I drove a 2017 Limited Eco for almost 70k in about a year and then a 2019 Limited non Eco for just over 60k in a year for a job I had. I was a Ford hater thru and thru when I began driving these. I cannot stress how much I hated Ford. I beat them as hard as I could beat them, seriously trying to break them being that Ford hater. Putting them through round-a-bouts at over 70, trying to put them up on 2 wheels, floating them over rutted gravel roads at over 100 mph, jumping train tracks, etc. I did it all to those 2 Flex's. And at the end of it all, they both took the beatings better than any Honda or Toyota I have ever owned or abused. The only thing that was changed on either was rear brakes and a new set of tires. Impressed me so much, I now own a 2019 Limited non Eco and absolutely love the stupid brick.

@thalo9237

2 жыл бұрын

😂 That was rather entertaining, and a humorous story!

@LaughOutLouie88

Жыл бұрын

Lol stupid brick😂

@cherylseavey324

Жыл бұрын

We've had our 2010 flex since 2015, had 118,000 miles on it. It now has over 210,000. We've pulled a 19' sportsmen travel trailer with full hitch set up. It towed like it wasn't even behind us. The biggest issue with our SEL model has been tires. Not sure why? Has anyone else had to change out a lot. We've had alignments done too. Now after all this time as I've mentioned before about the bucking which I have noticed many people have said misfires. Some people have shown the code and some have not. We did it also, no code. Do you flex folks out there feel it's the plugs? I personally feel it's the plugs and maybe the coils as well. We have loved our flex in so many ways. My niece from Texas purchased a 2019 as well, she loves it. Rides, to me like a Lincoln.

@jamatthews34

Жыл бұрын

@@cherylseavey324 Hello, I was told only use the original plugs.

@cheapshotmike1091

2 ай бұрын

We pick our 2019 up on Tuesday.

I am looking to purchase a 4 year old Flex. This is by far the most helpful content I have found on this car. Thank you so much

I own a 2014 base model. I love it! However I don’t even get 18 mpg. I do drive it hard but nonetheless when my wife drives it it’s about the same and she drives like a snail. I bought at 90k miles and now currently at 130k. She still drives like new!

Simple solution to prevent tinworm.....garage it. My 2011 with 150K hasn't a spot on it and I live in the Great Lakes snowbelt. Speaking of snow, abdolutely NOTHING Can compare to the Flex with AWD in even the deepest snow. The car is a beast in even the worst weather. Never had a problem with tires fortunately. Conti and Kumho all-weather tires on 18 inch '10 -'12 standard rims and i've only bought new tires twice. The car is bulletproof and built like a brick house.

I've had my used 2012 Flex Limited for 7 years. Never had an issue, my secret, I take care of my car... Nothing has broken, gone out, messed up or had any of the issues you've had. Take better care of your next car and it will last you longer.

This is the kind of review I can appreciate. Thanks. I always had a fascination with these and I’m about to be looking into something fun and not hard to insure and play with. The lower profile and classic lines just suck me in. Probably go with a mid 2000s thunderbird but you never know when I get to it what I’ll pick. Man some states and weather just do a number on cars. If I ever get another “new” vehicle I plan to keep, gotta spring for that undercoat by golly.

Informative. I have a 2011 Flex Titanium, not eco boost. Original owner. 177,000 miles. Definitely the same issues with tire wear. I feel like I'm always replacing my tires and I rotate them religiously at 5,000 miles. Brakes, the same, pretty underwhelming, glad to hear that's normal for flex. No issues with rust as we are in a very dry climate. Overall, a good car. I've been happy with it and plan to drive it hopefully another 100,000 miles 👍 thank you for the detailed information!

@cherylseavey324

Жыл бұрын

Did you ever find out what is the deal with the tires. We have changed ours more than we should. That gets very costly. We were told by a service center to get it aligned. That may help. Haven't had done yet. Did you try that. We've had ours for 11 years. Love it though. Not sure why they stop making them.

@RebeccaBang

Жыл бұрын

@@cherylseavey324 I think it's just what the original poster said, just something in the design that makes it wear unevenly. I now have a 188,000 miles so I've gone through a lot of tires. I will say Falken tires did the worst and I currently have on Continentals, I'm 15,000 miles into these and they are doing the best so far. I religiously rotate them every 5500 miles. Good luck!

thank you for a very thorough review of the Flex. detailed and reflect an impartial opinion.

I bought my 2013 flex in April 2022. 113k miles. replaced the throttle body in September;diy cost :$60. It has the 3.5 naturally aspirated v6. For a used car purchase, I didn't want the hassle of maintaining an eco boost engine

@beartankoperator7950

Жыл бұрын

I just bought a 2018 (but way more miles 175k) same i got naturally aspirated still feels like enough power and i noticed the tow rating does not change for the two engines so should be fine

@Nevets-qh4jf

Жыл бұрын

What is the gas mileage looking like on the 13?

Great review, i love how your comedy stand career is taking off.

I was in a serious crash in my Flex a year ago and I think the car's design - especially the adjustable pedals - saved my life. Police and fire were both shocked I wasn't at least critically injured given the severity of the crash. I was bruised but walked away. Used the insurance to buy a newer one.

@nymze742

Жыл бұрын

Well the thing is a fuckin tank lol. There like 4,500 pounds

@robertcampos6146

10 ай бұрын

I just bought one used and i been a little worry about the purchase but after i read your comment made me feel better.

@tinkerscorner54

5 ай бұрын

My wife was recently in an accident driving her 2013 Expedition while making a left turn and it was the same story. A Toyota Celica ran a red light going around 6o mph, hit her on the fender support just in front of the right-side front tire, and was pretty much mangled. She never even saw the other car until about an hour after the wreck. It spun her Expedition around and up on two wheels before it came to a stop. His poor little car was toast, though. She had bruises from the air-bags but other than that was unharmed. The guy in the Celica had a broken collarbone from his seatbel and airbags, but that was about it. The Expedition was totaled by the insurance company because the airbags deployed. Other than all of the plastic pieces being knocked off of the front, the only real damage was to the tire and the fender support. I could have put on the spare and driven it home. The radiator or any of the engine compartment suffered any damage at all. Not even the wiper fluid reservoir or battery. So, we are replacing the Expedition with a 2013 Flex, Picking it up in a couple of days. I'm glad to hear that the Flex is as robust as I was thinking it was and that you were alright. Take care and have a great rest of your weekend!

Hi there, I have a 2010 first gen. Can I change my regular headlights to those like yours? Thanks.

After hearing the engine bay story I was thinking of going for the ecoboost engine but then again go for the non EcoBoost and that's the one I'm looking to get.

really really good review full of details , thanks my friend

One of the best videos i ever watched about the Ford Flex, i resently purchase a 2010 used looks like yours , i got say i was a little nervous getting one but i feel better after watching your video. You remind me of the actor Zach Galifianakis 😊. Thanks for the video brother i will follow you and check all your videos.

We just got ours 2 months ago..we bought a 2011 EcoBoost Titanium ...imo (although biased)..it is the best model of this fantastic vehicle..best of both worlds

@leaellacoleshusband7566

Жыл бұрын

@CandiceBlount-ih1gs ...212,000...absolutely in love with it, like frfr.

In the process of buying one, lovely car I’m excited! 2011

I have a 2011 Flex Limited with the standard engine. Has almost 200k miles on it. Wouldn’t trade for anything else. I have a Blackstone kit that I’ll use at the next oil change to check to see if there is any coolant in my oil. I’ll gladly change my timing chain and water pump to keep this baby going.

Awesome video. Thank you for all this info.

Fest overview review ever. Thank you very much

Excellent review

Good review! Very detailled.

is it worth getting one now? the prices are high and special in EU there cars have dif market here

Thanks for the video. Very educational.

Looking at a 2014 flex limited ecoboost with 250k miles for 7k or a 2018 limited ecoboost with 24k miles for 15k is a high mileage 2nd gen flex not a good buy?

After I rotated my upper mounts to reduce caster, a lot of the tire wear has been reduced. It does not significantly affect handling, but the reduced angle reduces the otherwise unavoidable dynamic wear. And yeah, I have carried 10' boards multiple times over that fold-flat front of my Gen 1. ;)

will the mustang wheels fit the flex?

I have an old sable wagon. It was rusty like that. I took an angle grinder to the rocker panels then spayed rust preventer where I could. Barely any new rust in two years in the NE.

2013 SEL here, 108K, bought in 1/2015, @ 19K… South Texas, no rust at all. Had the water pump issue with the Cyclone engine, but caught it before it failed at 77K. (WP weep hole will bleed antifreeze over and down the oil filter before it goes) Warranty work. Exhaust manifold cracked about 105K. Replaced the turn signal stalk myself, the wiper was sweeping when it was off about every 15 seconds…Interior is still quiet, car still rides like new. Thinking about more sound deadening material..It’s well maintained. The main issue I have here is anything rubber tends to breakdown from the heat.., everything from the antenna coating to the window trim that’s runs around the base of the windows…I plan on replacing those myself with trim tools. Now, the rubber O-rings on the rear shocks are leaking, getting the shocks replaced next week. Been really lucky with this car, and will keep it.. From what I’ve heard, stay away from AWD and eco boost, and any that have all the bells and whistles, and you should get over 200K easy. But, man, I still can’t get over all that rust..😳

@EcoBelkin

Жыл бұрын

The rust has gotten worse since this was shot. Part of the issue I noticed is a design flaw. The upper outer edges of the cowl drain down inside the fenders- which then drains down to the inside of the outer rocker. Water then drains down to the door seal and then down to the ground. The issue is that salt brine that is used for the roads here- coats the inside of the fender and outer rocker panel. Thus the rust and rot form from the inside out. First sign is the outer rocker panel- the paint peels/flakes away with rust bubbling from underneath.

Yep got a 2009 ford flex. Love it but also have rust in the same spots. The hollow box frame inside the doors has to by the stupidest thing they ever did. Mechanically its also had its faults but the engine itself and trans works perfect. All defects have been electronic.

Did you completely solve your inner tire wear? I’ve replaced the big bushings on the front control arms, and one of the rear knuckle bushings on my Flex. I’m interested to figure out where/what the rear control arm pillow you are speaking of is. Buying $200 each tires before their time isn’t fun.

@EcoBelkin

2 жыл бұрын

No buying tires for this vehicle is not fun. The pillow block bushing is the rear upper control- rear bushing. I've never really solved the inner tread wear- I did switch tire types for winter / three seasons. IMHO the weight of the vehicle does not match the suspension set up.

@cherylseavey324

Жыл бұрын

Same here. Going to have another front alignment. We did the winter tires for the winter. It's so expensive to change these tires out. We've had ours 11 years. Now we're getting bucking. Feels like the transmission but read it's misfiring.

@joshbrown6091

Жыл бұрын

I changed the upper and lowers in the rear, sway bar links shocks and bushing in one rear knuckle as well as the bushing in the front at 150k miles due to extreme tire wear. I’m at 213k and the tires are wearing fine. I did downsize to 18 inch wheels for more Cushion and do think it was a nice move.

I'm going to buy a 2012 Ford Flex limited pretty soon

I’ve owned my 2009 Flex SEL that I bought 1 year ago with 112,000. The odometer now has 189,000. That’s 77,000 miles in one year, no joke! I’ve got some serious research and development hours logged :) My Flex was well maintained when i got it. I’ve used nothing but AMSOIL fluids (motor oil, atf and coolant). This Flex has been a blast!

@sunshiney3617

Жыл бұрын

I also have 2009 and got with low mileage and can’t say enough good things! We have made so many trips in it and it’s honestly the best car I have ever had I love it!

The rocker panel being completely gutted by the rust isn't a safety component of the vehicle? I though the rocker panels needed to be intact for safety purposes

Good vid.. BTW did they replace the Turbos with the engine? Or are they stock? Thanks

@EcoBelkin

Жыл бұрын

Foud did a long block replacement

@tennaj1367

Жыл бұрын

@@EcoBelkin oh ok.. so they replaced the turbos. 👍

I just bought a 2012 flex limited, have always loved the look of the flex, definitely love the power of the turbos. Anyway, I enjoyed the overview, it was very informative. As of right now, my flex doesn't have any of the rocker panel rust issues, but mine only has 58k miles. I am just wondering if you have come across anyone suggesting any preventative maintenance to keep them from rusting from the inside out? thx

@EcoBelkin

6 күн бұрын

Pull the bottom door seals off and spray like a fluid film up inside the rocker panels

Is the dude afraid he'll be assaulted in his yard?

Up in the description is more twiddly bits of information about the Flex. Personally I have no intention of getting rid of mine. Here is a folder containing both n/a and ecoboost engine specs. As time goes on this folder may be updated with more information. drive.google.com/folderview?id=1XIh_fsqhp-UUYsyaM4RXiGa1fAwPfnl9

Rust and the coolant/oil water pump thing is it for me.

What were your total miles at the filming of this video. I have a 09 sel with 223370 as I type this comment. Only weird issue I have is a small stutter at 40-58 when slight throttle (to keep speed the same) all original

@EcoBelkin

9 ай бұрын

200-210k miles.

Wife and I are looking for a 3rd row what kind of mpg are you seeing

@EcoBelkin

2 жыл бұрын

Running 91 Generally 20-24 depending on the season. Though now the flex is driven mostly on the highway. When I did mixed driving i was 20mph consistently.

How long these run for looking at one that’s at 200k

How is the body work now? Dit the rust spread? Are you gonna restore the rocker panels? Mines start a little bit. Thanks

@EcoBelkin

7 күн бұрын

Since that filming it worse. The plan is to replace the rocker panels

@zipdriver98

7 күн бұрын

@@EcoBelkin are you gonna replace it by yourself? Are new rocker panels available or you have to make them from steelplate?

@EcoBelkin

7 күн бұрын

Believe they are available. May be easier to pull from a totaled southerl flex. Be a lot of body work

Ford Taurus and any other model that share the platform or the radios Interchangeable with the flex

@EcoBelkin

2 жыл бұрын

The physical interface of the radio would not. The apim unit may be interchangeable between the models. I've not cross referenced part numbers.

I really liked this car a few years ago, and among the automatic 4WD station wagons, it is perhaps the most beautiful, competing with the Lancer Evo IX station wagon, although it is much smaller, but it would be enough for me. I don't like SUVs, but this one has nice proportions, such a simple, clean, honest shape. However, what you have listed here, I feel that if I buy it at the age of 10, I will spend my annual salary on it, and even then it will not be perfect.

I don’t really think you have that much to condemn the Flex, like most vehicles if you keep up on maintenance especially oil and ATF changes you will be ahead of most others. I don’t own a Flex but have several friends that do and they love them. I took a 6000 mile hunting trip in one and was amazed at how comfortable it was to drive for long distances. A unique vehicle and if you love them there is not another SUV that will do as well.

What's the most weight you think the 2016 Ford flex can tow

@EcoBelkin

2 жыл бұрын

Factory equipped tow package flexs can tow 4500lb.

@cherylseavey324

Жыл бұрын

Does tow well. We towed a 19' with slide but only one axle. Do the full hitch with sway bars. Makes a huge difference in towing.

Do you live where it snow?

My flex is having issues shooting windshield wiper fluid onto my windshield.

@angelgigabyte

2 жыл бұрын

Check your windshield washer pump in front of the passenger tire. Easy to replace for about 20 bucks and 1 hour of your time.

first 20 seconds is pure comedy!

@DanielEnochs

10 ай бұрын

I know right I keep replaying it 😅😂

I believe people need to lower their expectations regarding older vehicles. I'm looking into buying a 145,000 mile 2010. Currently driving a 2005 Civic with no air,no heat,squeeking belts for like the last 2yrs,automatic trans with a mind of its own,probably about 80hp left in it and one working speaker. I am really actually second guessing not keeping it as a second car lol. So basically a roller skate with a lawn mower engine. Lowered expectations see. I still love my Civic.

I have a 2016 limited and it’s starting to rust in most of the same places.

The PTU problem also manifests itself with the SEL versions.

@cherylseavey324

Жыл бұрын

What is a PTU problem mean?

@Marcel41021

Жыл бұрын

@@cherylseavey324 The power transfer unit (PTU), an important element of the optional all-wheel-drive system in affected vehicles may not be able to maintain a connection between the transmission and the front wheels.

@cherylseavey324

Жыл бұрын

I think our flex is front wheel drive. Not sure if that makes a difference or not. Ty

thx from Poland :)

I'm a 69 year old retired guy and I'm basically financially poor ...I may have a bad water pump...any suggestions?

@EcoBelkin

14 күн бұрын

No. other then the labor to repair that can be expensive as it is a time intensive job.

How can you tell from an SEL or Platinum

@EcoBelkin

Жыл бұрын

The tailgate would be a big sign. And it would be mostly interior features.

Cadillac converter???

was about to say the flex is longer than the explorer but then he had a text blurb come up

I was at Pick n pull and they had a 2011 Flex with 240 K miles that had been in a very minor front end collision with drivers airbag deployed and it was in Showroom Condition inside and out with the exception of the front bumper being slightly out of Alignment. What a waste of a great Quality vehicle that was totaled just for being 12 years old with a lot of miles.

I JUST BOUGHT A 2009 FLEX LIMITED 239,??? MILES. RUNS N LOOK GREAT. HAD SOME DRIVER SEAT RIPS N 1 RIP N PASSENGER SEAT. GREAT CONDITION BESIDES FOR SUN ROOF HAD TO B SEALED SHUT DO TO LEAKING BY PREVIOUS OWNER. HAD TO L9CATE FUSE BOX DRIVER SEAT WOULDN'T MANUALLY MOVE BUT ADJUST BY ITSELF TO PREVIOUS OWNER SIZE. BACK HACK MANUAL BUTTON NOT WORKING BUT KEY CHAIN OPENS IT MIST LIKELY A FUZZ. SORRY ALL CAPS CAN'T C SMALL LETTERS ON KEYBOARD

Talk about the rust belt this Ford flex has a rust belt on

@EcoBelkin

2 ай бұрын

It does. And it's only gotten worse since that filming. I have to teach my self how to do body work and that will take time- this for now I painted rust converter all over that rocker panel area.

I have a gen 2 2013 Flex. My passenger side front seat folds down flat. So yes....gen 2 is the same.

PS….my headlights started to fog also, from the top down…rub toothpaste on it and rinse… it works.

Would you buy a used 2010 ?

@EcoBelkin

2 жыл бұрын

Would I buy one now?- yes- only because I'm familiar with the platform it's built on.

@pauld7958

Жыл бұрын

No

It would be nice if cars last forever...but forever isn't realistic. Rust and decay?? Expect it....just be grateful for the serviceable years it gave u.

I can clearly see you been parking it under that tree and wet grass too. For I'm guessing 10 years plus. 2 two will do that to any car!. Parking it on the road helps alot. Or maybe your drive way. I get your point.

That's coming from pollen

Our flex doing the transmission feeling, found out it's a misfire. Ford tests and finds out it's a plug coil. FYI

@trapperjohn3400

Жыл бұрын

Same, I just bought one and upon flooring the pedal it felt like the transmission was going to explode. It certainly helped price negotiations. Threw a check engine code for various cylinder misfires, changed all spark plugs, now drives perfectly.

@EcoBelkin

Жыл бұрын

Hmm. But mine is so intermittent. I've checked forscan and I don't have any past misfires.

@trapperjohn3400

Жыл бұрын

@@EcoBelkin I've had similar symptoms from a bad throttle position sensor that was throwing no codes

Why do you do the transmission fluid every year doesn't that cost you a lot more to do every year instead of like every 2-3 years?

@EcoBelkin

2 жыл бұрын

I do it every year to keep the fluid rather fresh with the amount of milage i drive.

i love flex'n....

EVERY FORD RUST

7:54 it is replacable

I think your transmission problem has something to do with you changing your transmission fluid so much..

Антикоррозийная обработка спасла бы если бы вовремя сделали, очень жаль

You do NOT have to replace the back door for that rust! I'm done...

Jesus. Did you ever wash it in the winter. The amount of rust means it's never been washed like EVERR!!!!

Any one want to buy an 09 cheap needs engine

Darn only after 9 years - its rusted bad.

It scares me that you work on your car.

I was looking at one, think I will pass

Every Ford with a hatchback has always rusted even when undercoated. Ford should have fixed their rust issues decades ago. That's why I don't buy Fords anymore.

It's a typical FORD F- Fix O- Or R= Repair D- Daily.....That is why I just buy Toyota's.

@altransamaltransam95

2 жыл бұрын

Why are you here then ?

@BC-jb7mz

2 жыл бұрын

And a lot of Toyota’s have now switched to using Mazda engines. Which suck. I hate Ford too but these, seem to be a gem amongst them

You must live where there's a lot of salt on the roads

WHY DO YOU HAVE A GUN?????

Parking on grass is never good thing.

@EcoBelkin

3 ай бұрын

Correct. It is parked there for the video as I have more room to walk around the vehicle.

Unnecessarily long

You, by confession in this video, did not know what you were buying in the first place, Under hood, I can tell because I can see, you take very little care of the car. It's a shame. Stop whining.

No ecoboost get the naturally aspirated 3.5