windycitymb

hello, member,
we're looking to replace our 04 Odyssey with 06 R350.

i wanted to ask the forum members some questions please.

1. what kind of mileage are you getting on an average?

2. are R350s reliable overall? coming from Odyssey, i expect reliability.

3. what kind of options do i have if i want to put a dvd player in as far as oem goes? and what do they cost?

thank you very much in advance for all your replies.

BallJack

1. I'm getting 18 mpg on average on my R350. 23 - 24 on highway trips. 16 mpg in the city.

2. Reliability? I don't think there is a blanket statement to answer your question. With the way you stated your question, you obviously have a very good ownership experience with the Honda Odyssey. In my case, having the Odyssey was a nightmare. It was the most unreliable car I've ever had such that when I decided to buy the R class, I wasn't even thinking about reliability. I was just sure that it couldn't get any worse. R class is not immune from issues. It's not like some Japanese cars (except the Odyssey) that you can just drive and keep on going no matter what. You take care of it and it will take care of you. Some people experience some minor electrical issues. As far as powertrain goes, I don't think there are issues there. My Odyssey never gave me electrical problems - only powertrain problems - transmission breakdown, failed MAP sensor, failed idle control valve, etc. (despite having my maintenance done on schedule).

3. Options: You're probably better off getting the aftermarket dvd player. I'm sure there's a whole lot of thread in this forum regarding that. I'd highly recommend a model with the backup camera.

Good luck with your search.

- one Happy R Class owner

R. Reyes

Well, here is my list of a few things. I as well didn't have a lot of luck with the Odyssey. I almost bought the Sienna, but then got a great deal on my CPO R350.

I have over 50,000 miles (just over 21k when bought), and have not had one MAJOR issue. There have been quite a few here and on other boards who have had the rear latch problem.

I'm getting around 17 city and 24 highway on avg. I've also stuck the cruise control on at 80 and covered just over 400 miles more than a few times. The kids love it, and it's great except for the storage issue with all 3 rows up.

Here is my must have list, which will be hard as the '06 didn't have a lot of stuff std. w/out the "P" packages.

If you've got kids...get the factory headrest DVD monitors. After-market are around $2000, and so far no one will do all 3 rows.

BACK-UP CAMERA! Yes, I'm yelling...the car absolutely needs one.

Parking sensors...yes the wife proved me wrong.

Good luck and good hunting.

BallJack

Oh BTW, I do miss the cargo space of the Odyssey. As stated in the other post, there's not much luggage room when you use the 3rd row seats in the R class. Well, I could live with that. But I'll tell you what, after I drove the R class, I'm not going back to a minivan. I'll just get the roof cargo carrier when I need it.

rosswell

Our local dealer sells it on comfort level. Primary strengths are Engine, Transmission, offered in many other MB models, and the suspension which is high end and responsible for its smooth ride. Must haves: Pano-Roof; Heated Leather (unless you're in Flordia); ParkTronic (radar parking sensors); DVD player is a nice to have - MB offers a front console rear mounted fold-away for aftermarket installs - and I'd pay the price at MB, avoiding the aftermarket headrest "inserts." (Just my **** nature really and desire to pay more money out of insecurity re: tapping into the car's network without the ability to speak german or "mb-eze"). Nav is unneccessary (but I have it). Harmon Kardon is a nice to have but also unneccessary as the base stereo sounds much better than our CRV's top of the line unit with 6-cd changer. Rear hatch electric closer would be nice - but i'd rather not have to fix it should it act up.

You won't be disappointed. Go for a low mile model. If you're so lucky to find factory MB headrests, great - go for it. I've only seen 3 on e-bay.

I was pleased on a recent hwy trip to obtain 10.6 litres per 100 km (according to the computer). Usually it burns 12.4 litres per 100 km around town. You can't put a price on safety and this is one of the most comfortable and safe vehicles around, returning good fuel economy for the V6.
Reliability for mine hasn't been an issue. I've had past troubles with Toyota, and Honda Accord, but also no issues with our '06 Honda CRv which we are giving the teens to learn to drive on.

You wouldn't be the first to trade his Odyssey for an "R." Car and Driver states "No better mpg in the Odyssey than some SUVs" The R is rated at 15-18/19-24 mpg, and the Odyssey at 16-17/23-25 mpg.

supernsx

1. Mine is a R500, so it is not great.... 13/20
2. Pretty good so far. No problem.
3. DVD is a seperate option and it is not very popular. I am not sure how you can installed an OEM one but you can definitely buy the aftermarket DVD headsets and they cost from $500-$2000. I stalled them myself and it was pretty easy.

4. Mine is totally loaded and my recommendation is wait to buy for one at least with the Preimum package that comes with Nav, Panarama sunroof, HK stereo, power liftgate and couple other things. It doesn't cost much and it is well worth it. Other than that, most of the other options are good to have.

good luck

windycitymb

thanks for all your input. it's great!

at a local mb dealer, i'm in the suburb of Chicago, i test drove a 06 r350 black/black with options such as nav., panorama roof, parking sensors, back up camera, power lift gate, h/k stereo, front heated seats, chrome trim.

it's got about 19.5k miles and is not certified.

they're asking $29,999.

what would be a good price?

R. Reyes

If they throw in the CPO I would go as high as $33-34, and run like the wind! If not, $26-27k out the door. That package is hard to come by (I believe it's P2), or have them put in the headrest DVD players for $30k out the door.

TheEricHarris

What do you guys think of the price on this '06 350?

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/ctd/927039147.html

R. Reyes

meh. Not enough info. It's a base package, but what mileage? Is it CPO?

supernsx

I think the price is too high. I bought mine 3 months back and I could get one similiar to yours back then (premium package, trim package, backup camera) about $29K with CPO. I believe you can do better now.

Good luck.

BeantownFlyer

My wife's 2006 R-500 is about to come off its 27 month lease. We were going to turn it back in - residual value (buy out price) in the lease is about $41,000 (on a car with original sticker of $63k+). MB has already called me twice to say they would sell it for $26.5k, and now $23k. I suspect the price will go down again before the lease expires in January, and these prices are certainly getting my attention. Vehicle has 33,000 miles on it, and is loaded.

Zeyad Alkaisi

If you are not buying it back. I might be interested in buying it from you. Let me know.