I just inherited a Honda and do not understand how an Odyssey can have high ratings with all the things that can, and do, go wrong with it.

What does a mechanic actually DO to the exhaust gas recircuation valve in exchange for $250? I discover that no "valve" was replaced, and something was "cleaned out". For $250? How many hours can that take? And when the warning light did not stay off, the offered cure was to replace a "valve" with a used one for $60 ("usually over $100 for a new one").

What do they actually do, why does it cost $250, and how does one know that anything actually got done?

Does brake fluid need flushing out and replaced? Ditto for power steering fluid. Do these guys invent things to charge for.

I will save the rest for later!

Well about the egr valve, well I guess next time you don't bring it to that guy. All cars have problems including Honda's.

I just inherited a Honda and do not understand how an Odyssey can have high ratings with all the things that can, and do, go wrong with it.

What does a mechanic actually DO to the exhaust gas recircuation valve in exchange for $250? I discover that no "valve" was replaced, and something was "cleaned out". For $250? How many hours can that take? And when the warning light did not stay off, the offered cure was to replace a "valve" with a used one for $60 ("usually over $100 for a new one").

What do they actually do, why does it cost $250, and how does one know that anything actually got done?

Does brake fluid need flushing out and replaced? Ditto for power steering fluid. Do these guys invent things to charge for.

I will save the rest for later!

Was this at a Honda dealer? Seems a little expensive.

Brake fluid does need to be flushed periodically. It does absorb moisture over time and lose it's properties that enable it to stop your vehicle. Power steering is also one of those neglected fluids, I know by me anyway. But that too should be replaced to avoid any problems.