Guindalf

Honda don't offer 'options' like other car manufacturers do. Each model has its own set of features and, apart from dealer-installed options, that's it. IOW, an Odyssey EX-L will have the same factory equipment as any other of the same model year. Of course, things like front fog lights, DVD systems, etc. can be added at the dealership.

This has the huge advantage of enabling the buyer to compare offers from dealers much more accurately as you are always comparing like-for-like.

Use Edmunds.com for basic info and a price guide of what you should pay.

Lucybell33

Yes - sorry, I mostly meant important things like the colour (interior & exterior). Remember, I am a girl!

Thanks for that website - I'll check it out!

Welshgator

The dealership might give you a poor interest rate if you are taking a loan with little or poor credit history. If you are paying a big deposit try and haggle down the interest rate. Check rates at a local credit union to use as a comparison. The dealer makes money off selling the loans too. Get the actual price "on the road" before you talk about financing otherwise you might find that they tag on the tax,tag and title fees on later and the deal you negotiated may not seem so sweet.

Welshgator

I've found Truecar.com useful too, to get an idea of retail and invoice prices for different models.

Lucybell33

Thanks - that's why I was wondering if the boost to credit history was worth the expense. I guess I'll just have to investigate further when we're over.

Lucybell33

Thank you - that's a nice-looking site!

Pulaski

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Lucybell33

It's all relative!! Clearly, if I had no requirement to be able to transport kids and visitors, I'd have my heart set on something else entirely!

Pulaski

The Odyssey is a unibody crossover i.e. like cars, it has no chassis, but so do almost all SUVs. Also SUVs often have seven seats, like a minivan, and are (slightly bizarrely) available with 2WD, like a minivan, so structurally a mid-sized SUV can be indistinguishable from a minivan, except of course one of these vehicle types is a plug-ugly box that nobody "has their heart set on".

"Yeah, but an SUV is massive compared to the Odyssey", I hear you say. Er, no, a Ford Explorer, the top selling SUV, available 2wd and with seven seats, is 5 inches SHORTER than an Odyssey!

Bob

And the other is a naff looking SUV

It's not all about bums on seats numbers that count....it's the war zone compartmentalisation and room to throw after school crap in that comes handy and more practical.

And that's coming from someone who hates people carriers too.

Lucybell33

I do have a few more reasons for going for the Odyssey:

- I currently drive a Honda CRV, so hoping going for another Honda will ease the transition to a bigger car.

- My 7-year-old son really wants a car with electric sliding doors, and given how unconvinced he is about the move, I'm more than happy to give him this.

- It's the highest rated minivan on Consumer Reports!

Nutek

After you buy it, come over to the Lets Talk About Cars thread and help me annoy Pulaski with pictures.

Lucybell33

I'd be delighted!

I'll bet he'll have loved my previous car too - a bright yellow PT Cruiser!!

Nutek

Perfect.

Pulaski

It's called "Lets Talk About Cars", and this is America, so of course that includes trucks. Talk about minivans is not welcome!