2004 Honda Odyssey

Minivan

3.5L 3474CC V6 GAS SOHC Naturally Aspirated

Automatic

5FNRL180X4B005562

Clear

Gasoline

We bought this van brand new in 2004. It has leather interior and power everything. It has every factory option available at the time, except for navigation. Options include a DVD entertainment system with flip-down video screen, heated seats, both front and rear AC & heat with rear controls, tilt, cruise, power windows, power doors, power mirrors, etc etc. It also has several dealer exclusive options that cost us an couple thousand bucks extra, including integrated fog lights, upgraded roof rack, and Honda-installed Class-III towing package. 3.5L VTEC V6 Automatic with ABS and traction control. At 204k miles, it is not without some bumps and bruises and the leather is beginning to show wear, but it is still a very nice minivan, very clean, non-smoking, no pets. It has been maintained religiously at Performance Honda, according to the factory schedule, including timing belt replacement. Because I occasionally use it as a lightweight tow vehicle, the transmission fluid has changed every 10k-15k miles (that's about 3X more often than the factory recommends). Despite this, we have recently developed transmission issues.This van has been so good to us, has taken us to the beach on vacation every year since new, and has served all of our needs very well. It has been the absolute best vehicle we have ever owned. We have loved it so much, that we even bought another one virtually exactly like it a couple years ago. Now that our family is growing up, we decided a couple weeks ago that we no longer need a minivan anymore, much less two identical ones. Time to sell. Unfortunately, last week, only a few miles from home, the transmission started slipping and making funny noises. I have changed the fluid once again, hoping for an easy fix. ATF was not burnt, but was cloudy. Small amount of sludge on drain plug. Drove it a mile or so gently without issue, but once up to speed, it starts making rattling noises again. Can be parking-lot driven, but I would not trust it for more than a short distance. Symptoms are different than most Odyssey transmission failures. I believe it is a failing torque converter (noise consistent with RPMs). The Honda Odyssey forum and online resources suggest that it is an ATF restricted flow problem that can be resolved with an ATF filter change and cleaning flow 'tubes'. A few hours labor for the Do-It-Yourself types. My local Automatic Transmission specialist of course suggests rebuilding it, and has quoted me $1200 to $1600 to do so. Because it was already our intent to sell it or trade it for an economy car or small truck, we prefer not to invest the time or money into repairs and willing to take a loss by selling it as it is.