Another Yea or Nay - 2017 Ford 3.5 NA/ 6 spd trans

[AZjeff]

The Impala guy never got back to me. There are some decent prices locally on some Fords- Edge, Explorer, Flex with the 3.5 not turbo and 6 spd, 2016-2018. Not a Ford guy but if they're dependable willing to consider. Thoughts?

 

[Hermann]

If the engine is mounted transversely you have the internal water pump issue, that is a major pain in the rear.

 

[B1974]

The transverse mounted 3.5 fords have a Internal water pump that can leak coolant that contaminates the engine oil and are pricey to fix. Not sure how common these failures are but something to be aware of.

 

[hemitom]

The Impala guy never got back to me. There are some decent prices locally on some Fords- Edge, Explorer, Flex with the 3.5 not turbo and 6 spd, 2016-2018. Not a Ford guy but if they're dependable willing to consider. Thoughts?

Other than the water pump the 3.5 /3.7 are very good engines

 

[AZjeff]

The information available here is priceless. A 7-8 YO car with 70k miles is a lot closer to a water pump replacement than when it was new. We'll pass.

 

[Mekks]

The PTU on the 3.5 explorers is also a weak point. "Lifetime" fluid that turns into thick sludge.

 

[Fordiesel69]

Explorer / Flex / Edge from 2013 to 2019 are all very solid offerings with exception to the internal water pump. The truth is some fail in less than 100k and some make it over 200k.

There are youtube videos on how to make a service drain hole for the PTU's that do not have a temp sensor / drain hole. This will prevent PTU failure. Police mechanic states very few grenade. Most cook their fluid and it makes a horrific propane burning smell from the PTU vent hose that alerts the operator somthing is wrong.

The rest of the vehicle has a lot of positive things about its engineering that in my opinion is worth owning.

Engines and trannies are otherwise near bulletproof.

 

[John Galt]

Common misconception but not all Ford vehicles using the 3.5 normally aspirated (non turbo) have the PTU. My 3.5 NA is front wheel drive and it is the highest Limited trim level, only options other than FWD missing are the unnecessary sunroof (which is the reason I bought the car) and the towing hitch (which I wish I had) for mounting a bike rack. Wonderful engine.