We are looking to buy a new Flex next spring and I amwondering if anyone here has one. My wife and I went last week and drove one and to say we were impressed was an understatement. The only thing I am on the fence about is whether to get the Eco-Boost or the n/a 3.5 L. The one that we drove had the n/a 3.5L and it was adequate, but it did not have that smile inducing power that our Eco-Boost powered F-150 has. We can get an SELwith the options we want for $39,000 or a similarly equipped Limited with the Eco-Boost for $44,000.
I am having trouble spending $5,000 more for the Eco-Boost when it is a want instead of a need (yes, I am a self proclaimed tightwad). But on the other hand we keep our cars for usually around 10 years or200k miles so I would hate to regret not spending that little extra for that long and for some reason I like the idea of having the same engine in our car as our tuck.
The mileage between them is a wash. The estimates say that the N/A3.5 L gets 1 mpg better highway, but it is quite hilly around here so theywould probably be equal by the time you figure how much higher the N/A engine wouldbe revving to climb hills. My main question is does anyone here have a Flex? If you got the N/A 3.5 L do you regret it? If you got the Eco-Boost is it worth it? Thanks for any help you cam provide.

 

I'm surprised no one has responded.

I don't have a Flex but can tell you that my wife drove a Taurus Limited with the 3.5 before we bought the SHO and after driving them back to back, there's no way she would even begin to consider the Limited. Don't get me wrong, the Limited was a nice car and drove great with plenty of power. But the SHO is another story entirely.

If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't have even wasted my time driving the Limited.

Consider your needs but don't discount your wants either. You keep vehicles for a long time so as you said, it would be a long time of regretting not getting what you really want if you settled. If it were my decision, I'd be spending the extra for the EB.

Just my $.02 worth.

 

The Flex is the heaviest and most capable of Ford's crossovers. The n/a 3.5L is adequate however, I'm stunned that the most wonderful 3.7L isn't an option. This little engine would give all you need and then some.

I'd likely go after an ecoboost and negotiate like hell. My 2011 ecoboost has spoiled me rotten!

 

Thanks for the replies. We are probally going to go for the Eco-boost. I talked to a lady that had a 2013 Eco-Boost Flex last weekend at the campground. She said she had a 2011 N/A Flex before and would get the Eco-Boost again if she bought another one. She said that the N/A did fine as long as it was empty or on flat ground, but load it up with 6 passengers in mountains and it struggled.

 

That is an important point too. My in-laws just traded their 2009 Buick Enclave in on a new Cadillac. The Enclave was fine around town but on interstate with six of us in it, it was a dog. Even the slightest incline caused it to lose at least 4 to 5 MPH before it would downshift at least one gear, maybe two to try to keep the speed set on the speed control.

Granted, it's not a Flex but it's a valid point. I can imagine the N/A Flex experience would be much the same as the power numbers are pretty close. Yeah, definitely get the EB if it's within your means. You won't regret it.

 

We have had our F-150 with an eco-boost for over 2 years and have put 25,000 miles on it and I still smile every time I mash down on the skinny pedal. A Flex with the same engine should be even more fun (any one have a suggestion for a good radar detector).

 

If they were legal in VA I might be able to help you out.

Seriously though, I love our SHO. It makes me grin every time when I drive it. Turns out I actually need to so I can blow the soot out from my wife babying it when she drives it.

I really don't think you can go wrong getting the EB in your Flex.....it's a win-win. You'll have plenty of power and when you really look at the numbers, I think the fuel mileage will be about the same as the N/A. On our last long trip, we averaged 29.6 MPG with the SHO and that was with both of us, the two kids, and enough luggage to fill a small storage container. The Flex is larger and heavier but I would guess your mileage will be close, depending upon terrain and how you drive.

 

Sorry for not noticing this sooner! We have a 2011 Ford Flex Limited w/ EcoBoost. It's been a great vehicle with just over 52,000 miles on it now. The power & driving experience is worth the additional cost, IMHO.

Fuel economy average year to date over 17,4xx miles is just under 21 MPG. Driving conservatively 24 to 25 MPG is possible, but 19-22 is where our fill-ups usually end up.

Not all 3.5 Ecoboost engines are rated the same. Our Flex is rated at 350HP/350TQ. New Flexes are Rated at 365HP/350TQ. F-150's are 365HP/420TQ.

Overall I find driving our Flex a blast! Power when you want it, excellent manners when you don't. Plus all kinds of room to haul people and/or stuff.

 

Thanks Weber for the reply. The mpg you stated, is this highway or city driving? Also, do you know what size fuel tank your Flex has? I cannot find this on the Ford website.

 

19-22MPG is usually around 30% city driving. We live in a hilly rural setting with the closest large town/small city 40 miles away. Almost no freeway (65MPH+) unless traveling out the the area.

Fuel tank is 18.6 Gallons, wish it was a few gallons larger.