Hi all, I have found a car that I think my son would like, as he is getting ready to turn 16. When they go look at it tomorrow, are there any things to watch out for on a 2015 2.0L? Something similar to the coolant intrusion on the 2017 through 2019, the transmission problems overall, etc? This one has low mileage for the year, so my hope is even if they have not done much transmission drain and fill on it, there is still plenty of time for that. Thanks!
Transmission for sure. See how it shifts when cold versus warmed up, things like staying in first gear too long and slamming into second, or slow shift to second with some engine revving during the shift.
Watch the exhaust starting it up for steam (“white smoke”) cold and warmed up.
Check the VIN for recalls done or outstanding (things like the brake lines and door latches can be of immediate concern).
Make sure it has at least 2 keys. It gets expensive to get keys if you only have one, or at least requires some tinkering and added cost to do it on your own.
@Weston
Awesome, thank you!
@Weston
If mine does slam into second gear how much would that cost to fix? Mine just started doing that.
Drew said:
@Weston
If mine does slam into second gear how much would that cost to fix? Mine just started doing that.
Have your engine and transmission mounts checked first, as well as inspect for leaks/low fluid.
Hard shifting is usually caused by mounts in my experience. If there is something internally wrong then it’s replacement/rebuild time.
I will say that there were some changes in the 2017 refresh and those seem to have an even more problematic transmission, and they are a lot more expensive to source used than the 13-16 models.
Honestly, I’d avoid the turbo models. The 2.5 is a really solid engine that will last and be good for a new driver.
All of them have questionable transmissions; 17+ even more so in my experience.
Awesome, I will have those checked out for sure.
I would avoid any EcoBoost that Ford has produced; they are junk motors that will fail with little warning. I don’t see that many issues with their naturally aspirated motors. If it was my kid’s car, I would walk and find something else.
I have a 2016 with the 2.0. The engine has been great - the transmission has been a PITA. Make sure it shifts correctly. There is a great difference on how mine shifts warm vs cold. Mine doesn’t like the cold.
@Haze
OK, so it hasn’t failed but it’s just clunky? Sounds like my 2014 F150 haha.
Quinlan said:
@Haze
OK, so it hasn’t failed but it’s just clunky? Sounds like my 2014 F150 haha.
I had work done on the transmission twice under factory powertrain warranty and then the transmission was rebuilt under extended powertrain warranty, and it’s still problematic. Lol.
@Haze
Uh oh… wonder if it’s the same trans as the ’15? I think they are all similar. Were you draining and filling every 30k or so before any issues?
Quinlan said:
@Haze
Uh oh… wonder if it’s the same trans as the ’15? I think they are all similar. Were you draining and filling every 30k or so before any issues?
They all have the same transmission: 6F35. If you Google ‘6F35 issues’ you can learn more about the problems with this transmission and the possible class action involving them.
I have never brought it in for routine maintenance because it was always in for service that required draining the fluid before I made it to 30k miles haha.