1.\ Fuel gauge is off by a quarter tank. So even if you fill-up your tank,
gauge shows 75% full. Of course you won't be able to figure out how much
more is in your tank when it points to E.
2.\ Front door armrest squeaks
3.\ Ventilation levers too tight, as if they will break if you slide them
4.\ My rear suspension thumps and squeaks and nobody could diagnose it
right. I finally decided to do it myself by replacing the rear lower arm
with a used one from a wrecker. Honda doesn't sell bushings, only the whole
lower arm assembly.
5.\ My driver side ball joint snapped possibly due to metal fatigue.
Luckily, I was doing only 20 KPH in Vancouver when it snapped. Had it
snapped when I was traversing the winding British Columbia roads at 120 KPH,
you won't be able to read this post at all.
6.\ Low-end torque is pathetic. Do not try to pass a 53 footer on a single
lane road if you are not confident of what you are doing. Well you could
possibly do it at around 6000RPM on the second gear. Passing while doing 90
KPH upwards is a breeze though.
7.\ Fuel consumption with airconditioning on while on city streets is worse
than a 6 banger.

I don't know what models you have in your neck of the woods. But here in the
States the Odyssey was never based on  CRV platform and never had 4 wheel
drive.
The Odyssey has always been based on the  Accord platform. As an Accord
platform variant they have been very reliable and practical. The gas mileage
was never as good  as an Accord because of the additional weight, but is
quite respectable for a van.
The problems mentioned by NNTP are mostly because of age and a little
knowledge could have solved most of his problems. I'm willing to bet he
never took it to a dealer who would know his vehicle and how to solve the
problems they see day in and day out. Let's take a look at his problems one
by one and see:
          1.\ Fuel gauge is off by a quarter tank. So even if you fill-up
your tank,
          gauge shows 75% full. Of course you won't be able to figure out
how much
          more is in your tank when it points to E.
Remove the fuel pump/sensor from the tank and clean the buildup on it or
replace it if it's a problem. "Sh-t happens"
          2.\ Front door armrest squeaks
How can an armrest squeak. Something in the door panel is loose, tighten it.
No rocket science here!
          3.\ Ventilation levers too tight, as if they will break if you
slide them
Lube cable/linkage with silicone or replace cables. It's called MAINTENANCE!
          4.\ My rear suspension thumps and squeaks and nobody could
diagnose it
          right. I finally decided to do it myself by replacing the rear
lower arm
          with a used one from a wrecker. Honda doesn't sell bushings, only
the whole
          lower arm assembly.
The top of the shock mount has a rubber bushing that IS sold separately. It
is a common item to wear after many a year, and had his tech been aware they
could have fixed the problem easily.
         5.\ My driver side ball joint snapped possibly due to metal
fatigue.
         Luckily, I was doing only 20 KPH in Vancouver when it snapped. Had
it
         snapped when I was traversing the winding British Columbia roads
at 120 KPH,
         you won't be able to read this post at all.
Parts do wear out. A GOOD technician would have spotted the worn out ball
joint and warned the customer before it broke and not put him in danger.
It's called PREVENTIVE maintenance.
        6.\ Low-end torque is pathetic. Do not try to pass a 53 footer on a
single
        lane road if you are not confident of what you are doing. Well you
could
        possibly do it at around 6000RPM on the second gear. Passing while
doing 90
        KPH upwards is a breeze though.
        7.\ Fuel consumption with airconditioning on while on city streets
is worse
        than a 6 banger.
These last two items sound like this motor is either well worn (lots of
miles) or has also received the lack of attention the rest of the vehicle
received. The SOHC 2.2L non-Vtec motor is not a barnstormer, but is
adequate. I would suggest that you look for a 1998 model Odyssey that has
the V-tec motor (at least here in the States it does). The extra power is
welcome and makes the vehicle much more compatible.
Of course if your budget will alow, go for the later model with a V-6.
There's very little diiference in gas mileage, but tons more room. And don't
let anyone scare you about the transmission. Honda is taking care of their
"problem" by replacing them at no cost to the customer.
Do have a qualified technician (Honda experienced) check out any vehicle you
are looking at. You'll know what to expect in it's future and be better
prepared to make an offer to it's true value. Good luck!
Howard