The heated seat driver side no longer works - $600

Bummer. That goes unfixed on an 8 year old car. Yes, even in winter in a place where winter is actually cold.

CV boot torn - $275

The typical fix is to replace the whole axle. The CV joint will go a long time with a torn boot. Then it will start making noises. At that point, it will still go a long time. If money is tight, I'd defer that one for now.

Now the key fob no longer works. Normally this wouldn't be earth shattering but the only place I can put a key in the whole vehicle is the driver's door. Want to open the hatch - nope - can't. No key hole no button. The fob itself is fine and holds a program, so they think the BCM is going back - $500, if I'm lucky

Power sliding doors - works when the feel like it

Those might both be related to a failing BCM. I know that aftermarket replacements aren't supposed to work. But they might and are likely a lot cheaper. I'd also scope out used parts. Electronics generally either work or they don't. There's rarely an inbetween condition. Might look for a loose connection somewhere. Might also look for a way to just kill off the power doors and make do with manual operation.

You probably knew all this already - just posting for the lurkers.

And I feel your pain. I'm putting up with a 98 Honda Odyssey. I hate this car, but it was a good deal when I needed a car, and I didn't know any better at the time. Bought it from a relative - the original owner - who was very happy with it. I put a tranny in it a few months ago.

The seats are hard and have no support. It rides like a truck. The radio sounds like its from the 60s. For a minivan that's going to break it's tranny periodically, I prefer my Chrysler. Much more comfortable. But it has bad power doors and a bad rear hatch, and bad fuel mileage.

I would be far more inclined to try and private sell below market value (say $6.5K) and find a replacement. :-/

Not a bad option. I've considered that with the Honda. Could probably get a Chrysler mini that's a couple of years newer for what I can get out of the Honda.

--Peter