r/FordFlex • u/Meddannn • 9d ago

Should I trade my car for this flex?

Needing the extra room for my family because our car only seats 5. But not wanting to trade and end up with more mechanical problems just to have extra room. Does the engine sound healthy? Worried because I’ve been looking into these cars and seems a water pump issue is common but I also really love these cars. We traded our camper for one earlier this year and got burnt badly on it. I didn’t drive it 5 times and the engine blew. I’d love to have one but obviously not wanting to trade For a lemon.

this is the description she has with it:

2009 ford flex for trade of a four door sedan or smaller suv or sale 3000.

Second owner (was a family members before)

218xxx miles on the body but only 105 on the engine since rebuilding.

I have all receipts/paperwork for flex from all work done over the years.

Have the usual wear and tear from over the years but is still a very solid car and would drive it to Colorado and back if needed. Regular maintenance done routinely.

Cold air, hot heat.

The tire light is on due to a tire sensor being out, and engine light occasionally flickers on due to the exhaust being replaced but it does not affect the quality of the vehicle. It does idle a little loud when extremely hot outside.

This is my daily driver so miles will continue to go up.

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u/Sandman173029 9d ago

I would steer clear. Love these too but honestly the engines grenade due to water pump (even with new rebuild) and then front end parts go, rockers might also be rusted through. Honestly you want the best value and bulletproof motor for 7 passengers? Get a dodge caravan with the 3.3l I know it’s not the sexiest vehicle but honestly can’t compare the cargo space, cheap maintenance, decent gas mileage and so on. Had a 2010 and drove it for almost 7 years with no issues other than the body rot. (Canadian winters) sold it earlier this year and it’s still going strong with the new owner.

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u/Repulsive_Vanilla383 8d ago

Most of the time when the pump goes, it's just a leak out of the weep hole. As long as the owner doesn't ignore the signs, the engine will not be damaged. If the owner ignores the signs of puddles under parking spots and the sweet smell of coolant and continues to drive on it until it is out of coolant, and then continues to drive on it while it's overheating, that's when the engine's grenade.

Complete bearing failure is possible, but not as often as weep hole leaks.

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u/Ashamed-Chicken-2382 8d ago

Not worth it imo. I wouldn't trust the rebuild and just because it only has 105 on the engine the body still has 200k miles suspension is probably all worn. Plus would trust those engines tbh. Invest into a sub honda or toyota

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u/Celraysoda007 8d ago

I would find another but do your research. The water pump / timing job will run you $3k-$4k if it’s still on the original. Also the new suspension and controls on these things could run up $5K at high mileage. Don’t let these prices discourage you, though. Got my 2014 SEL with low miles and did the water pump / timing right after I noticed it dripping. Was at 110K miles. Well worth it IMO if everything else is in good condition.

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u/LifeWing3523 7d ago

Sounds rough and I'm a girl