2009 Ford Flex Limited: Priced for Sale

My wife and I are in the market over the next 12mos for something like this.

We're actually really excited about the Flex, but couldn't find any lightly used models in our price range. You can get a comparable Odyssey for thousands less. Yes, minivans come with some societal baggage; but what do I care about what someone else thinks when I'm leaned back in the the 2nd row captains chairs, sipping a beverage and watching my favorite movie?

I'm sad to see it go, too, and I really pushed for the full 100k. But it was getting hard to keep finding new stuff to write about the Flex. Reader interest levels were plummeting, too. The sales proceeds will help us put fresh meat in the IL LT fleet, which will give all of us something new to talk about. And, make no mistake, we will have another family hauler in our midst quite soon.

Good luck, and I mean it, but there are several negatives about this particular vehicle, other than the high mileage.

1. A family of five must use the third row seat, due to the stupid fridge in the second row. Most all SUVs and wagons can accomodate 5 people in the first two rows.

2. One thousand miles of tire wear left? So, there's an almost immeditate major expense for the buyer.

3. No telescoping steering wheel. When I sat in an older Flex I could not reach the wheel when the seat was adjusted to my 5'7" body.

4. A new Flex SE, 7 passenger and the tel wheel, can be purchased for $26,000, if you go to the right dealer.
(The 2011 Flex has a $3,000 factory rebate) Yes, the SE will not have the NAV system or leather, but it also won't have 72,000 miles on it or nearly bald tires.

5. The price. Good luck with that.

6. The $3,000 rebate indicates that people don't want a Flex, so the next owner would find it even tougher to sell it than Edmunds will.

I say, just keep it. It is your utility vehicle. We don't need reports on it-- just keep it.

I just went through the proccess of buying a used car for a small family (my wife and a bump plus me). It was a nightmare. My cash budget was very low because I'm cheap and very picky. I did get a pulse for the used car market though, and I think that you want too much. You could get a much more gently used Suburban, Traverse, or Pilot for that money. I think you could sell it pretty well at 16,000.

Just my opinion though...

High mileage on a young vehicle doesn't bother me as much as low miles on an old vehicle.

The high mileage also means that there is no warranty left. Bumper to bumper is long gone and powertrain is probably gone.

I think that's too low balling. $25K is more likely a perfect trade off for high mileage but great condition interior and body. All it needs is a new set of rubbers. But at your price it would be more of a quick sell if you're just looking to get rid of it.

The main problem is finding that family that only drives 6,000 miles a year. That's going to be pretty tough. And then you have the issue that most people that buy a 2009 car will finance it for 4-5 years and that makes it a car with 100k miles in a couple of years that still has 2-3 years of payments left on it.

It will be a tough sell for sure and I'll be shocked if it sells for over $16k. But who knows you might find the right buyer... I suggest listing this one on Ebay.

and I forgot to add, Carmax offered it so low because its a car they won't sell on their lot. They'll send it straight to an auction. They specialize in really clean and low mileage for the year cars. Anything over 60k miles they stick in their value section or just get rid of it.

I'm glad that you guys kept for as long as you did and the fact that its in such good shape is a testament to how far Ford has come in their quality aspect.

Personally since most of those 72,000 miles are highway miles I would put new tires on and sticker it on ebay or the like at min $20,000 especially since you can provide a maintenance record.

Another thing to consider is that the car has averaged 28.8k miles per year in reality, but a propsective buyer sees a 2009 MY car as 1.5 - 2 years old, to they will do the math as 36k-48k per year.

If they actually call and come see the car you can explain, but many won't bother because they will assume the car has been in service less time than it actually has been.

Just take it to Carmax, but buy something else from them. That'll save a bit of cash on the taxes for the new(ish) car.

I agree with ed341.

I think carmax gave you a pretty good offer. I'd be surprised to see it go for more than 16,000.

Watch IL sell this thing, and learn. I remember similar remarks spoken of the Dodge Challenger, and it sold rather quickly. How many people live in Southern California? Yeah, I think this niche vehicle will find a buyer with no problem.

New tires would help the sell.......for sure...

Carmax offered you more than I would.

@ed

"Just take it to Carmax, but buy something else from them. That'll save a bit of cash on the taxes for the new(ish) car."

In CA you cannot do that. When you buy a car here you pay for the taxes and when you sell you're out that money.

Ohhh NOO the Flex is going away!! I guess we got the point with 72,000 mi, and thats exactily what my old car had on it before i got the Flex. I love mine and can see you guys enjoyed yours. The Flexs looks great in and out and has sooo many features. Im sure it will be missed!! Well you need a new utility car. The Traverse is a boar, i dont even bother reading the rare blog post on it. The Chevy that you guys have desnt have 4x4 too, soooo. No AWD or 4WD family cars in the fleet. You should get a AWD 6, 7 or 8 seat crossover for winter vacations and sand exploring. Wait a minute exploring??? The new Explorer! perfict! A high tech AWD system, My ford touch, many Flex like qualitys (space, seats, comfortable.) And its all new so somebody needs to give it a good shakedown!
FORD EXPLORER limited AWD V6.
(limited so we know what features are worth reccomending or buying)

If I had the money, I would have no problem buying this thing. The miles are sort of an issue, but with many vehicles these days, if you can't reach 100K without problems, than you need to go back to the 70's. Plus, knowing that this thing has survived 70+K miles with nary an issue in the hands of who knows how many editors and the vast degrees of driving style, plus the fact that it probably received worse treatment than a rental, albeit with all the required maintenance, is a testament to its durability.

That and the fact that I was able to drive a rental for about 2 weeks really sealed the deal for how much I really like this vehicle. To score a fully loaded one for under 20 grand? That would be a deal. To bad it has the weaker motor, but even still, I'd take it. I just don't have the 20K.

so for giggles I just priced one out new. I didn't know they had the Ecoboost available in the lower SEL trim! I could pickup an 2010 SEL Ecoboost AWD with cloth seats but the vista roof and tow package for a TMV of $34k.... That would be a fun ride I bet...

Blueguy: they don't deduct the value of your trade-in before calculating the tax due? That sucks.

This just reminds me that buying a car new is one of the dumbest things a human being can do, especially with the factory warranties being offered nowadays

I'm gonna miss that car!! I wish I had money to buy one now and save it for when I have a family. My best friend and sister make fun of the styling but I love it so much. It picks up where the Scion xB left off lol

I think you should consider putting a new set of tires on that car. It would really help it sell faster. Also, you should advertise that the car recently received new brakes on both axles.

A final series of roadtrips to push it up to the 100k mark would have been interesting. Like what they are doing over at Car and Driver with their Genesis. But i guess you guys have made your point with the Flex. It was a good run while it was here

I love the Flex and glad that you guys did such a thorough test. It's on my short list for sure. Love the looks, size, and the optional turbo engine. Like a mini cooper but for folks with a dog and kids.

Hey guys,

thought you would like the update... i had lunch with a ford PR rep since they sponsored me with a scholarship and asked them what was going to happen with the flex - he said that since ford has developed a flexible manufacturing system and the flex shares its chassis with the taurus, explorer and one more car that it will stay in the lineup. its good to know

The piles of miles that you guys have put on this car is an absolute testament to it's overall goodness.

Bummer. I was really hoping you'd keep it around until it hit the 100k mark. I still want one (but can't currently afford one).