So, the TL had a.....
11-10-2015, 09:34 AM
#1
Moderator
Thread Starter
So, the TL had a.....
Oil leak, rattling front suspension, sticking rear door, faded/oxidized clear coat on hood/roof/trunk, and 240k miles.
So, after 55,000 miles over 5 years, we traded it in on a 2013 Ford Flex SEL
Flex is a Carfax 1 owner vehicle & for having 50k on it, drives like the 2015 we had for an extended test drive last week. We originally were looking for a new one & couldn't find one configured how we wanted in our budget. This one saved us about 10k compared to new, so we'll be able to get it paid down quicker & I can get into that new MX-5 sooner!
Not really sure what I'm going to try to do with it yet aside from enjoy the massive amount of extra space compared to the Civic (which is now my daily). I've read that removing the resonator in the exhaust gives it a nice tone without cabin drone, so that might be something I can sneak in.
May try to source a set of 2nd row bucket seats (which I've read is a direct swap for the bench) as that's really the only thing this one doesn't have, that we were looking for in a new one. Both my wife & I like the Ford accessory spoiler, so may try to add that later as well along with a shorter antenna if it won't affect radio reception.
I'm really shocked how much this 4,400lb SUV drives/handles like a car. Really doesn't drive like it's as big as it is. The 289hp is plenty sufficient to get it going, of course more would be better, but it's an improvement over the Civic.
So, after 55,000 miles over 5 years, we traded it in on a 2013 Ford Flex SEL
Flex is a Carfax 1 owner vehicle & for having 50k on it, drives like the 2015 we had for an extended test drive last week. We originally were looking for a new one & couldn't find one configured how we wanted in our budget. This one saved us about 10k compared to new, so we'll be able to get it paid down quicker & I can get into that new MX-5 sooner!
Not really sure what I'm going to try to do with it yet aside from enjoy the massive amount of extra space compared to the Civic (which is now my daily). I've read that removing the resonator in the exhaust gives it a nice tone without cabin drone, so that might be something I can sneak in.
May try to source a set of 2nd row bucket seats (which I've read is a direct swap for the bench) as that's really the only thing this one doesn't have, that we were looking for in a new one. Both my wife & I like the Ford accessory spoiler, so may try to add that later as well along with a shorter antenna if it won't affect radio reception.
I'm really shocked how much this 4,400lb SUV drives/handles like a car. Really doesn't drive like it's as big as it is. The 289hp is plenty sufficient to get it going, of course more would be better, but it's an improvement over the Civic.
Last edited by 00TL-P3.2; 11-10-2015 at 09:40 AM.
j/k had to do it. 
11-10-2015, 11:37 AM
#4
Team Owner
Oil leak, rattling front suspension, sticking rear door, faded/oxidized clear coat on hood/roof/trunk, and 240k miles.
So, after 55,000 miles over 5 years, we traded it in on a 2013 Ford Flex SEL
Flex is a Carfax 1 owner vehicle & for having 50k on it, drives like the 2015 we had for an extended test drive last week. We originally were looking for a new one & couldn't find one configured how we wanted in our budget. This one saved us about 10k compared to new, so we'll be able to get it paid down quicker & I can get into that new MX-5 sooner!
Not really sure what I'm going to try to do with it yet aside from enjoy the massive amount of extra space compared to the Civic (which is now my daily). I've read that removing the resonator in the exhaust gives it a nice tone without cabin drone, so that might be something I can sneak in.
May try to source a set of 2nd row bucket seats (which I've read is a direct swap for the bench) as that's really the only thing this one doesn't have, that we were looking for in a new one. Both my wife & I like the Ford accessory spoiler, so may try to add that later as well along with a shorter antenna if it won't affect radio reception.
I'm really shocked how much this 4,400lb SUV drives/handles like a car. Really doesn't drive like it's as big as it is. The 289hp is plenty sufficient to get it going, of course more would be better, but it's an improvement over the Civic.
So, after 55,000 miles over 5 years, we traded it in on a 2013 Ford Flex SEL
Flex is a Carfax 1 owner vehicle & for having 50k on it, drives like the 2015 we had for an extended test drive last week. We originally were looking for a new one & couldn't find one configured how we wanted in our budget. This one saved us about 10k compared to new, so we'll be able to get it paid down quicker & I can get into that new MX-5 sooner!
Not really sure what I'm going to try to do with it yet aside from enjoy the massive amount of extra space compared to the Civic (which is now my daily). I've read that removing the resonator in the exhaust gives it a nice tone without cabin drone, so that might be something I can sneak in.
May try to source a set of 2nd row bucket seats (which I've read is a direct swap for the bench) as that's really the only thing this one doesn't have, that we were looking for in a new one. Both my wife & I like the Ford accessory spoiler, so may try to add that later as well along with a shorter antenna if it won't affect radio reception.
I'm really shocked how much this 4,400lb SUV drives/handles like a car. Really doesn't drive like it's as big as it is. The 289hp is plenty sufficient to get it going, of course more would be better, but it's an improvement over the Civic.
But the car has 50k miles on it already and only saved you 10k compared to new?
I personally would expected it to be slightly cheaper than just 10k off brand new.
11-10-2015, 11:44 AM
#5
Moderator
Thread Starter
We got OTD for under the average market price via KBB, NADA, Edmunds, etc.
It's got everything we want except the 2nd row buckets, and so far seems to have been a highway miled, well kept car.
11-10-2015, 11:59 AM
#6
Team Owner
how much r they going for OTD brand new?
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11-10-2015, 01:08 PM
#8
Ex-OEM King
Is that the ecoboost model?
11-10-2015, 01:12 PM
#9
Moderator
Thread Starter
^ No, SEL, NA 3.5 V6 289hp.
11-10-2015, 01:15 PM
#10
Ex-OEM King
11-10-2015, 03:38 PM
#12
Moderator
Thread Starter
11-10-2015, 03:45 PM
#13
Moderator
Thread Starter
I can't access Flickr from work, so I'll either have to attach them or try to post from home.
Really like that it's a metallic (non-pearl) white rather than a plain white. I believe the color is called White Suede. Looks great in the sun.
The interior really doesn't show that it has 50k miles. Either the previous owner didn't have kids, or something. No nicks or damage to the leather, no scuff on door panels, carpet all in great shape.
11-10-2015, 03:48 PM
#15
Moderator
Thread Starter
Wife really didn't like the black roof. Her car.
Moreso than the black roof, I didn't want the roof rails. So we got lucky there.
11-10-2015, 06:22 PM
#16
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Awesome choice. Congrats.
11-11-2015, 08:18 AM
#19
Moderator
Thread Starter
And the NA 3.5 got a small bump in power over the 09-12 Flex.
Been doing some research & have a few things I need to pass by the wife. Would lake to swap in the HIDs from the Limited, black out the chrome, remove the exhaust resonators (showed her a video & was shocked that she liked how it sounds), and possibly add the Ford accessory spoiler.
Not sure if she'd go for springs. I've read that they don't really firm up the ride much, but give it about a .75" drop.
11-11-2015, 09:51 AM
#21
Moderator
Thread Starter
^ Tough one to do that I think we'll both like is to black out the chrome trim inside the taillights. Saw a set on sale, something like $125 each. Need to figure out if that's more worth it than to remove the housings, pull the lens & paint myself.
Wife seems onboard with de-chroming so that's a plus too.
Wife seems onboard with de-chroming so that's a plus too.
11-11-2015, 04:07 PM
#22
Senior Moderator
At least it isn't your average mommy mobile. I like the Flex's design, Ford did a wonderful job making a box look good!
Saving beaucoup money over new is even better.
11-11-2015, 04:07 PM
#23
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Congrats!
11-11-2015, 04:21 PM
#24
Moderator
Thread Starter
She'd rather walk than drive a minivan or wagon, but loves the Flex, which is essentially a hybrid of the 2.
11-11-2015, 04:49 PM
#25
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
Very nice! That design is instantly recognizable as a Flex. Much, much cooler than a mini van.
All the best luck with it!
All the best luck with it!
11-12-2015, 09:21 PM
#27
Moderator
Thread Starter
Haven't made it home in time to get any photos before it gets dark. so, here's a few interior shots from the dealer listing:
Tried it last night & with both car seats installed (both Recaro), I am able to easily get into the middle seat & fit, but have to lean just a bit due to the front facing seat.
Unfortunately, with the 2nd row bench, to get into the 3rd row, we'd have to get in through the hatch.
Tried it last night & with both car seats installed (both Recaro), I am able to easily get into the middle seat & fit, but have to lean just a bit due to the front facing seat.
Unfortunately, with the 2nd row bench, to get into the 3rd row, we'd have to get in through the hatch.
11-13-2015, 08:02 AM
#29
Moderator
Thread Starter
^ I'll have to get a shot of the back seat with both Recaros.
One is a ProRide (rear facing for our 1 yr old), the other is a Performance Sport for the 4yr old.
I've seen some threads on a Flex forum where people actually want the bench & swap for buckets. Need to find one of those deals locally. Apparently, the Flex, Explorer, Taurus X & Freestyle all share the same 2nd row seats. So a few options on upgrading to the buckets.
One is a ProRide (rear facing for our 1 yr old), the other is a Performance Sport for the 4yr old.
I've seen some threads on a Flex forum where people actually want the bench & swap for buckets. Need to find one of those deals locally. Apparently, the Flex, Explorer, Taurus X & Freestyle all share the same 2nd row seats. So a few options on upgrading to the buckets.
11-13-2015, 08:30 AM
#30
3.5 psi
iTrader: (1)
Congrats on the new ride. In our new odyssey we have the 2nd row jumper seat out so there are two captains basically. Hopefully you can find someone to swap seats as I can't imagine getting in through the tailgate. Also if you want some narrower car seats, check out the Diono Radians. We have a bunch and got 3 across last year in our old Rav4.
11-13-2015, 10:42 AM
#31
Moderator
Thread Starter
^ Climbing in through the hatch isn't terrible, but a bit awkward.
Haven't started looking into the buckets yet, only had the truck for 5 days.
We're more than happy with the Recaros, so they definitely aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
Haven't started looking into the buckets yet, only had the truck for 5 days.
We're more than happy with the Recaros, so they definitely aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
11-13-2015, 02:12 PM
#33
Moderator
Thread Starter
^ They do, on the build your own, you have to switch it to AWD before the option shows up.
11-13-2015, 04:11 PM
#34
Team Owner
The Navi looks better than Acura's
11-13-2015, 07:30 PM
#35
Your Friendly Canadian
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Congrats. I really like the idea of the Flex. Tons of space without towering over other traffic.
11-15-2015, 03:06 PM
#36
Ex-OEM King
11-16-2015, 08:50 AM
#37
Moderator
Thread Starter
It's really good, especially compared to the NAV in my '00 TL-P.
Need to look into recalibrating it though. It was about 1.5 blocks off yesterday. Must have somehow though I was doing 75mph through residential areas (was on the interstate).
Need to look into recalibrating it though. It was about 1.5 blocks off yesterday. Must have somehow though I was doing 75mph through residential areas (was on the interstate).
11-16-2015, 11:22 AM
#38
Team Owner
1.5 blocks off?? LOL
yah you need to do some Navi updates.
yah you need to do some Navi updates.
11-16-2015, 01:20 PM
#39
Moderator
Thread Starter
^ Did a SYNC update last night, haven't tried the NAV since I got it updated. It seems to be working around our home area. Will have to try it further from the house & see how it does.
