Anyone own a Ford Flex?

[dang]

I have to admit, I haven't been a Ford guy since I began working on cars, but its probably because of some 80's engineering I didn't like and the "feel" of them when driven. My wife has liked the Ford Flex ever since they came out in '09, but my first reaction was simply, its a Ford, not interested. Well, her 50th birthday is next month and I decided to get her a Flex.

I buy cars for a living, including total loss vehicles at insurance auctions, so I started looking a couple months ago. I found one I thought she'd like in L.A. and have been rebuilding it since and nearly done. I have to say, I have a new appreciation for Ford products. It was hit in the lower passenger side at the B-pillar and I've had the entire thing apart (minus the drive train). I find myself cussing out design engineers while working on cars sometimes but I've been pleasantly surprised by this Ford. The hardest part has been doing all the work without my wife knowing about it since this is all a surprise, which means I've had to hide my time on it. Early mornings while she's at work.

Anyone own a Flex? We plan on keeping it for quite a while and I think we'll like it. Its a 2011 Limited with nav, backup camera, non-turbo 3.5L, 2wd, 20" factory rims, black and silver. I did the research on the drive train prior to buying it and I'm not too concerned there. Same as Taurus, Edge, MKZ, etc. You can get a low mile engine for $400, similar for the trans, so there's not much demand (that's a good thing!).

Dan

 

[gwittman]

I have not owned a Flex but have been a Ford man all my life. You are right about the 80s Ford cars (or any American 80s cars). However, Ford has come a long way since then and are producing some very decent cars now. I don't think you will be disappointed with this vehicle. You might look around for a Flex forum. They should be able to enlighten you.

 

[x_atlas0]

Dan-

I've owned a Red 2011 Flex Limited Ecoboost AWD since last August. Grabbed the thing with 13k miles for slightly under 30k. My wife traded in her 100k mile 4-cylinder automatic 2006 Accord high-spec.

Overall, my wife is extremely pleased with it. It is my wife's daily, and our primary kid car. We have been averaging about 18 mpg with mostly city, but a highway run around 70mph usually bumps that up to 23-25. About the only thing she has mentioned are the brakes, they are not quite up to snuff compared to the E34 540. She finds the overall car to be much more comfortable than the Accord, particularly the seats.

I had a hard time convincing her to try it at first, because her previous experience with SUVs was a FJ100 Land Cruiser with blown shocks and a dodgy steering box. She enjoys the Flex, though, and the manners are very car-like, probably because it is based on the Taurus.

 

[johnl]

We purchased a 2009 Flex Limited AWD in August of '09. It is my daily driver and we go everywhere in it. Love the comfort and road manners. Better sound system than any BMW we've owned.

It now has just over 45K on it and other than Ford replacing all of the brakes due to a warranty issue it has been flawless. Not great mileage in town but then it weighs 5000 lbs. I've been able to squeeze almost 23 mpg on the highway.

Original tires were Hankook and they only lasted about 22K. Replaced them with Yokohama's and although it rides a bit stiffer they show no wear.

We love wagons and this is about as close to a modern American station wagon you can get. IMO Ford builds the best product in America today and I'd buy another one of these in a heartbeat.

 

[Nicad]

I rented one on a family vacation and quite enjoyed it. Nice manners for such a large vehicle.
The kids were pampered in those rear seats.