considering an ody - which series is best / which to avoid?
 

I'm thinking about something in the '07 ish range - could go newer or older but want to keep my car under $10k.

What are the top major issues common to the Ody (I hear there was a big time tranny nightmare - which ran thru many honda vehicles) that I need to look for? and which ones to AVOID?

granted there are also trim level differences within a model year, that being said is there a known trim level problem (eg pwer seats, leasking sunroof, door or window lock acuators etc) or mating of a certain engine with a tranny that is a nightmare/headache?

Last, a friend had maybe an '08 (not sure) and he said that not only was his milage bad (bought car new) there was a huge issue with premature rusting and or underbody carriage issues / rear hatch, in one of the series. Any insights? Thanks!

Ideally looking for one via the original owner - hence get the maintenance and repair papers. I'm in NJ but can buy in the region (NY, PA, OH, MI, MD) or also travel to Atlanta and maybe SE Florida. Thanks...

PS - Open to other vans as well

The 2007 model's major issues are body/paint, steering and brake issues.

Reseach REPAIR PAL AND ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS. https://repairpal.com/honda/odyssey
Do you work on your own cars? 2012 or before allows you to buy a factory shop manual. Stopped publishing them after 2012. I have a 2014 which is similar to a 2012. I bought the 2012 manual to find why the 14 would not start. turned out to be a loose connection of the fuel pump relay. Nearly impossible to trace without shop manual. If you don't mind paying dealer big bucks or paying on line subscription fees to get access to manual then by a 2012 or before AND THE SHOP MANUAL PRINTED PAPER BOOKS off ebay.