Advice on buying Gen 2 Odyssey

[Daved]

Just sold our Gen 1 (which replaced an Accord) & looking for 2000-2004 gen 2, either 2.3l or V6.
Small family, daily drive 20Klm to work, but very convenient car for us.
Gen 1 had the ABS (Light stays on and costs $2k to fix) problem does the Gen 2?
V6 has Leather, elec seat, 6 stacker, 6 seat & EBD - 2.3 only 7seat is that correct? any other notable differences we should know about?
I've done some research and both 2.3 & 3.0 sound fine - would love a sunroof but couldn't find a single one @ any web site - comments?
Any Gen 2 problems we should know about?
Any one know of importers bringing in higher optioned cars?
I've compared with Toyota Tarago (Grey) Estima 2.4 supercharged at $15-16k which is fullyloaded, hard choice to make - comments?
Im know to check plastics, swithgear works, aircon, etc - how do you check EBD? - go for a fang?
bird_davidj@hotmail.com Dave thanks everyone

[Atjo]

Why not gen 3 odyssey?

[Daved]

Gen 2 start around 11k and go to around 16/17k, Gen 3 well a bit more there isn't much at the $20k mark- no doubt if I found a tatty one with 300K maybee.
I quite like the boxier style anyway, the later body is so low, they do look good, budget primarily.
all the best Dave

[dmx]

i have RA6 (2gen) odc. it's alright. MY03.
problems occured :
1. srs light on --> Honda Dealer, Honda Japan dealer, and Honda Singapore dealer, all say same, always happen with 2gen.
cost to fix : Honda dealer : $350, normal garage : $300 ;
DIY fix : $90 (buy driver's buckle switch) + jumper to reset srs sytem

2. Exhaust catalyst converter (middle) --> cost : $300 incl. labor with universal parts.
Honda part only : $600

my 2 cents :
1. choose 2.3L for 7 seats, more people to carry but no engine's power
2. choose 3l for better torque
3. don't get tarago, doesn't come with climate aircon, audio control, cruise control compare ra6 at same level price (and too much plastic around dashboard)
4. choose RB1 (3gen) for much better interior (and exterior) design
5. overall, for same level price, ODC RA6 is the BEST compare others (carnival, tarago, mpv, trajet, or voyager)

ps. 1 more, RA6 is the LAST honda people mover with high ground level. that's the only reason why my wife still keep it.
Good luck.

[Daved]

Well I could only find what I wanted interstate then I hit on an Auction and bought a 2001 Kia Carnival, $3750 bargain, lasted 1.5Klm and it boiled, long story but these have sus engines and I got caughted! excuse the slang.
Anyway goes for rebuild estimate $5000 tomorrow which'll bring me back to market value, then - wouldn't you know it - saw a Gen II this week in Warrigal Road for $12900 as traded with 156Klm, damn, would've bought that, its a dark met Blue too! Dealers neighbour has another (identical but 123Klm) for $16900, not my day I s'pose.
At least the Kia will fit more Honda & Corolla bargains in the back I s'pose - thats the bright side !