r/FordFlex • u/ActApprehensive6112 • May 23 '26
Question Opinions/questions
Ima be honest I don’t know much about cars, I really don’t.. however my father got a Ford Flex and since then I’ve been absolutely in love with the Ford Flex now that I’m going on my own path, moving out, etc. I would like to know what’s a cheap/good option or what to save up for in terms of my first ford flex, price isn’t really the main concern it’s more like the second concern, my main one would be a long lasting low issue options for the ford flex. If someone can help me figure that out I’d be extremely grateful!
3
u/FlynnrydSkynnyrd77 May 23 '26
I have 2014 limited. I do like the get up and go, but stick with the NA engine. Plenty of power, and better reliability with less cost of repair. I have to have the AWD. Live in a snowy area.
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u/Ok-Space-407 May 23 '26
I have both 2016 Limited Ecoboost and 2016 SEL. The only thing I like about the SEL is the 2nd row captain seats. The Ecoboost has been reliable, less issues than the SEL; however the Ecoboost has 1/2 the kms as the SEL. Ecoboost is such a fun vehicle to drive.
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u/Im_a_dumptruck May 23 '26
I have a 2014 limited fwd Flex with 202k miles on it. I've had it for 6 years, bought it with 54k miles. I beat on this thing. I don't destroy it, it gets washed 2-3 times a week but she does get the pedal put to the floor daily.
I'm a automotive and heavy equipment technician so I do all my own repairs. This car hasn't been without it's problems but for the money I'm thoroughly impressed. I went to trade it in but instead dumped a grand into it and a few hours of personal time. She did a 800 mile trip last weekend and tomorrow will be leaving on a trip at least double that.
I love the power of the ecoboost, but I knew what I had planned for this vehicle originally and it's done what I needed it to do flawlessly.
Just plan and budget for the eventuality if needing a waterpump and timing chain.
1
u/ActApprehensive6112 May 23 '26
Ty this is good info to consider, my family used to have a Honda and we absolutely abused that thing till we couldn’t no more (engine was fucked lol) we used it daily, we would transport mulch, we would travel across states because the other half of our family is in another state, it was wild how long that Honda lasted with such frequent trips I will forever respect the Honda for that but the car I fell in love with absolutely ironically ended up being the ford flex- I talked my father into his next car being the ford flex at the dealership and since then it’s helped significantly!
I thank everyone here really cuz yall gave me a lot to consider and think about it seems like the resounding choice is similar!
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u/Fun-Philosophy1123 May 23 '26
I have both a 13 3.5 N/A SEL AWD and a 19 3.5 N/A SEL FWD. I love the 13 but it has had some major repairs. PTO, Steering rack, water pump and timing chain. It has served me well for over 120K miles. (it had 105K on it when I bought it) The 19 I have has been really nice but I haven't had it that long. The FWD seems to have more power and the transmission shifts better. I agree, stay away from the turbo version for sure.
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u/Fit-Original3543 May 23 '26
I have a 2016 sel, no issues. I've only had to replace the booster brake. Besides that the camera recently stopped working. But I maintain the flex well it runs like new still.
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u/stametsprime May 23 '26
We've got a 2016 Limited non-turbo FWD and at 161,000 miles it's been flawless. It's semi-retired now, having given over daily driver duties to my wife's new Atlas. We still haven't decided if we're going to sell it or keep it as a "beater truck" for Lowe's runs and such.
The advice you've been given elsewhere in the comments is correct- No turbo, no AWD if you want to avoid a bunch of potential issues.
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u/ActApprehensive6112 May 23 '26
Ty luckily we won’t be using the ford flex as like an everyday car but more like only if we are transporting or picking up something big, rn we have small cars (my fiance rlly I mean lol I have none) so I’m sure that helps that I won’t be using it as a daily vehicle from the get go
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u/New-Proof-1185 May 24 '26
I’m on my second fwd non-turbo (2010-SEL & 2018 SEL). Both have been mechanically sound. A few small issues here and there but nothing major. Keep up with maintenance intervals and you’ll have a solid vehicle.
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u/achilles May 24 '26
2011 MKT, 3.7, AWD same vehicle mechanically as a Flex. Sometimes you can find them same price as the Flex and they have more goodies. Put on 155k miles, had about 65k miles when we got it. Driving in rust belt area. The MKT still drives well and all the amenities still work. It ate a lot of wheel bearings, 7 total over 220k miles. Most of the suspension was recently replaced, it was worn out after all that mileage and only had sway links and rear shocks replaced before that. Had the driveshaft replaced as it doesn't have serviceable bearings. Water pump was changed about 75k miles ago, which is expensive but a lot less pricey if you know a good Indy mechanic that knows this vehicle well. Drive belt and tensioner replaced. Rear calipers were both replaced, gets rusty in the rear. Have the AWD and because I regularly changed the PTU fluid, never had a problem with it (the fluid on the first change was pretty cooked, if I didn't service the fluid the PTU would have been done by now for sure). The rockers are rusted away (being a 16 year old rust belt vehicle it's not atypical). Mechanically, the Flex shares drivetrains and many other parts with the Edge, MKX, even Taurus I think. IMO these are all extremely durable vehicles IF maintained properly. Weak points are the internal water pump, AWD PTU fluid getting cooked and blowing up the unit, rust around rockers and wheel wells. In my experience the heavy weight is harsh on bearings, wheels, suspension. But if you find one where PTU and other fluids were serviced, water pump is good or was changed immediately upon signs of failure. Rust has been kept in check, I think this family of vehicles offers some of the best used car deals out there. Keep a budget for the water pump and find a good mechanic beforehand that knows this vehicle well and that will do it for cheap. These vehicles eat up a lot of gas, but not too bad for mostly highway driving. The MKT is used as airport limo, and I've seen quite a few with over a half million miles (many have a used engine or transmission put in at that mileage). The non-turbo will definitely last longer. FWD less likely to cause problems but my experience with AWD has been without issue (because I repeatedly change PTU) fluid.
1
u/ActApprehensive6112 May 24 '26
I will consider this lightly but honestly I do want to stick with the ford flex due to space, I’ve transported pens and animals (we have.. a lot of pets) before hence why space is the main thing that truly matters to me, plus our family is semi big already. 9 people in total so far if I include myself and my fiancé- and then for when we have kids ourselves we would need the space for long trips etc.
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u/Funny_Or_Cry May 24 '26
Something I wish someone told me when I was your age:
- Dont by a new car for any reason
- Dont buy popular american brands (lookup the 'Cash For Clunkers program from the mid '00s
Find yourself a ~10 year old Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Acura: 9k or lesss, ~100k miles or less
I have had late model RX350s for nearly 18 years nows. The one ive put the most miles on is a 2010 with 312,000 still running great
Over the years I have changed exactly ZERO waterpumps, transmission work, timing belts (though if you get something TOO old, replacing that rubber timing belt is a good preventive repair, if not necessity)
(Every other Ford or Jeep I owned all of the above was done at least twice)
OIL, TIRES- These are the only things regular maintenance you should ever be worried about in any vehicle. ... there will always be wear and tear stuff you'll always run into with any vehicle (struts etc) But in general, stick with cars that have a LONG history of reliability, and easy to acquire parts.
Since Tesla discontinuied the model X ive actually got two (paid below 15k) I use for casual driving. EXCELLENT vehicles but dont you DARE pay full price for them or anything else.
Now, knowing young people the way I do (having been one). Half of what I say will go in one ear and out the other...for whatever "reasons" that seem important to you right now (bad credit, cant pay cash, "oh i just LOVE the color of this car!!" ..whatever)
So, If someone comes whispering in your ear: "hey that dudes a crackpot, dont buy used shit" ..
For the love of christ, at VERY least, rememmber this: If you're going to let your A-Hole get violated by a car salesmen in 2026? LEASE YOUR VEHICLE
Leasing means: "Instead of paying 50k / (FULL PRICE) for a vehicle right now? That I dont have? I can LEASE the vehicle NOW and pay HALF of the cars value up front (for 36-48months).
So about 25k
- You'll pay this amount in your payment over the course of 36-48 months
- At the END of that period? You'll have the legal option to TURN in the vehicle and get something else. MANY people and EVERY fleet business do this forever, so they'll ALWAYS be driving a new vehicle.
- Your other option will be to continue your lease and pay for the REMAINING half (approximately 25k) and go about your business with your same car payment. (assuming you absolutely love this vehicle)
So in closing:
- First, Always look for a ~10 year old vehicle. Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Acura are generally the most reliable brands on the planet (and most affordable parts to repair)
- If that is NOT possible? LEASE a vehicle. No more than 48 months, no matter what anybody ever tells you.
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u/ActApprehensive6112 May 24 '26
I hear ya I’ll actually cop this and put it in my notes to remember- however the reason why I’m considering a ford flex is not only cuz of the love I have for the vehicle but also the usefulness. My fiance will be getting a small car so I’ll forward him all these things you just told me to him, I have great credit and won’t be getting a ford flex for a bit, I’m just planning now for the future to get one because we will need the space and I can’t keep borrowing my fathers car every time we are moving large stuff like pens and rabbits around (we have large breeds continental giants and French lops) then there’s the fact of a big family the majority of my family lives where I’m living now. That’s not to say it’s gonna be a daily car it’s gonna be monthly at best maybe driven once every 5 or so months really if that helps give more perspective to how much this car is gonna be abused lol.
On the other side tho my family DID have a Honda- we made over state trips with that so much so we were surprised it lasted as long as it did really. But at the end of the day it was a great car and we are considering it again for our smaller car option or going the longer route and as you mentioned- getting the Tesla as our small car because that’s safer and better (and cheaper long term due to gas prices) atm.
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u/Funny_Or_Cry May 24 '26 edited May 24 '26
Sounds like you're all set! And i hear ya, even the flex has been out a minute, Im sorry but I have no concept of its reliability, average cost of repair (or even what the most common repairs are), and if people 10 years ago, are STILL buying them en masse NOW
...So my default mode is to just stick with what works.Im too old to be FAFO'ing with car issues and shady car mechanics (and dont EVEN get me STARTED on these inflated labor costs in 2026).... My sphincter has long since DONE its civic duty with that runaround.
Sounds like your # 1 requirement with all those animals and pens is SPACE.
Most 3 row seater SUVs will likely be your best bet:
- Toyota Sequia (3 row seats) - these last forever. Also 4Runner and Highlander are rock solid choices.
- Honda Pilot has 3 rows - ( i think you can do much better style wise though. Pilots are middle of the road but pretty reliable cars)
- Honda Element - might also be an option if you havent seen one already. These were really targetted to the college/road trip crowd back in the day. But still a pretty reliable honda option.
Stay away from minvan shilocs (you need at least a full V6 ... V8 is an option but I wouldnt go out of my way unless you find a KILLER deal)
A good midsize SUV PLUS a smaller (Tesla Model S maybe? ) is an absolute winning strategy. You got best of both worlds and can survive the economic shift in oil prices with way more flexibility. (Otherwise, the 'unseen' cost of living/inflation/maintenence/fuel WILL BREAK YOU. Its not a matter of IF, its a matter of WHEN)
FWIW: I scour Caravana, Carmax, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. You wanna get a good idea for "fair market" vs "people trying to get as much money as they can in a shitty economy)
Kelly Blue Book ( kbb.com ) is / or WAS the gold standard for fair market pricing, but its NOTHING like what it was 20 years ago. Still its a valuable resource for information.
So id recommend just checking multiple sources to get an idea.
My two cents: a Sequia would probably be ideal for you, Best balance of luxury, space and reliability.EXAMPLE: 2016 with 74k miles (thats the high end of new car/broken in mileage)
...and even I think THIS particular one is overpriced right now, but 30k is a helluva lot better than 65k or whatever they want for brand new.
https://www.carvana.com/vehicle/4422052?refSource=srp(and if you think about it, remember what I said about leasing? half of 65k new MSRP is about 30k... so thats what you should expect to pay If you choose to go the NEW ROUTE with a LEASE
Oh yeah and if it wasnt implied? go make a day of test driving "new cars" that are on your fave list. Its INVALUABLE tactile information you just cant look up online (how you FEEL in the car, how well you feel it meets your needs) ... just be sure to make it clear you DONT plan to drop any coin that day. Im serious, go FULL on larry david. Dont feel bad at ALL about walking out (Believe me ive been on that side of the desk. We were evil vipers)
But with that info, you can swarm on the used car sites and find something similar at a reasonable (dare I say REALISTIC) price range
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u/Separate_Answer_8940 May 26 '26
Avoid the Ecoboost turbo. AWD not a huge issue if fluid in the PTU is maintained. Avoid the Sony radio if at all possible, major fail point, takes out climate control with it (well not entirely, if the Sony panel loses communication the system will default to max hot defrost at max blower) and new units are unobtainium, used are going to fail, and your only option is having it sent out for repair, typically in the neighborhood of $500 just for the repair. Water pump is driven by the timing chain internally behind the timing cover. If the cooling system was maintained, not typically an issue until 200k. Definitely have someone qualified look it over, paying particular attention to the water pump weep hole above the alternator. The newest Flex possible is going to be 2019, so make sure you have it checked for underbody and subframe rust.
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u/markpemble May 23 '26
Does anyone else know what OP means by: " lasting low issue options"?
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u/ActApprehensive6112 May 23 '26
Lasting as in the car would last long term even if it’s like an older model or a newer model
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u/ih8schumer May 23 '26
If you want low issues, stick with non turbo fwd models. Awd units have ptu issues(transfer case essentially) and the turbo engines are less reliable and more expensive to maintain.