortable sitting/storage. A great deal of effort was put into having a low floor design which makes overall interior height nice though.

- 95-98

2.2L F22B6 & 2.3L F23A7 - I grouped these two together because the info will be the same. Both are underpowered in the low rpms. Good motors for reliability and maintenance but NEED rpms in order to do much of anything. Don't expect to be passing people on the highway without your foot on the floor.

Transmission - I'll admit that I don't know much about the transmission in the first gen other than people like to swap in the TCU (transmission brain) from other Hondas in order to firm up the shifts. Overall, it's a light duty transmission and may struggle with the added weight. 

Suspension - WOW. 4 wheel disc brakes standard, full wishbone suspension, and a stiff unibody make this one very nice riding/handling minivan. NOT made for heavy loads but if you're a lightweight vandweller these will ride like an Accord......

-----Thanks for the amazing info.  I know the Oasis is a rebadged Odyssey.  Wondering for major components what would a Honda Specific Mechanic not be familiar with?  I've called a few Honda dealerships who act like they've never heard of and don't want to touch the '98 2.3L Oasis?  All major components to include Engine, Trans and DriveTrain are hotswappable with Honda parts for the same year and engine model Odyssey?  Am I incorrect?  I appreciate you for sharing!!!!!

 

[Gideon33w]

-----Thanks for the amazing info.  I know the Oasis is a rebadged Odyssey.  Wondering for major components what would a Honda Specific Mechanic not be familiar with?  I've called a few Honda dealerships who act like they've never heard of and don't want to touch the '98 2.3L Oasis?  All major components to include Engine, Trans and DriveTrain are hotswappable with Honda parts for the same year and engine model Odyssey?  Am I incorrect?  I appreciate you for sharing!!!!!

IIRC the Oasis was a joint Honda/Isuzu vehicle as part of an agreement they made. With the Oasis being a rebadged 1st gen Odyssey. Same major components. All that should be different is a few minor body and interior parts. Otherwise identical to the Odyssey. They just didn't sell many so it's no surprise it's confusing to the techs or counter people. Just tell them it's a badge engineered 1st gen Odyssey. Once they pop the hood they will understand. Same F22/F23 motor, trans, axles, hubs, etc. - Alternatively, get yourself a Haynes manual and a few tools. Shouldn't be hard to work on.

 

[introverting]

I vote for stickying this thread.

 

[Kathleen]

I vote for stickying this thread.

Good idea!!

 

[user 37446]

So you are now in a S&B, have the 05' minivan which you are going to P/T in, right?  I do the same with a Prius so since you are not putting a lot of miles on, and your vehicle is so low mileage, get the trans cooler (or just change tranny fluid on the "severe" service schedule) and relax about it. 

Some posters make it sound as if all GC's and T&C's blow up by 150K. That's not accurate. Just talk to some Dodge mechanics, like your own experienced mechanic and don't push the vehicle hard in heat. Don't overtax any vehicle hard in heat, not just yours.

Every used vehicle has it's built-in shortcomings, but maintenance usually is more important than anything else. Well, abuse ranks up there as well, some people rent vehicles and post YT videos about drifting and crazy driving, then clean them up and return them. Doesn't matter if it was a Honda, do that enough and it will likely die on the next owner.

 

[Gideon33w]

I know I'm harsh on the Dodge/Chrysler products. This is from my experience with them, observations, and design considerations.
Proper maintenance and use goes a long way. Same can be said for the opposite in the negative.
At the end of the day, I'd rather just dodge (haha) vehicles I have a hard time trusting and lean towards others.

I actually wrote this to be a sticky like my full size van thread but don't control such things myself.

 

[Kathleen]

So you are now in a S&B, have the 05' minivan which you are going to P/T in, right?  I do the same with a Prius so since you are not putting a lot of miles on, and your vehicle is so low mileage, get the trans cooler (or just change tranny fluid on the "severe" service schedule) and relax about it.

You got it, I'm in the "new" S&B, but it's a 200 yr old house, hand made adobes. I think that kicks it up a notch over modern S&B's  . Yes, I will be part timing in the 05 minivan. I need a solar system appropriate for a part timer who will travel 2 months here, 3 months there, and need help doing the install. Searching for people with experience in my area.

The local 5 star rated RV place installs Fantastic Fans for 250, less than I read it would cost on the forum. Just need to decide which fan is best for me. I'm concerned about leaking with the rain sensor but do want the temperature control. Any suggestions re preventing leaking would be welcome. Don't want one of those foot tall hoods or whatever they're called on top of my minivan.

A swivel seat is also desirable, but fan and solar are numero uno. I called all the Uhaul stores in my area, none of them install transmission coolers. I was referred to the largest city in my state. They don't do it either. I saw online that Uhaul discontinued its regular and heavy duty transmission coolers.

Got a msg from CRVL to have Uhaul do it. Any reason for that? Maybe they used to do it and it was cheapest there. But couldn't my mechanic do it?

I'd also like to get the transmission gadget that hooks up near the steering wheel that monitors the status of your transmission. A couple living in a Minnie Winnie showed off theirs in a CRVL video, purchased for 80 bucks. Seems worth it to me.

 

[Minivanmotoman]

Bump.

Great thread, write-up and information.
Definite two thumbs up.
Only lacking on the last GM models came standard with the 3.9l v6, which is just the 3.8l "bumped up".
This motor was made from 1961 to 2008 and rock solid.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_V6_engine

240 hp gives good power and good fuel economy.
Not sure how loaded my van is but I regularly get 22-24 mpg at 62mph, even with a full size high top and 400# motorcycle on a hitch carrier.
Now if we could say the same thing about the tranny, would be perfect. Did add a drain pan with drain plug for future ease of maintenance when I did filter and fluid change. Cheap on Amazon, added a high power magnet. Fingers crossed but 205k miles on it so far. How many more are left, is the unknown...

 

[Gideon33w]

My full size and minivan write-ups intentionally exclude the most recent vans for two reasons.
1) The vast majority of people on here can't afford to buy a late model vehicle.
2) There is just less reliability data and my personal familiarity is much lower.
Fuel economy improvements on late models can be rather sizable though. Big consideration for some.

As it stands now, my personal choice for a minivan remains the 01-03 Ford Windstar.
Combining all factors from reliability, ease of maintenance, size, fuel economy, etc.

 

[UptownSport]

Mopar C-vans have Stow n Go seating. What that means is tons of underfloor storage.

Tons.

Any automatic is going to fail sooner or later, look up 'Transmission troubles [insert make here]' and you'll drop.
I knew a guy that insisted on luggng his Cummins in 6th, to get better fuel economy. He's at two manual transmissions ... So you can break anything.


If you have the trans out (All these knowledgeable contributors here could probably lift it out for you) servicing is mindlesly simple. There's pros teardown videos if you are a little leary of DIY cold.

Unfortunately, they stopped using manuals in c-vans in the 80s, and i recall machining out the case for jury-rigged bearing in one- so they weren't bulletproof either.

Mopar vans are best as there's just so many out there. Any part, any problem is discussed ad naseum. Parts are plentiful, cheap and there's a wide selection. While typing this, about a dozen have driven by- most older than any of you would chance to own. How bad could they be?

One thing i do think you're correct on is the use of compact chassis- the transit, for example, uses the Escort/Focus platform- but weighs 1000lbs more. C-vans started with same powertrain as the L-body.

And just because it a full size, doesn't mean the trans is stronger- i recall servicing clutches in a B-100- mopar had used their small 904! While by all aclaims an excellent transmission, inappropriate in a full size van.

BTW, 3.8 Mopar is chain.

 

[MikesGonenoMAD]

Oh ... I do want to make note that, as you may have noticed if you read all of the above, transmission issues are far more common in minivans. I suggest that ALL minivan vandwellers add a large aftermarket transmission cooler and adopt proper maintenance. This means regular fluid and filter changes. Also, adding a magnet or magnetic drain plug to your transmission pan is always a good idea.

Thanks for the Magnet Tip I never would of thought of that! Great Series !
MikesgonnoMAD

 

[TinaTomato]

Thanks so much for sharing your vast knowledge!

I inherited a 2010 Toyota Sienna and was wondering whether I'm able to install a swivel seat on the front passenger side. Through my internet research, it seems the most common option is to contact a mobility/accessibility dealer. I'd prefer a more DIY approach if possible, and the only product I found was a universal swivel plate, but it's recommended for seats without airbags. Would you have any thoughts or advice on this?

Thanks in advance!

 

[B and C]

Hi Tina,

I installed a swivel base on the passenger side in an E350 van for a friend. The van had airbags on the passenger side. AFAIK, the passenger side airbags won't deploy if there is not any weight in the seat. I think newer vehicles also have an override on the passenger seat to turn them off if there is an infant in the seat.

This being said, there is a wire from the floor to the seat for the weight sensor. The swivel base would allow the seat to turn around 360 degrees more than once wrapping the wire around the base and breaking it. It is not as simple as disconnecting the wire unless you can live with the airbag light on the dash on. I don't know if this disables anything or not. We left the wire connected with the explicit understanding that the seat would only be swiveled 180 degrees back and forth and to never turn the seat through the full 360 degree arc. It is still working two years later. They MAY make an aftermarket plug to put in the wire to turn off the dash light if you leave the wire disconnected. I haven't researched this. Good luck.

 

[TinaTomato]

Thanks, Brian, that information is relevant and extremely helpful! It'll be just me in the van - so long as I can remember to swivel the chair 180 only, I'm in good shape.

 

[CityWoman]

Not sure if Gideon is still around, so my question (below) is for anyone who is knowledgeable.

About the motors in Freestars and Montereys made from '04 through '07, Gideon states:

4.2 Essex - Back to headgasket issues again. If replaced with quality parts you're good otherwise avoid it. Engine bay is even more cramped.

Does this mean one should not even consider any with a 4.2 engine unless the seller states they've replaced it?  And what would be the way to know that any replacement parts used are "good" quality?  Does he mean that it is only the head gasket that needs replaced and nothing more (ie., if an ad says the head gasket was replaced on this engine, then no worries)? Is this something that demands bringing a mechanic along to check?

 

[highdesertranger]

I wouldn't even mess with an aluminum head engine with head gasket issues.

and no it's not just the head gasket that needs to be replaced.

if the gasket blew and then the vehicle was driven or tried to patch up with sealer forget it it's toast. aluminum heads are delicate little buggers and need to be treated as such. it only takes one overheat to cause thousands in damage.

highdesertranger

 

[CityWoman]

Thanks, HDR.  So then, if I understand correctly, if I see that a 2004-2007 Freestar or Monterey for sale has a 4.2 liter engine, run like hell.  But if it has a 3.9, that's good.

Based on what Gideon wrote in Post #2.

 

[TooFarGone]

--- Honda

Overall manufacturer notes: Honda really likes to use tried and true motors in tried and true chassis' designs. They are also one of the few to put 4 wheel disc brakes as standard even in early models. If you do happen to hurt your Honda motor no worries because they are a dime a dozen.

-- Odyssey

Overall model notes: Reliable and delivers superior fuel economy. Vandwellers may find that the slopping roof line (which helps aerodynamic) may make the very rear a little low for comfortable sitting/storage. A great deal of effort was put into having a low floor design which makes overall interior height nice though.

. . . 

- 05-10

The details here are simple. These years are basically identical to the previous gen with the transmission issues finally resolved (mostly). Fuel economy dropped some from the addition of added weight in creature comforts and safety equipment. Some models came with the VCM cylinder deactivation system. I'd caution you against buying one of the VCM equipped Odysseys but most are already dead. Honda's attempt to gain back that fuel economy made hardly a difference while adding a great deal of complexity and problems.

 
I just wanted to comment on that ^^ about the VCM equipped engines. I recently bought a 2008 Ody with a newly installed rebuilt engine. And yes, it's a VCM. If you own or may buy an Odyssey with a VCM engine, I encourage you to read widely at a forum for Odyssey owners - the one I joined is at odyclub dot com - not sure about posting links since I'm new around here. 

What I learned by reading those forum posts, is there are inexpensive and effective ways to disable the VCM. I bought an inexpensive device called VCM Tuner II and installed it myself shortly after I bought my Odyssey. So far the highway mileage on that engine is fine - 21 mpg and sometimes better. AFAIK Honda didn't stop putting the VCM engines in Odysseys after 2010. 

Also, something to watch out for when looking at older Odysseys: PAX wheels. You can Google it: the Michelin PAX wheel/tire system was used on 2005-2009 Honda Odyssey Touring vehicles (I'm not sure if it was optional or standard). It was an ultimately failed experiment that requires the use of special run-flat tires.  DO NOT even consider buying an Odyssey in that model range unless you are 100% sure that it either didn't ever have the PAX wheels or it has been "de-PAXed" effectively. I have relatives who were really burned when they leased a new Odyssey back in the day that came with the PAX system; it was ridiculously costly to replace tires, many tire shops refused to even work on them or change a flat, and it was just overall a nightmare experience. 

I really appreciate this thread. It confirms my intention to ride as lightly as possible when I finally hit the road in my Odyssey. Among other things I plan to have the third row seats permanently removed, to save weight and open up more storage space. I'm sure that by the time I get all my traveling gear back there I will have replaced the weight of those seats and probably a bit more.